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A Share in the Glory

Romans 8:18

In Romans 8:18, Paul says that no present trial or suffering is to compare with the glory that is to come. What would enable a person to say that? In this sermon on Romans 8:18 titled “A Share in the Glory,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains this view of Christians in two viewpoints. There are certain sufferings that only Christians have but a Christian also has a hope that is to come and this outshines any hardships they are currently experiencing. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that a Christian has a correct view of time and their life in this world. There is a distinct separation of time in this present world and then there is eternity with Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also says that the Christian has grasped Scripture in light of what is to come. A Christian should continually declare the name of the Lord and do His will until that day comes; everything one does should be done in light of that great day. The future glory is already here but has not yet been revealed. Christians do not belong to this present age but are citizens of another age and eagerly awaiting that day. Those who are in Christ will not be spectators but actual partakers of that glory.

The Importance of Self-Examination

2 Corinthians 13:5

There is a great danger in assuming one is a Christian and discovering, in times of need, that they are not. Many people think they know what Christianity is, but do they? Learn the importance of examining oneself regularly, the danger of self-deception, and the marks of a true Christian from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:5. The problems of experience and of temptation must be examined as the Christian becomes increasingly aware of their own hopelessness and in seeing the contrast of revealing sin and of revealing Christ. The hope of regeneration is discussed as it enables the Christian to live triumphantly. Test any and every teaching by asking: “Does it really help to conquer life in this world?” Christianity is intellectual realism, not escapism, fatalism, stoicism, or wishful thinking. Can the saved person rejoice in the midst of suffering? Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to discover the most honest book in the world and how it shows how to face the facts just as they are. The gospel of Christ separates the Christian from this present, evil world. Christians are in the world, but no longer of it. The world is a vain show, that at its very best is only temporary. Find God’s grace that offers both peace with God and the peace of God!

Head of a New Humanity

Acts 2:24

The Christian faith is one that is based on real historical facts. Just as the Old Testament tells of actual people, places, and events, the New Testament does as well. However, as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones demonstrates in this sermon on Acts 2:24 titled “Head of a New Humanity,” there are some who claim that the hallmark of true religion ignores historical events, and is built on one’s feelings and emotions. They claim that the historical existence of Jesus is not important because they feel in their hearts that He lived and rose from the dead. This may sound pious and spiritual, but is it biblical? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question with a resounding no. He says that the Bible teaches not only the historical events of the life of Jesus and His resurrection, but the New Testament authors, particularly Paul, view the physical, bodily resurrection as central and necessary to salvation. The Bible says that if Christ did not rise from the dead in a physical body then there is no salvation and there is no Christianity. The church must fight against all heresies that claim the physical resurrection is not important. The hope of all Christians is that one day they will be resurrected just as Christ was.

Patient in Tribulation

Romans 12:12

The Christian should ask themselves if they are “fervent in spirit” and learn to look at their total view of life in this world as Christian people. There is nothing so fatal for the Christian than to misunderstand his or her life in this present world. “The only way a Christian can rejoice is in the life of this hope [Christ].” How are they then to live in this present world? “We must never allow tribulation to do us any harm at all.” In this sermon on Romans 12:12 titled “Patient in Tribulation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Is your reaction one of grumbling or of patient endurance in the midst of tribulation?” The Christian ought to expect trouble to come their way. Nothing teaches the believer better than tribulations: weakness, pride, and selfishness is brought out in trials. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that these trials yield the fruit of righteousness. Prayer results from tribulation and one ought to quickly seek this refuge. Christians are in the fight of faith; not against the things of this world, but against the spiritual matters. Do not continue in ignorance and self-confidence that pervades common humanity. Rejoice in knowing that truly nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ, not even the hardest of trials or tribulation.

All of God

Acts 8:26

Why are people so opposed to the idea of the supernatural? Why does humanity so quickly reject any belief that says there is something beyond people, matter, and motion? In the sermon “All of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says the answer is because rather than deal with the hard reality of personal sin, humanity chooses to wholly reject the existence of God. Instead of submitting to the one true God, they wrongly believe in a closed universe with no deity that acts outside of time and history to bring about change in the world. The result is that they are left with just humanity, their intellect, and mind. But the word of God tells something quite different from the scientific humanist, for at the very heart of Christianity is the belief that not only does God exist, but He deeply loves this whole world to the point that He sent His only beloved Son to act in history to redeem sinners. Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate Son, was born into the world in a real place, to real human parents. He died a real death so that sinners could be redeemed from their sin and guilt. There is no other hope for the world. God has provided no other way of salvation other than believing in the name of Jesus.

Ignorant of the Truth of God

Jeremiah 2:18

What is the world’s greatest problem? Many would say war; others would say it is poverty. Some say that regardless of what the problem is, it can be solved by education alone. In this sermon on Jeremiah 2:18 titled “Ignorant of the Truth of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones goes on to show how all of these answers provide an unbiblical response to this most important question. According to Scripture, all the trouble in the world is only a result of humanity’s sinful and rebellious nature. Though people were created good and holy, they rejected God, and as a result of this fell into sin and condemnation. This fall brought the whole created order into a state of sin and despair. What was once created good by God has now become distorted and corrupted. Humanity now does not know God and does not seek to love or serve Him as they were created to do. If all the world’s problems stem from people not knowing God, what is the answer? God has made a way of salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died for all who believe in order that those who repent of their sins and believe upon His name are forgiven of their sins and made children of God. This is the world’s only hope.

Jesus; Our High Priest

Acts 7:37-38

Must a person be perfect to truly serve God? With the sermon “Jesus, Our High Priest” from Acts 7:37–38, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows the incredible life of Moses who was greatly used by God. As Scripture records, his internal battle with sin was also prevalent. It was this hero of the faith who God used to bring His people out of Egypt and deliver the law to the people of Israel. Nevertheless, Moses was still a man whose sin kept him from entering the promised land. But, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes, Moses prefigured the Great Mediator who would never die and who knew no sin. This mediator was Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Jesus is not only the fulfillment of Moses and his role as mediator and leader, but Jesus also fulfills the whole law. He is the great high priest, king, and prophet. He is the perfect sacrifice that truly and finally removes the sins of His people, but many of the Jewish leaders in the time of the apostles did not understand this. This is seen in the trial and martyrdom of Stephen, who proclaimed the message of Jesus as the greater and better Moses. What the world needs to see is the hope in Christ who redeems life for His purposes.

... We Walk By Faith

2 Corinthians 5:1-7

The gospel is essentially practical. The Christian life is one where we walk by faith. Listen to this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:1–7 as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that a Christian is strikingly different because they know why the world is as it is, while the nonbeliever cannot understand it. Any human is foolish to think that they could be “God.” Conceit has always been one of humanity’s greatest issue. The Christian knows this is not the only world; it is a brief life that prepares them for the one to come. Does Christianity take a pessimistic view of humanity? Look at the condition of today’s world: should people be concerned about the pleasures of this world? Learn what it means to live “concerned for the glory of God” and be willing to be absent from the physical body to be present with the Lord. The earnest expectation of all creation groans in pain until Christ returns to renew all. Hope cannot be based not on this world and life, but on the one to come. This sermon on walking by faith encourages the listener to see how the world looks under the mighty hand of God and become a citizen of God’s eternal city.

The Wonderful Works of God

Acts 2:11

Why did the apostles in the early Church stand before Israelites and Greeks alike and proclaim the truth that God raised Jesus from the dead? In a day when many claim that Christianity is not about facts or historical events, this may seem strange. But in this sermon on Acts 2:11, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that at the center of Christianity is the great works of God! The holy Scripture proclaims that God, the creator and sustainer of the whole world, has come down in the form of a servant. Jesus Christ is both God and man, and He has come to seek and save the lost. He has come to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Jesus is the only hope for the world, for all who believe in His death and resurrection are saved and made right before God. Christianity is based on the facts of what God has done in history for His people. This sermon confronts us all with the truth that God has died for sinner so that they might have true life. There is no more important message for men and women in all ages.

So Great Salvation

Hebrews 2:1-4

Why is it such a terrible thing to reject the gospel? In this sermon, “So Great Salvation,” from Hebrews 2:1–4 titled Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on humanity’s need of salvation and what happens if one rejects it. Salvation is such a weighty matter because of its source: God. If anyone says no to salvation, then they say no to the God who has offered salvation to all who believe. This is why it is such a dangerous thing to spurn God’s gracious gift that He has put forward in Jesus Christ. But those who do accept salvation are given the greatest possible blessing: eternal life and peace with God. The gospel is God’s ultimate gift of grace that alone can free people from sin and judgement. This sermon calls each and every one to examine themselves and ask the question: “have I accepted God’s gift of salvation? Am I trusting in Jesus as my only hope?” This is not an inconsequential question, but it is the most important question anyone can ask, for with the great gift of salvation comes the great penalty for rejecting it.

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.

Discouragement

Ephesians 6:10-13

The devil uses multiple tactics in order to discourage God’s people from being useful for kingdom work. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Discouragement,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses how discouragement cripples the life of the Christian and how God has equipped His people to fight against this attack in His word. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses the difference between self-evaluation and introspection, which is looking to oneself for their worth and value. Dr. Lloyd-Jones combats this by stating that what makes a person a Christian is not anything that they will find within, but simply through the blood of the Savior. Christian assurance can never come from oneself; this will only breed discouragement. The Christian must instead combat their own doubts and discouragement with thankfulness over what Christ has already accomplished. This is a truth that should demand action from the Christian, saturating every aspect of their life and ministry. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the hope that can be found in the midst of a discouraging world and the friend the Christian has in Jesus; a friend who is no stranger to the hurdles Christian’s face.

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.

Prayer: Boldness and Access

Ephesians 3:12

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:12 titled “Prayer: Boldness and Access,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the privilege and importance of prayer. The apostle Paul makes the point that Christians have access to God in prayer through Christ and can come with boldness and confidence. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shows the importance of doctrine and practicing in one’s prayer life. If Christians focus on doctrine only, they will miss the point. But if all doctrine is abandoned and one simply hopes to “practice,” then the point is missed again. Rather one must know what God says about the Christian life, prayer, and faith in Christ and then apply those things in practice. How can one expect to come to God with boldness if they do not first understand how? Christians can boldly approach the throne of grace in prayer through faith in Christ; He has made the way. He is the access to God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives two principles to think about in prayer life. First, when coming to God in prayer, Christians must not rely on feelings, mood, or state of being to inform how to pray or if they pray at all. They must realize that these can be tools used by the devil to keep the Christian from prayer, to plague them with doubts, and remind of their sins. Secondly, Christians must preach to themselves. They must remind themselves over and over of the truths of Scripture. They must remind themselves in the throes of doubt that Christ is the redeemer and mediator. He is faithful to forgive and the Christian can boldly approach God in prayer through Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with this great reminder, “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

Changing Nations One Soul at a Time

Acts 8:4-12

The gospel is given for individual salvation, but it has implications for the whole world. In the sermon “The Individual Writ Large” on Acts 8:4–12, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how nations and societies will never be good and upright until the individuals who make up these societies and nations are transformed. This is why people who say things like “Christianity is about world peace” and “we should not be concerned with individuals, but with societies” misunderstand the message of the church as seen in the Bible and particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles did not tell the Roman emperor what to do nor did they start a protest. They proclaimed the kingship of the crucified and risen Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is this Jesus who died so that all would be saved from the wrath of God and made right with God. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims, there is no other message that can save. It is not the message of the humanist who sees people as good by nature, and not the message of the philosopher who thinks that by using right reason, people will be able to stop all war and evil. No, it is only the message of Jesus that offers any hope for this sin-filled world.

The Christian Life

Jeremiah 17:5-8

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.

A New Life

Acts 8:5-12

Will this world ever get better? In the sermon “A New Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings the hard reality from God’s word in Acts 8:5–12 that the entire world lies in darkness and under the control of the evil one. This is because the original man, Adam, was deceived and fell into sin. This fall has poured throughout every aspect of creation. This is why the world of today is as it is, filled with sin and suffering. As a result of this sin, humanity is blinded and spiritually dead. It is unable to hear and believe the good news of the gospel. This is why the only way one can be saved is through the regenerating grace of God in the Holy Spirit. This is a miraculous work by which God gives new life to dead sinners who hate and reject Him. This is the greatness of the gospel; it is something God does for those who are not even able to hear the good news without grace. By their very nature, all people know of the need for salvation. They know that they will continue to live once this life has ended. Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that while eternal life is offered to all who believe, all who reject Jesus Christ have no hope in eternity.

The Gospel of Peace

Romans 10:15

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.

But God... Part 3

Ephesians 2:4

In this powerful sermon, preached at Columbia Bible College's Ben Lippen Conference Center near Asheville (North Carolina), Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the profound significance of two simple words found in Ephesians 2:4 - "But God." He argues that these words encapsulate the very essence of the Christian gospel and should be the most frequent words on the lips of believers today. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the hopeless state of mankind apart from God, dead in sin and under the influence of Satan, with the miraculous intervention of God's grace. He emphasizes that the gospel is inherently supernatural and divine, beyond human comprehension or ability. Using examples like Mary and Nicodemus, he shows how even devout people can stumble over the miraculous nature of God's work. The preacher highlights the element of surprise in the gospel - that God would love and save those who were His enemies. He stresses that salvation is entirely of God from beginning to end, not dependent on human effort or decision. Dr. Lloyd-Jones marvels at God's rich mercy, great love, and exceeding grace toward undeserving sinners. He proclaims that through Christ, believers are not only raised from spiritual death but seated with Him in heavenly places. Ultimately, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the "But God" of the gospel as the only true hope and encouragement for both individuals and the church in a dark and troubled world. *Please note that some sections of the original sermon were lost in the audio recording. However, we have done our best to make the sermon as seamless as possible.

The Father of Glory

Ephesians 1:17

Prayer is central to every believers’ life and critical to discipleship and worship. However, Christians often feel ashamed to talk about their personal prayer life. They read books and manuals on prayer, hoping to find the perfect solution to a fickle prayer life. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:17 titled “The Father of Glory,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that questions found in books on prayer often miss the point. Christians must not focus on form or saying the most beautiful words. Nor should Christians simply telegraph their petitions in a sentence or two. Instead they must remember, recollect, and pause, as the apostle Paul does, to whom they are speaking. Paul, in just one verse, notes in his prayer that he is praying to the God with whom he has a covenant relationship. The God of the incarnate Son. Not an unknown god, but the God revealed through the Lord Jesus Christ. This God is the source of all glory. He is the glorious One, who gives glory, not only to the Son, but to His people. When one remembers who they are praying to before they begin, they will, indeed, find little trouble engaging in the greatest activity any human being can do: speak to God.