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How can someone know that they are a Christian? In this sermon on Acts 24:26–29 titled “Are You a Christian?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents one of the most important ways one can know that they are living like the apostle Paul. Paul speaks of how Christians can and should live a life that does not depend on external circumstances for happiness. This is because Christians are to find their hope, happiness, and comfort in who God is. Unbelievers are always distressed because they have nothing to trust; they have no firm foundation for life. Paul wished that all men, women, and children trusted in Jesus for their happiness as he did. The Christian message has a very practical application for all of life. It tells that all can be free from worry and fear because of how great God is. This sermon calls each and every one to forsake their sins and believe in Jesus. It tells that there is no other hope in this life, or in the next, other than what is found in Jesus Christ. Only God can grant true happiness.
In this sermon on Luke 2:44 titled “Are You a Christian?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives listeners a sober reminder. Just as Joseph and Mary supposed Jesus was in the crowd when He wasn't, many people assume they are Christians when they are not. Joseph and Mary went on their travels without examining whether or not they had Jesus by their side. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues, is what people do when they convince themselves of their salvation without examining themselves. Christianity is not attaining a high ethical standard for living, but rather an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit upon receiving Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks, “What do you have when everything else is taken?” If one does not think of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is likely that they do not have new life in Him. In times of turbulence and war, the Christian can be assured that Christ will walk with them. To meet Jesus, Dr. Lloyd-Jones adds, is to be humbled by Him. Listen in as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages about the only true hope in the universe.
During times of international conflict, the national conversation inevitably moves to the legitimacy of war or the pursuit of peace. Christian conversations are no different. As those who acknowledge this is God’s world and are sincerely concerned about the well-being of their neighbors, Christians are called to engage the issue by bringing God’s word to bear. Historically Christians have supported (as a last result) wars that can legitimately be called “just,” while in the past century there has risen a competing position called Christian pacifism. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (3): The Christian and War,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to draw out the implications of this passage by asking the question: what is the Christian position on fighting in war? While Dr. Lloyd-Jones is concerned about answering this question with regard to the individual Christian, he also engages the overall pacifist position in depth. He leaves no stone unturned as he examines the best arguments of pacifists and offers extensive critique of the position. While the Christian should always reject nationalism or jingoism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says as a matter of Christian freedom that one is allowed to partake in a war if they are satisfied their country is pursing war as a last resort and for a righteous or just cause. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones navigates this hot-button issue and seeks to bring biblical clarity.
Listen to this sermon on John 4:27–30 titled “The Christian Life” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the transformation of the Christian and takes a look at the story of the woman at the well. Learn of the instinct that humanity has for safety and how the Christian gospel responds to that instinct. Christianity is not just an addition to life. The Christian life ought to look essentially different. Christianity is not just a duty that one must force themselves to do as if it were an extra burden. The Christian should ask what kind of impression they give regarding Christianity. It is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself that determines, controls, and dominates the Christian life in every respect. Looks at the lives of saints who were described as a “Christ-intoxicated” and a “bond-slaves for Christ.” Christians belong to Christ and have an entirely new way of thinking. The lust of the flesh, eyes, and world are not characteristic and dominating of the Christian. Learn that it is when eyes are set on things above and are no longer moved by the things that are constantly shifting and happening around them. Christianity provides a unique stability. The Christian is no longer conformed to this world, but transformed into a new creation.
According to the apostle Paul, there is a sharp distinction between a Christian and non-Christian. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates in this message on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Carnal or Christian?”, the non-Christian is “under the flesh.” Some popular interpretations of this passage miss this distinction and instead posit a distinction between Christians. They will say there are two kinds of Christians: the “spiritual” Christian and the “carnal” Christian. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues against the “carnal” Christian view. What emerges from the biblical text is a devastating picture of the “natural man.” The natural man, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is a person of the “flesh.” Their mind is opposed to the things of God. They are an enemy of God and refuse to submit to the law of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that ‘good’, cultured, and well-spoken people are just as much under God’s wrath as regular sinners. Listen to this sobering message on the spiritually dead and be encouraged that God has put life into His people through Christ.
Many in modern times say that Christianity is the kind of belief that is undefinable and unexplainable: it is not about propositions, but feelings. In this sermon on Acts 24:14–16 titled “What Is a Christian?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains why this is the wrong conception of Christianity. The apostle Paul says that at the center of Christianity is the resurrection of Christ. Because Christianity is a religion based in God’s revelation, it is God who defines what it means to be a Christian. God has told that to be a Christian is not merely a subjective feeling, but it is a belief in the truth of the gospel. It is a belief that Jesus has died upon the cross for sinners, and rose from the dead so that all who repent of their sins and believe in Christ are forgiven of all their sins. This sermon contains the message that everyone needs to hear; it is the message that all can have peace with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is the message that Christianity is about both subjective feelings and the objective news of what God has done. This gospel is truly good news for all sinners.
In this sermon on Romans 12:14–15 titled “Practical Christianity (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the application for the doctrine Paul has been laying down and how theory moves into practical daily living: “The glory of God in His great salvation is involved in this [daily living].” Learn that the best form of evangelism is Christian people manifesting the Christian life, not only the proclamation by word of mouth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares that “a mere theoretical Christianity is useless” and a contradiction. The Scriptures are intensely practical and Christians are called to have patience with unbelievers. Moreover, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that one’s attitude towards persecution must be positive as the endurance of persecution in its various forms tests the reality of their Christianity in a thorough manner. Only a Christian can bless (and not curse) those who persecute them. Christians are called to remember what they were and how God reacted to them, showing them total grace. The sinner must be separated from the sin, asking the question, “Why does a person behave the way they does?” Christians are encouraged to have compassion on the sinner’s helpless state and pray for the salvation of unbelievers to “be like our blessed Lord.”
Is it harder to rejoice with those who rejoice or weep with those who weep? In this sermon on Romans 12:15–16 titled “Practical Christianity (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at how Christians are called to respond to one another. The problem of every human being, without exception, is the problem of pride and self. All struggle with envy and jealousy. The Christian is called to not settle for being able to hide this sin but learn to replace it by rejoicing with another over their success. No one can do this for themselves. The gospel of salvation in Christ is the only thing that can deliver one from the self and unify them with the body of believers. Christians cannot divide doctrine and practice and should look at the story of the Christian church, being called to have a common mind and think like one another. Christians are encouraged to know what it means to be knit together in love. They are to look at the example of Christ washing the feet of men and preach the gospel to the poorest. Nothing is more incongruent to the Christian faith as social disjunctions. Christians should associate with the humble, forsaking pride and ambition, and come humbly before the Lord.
How do you know that you are a Christian? What is a Christian and what does it mean to be a Christian? In this sermon on Romans 1:11-17, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions which are perhaps the most important questions ever. He begins by confronting the fact that we are living in an age of utter confusion, especially in the Church. People claim to be Christians while completely contradicting Scripture in everything they do. That is why it is so important to be certain what a Christian really is. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christianity can be defined in verse 14 of Romans 1; A Christian is a debtor to both the Greeks and the Barbarians, the wise and the unwise. A Christian is someone who has something that others do not have, and feels the need to give it to everyone. They are not someone who hopes and is looking to find the meaning of life and the purpose of life, they are someone who has already found truth, has joy in it, and feels the need to share it with others. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then goes on to tell an analogy about a man who has the cure for a deadly disease in their pocket, and sees a man who has this disease. This man feels the need and urge to give this cure to the other man in need. A Christian is the same because they have the answers in their pocket and feel the need to share it with everyone around them. A Christian does not just feel this need to share it with the intellectual, but also the uneducated, because they all are in desperate situations without Christ. They do not only share it with people who are interested in having this truth, but also with people who have no interest in it at all. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by explaining that the Christian not only has hope, but can give a reason for the hope within him.
In today’s media-driven culture, the public can witness firsthand the mess of politicians and politics on social media, cable television, and in print media. Cynically, many Christians might find it necessary to simply retreat out of political concerns and government altogether. Perhaps the Christian could justify a retreat from politics by positing the need to focus exclusively on spiritual matters. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer such objections. He engages these ideas and other radical ones that call for Christians to abandon concern for the state, government, or politics altogether. In answering critics, Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a positive Christian view of the state by looking at Romans 13:1–7 and the implications of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Christians understand that the origin of government is not in human evolution but arose from God Himself. Moreover, the Christian knows human nature and how easily sin and evil can deteriorate society. God has instituted government for the restraint of evil and the well-being of society. Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists that the Christian needs motivation to be not only the best citizen, but also to be compelled to participate in government for the promotion of peace and the common good of all.
What is Christianity all about? Many have a sentimental view and say that Christianity is about nothing more than love. Others say that Christianity is about morality and good works. In this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that both these answers are wholly inadequate understandings of biblical Christianity. Christianity begins with an understanding that humanity is fallen and in sin; people are unable to know God and serve Him rightly. All are under the condemnation of God’s law because they have rebelled against their maker. In response to this sinful nature that is in all people, God has sent His Son to die upon the cross of Calvary so that all who believe might be forgiven of sin and inheritors with Christ. This message of atonement and redemption is in contrast to all sentimental and shallow distortions of Christianity. But it is the message of Jesus Christ dying that alone can bring true salvation and peace. There is no other message of salvation from sin and true redemption than what can be found in the Christian gospel of God’s grace. This is the only redemption from the curse of the law and God’s righteous condemnation. This is the only means of salvation that God has made so that sinners can be redeemed.
What do doctrine and practice have to do with each other? Some Christians doubt the relevance of doctrine to the Christian life at all. For them it’s simply a matter of being ethical and moral and there is no need to understand biblical doctrine for good works. Antinomians, on the other hand, hold to doctrine but live however they please. In this sermon on Romans 12:1–2 titled “The Christian Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says “no” to both. One may claim doctrine however they wish but if it does not change their life, they have not understood the doctrine. Likewise, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, doctrine is key to Christian morals because it provides the right motivation and power to live the sanctified life in Christ Jesus. He contends in this sermon that Paul shows that motives are important and the Christian lives in view of God’s mercy. The strength to perform good works is not simply in one’s own effort but the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. If the doctrine proclaimed in evangelism does not match Christian practice, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the doctrine has been understood. If good works are not informed by doctrine, a person is not truly living the Christian life. Listen as he unpacks the key distinctive of a Christian life.
How does the Christian respond to political turmoil? What is the wisdom of God? How is it different from the wisdom of the world? In this sermon from John 1:16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the difference between the Christian and the world. The Christian, he proclaims, has a fundamentally different worldview than the unbeliever. They approach the same situations with different understanding. They are capable of sorrow and empathy, but are not limited to a surface understanding of evil. The Christian understands the doctrine of depravity, that humanity apart from Christ is left to wickedness. They are aware that since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, the world itself is under the just curse of God. The Christian is not overly optimistic about the political leaders that arise, nor are they too pessimistic. The Christian knows that these leaders will not save, and also knows that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church of God. The Christian has a steadfast hope in the face of wars and rumors of wars: Jesus Christ, the Anointed One of God, is the King and He will not fail, forsake, or ultimately disappoint those who hope in Him.
What does it mean to be a Christian? People who have been in church for any length of time may believe this question is something that doesn’t need to be addressed. But even Paul writes about this, saying that it is good for Christians to be reminded of the core truths of the gospel. In this sermon on Philippians 3:3 titled “The True Christian,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reviews one of the most central parts of Scripture—what it means to be a follower of Christ. First, to be a Christian, one must believe in God. This, too, can seem like an obvious statement, yet according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it must be said. One can worship religion without worshipping God. True worship is worship in the Spirit. Second, the true Christian has no confidence in human effort, experience, or heritage in order to find justification before God. In and of themselves, they are hopeless to earn their way to a right relationship with God. All are entirely dependent on God’s free gift of salvation to be made right with God. Third, the true Christian rejoices. Dr. Lloyd-Jones presses the urgency that no one rejoice in Christ unless they believe in the Scriptural account of Jesus and trust His salvation.
There are many aberrant teachings on the doctrine of sanctification. Some like to say the believer is completely hopeless with regards to sin but is this true? Must the Christian only focus on “abiding” in Christ? Does the regenerate person have no power to act against sin? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones vehemently denies such claims. In his sermon on Romans 8:12–13 titled “Sin and the Christian,” he says the Christian is indeed not hopeless. Instead, the believer is called to realize the truth about their union with Christ. Furthermore, they must not deny the doctrine of regeneration through an insufficient doctrine of sanctification. The Holy Spirit has made them alive and the Spirit of God dwells in them. This gives the Christian power in this life for godly growth. As they walk through this life they should expect maturity. The Christian is far from hopeless in their fight against sin. They have all that they need in Christ and by the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones admonishes Christians to wake up from their lethargy and realize what God has done to them in Christ. Let them march to Zion, shining forth in good works and glorifying their Father who is in heaven.
Does Satan really have free reign on earth? The Bible teaches that the whole world is in the kingdom of Satan and under his power. Those who live in the world are blinded by his lies and continually live under his power. In this sermon on Satan and the Christian from Ephesians 6:10–13, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that Christ Jesus has come into the world and by His death and resurrection has overthrown the devil. Those who are in the kingdom of God have been rescued from the power of Satan and transferred to the kingdom of God. Those who are of God can never fall again and become subject to the devil's power. This does not mean that the devil will not try to destroy the faith of Christians. He is a lion seeking to devour , but if Christians resist him, he will flee, for the power of Christ is greater than the devil. Christians live continually battling against the schemes of the Satan as he is opposed wholly to the kingdom of God and the church. However, Christians can now know that Christ will return and vanquish Satan once and for all. Christ will bring the kingdom of God to completion and destroy the kingdom of Satan. This hope should strengthen the church and Christians in their faith, love, and trust in Christ and in his gospel.
In this sermon on John 3:8 titled “The Christian and the World”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the main differences between a religious man and a child of God. Just as Jesus had something inside of him that Nicodemus realized he didn’t have, the Christian has something that moral people do not, namely, the Holy Spirit. When a man has the Holy Spirit living in him he begins to be humbled and instead of seeing himself as great and powerful, he sees himself as sinful and powerless. The religious man however, is not able to see this and has much pride. Additionally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Christian can see through the world and can see the sin and ungodly attributes in the world; however, the religious man does not see through this and has a desire to be a part of the world. The Christian also finds that he has lost his taste for worldly things, and although he will still be tempted at times, the worldly things are outside of him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also explains the difference between a religious “worldling” and a back-sliding Christian, and recognizes that the worldling has better actions than a black sliding Christian however the worldling is just following the law and his heart is not changed. The back-sliding Christian however is always miserable because he feels as if he has broken relationship with God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by emphasizing that the moral man is always self-satisfied, however the born again man knows that “they are what they are by the grace of God”.
In the sermon “Christianity and Morality (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33. He first explains that to be a Christian is to be filled with Christ’s fullness. This achieves righteousness and gives fuel for fighting remaining sin. The overarching theme of this sermon is to make a distinction between morality and Christianity. Morality is a wonderful thing, but outside of faith in Christ it is futile. He remembers the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector where the Pharisee deems himself extremely righteous but is not. The tax collector knows he is nothing but a sinner and he is justified. It is this point that Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to drive home. In order to be a Christian, one must repent in “sackcloth and ashes,” knowing that they cannot achieve righteousness on their own and must put faith in Christ. To enter the kingdom of heaven, one must be like a child. They must be entirely poor in spirit, knowing that they cannot possibly bridge the gap to God without an intercessor. The Christian must rejoice in the fact that Christ has interceded on their behalf.
In this sermon on Galatians 6:15 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges Christians to regain a proper understanding of what the life of a follower of Jesus truly is. He asks a central question to help gauge spiritual health: “is Christianity central to everything in our lives, or is it small and narrow?” In the passage, Paul is addressing a false teaching in the church that did not hold Christianity up as a worldview around which the lives of people should revolve. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shows how and why people need to come to Jesus in the first place. Before becoming followers of Jesus, anything that one has or has done avails to nothing. Good deeds, intellect, and even baptism does not secure an eternal future. In and of themselves, they are useless in bringing anyone closer to Christ. This relates to why all need to be born again. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds, salvation is humanity’s most fundamental need. Listen as he preaches on the Christian life and why all are in need of being saved.
How the people of God relate to kings, emperors, magistrates, and the state in general has long been a topic in the Christian church. Persecution by the state, unjust laws, along with the emergence of new political ideologies, often lead to a re-evaluation on the topic. Can the Christian say with confidence that there is a biblical view on the relationship between the Christian and the state? If so, what principles should guide them? What are the implications for a hot-button issue like capital punishment? In this sermon from Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to examine Paul’s message as he tackles this confusing topic by providing biblical and theological principles as guidance. Within what Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the two “extremes” – always maintaining the status quo or anarchy – and paves a way forward that holds together the Christian call to be subject to the state, the limits of being subject to the state, a nuanced understanding of liberty of conscience, and a tempered overall expectation of what the state can accomplish in a sinful world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones is able to soberly look at the complexity of the topic and leave both sides challenged and also encouraged. While ultimately citizens of heaven, Christians are still pilgrims in this world. Listen and learn how to faithfully relate to the state as sojourners and strangers.
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