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My God; Through Jesus Christ

Romans 1:7-15

Conversion is not the end of the Christian journey; it’s the beginning. The apostle Paul was aware of this and longed to visit the Christians in Rome so that he might strengthen them. In this sermon titled “My God, Through Jesus Christ” from Romans 1:7–15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones displays the apostle Paul’s love for others which stems from his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Filled with the Spirit, Paul’s passion is clearly seen as he thinks of others, prays for them, and seeks to visit them. Among many Christians today, the primary concern is for oneself. A person talks about their own personal journey toward God. It’s not uncommon to hear a Christian declare, “I'm just focusing on myself right now.” But is this the way of Christ? Through Jesus, Christians have confidence before God. Christians are no longer simply “seeking God,” but rather seeking to love others through the assurance they have found in Jesus Christ. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how the gospel motivated Paul, not only with the desire to visit and strengthen others, but to pray for them. As Paul comes to God in prayer, he comes through the one in whom he has such confidence: the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way of salvation and the Christian desires all others to be built up in Him.

The Infirmity of the Flesh

Romans 6:19

Just as children grow up to become adults, so too new believers will grow up in Christ. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes in the sermon from Romans 6:19 titled “The Infirmity of the Flesh,” Paul uses an illustration. It is rare for Paul to tell a story or use an analogy, but he chose to do so by relating that Christians are now slaves to righteousness instead of slaves to sin. In Romans 6:19, he clarifies by saying, “I speak after the manner of men.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that this specific verse is Paul explaining why he uses an illustration to make his subject matter simple and clear. Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks that this should be the only use of illustrations for any teacher or preacher of the Bible. Paul also notes that he only used the illustration so that others would not misunderstand what he was saying. He wants to emphasize that righteousness combines both slavery and freedom: slavery to righteousness but a freedom from the reign of sin. Paul chose to use an illustration because some of his listeners are still children in a sense of Christianity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to warn that believers should never stay children of the word of God only drinking milk, but instead should constantly be growing and maturing to take in the meat of the gospel.

Communicating with Others

Ephesians 4:29

Why is one’s speech important? What do the words used portray about who one is? In this sermon on Ephesians 4:29 titled “Communicating with Others,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones instructs on the importance of speaking in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Speech is one of the primary characteristics that sets people apart from the animals. Thus, it is no surprise that since it is one of the most precious gifts, it is also one of the most misused. Scripture is clear in teaching that people express who they are through the words they use: “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Paul’s point in this passage is this: one’s speech should be completely different from the speech of those who are not Christians. Their speech is characterized, he says, by excess, an obsession with self, worthlessness, and corruption. Yet Christians are called to proclaim a gospel that is totally opposed to these ideals and their speech should reflect that. Additionally, Paul says, what one says should be characterized by being appropriate for the situation and for those who are present— the goal is to “impart grace to the hearers.” Dr. Lloyd Jones says that the Christian must think of their words and opportunities to bless others. As C.S. Lewis famously said, “we have never met a mere mortal.” Everyone the Christian talks with will spend eternity somewhere, and it is the Christian’s responsibility to lovingly reflect people to Jesus.

A Charge to the Church

Acts 2:42

In this sermon on Acts 2:42 titled “A Charge to the Church”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows what the church is, why it exists, and why it is important. One of the primary reasons that a church exists is for the preaching of God’s word. Teaching directly from Acts 2:42, he points out that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Many churches today gather in ways to increase the entertainment value for the congregation. While Christian fellowship in a church is an extremely vital part of a Christian’s walk, this must not outweigh and overshadow the necessity of going to church to worship with other believers and to hear God’s word preached. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that one of the great characteristics of the early church was that they were always meeting, but while the early church did gather for fellowship, Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Acts 2:42 clearly states that they were primarily concerned with worship and hearing God’s word. Why else does a church exist? A church, or gathering of believers, is a community where the gospel can be lived out and lost people can be introduced to it. Thus, churches serve incredibly important roles as lights to the world. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on these points and shows how a church can be used to further God’s kingdom.

Hearing and Perceiving

John 5:24-26

In this sermon on John 5:24–26 titled “Hearing and Perceiving,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that how one listens to the word of God determines their eternal destiny. In this passage of Scripture, John records Jesus’s promise that those who hear His word and believe have eternal life. As he expounds this text, Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on the word and even more on the necessity of how one listens to the word. One’s eternal destiny hinges on whether they truly listen to the truth of God’s word. They must not be a mere spectator who is impressed with the formality of worship and preaching and even the consideration of a philosophy or teaching. Rather, to truly receive and possess eternal life, one must listen with the intent to meditate and understand the significance and implications of the word. This type of listening not only sees the truth but perceives its implications for the soul. The question then becomes, “What must we see and perceive to gain this eternal life?” In his gospel-saturated message, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that all must hear the word that exposes their spiritual condition as dead in trespasses and sins that is under the condemnation of God, awaiting His judgment. However, the beauty of Jesus’s promise is that He was sent to pay the debt of sin, and that in hearing and believing in Him, they pass out of death and into life.

Exposed by the Light

Ephesians 5:7-14

How should a Christian act toward the darkness that is not pleasing to the Lord? How are Christians to interact with those who do not follow Christ? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:7–14 titled “Exposed by the Light,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides some helpful insights to aid believers in working through these complex issues. Throughout the centuries, some Christians have argued for a sort of lifestyle that withdraws them completely from interaction with the world. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, this robs the gospel of one of its main victories— that Christians are able to live a different life in the same world as a witness to those who don’t yet know Christ. How can one do this? First, they are to break completely with sin— they once were partakers of these activities, but now are to walk as children of the light. This exhortation reminds that sanctification is a process, not a one-time “product.” Second, Christians must not even be interested in the unfruitful works of darkness. Yet, this point often raises an interesting question: how should Christians balance having company with unbelievers without becoming like them? Since Christians are called to live among them and to be a witness, how can they maintain these values without compromising their faith? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides helpful commentary on this that aids in thinking through how to best live out the faith.

Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren

Hebrews 2:11

In this sermon on Hebrews 2:11 titled “Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the wonders of Christ and His shared inheritance with the redeemed. The theme of the book of Hebrews is the preeminence of Jesus Christ. The wonder of the gospel is that Jesus is not ashamed to call His people brethren. Though they are but humans, the Lord God calls them brethren because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims that humans are the sanctified, and Jesus is the sanctifier. Yet He became a little lower than the angels in order to redeem them back to Himself. He became man while not ridding Himself of His Godhood. Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial condescension to humanity, His people can share in His wonderful, eternal, and glorifying inheritance. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that although God has made Himself one with His redeemed, He is also entirely separate. Jesus Christ is the bridge of the expansive gap between God and humanity. Jesus made a way for people to come to Him; He made a way for them to be brethren. And Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call them brethren. Dr. Lloyd-Jones wonderfully articulates that when Jesus came, the lawgiver came unto the law. He took upon the form of a servant. Because of this, He can be called Jesus the brother.

Assurance: To Those Who are Slow to Believe

Luke 24:13-35

This sermon speaks to those who rush to treat their own condition and problems before even knowing the cause of them. In this sermon on Luke 24:13–35 titled “Assurance: To Those Who are Slow to Believe,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Bible contains such answers. Listeners are encouraged to look at the two men who lacked assurance, see a picture of discouragement, and be amazed at the visible transformation that can occur. One cannot feel sad without looking sad; everything about these men revealed their sadness, but they were missing the truth. Initial human diagnosis leaves people stuck in the depths of despair and discussing the past; observe Christ’s expert analysis and illumination of reality. People are fools because they don’t know how to think in a spiritual manner. See the example of Edwards and others. Realize the story of Christ doesn’t end at His death, but continues to His resurrection. No one’s story has to end in despair. Tradition is a wonderful thing, but traditionalism paralyzes. One cannot only believe some of Scripture without taking all of it. Christ is the conqueror, but He is also the sufferer. Embrace His promises of deliverance alongside His commands of obedience. The human heart burns for God, and all need Him.

Those Days...

Luke 2:1

Every Christmas season a battle rages. For Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones the battle rages over the historical facts about the birth of Christ. While many deny the facts of Christmas altogether, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says there is a much more dangerous message distributed among the culture during the Christmas season. It is a message which says that it does not matter whether the Son of God actually was born in a particular location and in a particular year. Whether the birth of Christ is true or historical makes no difference at all because we can still say we have a noble teaching in the Christmas story, and it can still help people have a better life. This psychologizing of the Christmas message, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sounds wonderful, but in the end it is the most hopeless message the world has ever heard. Why? Because sinful humanity is left with nothing but an exhortation to live a moral life. But the historical, biblical facts of the Christian Gospel is about what God has actually done in time through the Son of God. In this Christmas Day sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds the relationship of the Lord Jesus Christ to time, emphasizing that the Son of God was before time, manifested in time, come late in time, in the fullness of time, is himself the center of time, and will come back to end time! Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones battles for the true Christmas message in this sermon on Luke 2:1.

Show Us the Father

John 5:37-38

No one can honor the Father unless they honor the Son. From the time of Jesus’s birth until now, people try to honor God the Father without acknowledging, believing in, or honoring the Son. In this sermon on John 5:37–38 titled “Show Us the Father,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to ask any pagan today how they will get to heaven. Their response may be “I believe in God” or “God is love and all good people go to heaven.” They assume a knowledge of and a relationship with the Father while ignoring Jesus. This has always been the case. However, in the Gospel of John, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Jesus taught that no one can know, honor, or see the Father without believing in the Son. In the context of John 5:37–38, Jesus had just performed a miracle. But the Jews denied it, denied him, and denied His claim to be the Son of God, equal in divinity to the Father. However, as John the Baptist testified to this truth, Jesus now declares that the Father also testified of the identity of the Son, affirming the claims of Jesus. The Father, in the Old Testament, New Testament, baptism of Jesus, and the transfiguration of Jesus all affirmed Jesus’s claims to be His Son and fully equal with Him. Both in written form and audibly, the Father testified as such. Therefore, believing in and honoring Jesus is absolutely essential to knowing God.

The Sermon and Preaching

What is preaching? In this sermon titled “The Sermon and Preaching,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says the preacher is the man to deliver the message from God to the people. The preacher is an ambassador for Christ. He’s not there to entertain people toward Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that preaching is a transaction where the people are given the mind of God through the written word, explained by a faithful preacher. The danger arrives when preaching is replaced by digital versions, print versions, group discussions, and therapy sessions that foster opinion. People are dealing with the living God and they must never approach the subject in the cavalier manner as if His very existence were up for debate. Since the heart of preaching addresses humanity’s eternal destiny and design, one cannot reduce this message to a trivial discussion. There is no neutral point where Christian and non-Christian can meet. There’s no morally neutral ground that they can agree on since one is of darkness and the other is of light. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, God uses the foolish to expose the supposedly wise. Too much of the world today—and the church today—wants to make a rebellious person look wise. Apart from humility, no one will ever understand revelation. Jesus Himself thanked God that He hid the gospel from the “wise” and revealed it to “babies.” As Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, true preaching lifts up Christ so that He draws people to salvation.

Jew and Gentile; no Difference

Romans 10:11-13

People love to make distinctions between themselves and others, between their tribe and other tribes. Fallen hearts tend to make these distinctions so as to elevate themselves above others, especially in religious matters. The apostle Paul has tirelessly labored in Romans to emphasize that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile –– all sin falls short of the glory of God. If one does not follow the apostle here, they will construct different ways of salvation that appeal to the flesh. One may think being moral, good or kind is the way of salvation. But God’s way of salvation has always been the same — those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. There is no distinction between Jew or Gentile in any sense, whether in sin or salvation. In this sermon on Romans 10:11–13 titled “Jew or Gentle, No Difference,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds Paul’s teaching and brings contemporary application. Specifically, he applies Paul’s teaching here to dispensationalism and its teaching that makes a distinction between salvation for Jews and salvation for the church. In an amicable spirit, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the popular movement by rightly connecting the Old Testament teaching on salvation with the New Testament. He emphasizes that there is only one way with one gospel and no distinctions.

Final Perseverance

Romans 11:16-22

Can Christians lose their salvation? There are few more contested and more important theological questions in Christianity. Many believers are plagued by doubts because they fear that they may fail to work out their own salvation and be eternally lost in hell. In this sermon on Romans 11:16–22 titled “Final Perseverance,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones offers solace to any fearful Christians. He says that the Bible never teaches that true believers can lose salvation. This is for the simple reason that it is God through His Son Jesus Christ who saves. Christians are not even saved by faith, first and foremost, but ultimately by Christ who grants them their faith. Jesus loves His people and He is both able and willing to guard them from ever falling away. What about those passages that speak of the need to persevere? The Holy Spirit uses many means to build up Christians in faith and joy and these passages that warn Christians not to fall away are one of these means that God uses to preserve those He loves. What about people who say they are Christians and stop believing? There are many who are self-deceived and think that they are saved, but their life shows that this is not a true work of God. The glorious truth of the gospel is that Jesus saves all those that He loves and He will lose no one.

Loving God: the Test

Romans 8:28-30

No matter how devastating the trial, there is good that God will bring forth from it. After just speaking about present trials and tribulations in Romans 8:28–30, Paul then assures that anything endured in this life, whether good or bad, will work out for the Christian’s own good. In this sermon on loving God titled “Loving God: the Test,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that while this promise is not for everyone, there is a description of to whom this will apply. Paul explicitly states that this is only for those that truly love God and have been called by God. A Christian who loves God will love Him with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength. They will believe in God, more than just an intellectual belief, but a true belief in the person and work of Christ. The description also includes those who have been called with an effectual call, because not all who hear the gospel have been called by God to be His child. Dr. Lloyd-Jones adds a third factor to the description: a person whose actual experience in the Christian life would agree and show proof that all things that afflict them are being worked out for their own good. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the unsure to listen and ask themselves if they love God and have they been called. By taking these things into account, a true Christian can rest assured in this promise.

Calling: the Middle Link

Romans 8:28-30

As Christians consider controversial topics such as predestination and election, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that one must beware of their prejudices. Christians have to keep their minds open to understand what the apostle Paul actually says and teaches, even if at the end they do not agree with him. In light of this reminder, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presses into the topic of predestination and argues that God has marked out His people for His particular purpose and end. Taking it a step further, he asks why does the “call” come as the middle link in Paul’s great chain in redemption? Why must it come before justification? He shares that it is because justification is by faith alone and God’s effectual call of the Christian must come before or there would be no movement of the person to trust in Christ. Were it not for the power of the Holy Spirit in calling the person to the Lord Jesus Christ, states Dr. Lloyd-Jones, no one would ever believe the gospel. He then elaborates the work of the Spirit by providing biblical evidence on the nature and character of the doctrine of the effectual call of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers several practical objections to this sovereign work of the Spirit. Listen to this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “Calling: the Middle Link” as he gives insight to what he calls the “middle link” – the effectual call of the Holy Spirit.

The Golden Calf

Acts 7:39-43

All Christians must consider their idols and what they worship. Preaching “The Golden Calf” from Acts 7:39–43, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones starts with the ancient Israelites, who after being delivered from their bondage in Egypt, fashioned an idol of gold made in the image of a calf. They then proceed to bow down and worship it, even claiming that it was this was the god that brought them out of Egypt. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that modern humanity is no different. While it is true that most do not make graven images to bow down to, nevertheless they fashion idols out of money, cars, houses, and pleasure. They worship their own humanity and greatness. The consequences for rejecting the true and living God and worshipping idols in His place are most severe. Scripture tells of the great day of wrath that will pour out on all who reject the true God and do not believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no escaping this judgment, for God has commanded that He alone be worshipped and praised. But God has provided a means of salvation and freedom from sin and idolatry. He has sent his only Son into the world to save all who believe and repent. Jesus Christ died upon the cross and rose from the grave so that all may know and worship God as He is.

The Making of a Preacher

1 Timothy 1:12-16

In this sermon, delivered to commemorate the life of Dr. G Campbell Morgan, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the making of a preacher, using the example of the Apostle Paul as described in 1 Timothy 1:12-16. He emphasizes that a true preacher is one who has been called by God and has personally experienced God's grace and mercy. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues against the notion that unbelief is simply a matter of intellect, knowledge, or mental balance. Instead, he asserts that unbelief is a state or condition produced by the devil, characterized by prejudice, dogmatism, and active resistance to the truth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones delves into Paul's transformation, highlighting how he came to realize his own sinfulness and ignorance of God's law, the true nature of sin, and his condemned state before a righteous God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses that this personal experience of conviction and subsequent enlightenment by the Holy Spirit to God's mercy is essential for a preacher. He contends that only someone who has undergone this transformation can effectively communicate the gospel to others. The sermon challenges modern attempts to explain away faith through intellectual, scientific, or psychological means, arguing that these approaches fail to address the fundamental spiritual condition of unbelief. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by emphasizing that the preacher's role is to help others move from darkness to light, from Satan's power to God, so they may receive forgiveness and inheritance among the sanctified.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - The Latter Years

This historical address, delivered by Iain Murray a few months after the death of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in 1981, reflects on the life and legacy of this great preacher of the gospel. Mr. Murray, a close friend of Dr. Lloyd-Jones and his official biographer, shares personal memories and insights from the final months of Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life. He emphasizes Dr. Lloyd-Jones' deep faith, his preparation for death, and his lifelong commitment to biblical truth. Mr. Murray recounts how Dr. Lloyd-Jones viewed his declining health as an opportunity to prepare spiritually for eternity, rather than lamenting his inability to preach. He highlights Dr. Lloyd-Jones's continued devotion to Scripture reading, prayer, and theological reflection even as his health failed. The address provides glimpses into Dr. Lloyd-Jones's thoughts on death, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of ministers being well-prepared to feed their congregations spiritually. It also touches on key moments in Dr. Lloyd-Jones' life and ministry, including his conversion, call to ministry, and influential tenure at Westminster Chapel in London. Throughout, Mr. Murray emphasizes Dr. Lloyd-Jones's unwavering trust in God's providence and his desire to face death with Christian testimony. The sermon serves as both a tribute to Dr. Lloyd-Jones and an exhortation to other ministers to follow his example of faith, diligence in study, and focus on eternal realities. It provides a deeply personal and moving portrait of one of the 20th century's most significant preachers in his final days.

Hearts Aflame

Luke 24:13-35

In this sermon preached at the Sunday morning service on August 27, 1967 to Seventh Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the encounter between the risen Christ and two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He highlights their initial state of sadness and dejection, despite the resurrection having already occurred. This, he argues, mirrors the condition of many Christians and churches today who, though possessing the truth, live as though defeated. The remedy lies in hearts set aflame by the risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. When Christians live in light of the resurrection, with burning zeal and enthusiasm, they will be filled with an infectious and indelible joy that draws others to the gospel. The church must move from sad and slow hearts to burning hearts if it is to truly live out its calling.

*Special note on Dr. Lloyd-Jones's Preaching Method

During his ministry, it was Dr. Lloyd-Jones's practice to preach sermons geared towards the edification of believers at the Sunday morning service and sermons geared towards the evangelism of unbelievers at the Sunday evening service. This sermon serves as a good example of a message geared towards believers, whereas its counterpart from the evening service (to be released next week) an example geared towards unbelievers. This method has been referred to half-jokingly by contemporaries as "Saints in the morning, Sinners at night!" However, it must be noted that this practice did not mean that within Dr Lloyd-Jones's sermons edification and evangelism were mutually exclusive. There would be plenty within each sermon to feed and convict both believers and unbelievers alike.

Render Unto Caesar…

Matthew 22:15-22

This sermon by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, one of his last to be recorded prior to his death in 1981, was delivered at the final rally of the British Evangelical Council to take place Westminster Chapel in 1979. In it, Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on Jesus's famous teaching to "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are God's" from Matthew 22:15-22. Dr Lloyd-Jones uses this passage to address what he sees as the great tragedy of mankind - its refusal to listen to the only One who can truly help, Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the modern world, like the Pharisees and Herodians who questioned Jesus, is overly preoccupied with lesser matters like politics, social issues, and culture, while neglecting the things of God. He exhorts Christians to follow Christ's example by putting these worldly concerns in their proper place and focusing instead on proclaiming the supernatural reality of God and the dignity of man as made in God's image. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the limited benefits and authority of earthly rulers like Caesar with the eternal power and blessings of God. He emphasizes that while we should be good citizens, our ultimate allegiance is to God alone, and calls believers to declare to a materialistic world that man does not live by bread alone, but is a living soul made for fellowship with the Creator. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by highlighting the incomparable benefits of salvation in Christ - forgiveness, peace, joy, and eternal life - which far surpass anything the world can offer. He urges Christians to pray fervently for revival and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower their witness in these dark times. This sermon is a stirring call for the church to maintain its focus on proclaiming the gospel and the supremacy of God in a world consumed by temporal concerns.