When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Lloyd Elder was our preacher today. He led us to look first at the great hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and the story of how Isaac Watts came to write hymns like this. We are all so unworthy of God's great grace toward us! Then he read and discussed Hebrews 12:1-3 which I have copied below with the emphasis being mine. As I continue to focus on "His Spirit" working within us I see that hymns and verses like this keep pointing us to Jesus and His Spirit within. Then to finish his trilogy of focuses on Jesus, Dr. Elder led us in the Lord's Supper. It was a very good worship service.

Hebrews 12:1-3
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Call to Endurance

1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.