From the MLJ Archive

1 Peter 1:3-5 — In Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-5, he describes, “the great characteristic of the New Testament.” This being our response the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out how Peter “burst forth in Praise to Christ” when he relayed the gospel to his audience. But we must ask ourselves, do we have a similar response? Is there the same spirit within us that was in Peter? Well, to answer this question, Dr. Lloyd-Jones first defines what the gospel is. It is, simply put, the resurrection of Jesus Christ who, by rising from the dead, takes away the sins of the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that by rising from the dead, Christ becomes our living hope who enables us to endure hardships that we go through in life. But how is the resurrection of Christ a living hope, and why should we celebrate it with such joy? Dr. Lloyd-Jones establishes that the resurrection of Christ is, in fact, a living hope because Christ died and rose again. He defeated sin and death and now is a living hope to all who believe in him. Our sinful selves were buried with Christ so that we can live as new people. However, this is not the final step to unification with Christ. No, we are only truly unified with Christ when we enter heaven. When we pass from this world into eternity, our physical body will be renewed as well so that the entire man will be renewed. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then finishes his sermon by asking the question, “Have we got this living hope?”

James 4:13-16 — What does the Bible say about the world’s problems? The world gives many diagnostics to explain its many ills. The rationalist says that humanity’s biggest problem is that people do not use reason. Others say that people have yet to overcome their base desires. But what does the Bible say? According to God’s word, why do people kill one another and oppress each other? In this sermon on James 4:13–16 titled “The Condition of Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the passage to find answers to these questions. Here it is seen that humanity’s problem is that people are greedy and love themselves. It is out of this self-love that they fight and kill their fellow humans. But this is only symptomatic of the deeper problem of the fundamentally fallen nature. People not only sin, but they are sinful. What is the answer to this great dilemma? How can sinful people overcome this hatred of God and the word, and be saved? The answer is Jesus Christ. In spite of fallen humanity’s hatred towards God, God sent His only Son to die in the place of sinners. This sermon confronts all with the biblical command to repent and believe upon the name of Jesus.

James 4:1 — Does Christianity work? Many claim that Christianity is outdated and has no message for the modern world. They argue that if people would simply use their reason, then all the wars and conflicts would end, and there would be true peace. What is wrong with this solution to suffering? In this sermon on James 4:1 titled “From Whence Come Wars,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that only the message of Christianity can bring peace, because only the message of Christianity deals with humanity’s most fundamental problem: sin. No one can save themselves through reason because they place reason as king, and yet it is often irrational. The best secular thinkers are unable to use their reason to live rightly; how then can all of humankind use reason to fix the world? The message of Christianity is hopeful because it calls for trust in Christ and not reason. Jesus died, not because all are irrational, but because all are sinners. They are irrational because all humans are born in sin, and it is this sin that blinds them all. This sermon offers the only message of hope, that Jesus has died for all who believe. God is gracious and forgiving to all who seek Him and repent of their sins.

Hebrews 13:11-12 — In this sermon on Hebrews 13:11–12 titled “Therefore Jesus…Suffered,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the meaning of the cross. The world believes that the cross was not historical or possible. Dr. Lloyd-Jones directs the listener’s attention to this epistle and the entire Bible, reminding listeners that Calvary was not an accident or tragedy but it was a decisive act of God and the means to save and bring His people back to His presence. The cross also fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and promises.

Hebrews 12:28-29 — In this sermon on Hebrews 12:28–29 titled “A Kingdom Which Cannot Be Removed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the importance of heeding the call to repentance by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, should not be refused. While the misconceptions and vain philosophies of this age will soon fade, Jesus’s gospel and kingdom is eternal and unshakeable throughout all ages. More importantly, all people will pass, along with this world, and they will have to give account to every thought and deed. The judgement of God will be inescapable, but those who believe in God’s way of salvation through God’s Son will join Him in His everlasting kingdom. Since Jesus sits on the throne and rules His Kingdom forever, Christians will be in His kingdom forever. Christians will be considered as heirs and firstborns in His family. In contrast, those who refuse He who speaks, and instead trusts in their own abilities, will be judged eternally. They will be cast away with the worldly kingdoms and its ruler, the devil. All should consider which kingdom they would like to be in for eternity.

Hebrews 12:25-29 — In this sermon on Hebrews 12:25–29 titled “I Shake Not Only the Earth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones starts by addressing a common objection of the Bible. Many contemporary people do not believe the Bible and its value simply because it’s old, and they believe it is irrelevant because it is obsolete. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Bible is ever relevant, ever contemporary, and ever true because it is the everlasting God who speaks about His Son, Jesus Christ. Human history, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, tells that people refuse to listen to God and His word. In turn, they become confused and unstable as they seek to find stability, security, and certainty in the things that aren’t meant to be. Only in the realm of God, the kingdom of God, can humans find a place of spiritual rest. One can only enter into this kingdom by the gospel, having faith in Jesus Christ and trust that He has taken away sins. Listen to this sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he clearly teaches about the everlasting kingdom of God and its implication for Christians of the 21st century.

Hebrews 12:18-24 — Why are Christians miserable? Where might the believer turn when cast down with guilt? In this sermon on Hebrews 12:18–24 titled “The Mediator of the New Covenant,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines this question by pointing to the testimony of Jesus’s blood. The Christians in the book of Hebrews were dejected and disappointed. They have come to this great salvation, yet have been met with suffering and loss. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that it was for this reason that this letter to the Hebrews was written. The writer knew that their fight was not merely against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature. The devil uses these moments to attack God’s people. Satan is the accuser and he speaks against the Christian. In this suffering, it seems God may be against His people. Should they expect their sin-guilt to remain? To what does the Christian plead when attacked by Satan? As the devil accuses, how can the Christian answer? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones lifts up the blood of Christ, declaring that the throne of judgement has become a throne of grace. The saints in Hebrews overcame the devil through the testimony of the blood of Christ. The Christian today must point to the blood of Christ that silences the devil. As a result, nothing is able to separate the Christian from the love of God.

Hebrews 12:25-29 — In this sermon on Hebrews 12:25–29 titled “I Shake Not Only the Earth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones starts by addressing a common objection of the Bible. Many contemporary people do not believe the Bible and its value simply because it’s old, and they believe it is irrelevant because it is obsolete. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Bible is ever relevant, ever contemporary, and ever true because it is the everlasting God who speaks about His Son, Jesus Christ. Human history, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, tells that people refuse to listen to God and His word. In turn, they become confused and unstable as they seek to find stability, security, and certainty in the things that aren’t meant to be. Only in the realm of God, the kingdom of God, can humans find a place of spiritual rest. One can only enter into this kingdom by the gospel, having faith in Jesus Christ and trust that He has taken away sins. Listen to this sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he clearly teaches about the everlasting kingdom of God and its implication for Christians of the 21st century.

Hebrews 12:18-24 — Why are Christians miserable? Where might the believer turn when cast down with guilt? In this sermon on Hebrews 12:18–24 titled “The Mediator of the New Covenant,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines this question by pointing to the testimony of Jesus’s blood. The Christians in the book of Hebrews were dejected and disappointed. They have come to this great salvation, yet have been met with suffering and loss. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that it was for this reason that this letter to the Hebrews was written. The writer knew that their fight was not merely against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature. The devil uses these moments to attack God’s people. Satan is the accuser and he speaks against the Christian. In this suffering, it seems God may be against His people. Should they expect their sin-guilt to remain? To what does the Christian plead when attacked by Satan? As the devil accuses, how can the Christian answer? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones lifts up the blood of Christ, declaring that the throne of judgement has become a throne of grace. The saints in Hebrews overcame the devil through the testimony of the blood of Christ. The Christian today must point to the blood of Christ that silences the devil. As a result, nothing is able to separate the Christian from the love of God.

Hebrews 12:1-20 — Are Christians slaves to their circumstances? Do circumstances control them as cruel masters? Absolutely not. In this sermon on the founder and perfector of our faith from Hebrews 12:1–20 titled “Author and Finisher,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the hope set before the early believers in the book of Hebrews. While their circumstances were miserable, their hope was unchanging. Those who have gone before are witnesses to this reality: Jesus is the author and finisher of their faith. Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, Christians then run this race with patience. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to look to Jesus amidst difficult times. In Jesus is first seen the cross. He endured that which was set before Him for the joy of what was to come. In Jesus is also seen the resurrection. If He is raised, His people will be raised. In Jesus, the Christian sees the hope of heaven. He is preparing for them a place so they shall be with Him forever. In Jesus is seen the hope, for He is the finisher of their salvation. Listen and let hearts be glad. Christians are not slaves to their circumstances. Christ has overcome the world. Where He is, so shall they also be.