The Intimacy of Communion | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of intimacy with God, particularly through communion. The speaker highlights that God desires a deep connection with us, and we should strive to create an environment where everyone can experience this intimacy. The goal is not just to worship or participate in rituals but to genuinely seek a personal relationship with Christ.

Key Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 10:16 - This passage emphasizes that the cup of blessing and the bread we break are participations in the blood and body of Christ. It highlights our unity as one body, participating together in the elements.
• Luke 8:49 - The story of the woman who touched Jesus' garment illustrates the importance of faith in experiencing God's presence. Despite a crowd pressing in on Jesus, she demonstrated desperation and faith, which led to her healing.
• John 14-17 - These chapters reveal Jesus' desire for intimacy with his disciples, promising to abide in them and manifest himself to them. This passage highlights the depth of God's love and desire for oneness with us.
• Matthew 17:1-13

• Matthew 17:1-13 - The transfiguration story shows that Jesus chose to reveal himself to only a select few, emphasizing the importance of faith and personal relationship in experiencing God's presence.

Main Points

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own limitations and not trying to control others' experiences with God. We should focus on creating an environment where everyone can genuinely seek a personal relationship with Christ.
• God desires a deep connection with us, and we should strive to create an atmosphere where people can experience this intimacy. The goal is not just to worship or participate in rituals but to genuinely seek a personal relationship with Christ.
• The speaker encourages the audience to examine their hearts and consider whether they have faith like the woman who touched Jesus' garment. They should come with the expectation that something invisible will happen, and God's presence can be experienced spiritually.

Reflection Questions

• On a scale of 1-10, how desperately did you come today wanting communion with Jesus?
• Do we have faith like the woman who touched Jesus' garment? Do we believe that God's presence can be experienced spiritually?
• How badly do you want to experience this intimacy with Christ? Are you willing to seek a personal relationship with Him, even if it means being vulnerable and open to His presence?

Conclusion

The message emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone can genuinely seek a personal relationship with Christ. We should focus on our own faith and not try to control others' experiences. God desires a deep connection with us, and we should strive to create an atmosphere where people can experience this intimacy.