What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About God's Character?

What is the central theme of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon about God?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the central theme of his sermon and the entire Bible is that we need to be reconciled to God. He states, "This is the thing that matters above everything else... What is needed primarily is not that the world, or any one of us as an individual, should be improved and delivered from certain ills and defects that are in us. We do need that. But that isn't the first thing. The first thing that we need individually and the whole world needs is this is to be enabled to face God, to be reconciled to God."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the world's main problem is its relationship with God?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "the whole trouble with the world is that it is in that wrong relationship to God and that nothing will be right until that is put right. There is the central cause of all troubles. Man individually and collectively, in the wrong relationship to God." He cites Jesus' words in John 17:25, "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee," as evidence that this lack of knowledge of God is the fundamental issue.

What philosophical arguments for God's existence does Dr. Lloyd-Jones present?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents several philosophical arguments: 1. The uncaused cause argument - everything has a cause, but ultimately there must be an original, uncaused cause 2. The design argument - the order, pattern, and design in creation suggests a great mind behind it all 3. The moral argument - the existence of good, better, and best suggests an ultimate standard of goodness 4. The psychological argument - the universal consciousness of God that exists in all human cultures

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what is the most powerful evidence for God's existence beyond philosophical arguments?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that "the most potent and powerful argument" is "the evidence of revivals of religion." He describes how the church sometimes appears to be dying, but then suddenly is "awakened and quickened and filled with life and power" in a way that cannot be explained naturally. He says, "Every revival in the history of the church is a manifestation of divine, supernatural power, the power of God."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe God's character in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes God as: - Eternal ("from eternity to eternity") - Majestic and glorious - Omnipresent ("He's everywhere") - Omniscient ("all knowing") - Omnipotent ("Is anything too hard for the Lord?") - Holy ("holy Father") - Just and righteous - Unchangeable ("with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning") - Loving, merciful, and compassionate

What warning does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give about selectively focusing on certain attributes of God?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns against picking out just one attribute of God (like love) and ignoring others (like holiness). He states: "There is nothing that is so dangerous to the soul as just to pick out one attribute and say that that is all. And because God is love, he cannot be righteous. Do you know that's the greatest insult you can ever offer to God?" He emphasizes that "God is one and God is always the same" and that "in everything that God does, the whole of his personality and being comes to light."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the proper response to understanding God's true character?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the proper response is humility, reverence, and repentance. He states: "Whosoever has seen God, even dimly through his book and by the Holy Spirit, falls before him in reverence and in godly fear." He urges his listeners to acknowledge their sin and cry out like the publican in Jesus' parable, "God, be merciful to me." He concludes by urging people to "see yourself in the light of the glory of God and fall before him, and cast yourselves upon his mercy in Jesus Christ."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe that world problems like nuclear weapons are not the church's primary concern?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains: "That's not the business of the christian church. I'm in no position tonight to tell you how to prevent wars. But what I am commissioned to do is this is to tell you something which, even if these bombs are used and the world is blasted to nothing, will ensure that you are all right." He emphasizes that death is inevitable for everyone regardless of world events, and the urgent matter is being ready to meet God.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as evidence for God?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls Jesus Christ "the greatest of all" proofs for God's existence. He asks, "Look at his person, look at his actions. Listen to his words. How do you explain him? Is he but a man?" He points out that Jesus Himself claimed, "I and the father are one" and that Jesus "came to reveal God." He concludes that Jesus "is the final proof of the fact that God is."

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what happens when someone truly knows God?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that when someone truly knows God, it is evident in their life: "According to this record, in its teaching, in its history, in its personalities, in everything, when a man knows God well, you can see it in his life, in his demeanor, in the whole of his way of living." He contrasts this with those who speak glibly about believing in God but whose lives show no evidence of actually knowing Him.