The Sacred Anointing: The Preaching of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

by Tony Sargent

“Anyone who ever felt the power of God in a Lloyd-Jones sermon—in the flesh, on tape or in print—will find this book fascinating and enriching.” —J. I. Packer More than just a biography of a man or an analysis of his preaching, The Sacred Anointing penetrates deeply into the very essence of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s life and ministry. Examining the power of the Holy Spirit’s anointing in his mentor’s life and work, Tony Sargent masterfully illuminates the place this driving “unction” held in Lloyd-Jones’s preaching. Called “a landmark study” by J. I. Packer, The Sacred Anointing is a revelation of the power of God and the effect this had on preacher and listener alike. As Lloyd-Jones once “To me there is nothing more terrible for a preacher, than to be in the pulpit alone, without the conscious smile of God.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones knew only too well that it was not just attentive preparation and correct application of Scripture than inspired or moved listeners, it was the work of the Holy Spirit—“the conscious smile of God.”

Genres: Biography

354 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 1994

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fine overview of the Lloyd-Jones' preaching ministry, with particular attention paid to what Lloyd-Jones taught about the task of preaching. Very encouraging.

[Demetrius Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read of a Calvinistic preacher who thought a lot like a Pentecostal in his understanding of Spirit baptism. A challenging read for the Pentecostal and Calvinist alike.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good analysis of Lloyd-Jones' principles and methods. Sargent waxes hagiographical, and is too fond of exclamation points! He often quotes summaries of the ministries of other men, and then applies them to Lloyd-Jones! The book is strongest when explaining Lloyd-Jones, weakest when evaluating.

Lloyd-Jones' ministry and writings gave special emphasis to the afflatus of the Spirit in preaching. Lloyd-Jones is well known for his view of the filling of the Spirit, landing him between classic reformed theology and the charismatic view. Sargent's way of explaining how Lloyd-Jones advised preachers to "sue God" for the anointing of the Spirit makes it difficult to avoid the conclusion that the preacher's faithfulness in suing God plays a part in effective preaching that would be hard to distinguish from a work of man. Why did the Spirit descend regularly and habitually on one preacher, and not another? The answer is an awkward shuffle between diligently suing and the mysterious will of the Spirit.

Lloyd-Jones brought a diagnostic and medical mind to the pulpit, and attempted to be passionately logical in approaching the Scriptures. You won't find an abundant supply of illustrations or anecdotes in his messages, and he downplayed the use of humor. His preaching was evangelistic, doctrinal, structured, and careful. He was mightily used of God, and this volume presents a great deal of sanctified wisdom for the preacher to press into service in his own ministry.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chipped away at this one for a few months and really enjoyed it. I think J.I. Packer said the Doctor was likely the best preacher of the 20th century. This is a fine analysis of why and how.

[Brian Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes.

If you want to preach read this book.