Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask… I. THY PROMISE. 1. There is a sense in which it is true that Jesus is present with all men at all times. 2. But in the text He meant something different from that to which we have referred. Jacob at Bethel. 3. It implies a readiness on the part of Christ to do for His people what they ask. 4. It implies a gift of those graces which are fitted to sweeten the spiritual intercourse of the soul with Himself, and to enrich it with those Divine ornaments which shall best display the lustre of His own glory. II. THAT IN ORDER TO REALIZE THE RICHES OF THE PROMISE THE DISCIPLES MUST BE GATHERED TOGETHER. Also to meet in the name of Christ. Acknowledge on our part all fulness and power in Christ. (W. Willson.) I. WHEN THE PEOPLE OF GOD MEET TOGETHER FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IT SHOULD BE IN THE NAME OF CHRIST. 1. With His authority. 2. Agreeably to His directions. 3. That our expectations of success are founded on the influence which may connect itself with His name. II. WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE THUS GATHERED TOGETHER THEY MAY EXPECT THEIR MASTER'S PRESENCE. 1. A large number not necessary. 2. A particular class not necessary. 3. A particular place not necessary. Christ once present. III. THE REDEEMER HAS IMPORTANT ENDS TO ACCOMPLISH IN CONNECTION WITH THE VOUCHSAFEMENT OF HIS PRESENCE WHEN HIS DISCIPLES ARE ASSEMBLED. (T. Bradshaw.) Parallel Verses KJV: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. |
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