Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Revelation 1:1-20, arguing that the book's primary purpose is not to be a puzzle of future events but a 'picture book' revealing Jesus Christ's abiding presence with His church and His absolute sovereignty over all human history. He emphasizes that the book was written to comfort and fortify suffering first-century saints, and its message remains vital for believers facing tribulation today. Martin lays crucial hermeneutical groundwork for interpreting apocalyptic literature, stressing that the overall picture, not isolated details, conveys the message, and applies these truths to encourage believers and call unbelievers to Christ.
9 illustrations in this sermon
Driving home: I preached that which I did feel, that which I did smartingly feel.
John Owen, a leading Puritan theologian, said he would give up all his learning to preach like the tinker John Bunyan, highlighting the effectiveness and gripping nature of Bunyan's preaching.
John Bunyan, the author of the immortal book The Pilgrim's Progress,
6:04 - 6:09 Read in full sermon
The point: Store up in your souls the essence of the message of the book of the Revelation for coming days, especially in light of increasing awareness of the suffering church and anti-Christian forces.
John Bunyan's statement, 'I preached that which I did feel, that which I did smartingly feel,' is quoted to explain Martin's personal burden and deep conviction for preaching on Revelation.
that writing of his preaching at a certain period in his life, John Bunyan said these words, I preached that which I did feel, that which I did smartingly feel.
7:08 - 7:23 Read in full sermon
The point: Store up in your souls the essence of the message of the book of the Revelation for coming days, especially in light of increasing awareness of the suffering church and anti-Christian forces.
Martin lists three recent commentaries (Poythress, Buse, Johnson) that deepened his understanding of Revelation, illustrating how his personal study led to his desire to preach this series.
And in the providence of God, three very helpful commentaries have been produced in the last couple of years that came into my hands. The Returning King by Dr. Verne Poythress, The Lamb Wins by Richard Buse, and The Triumph of the Land by Dennis Johnson. And as I have read those commentaries and come to a deeper understanding of the essence of the abiding message of the book of the Revelation, it has become an increasing burden that I would be able to pass on to you the fruit of that consideration of this wonderful book of Holy Scripture.
9:16 - 9:55 Read in full sermon
The point: Don't become preoccupied with isolated details in Revelation; rather, become engrossed in the overall story: praise the Lord, cheer the saints, detest the beast, long for the coming of Jesus.
Dr. Poythress is quoted explaining that confusion arises from approaching Revelation 'from the wrong end,' focusing on details rather than the big picture, like trying to use a knife by the blade.
Tons of paper and oceans of printer's ink, not to count years of mental effort, have been wasted, and time has exposed the fruitless and confusing result of that kind of approach to the book of the Revelation. I hear quote along those lines, Dr. Poythress, why the confusion? If Revelation is clear, why do so many people have trouble with it?
14:38 - 15:09 Read in full sermon
The point: Don't become preoccupied with isolated details in Revelation; rather, become engrossed in the overall story: praise the Lord, cheer the saints, detest the beast, long for the coming of Jesus.
Revelation is described as a 'picture book meant to reveal, not a puzzle book meant to conceal,' emphasizing that its purpose is clarity and understanding of the overall story, not decoding isolated details.
Revelation is a picture book, not a puzzle book. You got that lovely little turn phrase? Revelation is a picture book meant to reveal, not a puzzle book meant to conceal. Don't try to puzzle it out.
15:58 - 16:18 Read in full sermon
Driving home: My friend, God did not give it to us to be interpreted literally. And we impose upon it a straitjacket of our own making. It is a method of communication and God expects us to recognize it and to handle it accordingly.
The analogy of a political cartoon with a three-headed donkey representing the Republican Party is used to explain how apocalyptic literature conveys a message through imagery, where the reality is in the overall picture, not a literal interpretation of every detail.
When you pick up a paper and you see a political cartoon in which there's a donkey that has three heads. And one of the heads has the name on it, Bush, Powell, and Rumsfeld. And you find different words coming out of it. You know what's being spoken, that the donkey is the Republican Party and the three leading spokesmen in the whole matter of what we should do in Iraq.
31:50 - 32:17 Read in full sermon
In this part of the sermon: He outlines the book's structure: introduction, vision of Christ, letters to churches, and then parallel cycles of visions (seals, trumpets, bowls) that repeatedly bring the…
The analogy of driving the same 8.2-mile route to church multiple times, each time focusing on different visual elements (stoplights, trees, houses), illustrates how Revelation presents seven parallel cycles that cover the same ground (from Christ's first to second coming) but with different nuances and emphases.
structure in mind it breaks the back of so much of what is otherwise intimidating now then having given those introductory perspectives that i have written in my notes an illustration maybe this illustration will help you it's the best i could come up with from my perspective i think that's the best i could come up with from my perspective i think that's the best i could come up with from my perspective i think that's the best i could come up with from my perspective i think that's the best i could come up with home in cedar grove to this church building it's 8.2 miles now i feel i could make ...
40:08 - 41:20 Read in full sermon
In this part of the sermon: The first essential message is that Jesus Christ is in the midst of His church in all its trials, apparent defeats, and triumphs until the consummation. John's initial vision of…
Isaiah's shattering experience of seeing the Lord 'high in the sky' is used as an example to parallel John's reaction to the majestic vision of the risen Christ, emphasizing the overwhelming glory of God.
The very John who snuggled up and put his head on the breast of Jesus in the days of his flesh. He sees this vision, and certain aspects of the glory and majesty of Christ are captured in that vision that shatter him, much like Isaiah was shattered when he saw the Lord high in the sky. He was shattered. He was shattered.
46:41 - 47:02 Read in full sermon
The point: Act responsibly and pray for wisdom for leaders and for peace, but ultimately rest in the knowledge of God's sovereign throne and the worthy Lamb.
Martin tells a humorous story about a thousand ants on his porch declaring they will take over his house, illustrating God's laughter at the nations' attempts to overthrow Him, as described in Psalm 2.
We're serving your notice. We've had a council. And we're going to take over your house. I said you are?
63:18 - 63:32 Read in full sermon