Christ in the Midst

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Related topics:

Related teachings:

I. Jesus Christ was visibly in the midst of His the disciples while on the earth

A. The disciples lived and walked with Him 24 hours a day

B. The disciples learned from Him, talked with Him, & served Him

C. The disciples experienced His love and life

D. 1 John 1:1-2 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—”

II. Jesus Christ is in the midst of every gathering of the church

A. Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

III. Jesus Christ was in the midst of His disciples after His resurrection

A. With two disciples [Cleopas (v. 18) & Simon (v. 34, 1 Corinthians 15:5)] on the Road to Emmaus

1. Luke 24:13-35

2. Jesus was present but they did not know it

3. Their natural eyes were restrained from recognizing Him after the flesh

4. They also did not “expect” Him to be in their midst

5. Jesus was training the new generation of believers to recognize His presence in a spiritual way

a Their hearts “burned” within them

b Their eyes were opened to the Scripture

6. They recognized Jesus when He broke the bread, the new symbol of His bodily presence in the midst of His people

B. With the twelve

1. Luke 24:36-43

2. John 20:19-23

3. John 20:24-29 (To Thomas)

IV. Jesus was taken from the realm of visibility but not from their midst

A. Acts 1:9-11 “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”

V. Jesus Christ is present with us always

A. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

VI. We must “practice His Presence” in our lives

A. In our daily lives

B. In our church gatherings

C. In the breaking of break (The Lord’s Supper)

1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’”

D. In our work and service (He is present to teach, preach, heal, deliver, set free, prophesy, express compassion, give testimony, etc.)