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Conversion

False converts are more common than one might think. True conversion is an act of God upon the human heart. But what exactly are characteristics of a true conversion? In this sermon on conversion, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles these questions, showing how conversion is the first exercise of the new nature in ceasing from old forms of life and starting a new life. For the new convert, it is the moment at which one passes from spiritual death to eternal life in Christ. Imposters throughout church history claim to accept Jesus and then turn from Him after a period of time. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, it is entirely possible to undergo a counterfeit, temporary conversion if one submits to a false gospel based on feelings or experiences. “Yet,” Lloyd-Jones notes, “the defense of the Christian faith must not rest on something we experience, but on its objectivity.” True salvation is not based on whimsical feelings but on two essential factors of salvation. Believers are less concerned with personal experiences and emotions, and instead yearn to know God Himself.

Governed By Darkness

John 3:19

What is the source of humanity’s objections to Christianity? Many in modern times claim that Christianity has been refuted by modern science and learning. They believe that while it may have been acceptable to believe in things such as miracles, the deity of Christ, and the bodily resurrection in more ignorant times, people are now enlightened. In this sermon on John 3:19 titled “Governed by Darkness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the word of God gives a different answer. According to Scripture, people reject Christianity not because of intellectual objections, but because of their sinful nature. Scripture teaches that all are fallen and blinded by sinful desires. What is the answer to this great dilemma? People can only see the world, themselves, and God when God reveals Himself to them in His grace. There is no other way to know God truly. This act of grace is not based on human intellectual capabilities, but on God’s grace. In the gospel Jesus is the answer to humanity’s fallen and sinful state. Only Christ can heal the spiritual blindness and give true life.

The Wrath of God

Ephesians 5:6

Why is the world the way that it is? In this sermon on the wrath of God given on Armistice Sunday from Ephesians 5:6, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on the world wars and proclaims the great reality that all are either in the kingdom of Christ, promised an inheritance of glory, or outside the kingdom and under the wrath of God. Since the time of the fall of mankind, humanity has been deceived by vain words about this reality. Modern humanity has gradually gotten rid of the concept of sin and wrong and replaced it with psychological explanations and treatments. Because of this, God reveals His wrath, His settled hatred of sin, in various ways from condemnation of conscience, to sufferings that come from sin, to giving people over to their sin (Romans 1). Yet His wrath is not only a present reality, but also a sure future reality. Though the world ridicules all who hold to and proclaim this truth, Jesus Christ will come back to judge the whole world, universally and individually, in righteousness, casting all who have rejected His gospel into eternal misery and reigning with all who believed in Him in eternal glory.

Glorying Only in the Cross

Galatians 6:14

Why do Christians preach the cross? Why is it that this cruel tool of murder stands at the heart of God’s gospel? The answer is found in the power of the cross for salvation. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unfolds the words of Paul that the cross is the means by which God has conquered sin, death, and the devil by dying a cruel death. In this sermon on Galatians 6:14 titled “Glorying Only in the Cross,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains not only the fact of the cross, but also the need. God the Father sent His only Son into the world to die for all because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All are in dire need of salvation and forgiveness and this salvation only comes through Jesus’s sacrificial death upon the cross. Now those that believe are freed from the curse of the law, sin, and death. This is the only way to salvation. This sermon calls each and every sinner to leave their evil ways behind and come to Jesus. Come to the cross and find salvation in God’s Son who has died for sinners.

Sin and Self-Deceit

1 Samuel 15:22-23

The story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22–23 is the story of someone who rationalizes and explains away their own sin. Saul was God’s chosen king over Israel, yet he disobeyed God and followed his own desires. Saul is a picture for how everyone rationalizes sin and their own rebellion; everyone feigns ignorance of their own wrongdoing and sinful desires. The answer is never found in more law-keeping because the Bible is clear that no person can keep the law but instead is called to trust in Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved and overcome sin. “To obey is better than sacrifice” Samuel declares to Saul. Christians are those that are not like Saul in that they truly repent of their sin and seek God’s grace. Christians are those that believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for salvation. The message of the gospel is that humanity does not have to suffer for their sins because Christ died in their place and took sin upon Himself so that all can be saved and made righteous.

The Children of God

John 1:12-13

Can Christians know that they are the children of God? Can they know that they have been forgiven of all sins and made new in Christ? The answer given by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on John 1:12–13 is a resounding yes. Part of the gospel hope is the peace in the full assurance that God is for His children. The Bible gives a number of different ways that Christians can test themselves to see if they are truly in the faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents these tests to see if Christians are truly in a relationship with God or if they are self-deceived. He asks “how do you respond to your sin? Is it to fall back in legalism?” If so, this might be a sign of resting in works rather than in what Christ has done. Another sign is questioning if there is interest in the church and the things of God. Just as a natural child is interested in what their parents find interesting, so also spiritual children are interested in the things of God. This sermon calls all to believe in Jesus, and that those that do can know that they have been truly saved by Him!

In the Likeness of Christ

John 1:16

How does the Christian know they have been forgiven and given new life? In this sermon on John 1:16 titled “In the Likeness of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the traits of the Christian who has received salvation. He explains that no one has received the fullness of Christ if they do not also acknowledge their own sinfulness. The person who thinks they are healthy has no mind to receive the counsel of a doctor. Similarly, the person who thinks they are good and moral has no interest in forgiveness. The person who has received forgiveness and life from Christ has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit to see that the heart is wicked and deceitful, and in need of forgiveness. Furthermore, this Christian realizes their dependence upon God for this new heart and new life. They see that, in themselves, they can do nothing to save or make themselves holy, but that by God’s Word and Spirit may have a life marked by the fullness of Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers numerous Biblical tests that can bring clarity and hope in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Spirit Fell on the Church

John 1:26-33

Does the Christian need power to live a Christ-filled life, and for evangelism and obedience in the face of persecution? Do they find that they lack boldness to share the gospel? In this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “The Spirit Fell on the Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes how the disciples received power when the Spirit descended on them at various times throughout the book of Acts. He considers that their receiving of the Spirit was not limited to the regenerative work but instead was multifaceted and involved multiple fillings of the Spirit. He elaborates that this is the normal method that God uses to give power to the church and argues that a baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with any true revival. He determines that revivals are not built on the church’s obedience, but by God sending His Spirit with power to the church. Therefore, the Christian should pray for revival in order that the church would be given great power by the Spirit in order to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth. In a time when the work of the Spirit is debated, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks clarity into the discussion and encourage prayer for the empowerment of the church.

To Be Like Him

John 3:8

What does it mean to be like God? To answer this question, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at what it does not mean. In this sermon from John 3:8 titled “To Be Like Him,” he says that religion is the greatest enemy of Christianity because it tells them that they can be like God by simply changing their external actions and that there is no need to have a new heart, mind, and spirit. But this false religious notion is wholly opposed to everything that Scripture teaches. To be like God is to live a new life that comes out of a true love for God and Jesus Christ. Those who are saved and born again have a true love for righteousness, and it is not burdensome. Christians must all ask these questions: “Are you living for yourself or for Christ? Are you living in light of the true righteousness of Jesus Christ, or is your life dominated by external changes in behavior?” This sermon calls all to forsake false religiosity and look to Christ for holiness. It calls the Christian to live as a creature that has totally been transformed in the gospel. This sermon is a vital message that every man, woman, and child needs to hear. It is the message of God’s grace and the gift of new life in Christ.

You Must Be Born Again

John 3:1-8

What is so dangerous about the religious life? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones takes up this question in this sermon titled “You Must Be Born Again” from John 3:1-8. He says that often times people who claim to be religious are trying to live as Christians without actually being saved. They try to be sanctified without being justified. This is a hopeless way to live because it treats Christianity as a graceless religion that is attained by works alone. This is similar to the error of intellectualism, which says that Christianity is about simply knowing and assenting to certain truths. Both of those views lose sight of what it means to be justified freely in the grace of God as the foundation of the Christian life. Both views replace the grace of God with works of humanity. Instead, you must be born again. The Christian must ask themselves if they believe the Christian life is merely intellectual and works based or if they trust the justifying grace of God that alone has the power to save and make fallen sinners new. This message of justification is the only hope that this world has and is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ for all who believe.

Dying to Self

John 3:30

All are in in need of the forgiveness and redemption of God yet so many go through their life alienated from God and His Son. They live as fallen human beings devoid of the joy of the Lord. Working with John 3:30 in this sermon titled “Dying to Self,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that those who have trusted in the gospel of God are forgiven of all sins and made inheritors with Christ. One of the signs of transformation is seeking to exult Christ and diminishing the self. It is as John the Baptist says, “I must decrease but He must increase.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how there are signs to tell if one is truly turning away from themselves and looking to glorify Christ. They will seek their own glory less and think of themselves less. They will think of others as worthier than themselves. God uses the law to show the Christian their sin and their need for Christ. This law convicts of sin and causes the Christian to look not to themselves, but to Christ and His grace. In the law they see that only Christ can make them whole and that they are not worthy in themselves.

Salvation is of the Jews

John 4:13-14

Salvation is an important and frequently discussed topic among Christians. It is also big part of the Bible and of what Jesus has done. Listen to this sermon on John 4:13–14 titled “Salvation Is of the Jews” where Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about salvation in light of Jesus’s encounter with the woman at the well. He begins by stating that submission is essential for salvation. However, in order to submit to Him, one must know who He is. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then touches on the exclusiveness of the Christian message of salvation. Jesus is the only way to the Father and salvation comes through Him alone. Because of this, the gospel is not human-made and cannot be attained through humanity, but is solely dependent on Christ and the wonderful works He has done. All of these truths point to the uniqueness of the Christian faith and salvation. This exclusivity is seen even in the Old Testament that rings with the promises of what the coming Messiah would do to save humanity. Christians can rest in the uniqueness of salvation coming from what Jesus has done for His people, rather than what they have done.

The Christian Life

John 4:27-30

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.

Man and Dogma

Matthew 22:34-40

What is the relationship between teaching and good deeds in the Bible? In this sermon on Matthew 22:34–40 titled “Man and Dogma,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responds to those that say they do not want dogma, but only what is practical and what helps them love their neighbor. He shows the fallacy of this question because Biblical dogma, or teaching, is related to love of neighbor and good deeds. It is only once the sinful nature of humanity, the redemptive work of Christ, and the need for repentance is understood that anyone can understand why they must love their neighbor. Moralistic legalism exists when the teachings of Scripture are done away with in order to focus on morality. This creates a false Christianity that is devoid of the gospel and therefore devoid of any hope. The church must preach the whole counsel of God. This includes both the need for salvation from sins and the need to live in holiness and righteousness towards one’s neighbors. Love of neighbor and love of God are connected and make one whole. Christians must see that the teachings of Scripture are what compel them to love and serve others just as Christ did.

A Picture of the Church

Luke 24:25-27

What do two hopeless disciples have to teach the church of today? In this sermon on Luke 24:25–27 titled “A Picture of the Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches how the disciples who met the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus were hopeless because they did not understand what the Messiah had come to do. They believed that when Jesus died, they thought that he had failed. The modern day church often trusts in the wrong things and misunderstands what Christianity is all about. The church becomes hypocritical, and this hypocrisy drives away those on the outside. What is the answer to this problem? The example of John Wesley has much to teach. He was evangelizing the lost while he was still cold and dead on the inside as an unregenerate man. Could the church be the same way? They are in sin and unbelief, trying to share the gospel. The answer to this is to come to Jesus Christ who saves and gives all a new heart and mind to love and serve Him. The answer to the sad state of the church and to the soul of everyone is to believe in Jesus who saves completely.

The Christian Message

Philippians 3:21

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.

A Small Life

Psalms 118:5

What does it mean to have a broad perspective on life? Many criticize Christianity for being closed-minded and leading to a narrow life, but in this sermon on Psalm 118:5 titled “A Small Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Scripture has a different view of the Christian life. Rather than being narrow and closed-minded, the Christian is the one who truly understands the world and who has true and lasting joy because they know God. The Christian trusts in Jesus Christ for the salvation from sin. The Christian has received joy and lives in this joy because God has given a great gift of grace. The narrow life is the life that has no hope after death and no joy in life’s Creator. This sermon is a call to obey the gospel of God by believing in Jesus Christ and to find true and lasting peace as a child of God. Anyone who has not renounced the old life of sin, come to Christ and forsaken themselves to come to God is on the path to destruction apart from God and His goodness. There is no salvation and true peace part from faith in Jesus Christ.

Belief in God

1 Peter 1:20-21

What does it mean to believe in God? There is perhaps no question that is more important to answer in this life. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to do just this in this sermon on belief from 1 Peter 1:20-21. He says that there is a kind of knowledge that is impersonal and vague: it is the knowledge of God that even the demons know. For they know He exists and who He is, but they do not believe in Him in a saving way. The belief of Christians is quite different from this because Christians believe that God both exists and is worthy of praise and worship. They believe that God revealed Himself in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the Jesus that died, rose from the grave, and now rules in heaven from where He will come to judge the living and the dead. They know Jesus as Lord and Savior who loves them and has died for them to make them inheritors in the life to come. To know God is to believe in His Son and to believe in His Gospel. All must ask themselves: do you believe in Jesus Christ and do you know God? There is no more important question.

Questioning God

John 4:13-14

The world asks many questions, but why do they never come to true answers? Why does humanity always seek true wisdom and knowledge but not find it? The answer is found in the world’s rejection of Jesus Christ as the true wisdom of God. In this sermon on John 4:13–14 titled “Questioning God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that all true wisdom has been given in Christ, but the world in its sinfulness does not know Him. For God’s wisdom is not the wisdom of the world; it stands in opposition to all sinful thinking. This wisdom of God is not accessible to sinful people because they are blinded by their own pride and have fooled themselves into believing that they can know truth without God’s revelation. The only way out of this dilemma is for sinful people to be transformed by His grace and made new and given the gift of salvation. This question confronts all in the revelation of God’s gospel: “do you know the truth of God or are you blinded by your sin and pride?” All either believe that Jesus is the true wisdom of God or they believe in the vain and passing wisdom of this world.

The Living God

Acts 4:23-24

What is one of the primary marks of a Christian? According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Acts 423-24, one of the surest signs of a true Christian is that true Christians pray to God. These are not prayers to some distant deity or to some abstract philosophical ground of truth, but it is prayer to the one true God who rules the whole universe in power and might. This is the true God as revealed in the Bible and in Jesus Christ his Son. This is the God of the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets, and he is the God of the church and the Apostles. He is active in history to save and redeem his people. He is the God who sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross in order to make a great kingdom that cannot be shaken. And it is this God who offers redemption and salvation to all who will repent and believe in His Son, and all those that do will be made anew in the new heavens and the new earth. This great gospel should not be rejected, but all must believe in God’s only begotten Son who has died on the cross so that sinners would have life eternal.