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No Longer Slaves

Acts 7:35-36

The message of the gospel is as hard for people to believe today as it was in the days of the apostles. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on Acts 7:35­–36 in this sermon titled “No Longer Slaves,” he shows that the gospel contradicts humanity’s notion of self-sufficiency and grandeur. The Jewish leaders rejected Christ as the only atonement for sin. Stephen boldly proclaimed this message and the reaction from society was so violent that it cost him his life. They saw his message as an offense to Moses, the law, the temple, and God himself. Stephen explained how their own history revealed Christ as the one who fulfilled the law that Moses received from God on Mount Sinai. It is Christ who fulfills all of redemptive history. He is above the temple, the law, and Moses. By opposing Christ, the Sanhedrin were the ones rejecting Moses and the law. Their rejection of the gospel is a turning from the only way to be delivered from the bondage and slavery of sin and the devil. This is the great tragedy of unbelief: when men and women reject Jesus Christ, they reject the only way of salvation that God has given to the world.

Professing Themselves Wise

Acts 7:20-29

Sin impacts everyone. No one can escape the devastating reality of the fallen world. What began in the garden with Adam and Eve, continues to corrupt everyone today. This corruption and depravity applies to all of human faculties, especially the mind. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes in this sermon titled “Professing Themselves Wise,” this accounts for the fundamentally wrong perceptions of God that fallen humans have. They are unable to understand God and His attributes. They are unable to receive His revelation that is clearly seen in nature and uniquely revealed in Scripture. But there is a unique danger when the church loses sight of the gospel it is to proclaim. Even the church can be drawn aside all too quickly from proclaiming the pure milk of the word and begin delivering only a message of moral conformity or comfort and ease. When the church does not understand the root of all unbelief in the corrupted mind and nature, it will fail to see the great the need for the gospel. The antidote, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims, is to diligently study the word and boldly preach the gospel. For this alone is the power that can restore and renew hearts and minds. This is the message that must be proclaimed.

The Message Calls for a Decision

Acts 4:13-22

Those who reject Christianity do not do so on the basis of rational thought. This is seen in the actions of the Jewish leaders, who do not deny the miracles done by the Apostles in the name of Jesus Christ, but nevertheless sought to stop their ministry and silence their preaching. In this sermon on Acts 4:13–22, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that the reason for this opposition to the truth of God’s gospel is found in fallen and sin-bound minds. Because of the fall, all have been enslaved to sin and the devil. Their every faculty is thoroughly and wholly dominated by sin, and it is this sin that produces unbelief. For this reason, no one should be surprised when the gospel is rejected, for the Bible tells that without the work of God in their hearts, no one will believe. This is because belief is not a matter of reason, facts, or compelling argumentation, but it is about the state of one’s heart. The church should not fear the many so-called intellectual assaults against Christianity, for all these arguments are really a matter of one’s relationship to God and His gospel. Only the heart that has been regenerated can truly think rightly about God.

Spiritual Blindness

Acts 5:33-42

Can one reject the gospel and still be a good person? Many, even in the church, would say that one can reject the message of Jesus Christ as Savior and still be good and virtuous. However, in this sermon from Acts 5:33–42 titled “Spiritual Blindness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows just how wrong this notion really is. The book of Acts shows that all those who rejected the apostles rejected God Himself. Even Gamaliel ultimately rejects the message that the apostles proclaimed. Because the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way anyone can be saved, all who reject it make themselves enemies of God. What does this mean today? It means that all must believe in the gospel to be saved. It means that each and every one that has been confronted with the person and work of Jesus can reject this message and die in their sins, or they can believe and become children of God. One must ask: “Do I trust in Jesus or am I like so many that rest only in what I have done and in my goodness?” Only by believing in Jesus can anyone be saved. This is the message of the apostles and it must also be the message today.

Unbelief and Modern Man

Luke 4:22

Why do men and women today reject Jesus? In this message on Luke 4:22 titled “Unbelief and Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that modern people reject the gospel for the same reason that the Jewish people of Jesus’s day rejected Him: Jesus is not who they want Him to be. Jesus is not a mere moral teacher dedicated to giving them a better life. He is the Son of God that has come into to the world to take away its sin and destroy evil. In their prejudice, people reject the idea that they could need a Savior because humankind naturally hates the idea that they are vile sinners in need of divine grace. Humanity uses so-called reason as an excuse to reject the gospel. This sermon tells the bad news that humanity is in sin, in denial of their situation, are lost, and on a path to eternal destruction. But more importantly, it tells that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus alone can overcome this hatred and prejudice and make fallen sinners children of God. This sermon contains the only message of true and lasting hope: the message of the gospel.

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.

His Ways Are Past Finding Out

Romans 11:33-36

In this sermon on Romans 11:33–36 titled “His Ways Are Past Finding Out,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about something that no amount of words can adequately explain. God’s ways are so immense that they cannot be traced out. There is a great divide of Christianity; not in regard to particular details, but rather “our whole approach to the gospel.” Is the Christian called to proclamation or to dialogue? When one looks at the apostolic method and message, do the apostles start with modern humanity to make their declarations for the gospel? People must be born again of water and spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The natural person constantly misunderstands the whole of God’s way. God is absolute, infinite, and holy in every respect. The listener is encouraged to look of humanity’s limited nature in a way that may have never been considered. The gospel is hid to those who are lost and in their natural state; all humans are sinners and ignorant of who God truly is. Look upon the grace of God and stand in awe. His ways are far beyond finding out, but it is here that one gains assurance for salvation.

Conformed to Christ

Romans 8:28-30

Why does Christianity claim to be the only way of salvation? As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches this sermon from Romans 8:28-30 titled “Confirmed to Christ,” the gospel is a message of exclusivity that tells of salvation through Christ by His life, death, and resurrection. The teaching that all those who do not believe in the gospel in this life will be judged and condemned in the next is found throughout the Bible. Nevertheless, many fight and resist this teaching on the basis that it is narrow and unloving of God to condemn sinners to an eternity in hell. But, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener, all are in sin and under the condemnation and judgment of God on account of their unrighteousness and rebellion against Him. All have fallen in Adam who was the head of the whole human race. As the head of the new humanity, Christ died and conquered the grave so that all creation would be redeemed and made new. What was lost in Adam will be regained in Christ and more. It is only in Christ that people can become partakers of His blessings and become children of God. There is no salvation outside of Christ. This ought to compel all believers to proclaim the gospel to all who are lost and live in darkness.

The Way of Sanctification

Romans 8:12-13

The apostle Paul often reasons with the Christians to whom he is writing. He does not merely state facts, but engages them with truths based upon the gospel so that they might understand how to live the Christian life. While Paul reminds the Romans of their condition apart from Christ, he also presents them with the truth that if they have faith in Christ, they have the Spirit to indwell them. Based upon the work of Christ, they are indeed justified before God. From here, he forces them to consider how foolish it is for them to continue to live according to the flesh. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues in this sermon on Romans 8:12­–13 titled “The Way of Sanctification” that Paul’s admonition to mortify the flesh is based upon the logic of the gospel. In other words, as one realizes the truth about their standing with God in the gospel, they put the truth into practice and mortify the evil deeds of the flesh. In short, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, this is the way of sanctification. Listen and grow in understanding of Scripture as he works meticulously through this passage and traces the doctrine of sanctification throughout the New Testament.

The Strong Man Disarmed

Ephesians 6:10-13

Because of Adam’s sin, the whole world became subject to sin and the rule of Satan. The devil, also called the prince of the world, blinds people from seeing and believing in the truth of the gospel. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “The Strong Man Disarmed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes the way Christ has broken the grip that the evil one has on the world. For Jesus has bound the strong man and by the proclamation of the gospel, the works of Satan and all who follow him are destroyed. This means that Christians can take the gospel to the ends of the earth knowing that Jesus has overcome the evil forces that once dominated this world. Even while Satan and his demons still have some control and influence in the world, the day will come when Christ will return and vanquish the devil and all who worship him once and for all. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, Christ Jesus will bring to completion what which He started on the cross when He comes again to bring the new heaven and earth. This gives all who love Christ confidence and boldness knowing that He has overcome the devil and will finally defeat him on the last day.

Stand Fast

Ephesians 6:15

In the Christian battle with the devil, one of the most important things to have is balance. Balance is what keeps the Christian from slipping and falling into the traps of the devil. But how does one have balance? How do they stand firm and fight against the devil? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:15 titled “Stand Fast,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how Christians are to shod their feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace in order to obtain balance in battle. He explains how Roman soldiers would arm their feet with gripping sandals to provide firmness, mobility, and safety against traps. Similarly, when Christians arm their feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace, they are preparing and readying themselves to stand firm and plant their feet upon the solid rock of the word of God. It is what allows Christians to proceed confidently in the day of battle, knowing where they stand. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to explain how it also represents watchfulness and readiness against the ever-present traps of the devil. It is through arming the feet for battle with the preparation of the gospel of peace that the Christian will be able to stand firm in the day of battle.

Knowing the Love of Christ

Ephesians 3:18-19

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:18–19 titled “Knowing the Love of Christ,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that there are two wrong ways to think about love. One is to see love as purely intellectual and mental. The other is to see love as nothing more than emotional feelings. He says that the biblical view of love, as found in the New Testament, is a much richer expression than either of these false views. Love causes one to seek to understand it and apprehend it. It prompts the hearts of those who have been touched by it to respond in joy and love. This particularly is the case with the love seen in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The love of God in Christ transforms and renews all who believe in the gospel. Testament to this experience is found in the lives of saints and faithful believers all throughout the history of the church. There are many uneducated, ordinary Christians who came to know the love of God and the gospel in a deep and personal way. These were not great theologians and preachers but everyday Christians. This should prompt people of faith to abandon all views of spiritual superiority and see that this great knowledge and experience of love is available to all of God’s children.

The Greatness of His Power

Ephesians 1:19-20

Are Christians guilty of underestimating the need for God’s power? At first it may sound like a silly question. After all, any Christian will rightly affirm their daily need of God’s power. But while Christians may correctly affirm the continual need of God’s power in their lives, many times they will assume initial belief in the gospel is easy. Conversations among some Christians often assume anybody who wants to believe the gospel can do so. In this sermon on the greatness of God’s power from Ephesians 1:19–20 titled “The Greatness of His Power,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says this is a grave mistake. To do so tragically misunderstands the need for God’s power to believe. It misunderstands the consequences of sin and the power of the new birth. With its darkened mind, proud heart, and deadly prejudices against the gospel, humanity must experience regeneration if there is any chance of coming to faith in Christ. Do unregenerate people need God’s power? Given these theological truths, it is foolish to think otherwise. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expands on this topic and explains the desperate need of God’s grace.

To See Him Who Is Invisible

John 1:12-13 ; Hebrews 11:23-29

How does living in the assurance of God’s love for the Christian change their life? If the life of Moses is considered, a person of faith is one who is confident that they belong not to this world, but to the people of God. In this sermon on John 1:12–13, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how Moses turned his back on his old life as a prince with all its power and glory to be counted amongst the people of God. He was willing to suffer as an Israelite because he knew who he was. It is no different in the life of New Testament believers. [MOU1] Those who are confident in their place in Christ are willing to suffer for Him, even to the point of death. Those who doubt that they are God’s children will have a hard time suffering for Him and His gospel. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the matter of assurance is a profoundly practical question that impacts how the Christian lives in the world and lives for the gospel. The glorious truth of the gospel is that all can know that they are saved. All who believe in Jesus can know that they are resting in God, and that God is wholly for them.

And the Jews Marvelled

John 7:15

Trimming Christianity to mere ethical teachings or to matters of political agitation may interest certain people. Christians may even gain the respect of others through their good deeds or for their dedication to Sunday morning service. But in neither case, argues Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones, will people marvel at the Christian gospel. The one thing that true Christianity leads to is wonder and amazement. In this sermon on John 7:15 titled “And the Jews Marveled,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the essence of the gospel always leads people to marvel and true Christianity will have this effect. In the sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones traces this theme of amazement, astonishment, and marvel through the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He asks whether or not the church is causing people to marvel, and if not, why? The listener will be challenged if they think Christianity is a set of rules to follow or a political program; that Jesus Christ came to help people live a better life; or that Jesus was simply a good man who left an example to follow. Listen to what the Bible says about the effect of the true gospel and hear the message of God’s grace, His salvation through Jesus Christ.

Righteousness by Faith

Romans 10:5-8

How far away is the truth? What quest or journey must be traversed in order to find God? Is there some kind of special act one must perform in order to make their way to God? Many people teach that God is so far away that the gap is unspeakably difficult to cross. Others teach that one must cross the gap to God by their own efforts. Whether it is Roman Catholicism, the mystical way, or Protestant intellectualism, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones finds the answer to such false systems in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 10:5–8. The apostle invokes the great preacher of the law – Moses – in order to show that God has revealed Himself perfectly clearly. There is no need to ascend to heaven or descend into the deep. God, through Christ, has revealed Himself fully in the gospel and the gospel way is not about human efforts. It is not about their assent or justification by works. Salvation is about justification by faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. In this sermon on Romans 10:5–8 titled “Righteousness by Faith,” listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies Paul’s gospel message to contemporary ears and encourages with the grace-filled message of our savior.

Hearing and Learning Christ

Ephesians 4:20-21

Those who try to separate the call of the gospel from the call to be holy make a great error. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:20–21 titled “Hearing and Learning Christ,” Dr Lloyd-Jones argues that the Bible presents the life of faith as a pursuit of holiness and righteousness that comes out of the new person through the Holy Spirit. Christians ought not separate belief in the gospel from living out the call of God in their lives to be imitators of Christ and to obey all that He commands. Preachers who misunderstand the connection between holiness and belief in the gospel often confuse listeners that they seek to evangelize by presenting the Christian life as compartmentalized. However, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, even the pursuit of holiness in the life of the Christian is ultimately a result of what God has done in and through His Son Jesus Christ. Christians can easily fall into legalism when they disconnect the sovereign act of salvation from everyday Christian life. Christians must avoid dualisms knowing that Christ made them a new people by His death and resurrection. Therefore they respond in love and obedience, not as a way to gain favor with God, but because Christ has already done so for them.

What Shall We Do?

Acts 2:37-40

The great need for every person living on earth is not for the world to be made a better place, but for their souls to be saved from eternal destruction. In this sermon on Acts 2:37–40 titled “What Shall We Do?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says this is why the gospel is first and foremost a call to personal salvation and repentance. When the apostles and Jesus Christ preached, they did not do so before nations and governments, but before individual people. They spoke of the judgment that each person must endure in the final days because of their sins, and the only way to escape this judgment was repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This is not to deny the importance of working to make the world a better place through charity and the like, but it does mean that the primary application of the gospel is to individual salvation. While some may claim that this concern with personal salvation is narrow-sighted and selfish, the Bible presents the greatest need for all is salvation. Salvation is purposefully a matter of individuals, not nations and countries. The church and Christians must be focused in their proclamation of the gospel so that it does not become another message of social reform, but it is the power of salvation to all who believe.

The Ladder

John 1:50-51

Why did Jesus live and die as a man here on earth? In this sermon on John 1:50–51 titled “The Ladder,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that according to the Scriptures, it was for the salvation of sinners. Jesus alone serves as the ladder that connects God and humanity. This is accomplished by His death, burial, and resurrection, wherein He redeems all who repent and believe in Him. It is in Christ that the person and power of God the Father is revealed to humanity. Without grace, sinners cannot know God or love Him. Furthermore, Jesus fulfills the righteous requirements of the law by granting true righteousness and holiness to His chosen people. Christians are then freed from the wrath and condemnation of God. In the gospel, Jesus died in the place of sinful people so that they could live as children of God and inheritors of all the blessings of God. They are then able to overcome the schemes of Satan, who is the enemy of God, and continually opposes the gospel and the mission of the church. In Christ Jesus, God has given Christians the power to overcome sin, flesh, temptation, the world, and the devil. While all are powerless on their own, the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to overcome all sin and evil in the world.

Spiritual Dullness

John 4:13-14

The Samaritan woman that Jesus encounters in John 4:13–14 is a good example of someone who is unable to see things spiritually. Throughout this encounter, Jesus mentions spiritual things, such as the nature of salvation and redemption, but this woman understands Him only as speaking of worldly things. Unfortunately, as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in this sermon titled “Spiritual Dullness,” this is the state of all people who live in sin and darkness. Those who do not have a renewed mind do not have the ability to understand gospel truths, for these are spiritually discerned by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Even Christians are often blind to spiritual truths. This can result from a lack of a proper understanding of God’s word or from sin in the life of believers. Many Christians try to rationalize their sins instead of confronting them and this can lead to spiritual blindness and a life of alienation from God and neighbor. This is why the church must proclaim the gospel that continually transforms and renews believers. Every day Christians are in need of God’s great grace again, and God is faithful to give His grace in Christ to believers. This should encourage all Christians to rely on God for all things and to faithfully and joyfully proclaim the great truth of the gospel of salvation by grace alone.