We Have Fellowship
The sermon emphasizes the significance of the Communion as the true basis of all spiritual sacrifices and the foundation of the priesthood.
G.W. North emphasizes the profound significance of Communion as a representation of both Christ's sacrifice and the Church's unity. He explains that through the act of breaking bread, believers proclaim their shared identity as a broken yet whole body, reflecting on Christ's death and their own spiritual journey. North highlights the teachings of Peter and John, illustrating that true fellowship with one another stems from fellowship with the Father and the Son. The sermon underscores that Communion is not only a remembrance but also the foundation of the priesthood and a central theme in the New Testament. Ultimately, it calls believers to walk in the light to maintain their communion with God and each other.
Text
In this simple meal, properly understood, lies the true basis of all spiritual sacrifices, Although by it we primarily show His death till He come, by it also we show forth our own death till He come. It is the simplest yet profoundest manifestation of both Christ's and the Church's universal sacrifice. Doing this we proclaim that we, as He, are a broken body -- a breaking body and yet a whole body. The symbol of our unique union is demonstrated by breaking bread in common. It is utterly paradoxical, and yet that is why and how it is so true. We do this in remembrance of Him who did it thinking of us.
He did it in prospect, we do it in retrospect, for the Communion is the foundation of the priesthood so dearly loved and taught by Peter.
Not only he, but John also taught it, although he does not introduce the theme as such; rather his thought is brotherhood through son-ship. Listen to him as he unfolds the same glorious truth in another way. 'That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and handled of the Word of Life. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that you also may have fellowship (communion) with us, and truly our fellowship (communion) is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ .... if we walk in the light as He is, in the light we have fellowship (communion) one with another'.
This is the way in which Communion and Priesthood are spoken of by John. In their own different ways all the New Testament writers make the Communion the central theme of their message.
Sermon Outline
- The True Basis of Spiritual Sacrifices
- The Symbol of Union in Breaking Bread
- The Foundation of the Priesthood in Communion
- The Simple Meal as a Manifestation of Christ's Sacrifice
- The Simple Meal as a Manifestation of the Church's Sacrifice
- A Broken Body Yet a Whole Body
- The Paradox of Union in Christ
- Peter's Teaching on the Communion
- John's Teaching on Brotherhood through Son-ship
Key Quotes
“Although by it we primarily show His death till He come, by it also we show forth our own death till He come.” — G.W. North
“We do this in remembrance of Him who did it thinking of us.” — G.W. North
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that you also may have fellowship (communion) with us, and truly our fellowship (communion) is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ ....” — G.W. North
Application Points
- As we participate in the Communion, we proclaim our union with Christ as a broken body, yet a whole body.
- The Communion is a reminder of our death to self and our union with Christ, and it should motivate us to live in fellowship with one another.
- The Communion is the foundation of the priesthood, and it should inspire us to live a life of service and sacrifice to others.