From the MLJ Archive

1 Samuel 5:1-4 — In this sermon on 1 Samuel 5:1-4, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the story of the Philistines capturing the Ark of the Covenant, drawing profound parallels to the modern world's relationship with God. He begins by recounting how the Israelites, at a low point spiritually and militarily, were defeated by the Philistines who then captured the Ark. The Philistines placed the Ark in their temple next to their god Dagon, thinking they could use the Israelite God when needed. However, God demonstrated His power by repeatedly knocking down the Dagon idol. Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses this story to illustrate how the modern world has relegated God to the background, only calling on Him for ceremonies or emergencies, while trusting in human wisdom and achievements. He traces how God has repeatedly intervened to humble mankind's arrogance throughout the 20th century - through world wars, economic crises, and technological dangers like nuclear weapons. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that these disruptions to human plans are God asserting His sovereignty and judging a world that has forgotten Him. He emphasizes that the church's weakness stems not from external challenges but from its own self-reliance and forgetfulness of God. The solution, he contends, is not better organization or campaigns, but a true revival where Christians recognize their helplessness without God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by affirming God's nature as the living, exclusive, and sovereign Lord who cannot be manipulated, warning that He will judge those who neglect Him, and calling listeners to humbly repent and turn to Christ as the only way to be reconciled with God. This sermon powerfully applies an Old Testament story to critique modern secularism and call the church back to complete dependence on God.

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.

In this powerful sermon on the nature of the church, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines what truly constitutes the church according to New Testament teaching. He argues that the church is not merely a confession of faith on paper, but a living gathering of people who have been separated from the world and united together in Christ. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the church is made up of those who have undergone a radical spiritual transformation - experiencing conviction of sin, repentance, and new birth in Christ. This shared spiritual life creates an organic unity among believers that transcends all other earthly distinctions. The renowned preacher warns against dead orthodoxy and urges his listeners to examine whether they truly possess the life of God within. He highlights how the early church was characterized by a love for sound doctrine, genuine fellowship, joyful worship, and Spirit-empowered witness. Lloyd-Jones laments the current state of many churches, which lack the vibrancy and power of the New Testament church. He calls believers to rediscover what it truly means to be the church - a people filled with the life of Christ, united in truth and love, and overflowing with contagious joy that impacts the world. This sermon challenges listeners to move beyond mere religious formalism to experience the transforming reality of life in Christ's body, the church.

Psalms 149:5-6 — In this sermon from 1977, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on the state of evangelicalism in Britain over the previous decade since he issues his call for evangelicals to leave their mixed congregations. Focusing particularly on shifts he has observed among Anglican evangelicals, Dr Lloyd-Jones argues that the past ten years has seen a dramatic drift away from historic evangelical positions on Scripture, salvation, and ecclesiology among many who still claim the evangelical label. Dr. Lloyd-Jones sees this exemplified in books like "Growing into Union" and events like the 1977 Nottingham Congress, where he perceives a blurring of lines between evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics. He laments what he views as compromises on biblical authority, cooperation with Roman Catholics, and a move away from Reformation principles. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls for a renewed "battle for the Bible" and contends that mixed denominations inevitably lead to doctrinal compromise. He urges evangelicals to maintain clear theological distinctives and separation from error, while also cultivating joy and praise to God. The sermon combines theological analysis, historical perspective, and pastoral exhortation as Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to rally British evangelicals to stand firm for biblical truth in changing times. He sees the British Evangelical Council as playing a crucial role in upholding historic evangelical convictions against modern trends of accommodation and ecumenism. Throughout, Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the need for both doctrinal fidelity and spiritual vitality - wielding "the sword" of God's Word while also lifting up "high praises" to the Lord.

In this powerful sermon commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers' voyage to America on the Mayflower, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws profound lessons from their example for Christians today. He begins by emphasizing the importance of studying church history, particularly this period of transition in the early 17th century which parallels our own age. Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the historical context of the Separatist movement that led to the Pilgrims' departure, highlighting their desire for a pure church based on Scripture alone. He praises their godly character, doctrinal orthodoxy, and willingness to sacrifice all for their convictions. At the same time, Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes some of their imperfections, such as attempting to establish a theocracy. The heart of his message focuses on the Pilgrims' view of life as a spiritual pilgrimage and their trust in God's providential care, as evidenced by remarkable circumstances surrounding their settlement in Plymouth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then issues a stirring challenge to his listeners, asking if they hold to the same doctrines and are willing to act on their beliefs as the Pilgrims did. He argues that their example calls modern evangelicals to separate from theological liberalism, sacramentalism, and ecumenical compromise with Rome. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by exhorting his audience not to honor the Pilgrims hypocritically, but to follow in their path by taking a courageous stand for biblical truth and the purity of the church, even at great personal cost.

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.

Genesis 26:17-18 — In this powerful sermon on revival, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws from the story of Isaac re-digging his father Abraham's wells in Genesis 26. He argues that the church today is in desperate need of revival, facing a crisis of faith and vitality. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contends that the solution is not to seek new methods or adapt to modern times, but rather to rediscover the timeless truths and doctrines that have fueled revivals throughout church history. He emphasizes the importance of studying church history to understand how God has worked in the past and to gain wisdom for the present. Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several key doctrines that have been obscured or neglected in the modern church, including the sovereignty and active involvement of God, the authority of Scripture, the sinfulness of man, the centrality of Christ, and the person and work of the Holy Spirit. He argues that these foundational truths have been covered over by false teaching and worldly influences, like the Philistines filling in Abraham's wells. The task of the church today, Dr. Lloyd-Jones asserts, is to clear away these obstacles and rediscover the life-giving "water" of biblical truth. He calls believers to return to a robust, supernatural faith that expects God to work powerfully, rather than relying on human effort alone. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with a stirring appeal for the church to humble itself, learn from the past, and earnestly seek God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit in revival power.

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.

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.

In this sermon on the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides a comprehensive overview of the Protestant Reformation and its ongoing relevance. He traces the development of the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries, highlighting how it deviated from biblical teaching through traditions, papal authority, and doctrines like transubstantiation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then explains how reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin rediscovered key biblical truths like justification by faith alone and sola scriptura. He recounts how the Reformation spread to different countries, including England. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the core doctrinal differences between Protestantism and Catholicism remain, despite surface-level changes in the Catholic Church. He urges listeners to value and defend Reformation truths, warning against ecumenical movements that compromise the gospel. Overall, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the Reformation as a crucial recovery of biblical Christianity that continues to have vital importance for the church today.