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In this sermon on Matthew 9:10–13 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers questions that will determine a person’s eternal destiny. Learn about the wrong idea of Christianity and what living a “good life” really means. A Christian should not assume that they are a Christian as this is dangerous. The Pharisees were among those who were farthest from understanding the truth, yet they thought they were the wisest. God demands the spirit not merely sacrifices. The Christian must consider both the spirit of the law and the letter of the law. Religion must require sacrifice, but it is not merely about external observances. Listeners are encouraged to consider their view of themselves, religion, and others. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses the doctrine of repentance and the necessity to understand the weight of one’s own sin and acknowledge the need for mercy. Christ has come for the sinner to make them an heir and child of God. There is hope in the midst of utter hopelessness and helplessness. Jesus left the courts of glory for His people. No one is too far gone, and all can be received.
In this sermon from John 4:28–30 titled “Christianity or Religion?”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the centrality of a relationship to Christ and how it should change every part of one’s life. Christianity is not just another helpful life teaching that can be added to a daily routine, but it is the message of salvation from God. It is the truth that all who believe in Christ are made children of God and forgiven from all sins. This means that now they view all of this life and the future in light of this hope. It means that the Christian tests themselves to see if they are truly in Christ. The Bible is clear that there are many who say they believe but are self-deceived. This is why the Bible exhorts all Christians to test themselves to see whether they are in the faith. This vital message for all to hear and obey is that Jesus died and saved those that believe.
Why it is beneficial to study the Old Testament? Reading through the Old Testament can seem challenging and confusing at times, but in this sermon on Ezekiel 3:1–3 titled “The Christian Experience,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones illustrates it is very applicable to the life of a believer today. This passage addresses the essence of the Christian experience, which is the knowledge of God. Preaching from the book of Ezekiel, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones helps the listener better understand what differentiates proper and false experiences of God from each other. First, false experiences are external to people—it is something that is added on to their life, not an integral part of who they are. Second, false experiences of God vary depending on a person’s season of life. In difficult times, people are much quicker to turn to the Lord because they realize how much they need Him—however, when situations are going well, they make the mistake of thinking they can walk without Him. Third, this false Christianity has only a vague influence on someone’s life. Real Christianity, however, is the polar opposite. It is practiced regularly because it is at the core of who a believer in Christ is. Christianity, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is a heart religion that influences all the actions of a believer’s life. Listen as he helps the listener discern between true and false Christianity, and the importance of following wholeheartedly with one’s life.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian? Many Christians do not have a very high view of the third person of the Trinity. In this sermon on John 1:12–13, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the role of the Holy Spirit in giving Christians assurance of their new life in Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that transforms the lifeless old man into a glorious new creation made for God. It is the Holy Spirit that opens believers’ eyes to see the truths of Scripture and its meaning for their lives. It is also the Holy Spirit that guides believers into the knowledge of the salvation of God. All Christians can and should have the knowledge that they are loved by God and called to be His children. This sermon tells the glorious truth that all who believe in Jesus can be saved and forgiven of all their sins, and they can know that they are forgiven by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
The devil wants to keep all people from God. In this sermon, learn how the devil keeps people from knowing God and from knowing what true Christianity is. In this sermon from Isaiah 40:3–5 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the true and living God and that the love and power of God are displayed in salvation. Discover where Christ comes into the picture and why it is vital that all have a personal relationship with Him. The Christian position is centralized around the salvation offered to them through Christ Jesus Himself. Endless blessings are given directly from God to His own children, but these blessings must come through Christ. One cannot only know about God and believe in Him while dismissing Christ. The Christian message stands absolutely alone and all other religions and cults fall short. It is only in the wisdom of God that His love is displayed in the sacrificing of His own Son. God pardons and changes the lives of those who believe. Christians are not only “good people” but a unique humility must first come so that the blessing of God may be poured out.
What is the Christian’s hope in life? Many people hope in many things, whether it is money, security, or power. But the Christian’s hope is quite different. For the hope of believers is in the power of Jesus Christ. It is His death and life that liberates His people from all sin and darkness. This is a hope outside of and greater than the individual; it is a hope received in the grace of God. Not only this, but Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones also tells that all believers can and should have assurance of this hope. The Christian can truly know that they are loved by God and are His children. The Christian must consider where they find their hope and if they are trusting in Jesus Christ or themselves. It is the most important question that any can ask because it is the question of eternal destiny. For all are either in the kingdom of heaven as the children of God, or in the kingdom of Satan as slaves to sin. Only the name of Jesus Christ saves and makes fallen sinners into new men and women.
How are Christians to live life in the hope of greater things to come? Listen to “The Christian Life” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones explains this through the life of Nathaniel in John 1:48–51. After Nathaniel recognized Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus responded by saying that greater things would be revealed to him. At that moment, Nathaniel did not see the whole picture and did not understand everything about Jesus but he chose to believe. Many people today do not believe simply because they do not understand everything. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listeners through this passage by employing them to not live in unbelief simply because of the things they do not understand now, but to take hold of the truths that are evident and displayed in the Word of God. The result of this, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows us in Nathaniel’s life, is that the Holy Spirit will reveal greater things in the Christian journey. So while a Christian may not understand it all now, may they live in hope knowing that the present time is only a glimpse into the greater things to be revealed.
In this sermon from Ephesians 3:18–19 titled “Experimental Christianity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains why it is so important that Christians not only know the right things about God but also apply it to their lives. Many believers are like people who have been left a great fortune but do not realize it. God tells His children to apply their knowledge of Him to their lives, and part of this is not quenching the Spirit. Especially in today’s rationalistic culture, Christians are so wary of excess of emotion and the pitfalls it can bring in their relationship with the Lord that they cut themselves off to the depth of the knowledge of God about which Paul writes. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that this fear of an excess is no reason to go to the extreme and leave no room for knowing God intimately in this way. Paul was adamant in proclaiming how much joy Christians can have by knowing the Spirit intimately, and Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives several examples to demonstrate that those who have been most fruitful for the Lord are those who knew Him intimately as a friend.
In this passage from Philippians, Paul reminds the congregation that their citizenship is within heaven and that they no longer belong to this world. In this sermon on Philippians 3:21 titled “The Christian Message,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones declares that this message is just as important for Christians today as it was for Christians back then. When a person is saved, that individual does not undergo merely a slight change. That person is a new creation, bought by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is more than adding church or Bible reading to one’s life. After a person is saved, he or she enters the kingdom of God. They no longer need to be concerned with the things of this world, as so many people are. Money, power, and property only matter in this life. While these things may provide security within their time, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that they do not provide the eternal safety like the gospel. Only the good news can save and satisfy. However, unlike the citizenship of the world, entering the kingdom of God is free. Dr. Lloyd-Jones invites those who have yet to trust in God to do so, for Christ will not refuse anyone.
What is the future of the Christian? In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “The Christian’s Future,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about what is awaiting the Christian. All over Scripture, the answer is clear— Christians are waiting for the coming day of the Lord. Contrary to what some people say, Scripture tells that this coming is a visible and physical coming of the Lord. At this time Jesus will be coming to complete His work. After passing judgment, He will set up His eternal kingdom. What are the consequences of this? First, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that time will be no more. One of the main effects this will have is on the condition of the world. It will undo the results of the fall. All things will be restored to their original, perfect condition that existed before humanity sinned. Additionally, there will be a judgment and for believers, a judgment about rewards— the righteous are promised in Scripture that they will receive rewards corresponding to their acts on earth. Judgment for the wicked involves both the body and the spirit. However, the righteous are promised eternal life in the presence of the Lord. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps the reader grasp the vision for what the future holds if one has repented and believed in Jesus for forgiveness from their sins and is a child of God.
The goal of the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to sinners. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:5–9 titled “The Christian’s Priorities,” this is the central message of the church as proclaimed by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The church is never to use its voice as just another platform of social and political change. But sadly many Christians are willing to minimize the proclamation of the gospel for the sake of political commentary and cultural influence. When Christians do this, they often alienate those that they seek to evangelize by criticizing their political and social position. As a result, the lost and unbelievers think that the church is just another activist organization trying to convince them of another perspective on government or economic policies. The times when Christians had the greatest influence in society were not when they were concerned with politics and social change first and foremost, but when they proclaimed the gospel of the forgiveness of sins and the coming kingdom of God. This call to singular focus by Dr. Lloyd-Jones could not be more fitting since believers must think scripturally about all matters if they are to truly impact their world and work for Christ. The church must never shrink from proclaiming the whole gospel of God and the glorious news of salvation in Jesus Christ for all who believe.
What makes people unified? Is it the way they act? The same interest? In this sermon on unity from Ephesians 2:19 titled “Christian Unity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states “Nothing else can bring men together truly but this—this gospel.” In Ephesians, Paul is addressing the reality that both Jew and Gentile were side by side in standing before God through Jesus. This reality would have stunned the readers of Ephesians. No “righteousness” that Jews had would earn right standing before God and no lack of religious heritage for the Gentile would hinder salvation through Christ. Their righteousness was as filthy rags before God and all are on the same plane (Isaiah 64:6). All sinners are absolutely helpless before God. However, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes, Christians are those who are agreed upon the cross, know Jesus Christ, and share Christ’s righteousness. Also, Christians are one because they are brought to one Father by one Spirit (Eph. 2:18). Dr. Lloyd-Jones also notes that all who are in Christ are fighting the same battle, have the same struggles, and are able to carry each other’s burdens as they journey through this life. They are also comforted by one savior. Though living this life may be challenging, Christians are marching towards one eternal hope.
What changes when someone is saved? Is Christianity just a political movement that lobbies for a better world, or imposes a strict code of conduct? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:10–12 titled “The Christian Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about how there are many who may hold these views, but they are mistaken. Christianity is not about morality or politics, but it is about hope in Christ and salvation in the gospel found in God’s word. God has chosen to reveal Himself to sinful people through the prophets, apostles, and Scripture. The whole message of salvation is contained in this truth and given to God’s people so that they may proclaim it to the world. This gospel is the message that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, for He alone has died so that all would be saved. This gift of salvation is given through faith as a result of God’s grace. No one can ever work to obtain it. All are born blind in sin until the grace of God opens their eyes to see the glory of Jesus Christ.
Christianity is moral, morality cannot in and of itself arrive at saving faith. People can be moral, but still rotting on the inside; the Pharisees exemplified this. Simple morality cannot make the crooked straight. Without the gospel, morality is merely a corrective. Christianity, however, produces true righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones both exhorts and encourages hearers in this sermon that the only righteousness to be found is the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Christ’s exemplary life, substitutionary death, and miraculous resurrection give access to the righteousness of God. It is the reminder yet again that the greatest gift Christianity has to offer is the gift of God Himself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes what righteousness in the kingdom of God looks like. The kingdom of God is peaceful, holds the power of God, and gives life. The only way to get rid of the unrighteousness bestowed upon all at birth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is the only remedy to humanity’s pervasive sickness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds his hearers that Christ is making all things new, so they must use their gifts to glorify Him.
In the midst of a world filled with unhappiness and calamity, how can one possibly find joy? In this sermon on Acts 2:46–47 titled “Christian Joy,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones offers this type of lasting joy that the apostles experienced in the early church and cannot come from entertainment, momentary pleasure, or even the contemporary church, but instead from the truth found in God’s word. How wonderful it is to have the kind of freeing joy that is based not upon efforts, but on what Jesus has done. The type of joy expressed in this message is contingent upon the Christian’s recognition of who they are apart from Christ, an awe for the Lord in His might, and a thankfulness for what the Lord has laid up for all those who believe. This joy brings the believer to praise and glorify the Lord. Happiness is not the goal but a result of those that seek after righteousness. As the disciples seek after righteousness, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, they are able to maintain joy in all circumstances because of the freedom they have received from the time they were delivered from sin. It is this kind of authentic joy that distinguishes true Christianity.
Christianity is more than an academic lecture and more than a systematic teaching. It is as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims — a phenomenon. It is a soul dead in sin that miraculously comes alive. There is life and change in the message of the Christian church, not just moral coaching. From the very beginning God has been accomplishing His plan for His creation: to reconcile humanity to Himself. Delve into this dynamic message titled “The Christian Phenomenon” as Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches through Peter’s sermon from Acts 3:12–18, which follows the miraculous healing of the beggar at Gate Beautiful from Acts 3:6. Peter here urges the awe-struck crowd to look not to himself and John, nor to the phenomenon of the healing of the beggar, but to the living and active God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob from whom this miracle has come. The listener is reminded that the God who spoke to Moses in the burning bush and healed the beggar at Gate Beautiful is the same God that still speaks and acts today. These miracles, these phenomena, and the many other acts of God show that God is a personal, covenanting and merciful God who takes interest and action in the condition of His creation.
How can sinful people be blessed by a Holy God? How can sinners come before the throne of God and claim God’s blessings as their own? To the natural person, this is impossible. Sinful people do not believe in a grace that can reconcile God and humanity, so they say one has to work to earn God’s favor. In this sermon on Jeremiah 17:5–8 titled “The Christian Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the great truth that blessings come by God’s grace. The ways of God and humanity are wholly opposed so that the Christian life stands in stark contrast to the life of the world. The Christian life is a life of favor with God because of God’s grace, while the life of the world is a life of always striving to earn God’s favor through works, but never attaining it. The gospel calls each and every one to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus for salvation. God’s grace is the only hope in this life because all have broken God’s commandment and sinned against Him, but God’s grace is more powerful than sin. The most amazing truth in the world is that God gives grace freely in Jesus Christ, and this is the gospel.
What is it about Christianity that brings about such strong reactions from people? In this sermon on Matthew 9:14–17 titled “The Effect of Christianity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how believers and unbelievers both have strong opinions on Christianity. Some are hostile to Jesus and His claims, some want to reduce Him to a mere teacher of morality, and others claim that He is the Savior of the world. All these responses were present in the days of Jesus when some believed in Him and became His disciples, while others rejected Him and ultimately put Him to death. Jesus was opposed because He contradicted the false and hypocritical religion of the day. While many were only concerned with the outward appearances and looking good, Jesus taught that true religion was a matter of the heart. No one can make themselves holy or pure before God. That is why Jesus came to die and suffer in the place of sinners. This idea of Jesus dying for sinners is as offensive today as it was in the time of Jesus. People do not want to be told that it is only by believing upon the suffering servant that they can be saved, but it is this message of a crucified King that is the only means of salvation for all who believe.
The metaphors for life and living abound in this sermon on Romans 8:5–8 titled “ Real Christianity – the Test.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones piles together vivid illustrations of nourishment, abundance, movement, genuineness, warmth, and vigor. This is because the true “test” of Christianity is whether a person is genuinely “alive to God.” There is no such thing as a Christian who has not been “made alive” by God or has been born again by the Spirit. If there is only death, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, there is not true Christianity, no matter how moral a person may be. While on the outside someone may superimpose Christian morality onto their life, it is ultimately inauthentic and artificial. It is a lifeless duty and lacks the warmth and spontaneity of genuine Spirit-wrought change that always accompanies regeneration. This has practical implications, argues Dr. Lloyd-Jones. It will change one’s understanding of evangelism. It will also impact how they understand “backsliding” in the Christian life. Moreover, it changes how they evaluate the fruit of a Christian life. Listen as he combats a lifeless, mechanical Christianity with an authentic biblical Christianity that is full of life, joy, and authentic Christian service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Has Christianity failed? In this sermon on the question “will he find faith on earth?” from Luke 18:8 titled “Has Christianity Failed?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that many critics of Christianity say that after nearly two thousand years since the establishment of Christianity, the world is still full of strife and conflict. The world is still full of war, poverty, and crime. Modern history has shown that, if anything, the world is only getting worse. What does all this mean for the claims of Christianity? Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that the troubles of the world do not constitute an argument against the claims of Christianity as Christianity never claimed to solve all the world’s problems here and now. At the center of Christianity is Christ who died upon the cross in order to save sinners from the wrath of God and make them inheritors of eternal life in the age to come. In fact, the Bible teaches that people are fundamentally sinners who hate God and oppose His law. It is only by the gospel that they can ever be transformed. Christianity never claims that this world will be made perfect by the church, but what it does teach is that Jesus Christ will return on the last day, and He will make all things right.
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