MLJ Trust Logo Image

Showing 622 results for the gospel

The Magnificat, Part 3

Luke 1:46-55

Have you come face-to-face with the real purpose of the Gospel? Has it made any vital difference to you? It's meant to change everything. Listen in as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from Luke 1:46-55 and talks about the dangers of being unaffected by the Gospel, and what response and reaction it ought to invoke. "To be a Christian means that we have had an experience of the grace of God; that is essential Christianity.” Diving into Mary’s Magnificat, we see the recounting of her response to God's work; in a sense this was the first Christian experience. More than an amazement that she would have a child was the realization of what God was doing on a larger scale. Christianity is, “the life of God in the souls of men.” It is about what God does to us, not what we have done. The mark of a Christian is the experience of God’s grace, but this does not look exactly the same for everyone. Search yourself to see if, “The One who made you at the beginning is making you again.” Assurance is not in a feeling of entitlement to be forgiven, but rather in one who is immensely conscience of his own unworthiness. God’s mercy is on those who fear Him.

In the Midst of Life

Luke 13:1-9

Why do people reject the claims of Christianity? Modern people claim that they are enlightened. They believe in their own reasoning and find Christianity to be irrational and utterly unbelievable. In this sermon on Luke 13:1–9 titled “In the Midst of Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that humankind rejects Jesus for one reason: prejudice. Humanity is in sin and a slave to evil desires and, therefore, he is the least free thinking. Humanity claims that evil disproves God, but Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that this is not a belief born out of the evidence but is a result of prejudice. The only answer to humanity’s sinful state is the gospel. Only the grace of God can open their eyes to see that they are under the judgment of God and living in death. Only the gospel prepares people for death because it frees them from sin and the judgment of God that justly comes to all. This sermon brings the most important message that anyone can hear. It tells humankind that no matter how bad their sin is, God can save them. There is no one beyond the grace of God and the loving grace of Jesus Christ.

Sheep Without a Shepherd

Matthew 9:36

What are the essentials of the Christian gospel? In this sermon on Matthew 9:36 titled “Sheep Without a Shepherd,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones analyzes this passage in which Jesus sees a multitude of people and has compassion on them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones recognizes the unique authority of Jesus, the truth of the sinful disposition, and the comfort that only Christ can bring as essentials of the gospel. He examines the human condition and finds that all are still sheep without a shepherd. Despite the appearance of development and progress, life is the same. The multitude is rightly related to sheep in the way they are fainting, scattered abroad, harassed, mangled, and distressed. They are sheep at the mercy of thieves and robbers, dogs and wolves. Men and women are in a state of bewilderment and all have gone astray. The world is without a shepherd—no politician, no statesman, no philosopher, or thinker can give rest from this bewilderment. Yet, Jesus Christ looks upon humanity and is moved with compassion. Jesus does not belong to the multitude, so He can be the Good Shepherd that is needed. He is the only hope for the world. Listeners are encouraged to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd so that they may find rest and peace.

Ambassador for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20

Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he preaches this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:20 and the ease with which humanity drifts from the primary principles and why are they here on earth. Look at the picture of an ambassador – someone appointed and called by God to bring the news of the gospel. This is a person who has been given a brief and important message; they are not bringing their own opinion or ideas. What does the gospel say about this great responsibility? Learn of humanity’s exceeding need to be reconciled to God: “If One died for all, then all are dead.” All are in need of this reconciliation because of who humanity is and who God is. Learn that all humanity is spiritually dead under the wrath of God, and unless this is changed, they will not reap the blessings of God. There is hope and God offers this needed reconciliation through His only Son. The Lord’s Supper displays this incomprehensible sacrifice God made to satisfy His own wrath. Today is the day of salvation; nothing else is needed but to believe and accept. Sin is put on Christ and His righteousness imputed to those He calls, giving hope for reconciliation with God.

A Hope for All

Acts 7:30

The world makes claims such as religion is only for the weak or that belief in God is irrational and sub-scientific. These claims and many more flow from modern science, philosophy, and even false theologies that repudiate the God of traditional Christianity and the Bible. In the words of the modern person: “God is dead.” Listen to the sermon “A Hope for All” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones uses Acts 7:30 to explain how this belief system is born out of sinful rebellion against God and his law. It is not a sign of an enlightened mind, but of a mind enslaved to sin and depravity. This slavery to sin accounts for the opposition to God and the rejection of His gospel. This is seen in how the world addresses evil and depravity. The world tries to solve its problems through legislation, education, and social programs, but these efforts can never solve the real issue of sin. God uses the law to expose sin, but it is His Son who gave his life for sins, so that the world could be redeemed. This is the power of the gospel. It is not social reform, but cosmic renewal in the power of his Son, Jesus Christ.

No Second Name

Acts 4:11-12

In this sermon on Acts 4:11–12 titled “No Second Name,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the first persecution of Christianity and how the apostles both answered the charge brought against them and withstood the fight to continue preaching. The rejection of the gospel is as old as the belief of the gospel itself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks about the differences that divided the Pharisees and Sadducees, and how in the face of Christ these two opposing groups united together. Unbelief is always due to pride. Christians should never apologize for their faith. Christians must address the world as they are filled with the Holy Ghost. They cannot fight an unbelieving world with the message of the world. The church must preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified to this unbelieving world. They must not be doubtful about Christ—this is a travesty to the Christian faith. The teachings of Christ alone will condemn everyone, but He did not leave it at that. All are sinners and have rejected the cornerstone, but there is hope. Humanity killed Christ, God raised Him, and His people most certainly will meet Him again.

God Has Raised Up Christ

Acts 5:29-32

What was the message of the early church? Why were believers willing to be beaten, imprisoned, and even killed? The answer is found in the person of Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Acts 5:29–32 titled “God …Has Raised Up Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the message of Christianity as proclaimed by the apostles in the early chapters of the book of Acts. This is not a message of general cultural transformation, but it is a message of divine salvation. It is not simply an answer to all of humanity’s social ills and physical troubles, but it is the message of a God who is working through His Son to make all things new. The world has always rejected this message because it is in contrast to everything that they believe. The gospel says that no one can save themselves but must trust wholly on God’s free mercy. Jesus Christ is God’s only appointed Savior. This sermon asks the questions: “what do I believe? Where is my hope in this world?” The gospel of Jesus Christ tells that salvation is only through the grace of God. This is a timeless message that the whole world needs to hear.

The Fellowship of Believers

Acts 2:41-47

A Christian is a person who has received abundant life from God and what does the Christian do in response to this incredible measure of grace? He goes to church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes a Welsh politician in the 1960’s who said, “I’m a Christian, but the non-churchgoing type.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones exposes this wrong thinking, showing that a Christian is not one who goes to church once a year or not at all, but one who participates actively in Christ’s body in a response of thankfulness and servitude. Reaching the world does not start with asking people to go to church; it starts with sharing the gospel, as the gospel is the most important truth in the world. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, if an unbeliever is saved by Christ, they will naturally want to join the local, visible family of Christ. Ultimately, Christians gather because they rejoice in the same Savior. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches from Acts 2:41–47, we learn that in this life, there is only one way to get to the favorable side of eternity: through Christ’s blood. Those who respond to His sacrifice and rejoice in Him will be in fellowship with believers today.

Faith: The Golden Key

Acts 24:24

In this sermon on Acts 24:24 titled “Faith: The Golden Key” that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached to Bridgnorth Baptist Church in 1975, he focused on how the gospel is to be preached and listened to. The tragic story of Felix and Priscilla unfolds as a prisoner talks to this Roman governor and princess. What happened then is still needed now. Take a look at the Ten Commandments and God’s design for humanity to be made in His image as a righteous companion. Temperance and self-control are crucial. All people are made of both body and soul and will one day stand before God in judgment. What distinct characteristic divides human and animal? Are humans merely a product of their instincts? Surely not. The gospel is absolutely necessary for humanity’s hope and it is at this very point in which God steps in. Turn to God, cry out for mercy, and He will give it. Christ died that all might be forgiven and made good; it only requires belief. Unbelievers should heed the warnings of the story of Felix and Priscilla as the “Night of Nights” in Pompeii ended in tragedy for them and confess their sin today.

Revealed By God

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

How can one know God? In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:1–16 titled “Revealed by God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how this seemingly simple question has immense significance for one’s life. If God could not be known, how could anyone understand the gospel and be saved? Thankfully, God has revealed Himself to humanity. No one has to discover God through science or philosophy, but God made Himself known in Scripture and in Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows the great need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Science cannot give this knowledge because it only tells about this world. Christians then have nothing to fear from modern humanity and its claims of intellectual superiority, because true knowledge of God is a gift through His Word, not simply another truth to be discovered. The story of Nicodemus illustrates this well. The Lord Jesus says that it is the Spirit that shows God. It is a supernatural act of God that allows fallen sinners to come to a knowledge of a holy God. There is no more important truth than the gospel of salvation from sins.

The Mystery of Godliness

Ephesians 6:18-20 ; 1 Timothy 3:14-16

What is the mystery of godliness? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:18–20 titled “The Mystery of the Person of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that God was “manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up to glory.” Christianity is all about the person of Christ Himself. The essential question is this: “what do you think about Christ?” Until one is clear about this, they cannot be clear about anything else. It’s no surprise that this is the very point where the devil has focused his greatest attacks. It is absolutely vital to be clear about who He is, because in Him is the only hope for the world. The gospel is not about humanity trying to arrive at an understanding, but God miraculously intervening, supernaturally entering in to the problems of humanity and doing His work through the person of Christ. In John’s Gospel, he made it clear in the purpose statement who Jesus was: “that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.” The mystery of godliness is uniquely and marvelously this: that divinity and humanity is equally in one person who came to live and die to reconcile humanity to God.

God in Control

Romans 11:28-32

What is the status of the Jewish people now that Christ has come? In this sermon on Romans 11:28–32 titled “God in Control,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks on this vital question with which the apostle Paul wrestles. Paul says that there is a current hardening of the Jewish people by God in order that the gospel would go to the Gentiles. All throughout Scripture, sin and evil are unable to change God’s good work. Paul makes clear that God has not finally rejected His people, for the hardening that has come upon the Jewish people is only temporary and there will be a day when a great revival comes upon the nation of Israel. What is the church’s response to this teaching? The church and Christians everywhere must not be arrogant towards the people of Israel, for all salvation is a gift from God. The church must also seek to bring the gospel to the people of Israel and the glorious truth that Jesus has come and died for sinners. All who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, will be saved and made inheritors with Jesus Christ in the age to come. Jesus is the only way of salvation for all, whether Jew or Gentile.

Practical Christianity (2)

Romans 12:15-16

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.

Hearing of Faith

Romans 10:16-17

How is a person saved? Is it through just hearing the gospel or is it through faith? The debate is a theological divide in the Christian church. In this sermon on Romans 10:16–17 titled “Hearing of Faith,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives firm biblical grounding in salvation that comes not just by hearing, but by faith in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that there are two types of hearing: hearing that falls on the ears and hearing that moves a person to believe. Quoting the words of Isaiah, he reveals that this has always been the case. Not every person who hears believes. It was the same in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and today. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that this is an example of divine inspiration in Scripture. In a relatable “church goer” example, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reviews the elements needed for a person to hear the gospel with faith. That person’s heart must be opened by God and they must then trust in Christ’s redeeming death on the cross. To convey this incredible truth, Dr. Lloyd-Jones draws on other examples from the New Testament that embody and proclaim this faith today.

The Wonder of the Resurrection

Romans 8:34

What is in two words? In this sermon on Romans 8:34 titled “The Wonder of the Resurrection,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the apostle Paul’s words “more than that” (or in the KJV “yea rather”). These words represent a summary of the central affirmation of the glory of the Christian position. They recall the triumph and victory of the Christian gospel itself. In this Easter message on the wonder of the resurrection, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that to be a Christian is to be a person who has a sense of victory, joy, exhilaration, and assurance. What causes such rejoicing and assurance? It is the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds the meaning and beauty of Paul’s words in Romans 8:34 and demonstrates what is proved and established by Christ’s resurrection. In the resurrection, Christ is proved to be the Lord. The resurrection proves Christ’s cross work was complete and He has power over all enemies. The resurrection of Christ establishes His ascension, intercession on the sinner’s behalf, and the guarantee that Christians too will rise bodily from the grave. Listen and be reminded of what God accomplished in the resurrection of the Lord and the glory of the Christian gospel.

Why this Present Suffering?

Romans 8:18-23

Is Scripture completely irrelevant? Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the contemporary answers found in Romans 8:18-23. The sufferings of this present time are the unchanging problems of mankind. Human suffering is always a result of sin. Science and philosophy cannot give man such hope in the face of humanity, but the Gospel of Christ can. Look at nature from the Bible's standpoint and find comfort on its terms. The greatest consolation in this present affliction is that this is God’s world. The ground was cursed for man’s sin and the world is under the wrath of God, but there is good news. The Christian Gospel is the only explanation and solution to the sufferings of the present time. Learn that every human's greatest need is to be reconciled to God and the only promised deliverer is Christ. A Christian is still subject to all the sufferings of this present world; but man has a new view of time, and sufferings, which are incomparable to the glory to come. Are you groaning with creation? Find out that you should be! Nothing can frustrate the plans of God. Cast yourself on His compassion and love; your sins have already been dealt with.

Physical, Psychological, Spiritual

Ephesians 6:10-13

Why is it important to have a biblical understanding of humanity? Many people both inside and outside the church have a flawed view of humanity that either overemphasizes the spiritual nature at the expense of the physical nature, or vice versa. They downplay the need for spirituality and replace it with modern psychology. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Physical, Psychological, Spiritual,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the Bible teaches that people are body, mind, and soul. They are more than the matter that they are made of, but the human body also affects its spirit. There is a great danger to turn all sin issues into problems of psychology. They say that a person’s problems are never a result of their sin but are a result of their circumstances. The Bible tells something different. According to the Bible, people are sinful and willingly rebellious. They have rejected God. The answer is in the gospel of Jesus Christ for the redemption of sins. This does not mean that all problems are the result of sin, but it does mean that all problems find their ultimate answer in the gospel. This sermon points all to the glorious truth that Jesus is a sufficient Savior.

Facing the Facts

Acts 8:4-5

Christianity is not about a life of truth seeking nor is it about a religious experience, but it is a proclamation of who God is and what He has done in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the sermon “Facing the Facts” from Acts 8:4–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones confronts those who erroneously claim that Christianity is not about facts, but rather that it is a matter of personal taste. The Christianity of the Bible is one of truth and proclamation. It is a religion that has something to say to the world amidst its pain and suffering. It brings the message of Jesus Christ as King and Savior who died upon the cross at Calvary and rose from the grave so that all who believe will not perish, but have eternal life. This not a message of personal improvement or social transformation first and foremost, but it is about redemption from sins and salvation from God’s wrath that rightly befalls all sinners. If the church wants to be relevant and meaningful, it must proclaim the only message with which it has been entrusted. It must proclaim the gospel to a world that is broken and filled with sin and suffering. It must imitate the early church of the apostles in their boldness and clarity in the way they proclaimed the message of the risen Savior.

Heard. Believed. Trusted

Ephesians 1:11-14

Does the sovereignty of God minimize the responsibility of humanity? Reformed theology is often caricaturized by insisting it promotes a world where people lack true humanity. God’s work in salvation is said to be in contradiction to human responsibility of proclaiming the gospel and the sinner believing the gospel. But that is not Reformed theology, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. A fundamental truth is lacking in this common objection. While it is absolutely God’s work, He uses means to accomplish His work. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:11–14 titled “Heard. Believed. Trusted,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of these means that are always constant as God is working. If these means are not present, then a person cannot become a Christian. They are necessary for the sinner to move from being under the wrath of God to being in Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones carefully works through God’s Word and teaches on this extremely important subject. Whether the listener is a faithful Christian who desires to better understand the relationship between evangelism and the work of God or a skeptic of Reformed theology, Dr. Lloyd-Jones will assist in explaining this important truth of Scripture.

A Burning Heart

Luke 24:25-26

In this sermon on Luke 24:25–26 titled “A Burning Heart,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from the New Testament passage regarding the two men walking to Emmaus. The gospel author uses four words to initially describe these men: “their hearts were sad.” Later, however, they undergo a massive emotional change as they end up with their “hearts burning within them.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says there is nothing more important than this change because when people claim to be Christians and yet have a heavy heart, they are a poor witness: “Masses of people are outside the church today because they look at us and see what we are.” Are Christians making the gospel attractive to people? Are they, as Paul instructs them to be in 2 Corinthians 2:16, a sweet-smelling aroma? For many believers, it is still a struggle to live in the joy that is theirs in Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the remedy for this is to pray and ask the Spirit to open one’s eyes to the truth and to enlighten them so that their heart rejoices. Sincere joy in the Lord will aid the Christian’s testimony.