From the MLJ Archive

1 Peter 1:8 — What is the single most important thing in life? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:8 titled “What it Means to be a Christian,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that the most fundamental part of everyone’s life is their relationship with Jesus. With so much false teaching being popularized today, many people misunderstand what it means to be a Christian. Some say they are followers of Jesus because they were baptized as infants, while others claim the name of Jesus because their parents were believers. However, in this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that a true relationship with Jesus has three basic characteristics. First, a Christian believes in Jesus— not just accepting historical facts about Him, but also believing in Him for salvation and submitting their life to following Jesus. Second, a true believer loves Jesus because Christians cannot believe in what He has done for them without being filled with love and thankfulness. Finally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches, a true Christian rejoices in Jesus and His victory over death. Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches about what a thriving relationship with Jesus looks like and how anyone can have it today.

1 Peter 1:23 — In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:23 titled “Assurance: Concerning the Word of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about how one can be born again by an incorruptible seed. Look at the word of God that lives and abides forever. Scripture is not out of date but is the very Word of God, not mere opinion or prophesy of people. What is the origin of the universe, humanity, and the design of creation? Hear of the intelligence behind this marvelous creation and answer each of these questions by looking at the Bible. Education and money cannot end war. Humanity has rebelled against God and will never find peace and happiness apart from Him. God made people in His own image to live in a certain way. Scripture addresses people and their condition before God. The word of humans will always end, but God’s word will continue speaking forever. God is the ultimate judge for eternity and will examine all people, not on their knowledge of the evening news, but on their knowledge and glory of God. No one can be just without God. Look forward to glory everlasting, an incorruptible inheritance, reserved for His children in heaven.

1 Peter 1:8 — What is the single most important thing in life? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:8 titled “What it Means to be a Christian,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that the most fundamental part of everyone’s life is their relationship with Jesus. With so much false teaching being popularized today, many people misunderstand what it means to be a Christian. Some say they are followers of Jesus because they were baptized as infants, while others claim the name of Jesus because their parents were believers. However, in this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that a true relationship with Jesus has three basic characteristics. First, a Christian believes in Jesus— not just accepting historical facts about Him, but also believing in Him for salvation and submitting their life to following Jesus. Second, a true believer loves Jesus because Christians cannot believe in what He has done for them without being filled with love and thankfulness. Finally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches, a true Christian rejoices in Jesus and His victory over death. Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches about what a thriving relationship with Jesus looks like and how anyone can have it today.

John 8:21-24 — What is the most important question anyone can ask? Christianity says that it is the question of how all will die. This is not the question of what way will they die, but it is the question of the state of the soul when they die. In this sermon on John 8:21–24 titled “Two Ways of Dying,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how many simply wonder if they will die rich or poor, lonely or surrounded by friends, in war or peace. Yet, while these may be important questions, the most important is whether or not one is right with God. Jesus teaches that all who die in their sins and apart from Him will be condemned. While many may believe that they will continue to exist after they die, this is still wrong if it does not include the Bible’s teaching in the final judgment, resurrection of the dead, and necessity of believing the gospel. What, then, is the right way to die? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the only way to die in peace is to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He has done what He has said He will. It is to believe that Jesus is the only savior of the world and that He has redeemed all those that believe in Him.

Psalms 2:1-12 — In this sermon on Psalm 2, you will learn that Scripture always speaks to the precise position in which we each find ourselves today. Realize first, that in and of ourselves, we can do nothing. We must pray to God that He might pour out His Spirit in a manner that it might be irresistible. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how the second Psalm describes our present position. Are you astonished at the state of the world? This is a state of organized insanity and confusion. “Pride of man and earthly glory, sword and crown betray its trust, what with care and trial he buildeth, tower and temple fall to dust.” In this modern world, we must go back and read the instructions from our Maker – otherwise, there is no hope. The cause of our troubles and unhappiness is due to man’s sin. This is not simply weakness in human nature, it is a willful act and hatred against God. God looks upon mankind in wrath as man opposes both His Law and love. Love manifested in the death of His own Son. God's final appeal is to be wise, serving Him with fear, and rejoicing with trembling. The modern man needs reverent preaching, not shallow entertainment. Look at God's offer of salvation!

Hebrews 12:27-29 — Does Christianity have a place in today’s modern world, or is it outdated and in need of being replaced by newer ideas? Many people think that Christianity, and especially many of its teachings, are irrelevant because they are from such a long time ago. In this sermon on Hebrews 12:27–29 titled “The Gospel in the Modern World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that the Christian faith is needed just as much now as it was then. People throughout history have thought that the world would get better with new technology, globalization, and other breakthroughs that would unite the world. However, these man-made solutions have failed to bring about the utopia that many hoped for. Massive empires that once dominated the world are now nothing. Science, philosophy, wealth, and politics have all failed to bring about the change that is desperately desired. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that this is due to human sinfulness. No one is perfect and nothing they build can be perfect. Thus, no one is capable of ultimately fixing the issues encountered in the world. The Bible alone gives an explanation for the state of the current world, and the Bible alone provides a basis of hope for the future. God’s kingdom is the only one that won’t change and that will last forever.

2 Corinthians 5:11 — How should pastors view the church? How should a church view its pastor? In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:11 titled “For Church and Minister,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the importance of both a church and its pastor, and how the two relate to each other. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by laying out three points centered around Paul’s letters to various congregations and his relationship with them. First, an unsupportive church can greatly hinder the pastor and his ministry, and be a source of major contention that makes it hard for the shepherd to do his work. Second, a good church can fill a vital role by encouraging its pastor. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is one of the easiest yet most valuable things a church can do. Finally, as Paul declared in the epistle, a church filled with people seeking the Lord and following the pastor’s instruction is the best testimony he can have. Dr. Lloyd-Jones spends the latter half of his sermon addressing the role of the pastor. Like an ambassador, pastors are appointed by God to their position to speak on His behalf to His people. They are the shepherd, and their responsibility is not just to be the “nice guy,” but rather, one who speaks the truth of God’s word. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on these points and encourages pastors and churches to interact with each other in a way that pleases the Lord and reflects the relationship that Paul had with many of his congregations.

1 Peter 1:13 — Persecution of Christians is on the rise around the world and it’s not limited by geography or governmental laws. How can people of faith stand strong in the face of trials and tribulations? Is it better to ignore the issues, or face them head-on? The Apostle Paul acknowledges that instead of encountering fewer trials, Christians will have more tribulations than those who aren’t saved. Biblical trials and tribulations come from striving to live godly lives in a world that hates anything that resembles God's holiness. But yet, they are still called to rejoice. This can be hard to do, and Christians may struggle with finding joy while going through hard times. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Christians, while talking about the joy and peace Jesus gives us, often respond to trials the same way the world does— with despair and anxiety. In this way, the Christian testimony does not line up with how they live their lives. In 1 Peter 3, the author challenges us to conquer this defeatist mindset, not by building up positive emotion, but rather by “girding up the loins” of the mind and by choosing to dwell on the greatness of salvation as shown in the biblical text. The Christian can often think too lightly about their salvation, but is encouraged to fight this and preach the gospel to themselves. God is the sovereign Father, and eternal inheritance in Him is guaranteed.

What is the responsibility of evangelism? In this sermon titled “Calvinism, Hyper-Calvinism, and Arminianism,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones distinguishes between the three from a biblical perspective in regards to evangelism. There is a great confusion today between mere activity and real spiritual work. People are always impressed by activity, but this is often carnal zeal and activism. What is “prayer-backing”? Do Calvinists need to be reminded of the responsibility of evangelism in ministry? What is the right motive for evangelism? Learn of the history of Calvinism and the over-correction that often results. Hyper-Calvinists press logic so far that they do not give the free offer of salvation to others. Hear of election, predestination, and human responsibility, and of the biblical truths that cannot be logically reconciled. God alone is responsible for salvation, while humanity alone is responsible for damnation. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that a person ought to be a great Calvinist who preaches like an Arminian. Evangelism is the result of a great urge, not mere duty; it is an inevitable fruit, not something to be added. How did Christianity spread before the printing press? Look to God for help, rather than oneself; be filled with the glory of God, rather than statistics and organizations. Stand humbled before God.

In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at Paul's example of how the Christian church ought to address a pagan world. A world sunk in iniquity and on the verge of collapse needs the Christian message. Learn that Paul reasoned with these people. How should this Gospel be listened to? Man ought to tremble in some way under its message! The great theme is righteousness – on the the attributes of God Himself. Learn of this, "essential uprightness" – the opposite of anything perverted or weak. According to biblical teaching, not only is God righteous, but man was originally created to be righteous after God’s image. Learn of the vital relationship between righteousness, temperance, and the judgement to come. Man is a responsible being made in God's image, and God will hold him responsible in the end. No man does good – men love darkness rather than light. The Law damns everyone to Hell, but the Gospel declares faith in Christ can save! God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to lay the iniquity of sinners on Him. Praise God! Why do people reject this message? Stop resisting the Spirit and fighting against God. Receive this new life and nature, and start living as a new creation.