Oft We Come Together

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Oft We Come Together

A Sermon based on the hymn by Tillit S. Teddlie

Introduction

“Oft We Come Together” is a hymn of reverent purpose. Written by Tillit S. Teddlie, a lifelong member of the church of Christ, this song is a heartfelt reflection on the Lord’s Supper—the weekly memorial established by Jesus Himself. It captures the solemnity, unity, and gratitude that ought to fill every Christian heart when we gather to remember Christ’s sacrifice.

The hymn draws its strength from Scripture. In Acts 20:7, we read that the early Christians “came together on the first day of the week to break bread.” Jesus commanded in Luke 22:19, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim the death of Jesus until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). This is not a ritual of tradition—it is a moment of communion with Christ and one another.

What makes this hymn so powerful is its simplicity. It calls us back to the central focus of Christian worship—the cross. It reminds us that we do not gather for entertainment, ceremony, or habit. We gather in memory of the One who gave His life for ours. As we sing this hymn, we prepare our hearts to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28), to reflect with gratitude, and to unite in purpose.

“Oft We Come Together” is not just a prelude to the Supper—it is a preparation of the soul. It calls us to remember, to worship, and to give thanks—because Jesus gave everything for us.

Stanza 1

“Oft we come together,
Oft we sing and pray;
Here we bring our offering
On this holy day.”

This first stanza emphasizes the frequency and purpose of Christian assembly. The early church gathered often—not casually, but intentionally. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. When we gather, we sing (Ephesians 5:19), we pray (Acts 2:42), and we give (1 Corinthians 16:2). But this is not just any gathering—it is a “holy day.” Not a holiday in the secular sense, but a sacred moment in which we offer ourselves to God. Our assembling is not ordinary. It is the time when heaven meets our hearts in worship.

Stanza 2

“Help us, Lord, Thy love to see,
May we all in truth and spirit
Worship Thee.”

This second stanza is a prayerful plea. As we prepare to worship, we ask for help—not to feel good, but to see the love of God. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Worship must not be done in ignorance or empty habit. Jesus said in John 4:24 that true worshipers must worship the Father “in spirit and in truth.” This means our hearts must be sincere, and our actions must align with the truth of Scripture. This short verse captures that dual desire: sincere love and faithful obedience.

Stanza 3

“May we keep in memory
All that Thou hast said,
May we truly worship
As we eat the bread.”

This stanza turns specifically to the Lord’s Supper. When we partake, we are to remember—not just the suffering, but “all that Thou hast said.” Luke 22:19 says, “This is My body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” This memorial is not just about symbols—it is about obedience and mindfulness. We are called to remember Jesus’ teachings, His life, His promises, and His sacrifice. As we eat the bread, we do so not to please ourselves, but to honor Him. This is an act of worship—not a passive moment, but a sacred expression of reverent faith.

Chorus

“Help us, Lord, Thy love to see,
May we all in truth and spirit
Worship Thee.”

The chorus restates the heartfelt plea of stanza two. Worship is not about performance—it is about love. We ask God to open our eyes to His grace and to purify our hearts so that our worship is acceptable in His sight. We want to worship not as we please, but as He commands—in truth, and with spirit.

Oft We Come Together Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

• Written by Tillit S. Teddlie, faithful member of the church of Christ

• The hymn prepares hearts for the Lord’s Supper

• Rooted in New Testament teaching on worship and remembrance (Luke 22:19)

Stanza 1 – The Purpose of Our Gathering:

• Christians come together regularly and reverently (Acts 20:7)

• Singing (Ephesians 5:19), praying (Acts 2:42), giving (1 Corinthians 16:2)

• It is a holy day, not common—set apart for sacred purpose (Hebrews 10:25)

Stanza 2 – Worship in Spirit and Truth:

• Worship must be sincere and scriptural (John 4:24)

• Seeing God’s love helps us worship meaningfully (Romans 5:8)

• We pray for help to focus, remember, and praise with sincerity

Stanza 3 – Remembering Jesus in the Supper:

• The bread represents Jesus’ body given for us (Luke 22:19)

• True worship requires reflection and remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:26–28)

• The Supper is a memorial of both sacrifice and promise

Chorus – Worship with Love and Reverence:

• Repeats the prayer for clear vision and pure hearts

• Worship that pleases God must blend truth with heartfelt devotion

Call to Action

The Lord’s Supper is more than a moment—it is a memorial of love. It is a call to remember, examine, and recommit. If you’re partaking without thought, without faith, or without obedience, it is time to pause. Jesus gave everything. Will you come to Him? Will you worship Him in spirit and truth? Will you obey His gospel, be baptized (Acts 2:38), and walk in newness of life? Come remembering. Come rejoicing. Come worshiping. Because He is worthy, and He calls you to remember Him every first day of the week.

Scripture Reference List

Acts 20:7 – The disciples came together to break bread
Hebrews 10:25 – Do not forsake assembling together
Ephesians 5:19 – Sing and make melody in your heart
Acts 2:42 – Continued steadfastly in prayer and doctrine
1 Corinthians 16:2 – Give on the first day of the week
John 4:24 – Worship in spirit and in truth
Romans 5:8 – God’s love shown in Christ’s death
Luke 22:19 – “Do this in remembrance of Me”
1 Corinthians 11:26–28 – Examine yourselves as you partake
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins

Song History

“Oft We Come Together” was written and composed by Tillit S. Teddlie, a beloved hymn writer, gospel preacher, and lifelong member of the church of Christ. His compositions were always grounded in Scripture and focused on themes essential to New Testament Christianity. This hymn became widely used as a lead-in to the Lord’s Supper in congregations across the country. Its simplicity and scriptural clarity continue to help Christians reflect and remember as they gather around the table of the Lord. For many, it is more than a song—it is the gentle voice that prepares the heart for the most sacred moment of worship.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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