The Presence of Christ
E. Bersier, D. D. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. 1. That presence is spiritual. Not the consecrated host. The believers in the upper room had nothing to appeal to their senses. 2. This presence of Christ consists in something more than there is in His word. Caesar, Plato are still with us in their words; but there is infinitely more in the presence of Christ. Behind the written word there is the living word, the invisible Saviour who manifests Himself to the heart. 3. This presence is especially promised to the Church, and is the secret of its triumph over infidelity and persecution. 4. But what makes men doubt the presence of Christ in the Church is the sight of the inward state of the Church itself. 5. But what Christ announces to the Church He announces to the individual soul. 6. Affliction may be a proof of the Lord's presence. 7. Is there anything on earth grander than faithful love? "I am with you alway." (E. Bersier, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. WEB: teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.