Looking unto Jesus (Heb.12:1-2, comm. msg.)(transcript)

The point: Do not judge the ministry based solely on the shorter communion service; expect more extensive exposition at other times.

Martin uses the analogy of a spiritual restaurant to explain that the shorter communion sermon is like an 'appetizer and soup' compared to the 'six-course meal' of a regular sermon, assuring visitors of the usual depth of teaching.

But the principle being that there is a gathering in which the focal point is the coming to the table, and therefore we restrict the ministry in its length, to approximate, approximately a half an hour and its focus to something that will in a very special way prepare us for coming to the table so that when we actually do come to the table we are not excessively weary in mind that we do not need, then, a lengthy meditation at the table to prepare us to take the bread and the cup and to eat in faith and hopefully with hearts warmed up. And the person warned by the word of God. And so if you are...

1:18 - 2:42 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin highlights the phrase 'Looking unto Jesus' as the core of the meditation, noting its common, often sentimental, use and contrasting it with the profound meaning intended by…

Martin notes that the phrase 'looking unto Jesus' is often found on sentimental plaques in Christian bookstores, highlighting the common, superficial understanding he aims to correct.

Notice here what I mean by he is continually looking toward the land, headquarters, into the familiar place by the threeってる of Israel. He It means that there are multiple castles unlikeจ acontecendo in the land. Now, those words are the kind of words that very naturally lend themselves to plaques that are found in Christian book stores and in various forms of calligraphy or other forms of visual art, or that are set on plaques because there is a bit of a catchy ring to them looking unto Jesus. So I want to't wait here until broadcast us this performance and get such a great piece of informatio...

5:12 - 5:33 Read in full sermon

The point: Make the necessary preparation to run well in the Christian race by laying aside every weight and the sin which easily besets us.

Martin recounts watching athletes at the Millrose Games stripping down to minimal gear before a race, illustrating the need for believers to 'lay aside every weight' and sin to run the Christian race effectively.

I had the privilege of watching the Millrose Games on Friday night. I was invited by one of our church members to see them in Madison Square, and it was interesting to watch that before every race, no matter what kind of warm-up clothes the athletes had, they stripped down to the bare minimum of their racing gear that they might not be encumbered in seeking to win the prize. So we move from the encouragement to enter and remain in the race that comes from those who have gone before and witnessed that to do so is not to be a fool. Then there is encouragement.

10:46 - 11:24 Read in full sermon