From Fear to Faith

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

all French.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Spirituality

Paperback

First published February 1, 1955

About the author

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant minister, preacher and medical doctor who was influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century. For almost 30 years, he was the minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Lloyd-Jones was strongly opposed to Liberal Christianity, which had become a part of many Christian denominations; he regarded it as aberrant. He disagreed with the broad church approach and encouraged evangelical Christians (particularly Anglicans) to leave their existing denominations. He believed that true Christian fellowship was possible only amongst those who shared common convictions regarding the nature of the faith.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones

Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...

Reviews

[Toby Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lloyd Jones wrote/preached this in the middle of the 20th century at the time of the rise of communism and with the immediate history of two world wars and a Great Depression behind him. It seemed that history was getting worse and God had abandoned the church. In these circumstances he turned to the prophet Habakkuk for answers.

His conclusion is that Britain like Judah was overcome with godlessness, arrogance and pride. Likewise the church had for a century denied the supernatural and miraculous, questioned the deity to Christ, and exalted philosophy over biblical revelation. Neither the church or nation had repented and now God was chastising his people. The lesson from Habakkuk is to humble ourselves before God and accept his purifying judgements.

There’s a lot to like about the book. The second chapter on “The Prophets Perplexity” was my favorite. Here Loyd Jones exposits Hab 1:12-17 and provides a model for how to trust God in troubling times:
1) Stop and think (before you express your reactions).
2) Restate basic principles (about what you know to be true about God).
3) Apply the principles to the problem.
4) If still in doubt, commit the problem to God in faith.
He then goes on to exposit Habakkuk’s restatement of the basic principles of who God is: eternal, self existent, holy, almighty and faithful. He then applies these to the problem of history.

There are a couple of issues I had with the book:
1) Lloyd Jones rarely exposits the text in his chapters. He takes a more theological reading of the book. This is not a commentary but rather a series of sermons that start at Habakkuk and rebound outwards in many directions.
2) Lloyd Jones sees a developement in Habakkuk’s prayers from questioning and complaining to God at the beginning, to accepting and not questioning at the end of the book. He views the later as the Christian way and says a couple of times that it is wrong to question and complain to God (see p56). I do not believe this is consistent with the book nor the Psalms of lament. God is teaching us that it is appropriate to come to him with questions and to complain not to yourself or to others, but to him. Israel’s grumbling in the wilderness was directed to each other about God. The lament Psalms and Habakkuk’s prayer are directed to God and him alone. By giving us the book of Habakkuk, God invites us to do the same.

All in all it’s an enjoyable read. Lloyd Jones drives theological truth from scripture home into the hearts and minds of the people of his day showing how God is still at work in history in a direct and real way purifying his church and calling the nation to repentance. When troubled times hit, God is not absent, rather he is the cause and his purpose is to call people to repentance and faith. It is a fair example of preaching to the situations of your day from the Bible. I say fair because I believe he does not spend enough time teaching the text in context before moving to our situation today.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it out loud as our family worship during lockdown. The best sermon was no. 5 (there's 6), on prayer.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book by the good Doctor, ML Jones. I always appreciate his "logic on fire." Reasoned passion. This book is no exception. MLJ exposits the book of Habakkuk (not as a commentary, but as a preacher, with focus on explanation and application), which has so much relevance for today's church. When it was written, war was in the minds of the people, communism on the rise and threats with Russia growing. We find ourselves faced with similar physical circumstances, but the truths exposited are unchanging.

MLJ reminds the reader of some precious truths. The primary take-aways from the book of Habakkuk for me were:

1. There is nothing new under the sun.
"We in the 20th century have been foolish enough to imagine that our problems are exceptional and peculiar. They are not. We are experiencing only what God's people have experienced many a time before."

2. God is sovereign over all nations/history. (This is evidenced in His using an evil people like the Chaldeans to punish Israel).
"Great powers have been raised up and have conquered for a while, but they have always become drunk with their own success. And suddenly, they in turn have found themselves cast down. The real significance of history never draws upon them."

3. Our personal circumstances as well as national circumstances must always be viewed in light of God's Kingdom, and His eternal plan for the purity of the church and the glory of Christ.

"What God is permitting in the Church and in the world today is related to His great purpose for His own church and His kingdom. Let us not therefore be stumbled when we see surprising things happening in the world. Rather let us ask, "What is the relevance of this event to the kingdom of God?"

4. Our ever-changing feelings about circumstances in life must be grounded in the historical facts of the events of Bible, especially the resurrection.

"The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not an idea; but a literal, historical fact. If it is not, there is no gospel. We do no believer merely in some persistence of life beyond the grave. We d not merely say that Jesus still lives. We declare that He literally rose from the grave in the body. Everything depends on the truth of this."


Ultimately this book was an exceptional encouragement to me and I think would be to you as we view our current events in light of God's eternal purpose/kingdom and rest in His sovereignty over our time, and all of time.

[Rob Messenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read this more than forty years ago ... it was first published in 1953. Dr Jones reminds us that the Truth is always relevant, that God remains Sovereign over our personal stories as much as History ... recommend reading it alongside the Doctor's book Faith on Trial - studies in Psalm 73...

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the only bible study you can find focused on the book of Habakkuk. The only reason why this doesn't get a 5 is because it is dated. (It was written in 1950's and there are many references to communism all over the place.) That being said, it was plenty to say about today and some lessons that I thought were very good to ruminate on.

[Chris Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, a short sermon series Dr Lloyd-Jones did on the book of Habakkuk, is a vital read for the Christian today.
We often think we are living in ‘unprecedented’ times, that the world and the church has not encountered such difficulties before. Certainly, and as Lloyd-Jones points out so well, we think far to highly of ourselves and far to little of the holiness and power of God.
Habakkuk was perplexed and confounded by the fact that there was so much wickedness in Israel and that God was doing nothing about it. Why did He not hear? Why did He not act? Why did He not defend His holiness?
Well, Habakkuk not only got an answer but one that he could have never imagined and would never have believed even if he had been told. God was going to raise up a wicked and violent people, the Chaldeans , to punish and discipline Israel.
This is such an important theological principle - God is concerned about His holiness and His children’s conformity to Christlikeness - period - and He can and will use means and ways to discipline and sanctify us.
What is needed in the midst of a global pandemic that by which a tiny strand of RNA has humbled the entire world is not stoicism, escapism or psychology - but a vision of the splendour, majesty and holiness of God.
This book is a hidden gem almost unknown to present day Christians but get it, read it, meditate and apply the doctrine that Martin Lloyd-Jones presents. The result will be immensely profitable for your spiritual maturity in Christ.

[Brandon H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book. A look at the book of Habakkuk and how to apply its lessons to your life.

It started off a bit slow for me but then improved as it progressed. I especially liked the author's take on the subjects of prophecy and prayer. I thought his prescription on what a Christian is to do when he is overcome and gripped with fear was insightful.

A couple of quotes -

"True prayer always includes the same three elements: humiliation, adoration, petition." Pg 63


"For a century the church, speaking generally, has been denying supernatural and the miraculous, questioning the very deity of Christ and exalting philosophy over revelation. Is the church therefore in a position to complain if she's having a hard time now? Has she humbled herself in sackcloth and ashes? Has she acknowledged and confessed her sin? Then has our nation, the nation that has been so blessed of God, and so used of God, a right to complain?" Pgs 60-61

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In all our ‘national days of prayer’ during the last war, there seemed to be an assumption that we were all right, and all we had to do was ask God to defeat our enemies, who alone were all wrong. No place seemed to be given for any real humiliation, or confession of sin, or bemoaning our utter sinfulness and departure from God. The message of this book is that until we humble ourselves, forgetting other people, and those who are worse than we are, until we see ourselves as we are in the sight of God, and confess our sins and commit ourselves into his almighty hands, we have no right to look for peace and happiness.” Good stuff. This tiny book is a worthwhile read. Other reviews mentioned that it’s “dated” but I disagree… wherever it mentions communism, just mentally substitute the current culture’s greatest fears.

[Julie Biles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The middle of the twentieth century under the threat of communisim, the aftermath of two world wars and the Great Depression creates the dark shadow under which Dr. Lloyd-Jones penned (and preached) this little book. Many feared that history was getting worse and God had abandoned the church: under these circumstances, the great pastor and theologian turned to the prophet Habakkuk for answers.

The author uses theological truths from scripture to target the fearful human heart and reveals how God is still at work in history and is still calling His people to repentance. He points to our need to know and remember the truths of scipture. As did the prophet Habakkuk, we must call to mind God's faithfulness to His people.

[Gary Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised about how applicable this book was to the 21st Century, COVID-ridden, world having been written in 1953. The ideas people were wrestling with post-war are similar to what we are dealing with in the midst of a global pandemic. Lloyd-Jones deals with the text fairly well, there are some translation issues in my estimation, him working with KJV and us having a plethora of helpful translations available. His grasp of the original languages may be better than mine which could have led to his different exegetical conclusions. It’s a very straightforward, helpful treatment of Habakkuk and one which I found greatly encouraging at this time in life and ministry.

[Ricky Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strength with which ol’ Martin comes down saying that communism and world wars were God’s direct judgment on the earth is sure something.

Much of the approach to feelings, concerns, and how Scripture teaches us to deal with them amounts to—hey, just trust!

Which isn’t necessarily wrong, but seems to be presented in an almost angry, shame inducing way here.

But very much worth the read as an example of someone applying biblical study in an interesting way to a desperate historical situation.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all of them can be grand slams. But it is more than a bunt. Not quite the in depth extended exegesis that one can come to expect from the Good Doctor. This is a much more shallow and slender exposition by Lloyd-Jones. Compared to the 14 volume Exposition on Romans or 8 volumes on Ephesians, it leaves wanting. But it is still a great exposition of the Book of Habakkuk. Excellent outline but does leave you wishing he had gone deeper.

[Michael Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vintage Lloyd-Jones. I read this in 1991 and have just re-read it, with fresh eyes and further along the Christian path. Six chapters long, it shows how it's possible to have confidence in God in spite of what's going on around. It shows its age - the big issues of the time for the church were evidently Communism and neo-orthodoxy - but the principles remain clear and relevant for today.

[Alfonso I. Martínez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indeed, a book commenting Habakkuk to a post war/cold war audience, but still an awesome exposition on the minor prophet. May God use this commentary to let us know to have confidence in Him, though the world might go worse and worse, we believe in a God who's able and does not change. Soli Deo Gloria.

[Ty Dahlstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Fear to Faith is a good pastoral care book about rejoicing in the Lord during suffering using Habakkuk as the basis for his teaching. One of my favourite quotes from the book is 'the moment I become really concerned about the state of my soul, instead of my affliction, I am on the high road to God's blessing'.

[Heather Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical truths relevant even for today!

[Jim Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short book on the prophet Habakkuk dealing with evil and the purposes of God. Encouraging and helpful answers many of life’s hard questions.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good.

[Stan Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for pointing out timeless principles which apply to us today.

[Jim Ritchhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study on Habakkuk.
Very easy and enjoyable read.
Highly recommend this book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent supplement to learn from! Highly recommend!

[Jennifer Miller]

Excellent. There is a lot of encouragement for the believer in this book.

[Michael Dionne]

Classic MLJ, well worth the read.

[Natalie Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, helps to give you the right perspective.

[Jenny Sanders]

A cracking study of the Biblical book of Habakkuk; an Old Testament prophet initially baffled by the message that God will raise up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to chastise the people of Israel, who will themselves be overthrown by another nation in days to come.

First published in 1953, with the aftermath of the second world war still nipping at Allied ankles and the red spectre of Communism hanging over Europe, this study is inevitably dated in some of its references. However, it's so full of clear, solid and sensible directives for the people of God that it bears another look.

Drawing on Biblical principles, the good Doctor systematically and methodically invokes and encourages believers to read the times and remember the nature of the God we serve so we don't fall into fear but stir mature faith.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of superb sermons by Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the book of Habakkuk. He preached these sermons less than a decade after World War II and communism was the great fear of the West. MLJ masterfully contextualizes Habakkuk's situation with the impending Babylonian invasion of Judah to his day. It is still easy today to glean from his insights, but even more his sermons on Habakkuk stand as a model for preaching, specifically on the Old Testament.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a devotional look at the book of Habakkuk. Though it was written during the rise of Communism and often refers to it, the principles are still pertinent for Christians today. Lots of quotable material for such a short book.

[Peter Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Not spectacular, but practical and interesting. Jones wrote the book following WWII and it gives you a feel for how the war had affected England.

[Terry Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful examination of Habbakuk

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The doctor's commentary on Habakkuk. Some of it's outdated (fear of Communism), but we can insert our modern day fears--ISIS-- and trusting God in the midst of it. Solid work. Quick read.