December 1964

The hymn writer Charles Wesley famously wrote a Christmas hymn about Jesus Christ, saying, “born a child and yet a king.” In this sermon “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” from Isaiah 9:6-7, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones finds this as the great summation of the prophet Isaiah’s announcement 800 years before the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6–7. In this Christmas sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds of the kingly aspect of the good news. He warns that while the personal aspect of salvation must never be forgotten, it must not stop there. Isaiah preaches the cosmic aspect of the coming Messiah. Christians are indeed saved individually, but there is a day coming when the entire cosmos will be restored. Jesus is the universal king of the cosmos for He was David’s greater son. There was great anticipation of the son of David. Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how many in the first century missed the characteristics of the Messiah’s coming. Jesus Christ’s first advent was not one of military might and power politics. Instead, He was born a child and yet a king. Nevertheless, Christ introduces justice, righteousness, truth, order, and peace. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the cosmic truth of the child born in Bethlehem. Hear proclaimed the coming of King Jesus and His rule for which there will be no end.

Why has the greatest English preacher who ever lived been so tragically neglected? In this sermon titled "The Life of George Whitefield," Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones commemorates the 250th anniversary of Whitefield's birth by recovering the remarkable story of this phenomenon of 18th-century preaching. Far beyond mere historical interest, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates that Whitefield's legacy addresses the critical deficiencies of modern evangelicalism—the deadly danger of orthodoxy without power, knowledge without spiritual life, and correct doctrine divorced from anointed preaching. Through vivid accounts of Whitefield's conversion, his apostolic zeal, his seraphic preaching style, and his overwhelming influence across England, Wales, Scotland, and America, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how this humble Calvinist evangelist sparked the Great Awakening that transformed nations. This message challenges believers to recognize that a John Calvin always needs a George Whitefield—that Reformed doctrine requires the demonstration of the Spirit and of power to become truly effective for God's glory.

Why should the church concern itself with John Calvin over 400 years after his death? In this address from the Puritan Conference in Westminster Chapel in 1964 commemorating the 400th anniversary of Calvin's passing, J.I. Packer demonstrates that Calvin was not merely a historical figure but remains a prophet for today whose message speaks powerfully to the modern crisis facing Christianity. Just as Calvin ministered to a Europe torn by political unrest, religious confusion over biblical authority and the gospel, and the disintegration of Christian civilization, so the church faces remarkably similar challenges today. The terms of debate on these fundamental issues have hardly changed from the 16th century to now.<br><br>Packer reveals how Calvin was uniquely equipped by God—gifted with penetrating intellect to see to the heart of issues, yet humbled by grace to become utterly submissive to Scripture. Calvin's supreme legacy, his Institutes of the Christian Religion, stands as the most important book in theological history, integrating the total Reformation understanding around the knowledge of God. Through examining Calvin's life and work, Packer calls the church to share Calvin's three great concerns: a concern for God's revealed truth in Holy Scripture with its divine authority confirmed by the inner witness of the Spirit; a concern for God's grace as Romans presents it, with deep views of sin and right views of election that humble man and exalt Christ; and supremely, a concern for God Himself in His majesty and sovereignty. The vision of the God who reigns, who is "clothed with majesty" as Psalm 93 declares, remains the church's greatest need in a shaken world.

In this address from the 1964 Westminster Puritan Conference, Mr. O.R. Johnston examines the actual historical evidence of Calvin's character, demonstrating that the familiar stereotype of Calvin as a cold, austere, and morose character bears little resemblance to the man who emerged from the sources. Johnston traces Calvin's early years in France, his sudden conversion, and his reluctant call to Geneva through the thundering adjuration of Guillaume Farel—revealing a man who was by nature timid and scholarly, yet who was sovereignly mastered by God and thrust into the arena of public ministry.<br><br>Far from the harsh dictator of popular imagination, Calvin emerges in this address as a man of deep pastoral sensitivity, genuine humility, and remarkable tolerance on non-essential matters. Johnston highlights Calvin's extensive correspondence with prisoners facing martyrdom, his appreciation for beauty in nature and the arts, his capacity for lasting friendship, and his deathbed confession that "all I have done has been worth nothing." This careful biographical study invites listeners to see Calvin afresh—not as the author of a theological system, but as a man who lived out the very doctrines of grace he proclaimed, finding himself tamed and enslaved by the hand of God for the work of Reformation.

Can God and His promises be trusted? Christmas affirms that they can. In this sermon on Isaiah 9:6 titled “A Son is Born, a Son is Given,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches in this text that Christians must think more highly of the gift of Christ they are given from the Father. A gift tells about the one who gives as well as the one who receives. When Christians consider the greatness of God giving His Son, they understand three things. First, they must make much of God and not only Christ; the giver is as great as the gift. Second, they must be in very great need if they are given so costly a gift. Finally, their response must be one of amazement, gratitude, and praise. God loves so much that He gave the greatest gift that could be given. Christians should hold fast to that when they struggle to trust God’s promises. Christmas is the guarantee that they can trust God’s goodness.

The Christian sometimes doubts or forgets their experiences of God. In this sermon on Isaiah 9:6 titled “A Child is Born,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the reason for this doubting is because experiences are not meant to last. Instead of this, Christians must truly know the character of Jesus Christ. If they do this, they will never doubt their standing before God. Isaiah 9:6 teaches the true character of Christ. Isaiah describes Jesus as Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father. Dr. Lloyd-Jones unfolds these attributes to show what one must truly believe and place their hope in. Jesus washes away sin because humanity is unable for itself. Christ is available to counsel His people in every moment of need; He is the author of eternal life. If one doubts the goodness, reality, or importance of their Savior, reflect on the true character of Jesus Christ.

Does the gospel change from person to person? In this sermon on 2 Timothy 2:8 titled “The Only Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives deeper into what the gospel is. In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul instructs believers to follow “my gospel.” Some have interpreted this to mean that each have their own individual gospel that is based on individual experiences. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows, this cannot be further from the truth — Paul is exhorting Timothy to hold tightly to the unchanging, true gospel that Paul was preaching. What else is he saying in this passage? First, that it is the only gospel. Second, this gospel is to be remembered because it is the meaning of the story of Christ. While some say that claiming to have exclusive truth is “narrow-minded,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides some reasons why Christians can rightly claim that this gospel is true. First, if there was any other gospel, the events that occurred in the life of Jesus would not have happened because they would not have been necessary. Second, Jesus is the only one to fulfill the prophecies from the Old Testament about the promised Savior. Third, Jesus is the only one who can really teach about God since He is a person of the Trinity. Fourth, only Jesus could perform the task to accomplish what is needed — salvation, the defeat of enemies, and a guide through life.

What makes Christianity different from every other religion? In a day when mysticism and spiritism are rife, the question inevitably comes up. In this sermon on Isaiah 9:2 titled “A Son, Given for Us,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the prophecy where humanity is said to walk in darkness and disbelief. Modern humanity is no different from those ancient Israelites who had turned away from God and gone their own way. But God’s answer to this great act of rebellion is also the same. God has sent His Son to die upon the cross in the place of sinners who did not seek God or desire His mercy. Jesus Christ is God’s only appointed means of salvation. What makes Christianity different? The answer is Jesus. God has revealed His eternal purpose in His Son who was born as a servant in Bethlehem. This infant grew up and lived a perfect life and died upon the cross to save those that killed Him. This sermon forces all to ask the pointed question, “do I believe? Do I believe that God has sent His Son to die for me?” There is no more important question that one can ask because this question concerns the very soul. All must believe in Jesus Christ as Savior.

What is the gospel is? A great tragedy today (even among professing Christians) is not knowing what the gospel of Jesus Christ is. In this Christmas sermon on Matthew 4:23 titled “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the message that frames the beginning and end of the Lord Jesus’s ministry. By looking at both Matthew 4:23 and 24:14, he explores the message of the gospel from the perspective of the kingdom of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that the greatness of the gospel is the good news of God’s kingdom (or His rule and reign). People are often guilty of reducing the gospel to subjective terms such as personal happiness or peace. They often start with themselves and end with themselves. But as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches, the gospel of the kingdom reminds that the whole world is involved in God’s redemption. The good news of the kingdom reminds that the Son of God came to this earth not to simply make people respectable, but to make them obedient to God. This obedience to the King brings Him glory. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers the most important question of all: why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to come into the world?

What is the future of the Jewish nation? According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 11:13–15 titled “Life From the Dead,” one does not have to wonder since God prophesied through the apostle Paul that there will be a great day when Israel is saved. While they may have stumbled, this was only temporary in order that the gospel might go to all the nations of the Gentiles. God has promised that there will come a day when the dead come to life; that is, when the spiritually dead Israelites receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and believe in Him. All Christians ought to pray and seek the day when God moves and causes a great revival amongst the people of Israel. Furthermore, Paul warns Gentile Christians from becoming prideful and boastful towards the Jewish people, for both Jew and Gentile are justified by faith in Christ as a gift from God. How should this message change the way Christians live now? Christians ought to seek to evangelize the people of Israel because they know that there will be a day when God causes a great revival amongst them. The church ought to pray and eagerly await the day when God fulfills His promise and brings many national Israelites into the church of Jesus Christ.

How is the baptism of the Holy Ghost defined? In this sermon on John 1:26­–33 titled “Baptism of the Spirit (4),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question and addresses both the direct and indirect work of the Spirit. Great caution is given toward the tendency of Christians today to reduce everything to the ordinary but there is nothing ordinary about such an amazing divine work. The outworking of the Spirit is seen through the prophecy of Joel and the examples from the New Testament to be clear, immediate, and direct in nature, far from being rooted in the reflection of humanity. The Spirit of God bears witness to confirm the regenerated cry of a believer to God as “Abba, Father.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones greatly cautions his listeners not to confuse such extraordinary work with that of the ordinary as this is the danger of quenching the Spirit. Such clear, unmistakable, and phenomenal work of the Spirit is the third principle in this series of “The Baptism of the Spirit” from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He addresses how the problem of restraint and the Lord’s sovereignty are connected to baptism and clearly defines the outworking of such a baptism.

What is the nature of true peace? Many say that peace is simply the absence of war or conflict. In this sermon on Romans 10:15 titled “The Gospel of Peace” however, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that there is a better peace that God gives. The Bible says that all are in sin and wholly corrupt. They fight each other because they are sinners who are alienated from God. This wrong relationship with God is the source of all strife and hostility amongst people, and until people are made right with God, they will not be made right with one another. This is why God not only provides a way for all to be redeemed from their sins, but also to restore their relationship with God. This right relationship is what gives true and lasting peace because it gives the knowledge that God loves humanity and has died for all. This peace shows that one can rest in God and not themselves. It shows that while this world is passing away, one has hope in the world to come when Christ returns to bring the new heaven and the new earth. What does this mean for believers now? This means that they should not look to any other source of peace than what God has given in His Son.

In this sermon on Romans 11:13–15 titled “Apostle to the Gentiles,” Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones works through the teaching of Paul to the Gentiles. Different interpretations of these controversial words by Paul are examined and the various out-workings of each are addressed. He explains the difference between translation and interpretation. Paul preaches as an apostle to the Gentiles and he emphasizes this office, perhaps with an ultimate and ulterior motive for the salvation of the Jews. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses these questions along with the false notions that surround both the Jew and the Gentile. Evangelism, teaching, and warning are all essential to Paul’s word to these people and for today’s believers. Is the gospel different for Jew and Gentile? Listeners are encouraged to be diligent in study and see the full blessing that God has offered through Christ, embracing the word of God and the hope of the gospel that is now available for every human, no matter the race, gender, or ethnicity. Salvation has been purchased through the blood of Christ for the purification of more than just the Jews.