Martyn Lloyd-Jones stands as one of the preeminent preachers of the 20th century. An ardent opponent of liberalism and defender of orthodoxy, "The Doctor's" legacy is still being felt today throughout the Protestant world. This collection of 9 previously unpublished sermons, originally delivered during his final visit to the United States, challenges modern readers to reevaluate the focus of their lives and the object of their affections. Covering topics such as prayer, evangelism, and the church, this timely anthology serves as a wake-up call to the church, exhorting all Christians to remain faithful to the Word of God while seeking shelter in the kind arms of the Savior.
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.
"There is only one thing that matters, and that is that we know this living, glorious God and have an experience of his power, his majesty, and his glory."
"Great salvation! Is anything else worth talking about? Do you apologize for being a Christian? Do you attend the house of God grudgingly? Are you giving people the impression that you have something small and narrow? Shame on you! If that is so, it is simply because you have never seen the greatness of this 'so great salvation.'"
Although I've read the classic two-volume biography of Dr. Lloyd-Jones, I hadn't actually read any extended portions of his own work until now (give me some recommendations if you've got any!). While reading a sermon isn't quite the same thing as hearing it preached, I do think this collection gave me a good sense of his style and pastoral heart. Some of the sermons are better than others, depending on the main focus. I did particularly appreciate his passion for the glory of God, the Word of God, vitality within the church, and the wonder of our salvation.
9 powerful sermons preached by MLJ in 1969. Ch 4, the road to Emmaus might be the mtn peak. Are we as enthusiastic about the Lord’s Day worship as the world is about their sporting events? Are we excited? Are we eager? Can we never get enough and is it always over too soon? Ch 3 dealt with what is the church with Acts 2:42 as the Dr’s text. His words were thunder 50 years ago and prophetic looking from the perspective of 2019. Chapter after chapter MLJ pounded out truth that ought to wake any slumbering believer and energize the man or woman of God to zealously pursue Christ in all areas of life. When our affections are upon glory our life will be full of joy and contentment and the power of Christ.
the chapter on what is the church has great section on how to recognize truthful teaching. The chapter on evangelism is a great reminder that methods are not the source of evangelistic power. The methods of the church to see conversion have always been the same. Finally, the chapter on The Narrow Way suggests that when believers are charged with being “narrow minded” we ought to celebrate this fact. Instead of thinking about how narrow or broad the road we on is, we should be asking ourselves where the road is going, to heaven or hell?
Very evangelistic and convicting sermons from a broad cross section of scripture- both New and Old Testament. Classic MLJ - he holds no punches. Unbelievers will be completely hemmed in by his gospel preaching and without excuse; ‘carnal’ Christians (false professors) will be forced to examine themselves and thereby be convicted by God’s Grace; genuine Christians will be spurred on to holiness and conformity to Christ.
Each and every sermon is a gem. The Doctor knows how to operate on our hearts and our minds. Was this his power and effort and ability? Not so much. He was a man of prayer, first and foremost. Next, he made sure of extracting every nuisance from the Word and didn’t skip over the difficult passages. I believe it’s obvious God blessed MLJ’s ministry for His glory and continues to do so! Do you know the Good News?
This is a series of nine sermons by Lloyd-Jones on his last visit to the USA which have been transcribed and thankfully printed. The subtitle is, "Nine Sermons on the Gospel and the Church." As with his other works, Lloyd-Jones spoke and wrote so clearly, wisely and well on these subjects. He's always been one of my favorite authors.
I have a small bone to pick with him in Chapter 7 on revival of Israel in Exodus 32-33 where he seems to equate OT Israel with the church, which is a mistake. However, this is a small bone, and the overall quality and the many good points he made are outstanding.
During 1969, in Lloyd-Jones’ final visit to the US, he preached a series of nine messages concerning the nature of the church and the gospel it proclaims. As one familiar with his work might expect, Lloyd-Jones remains doggedly faithful to Scripture, both as he diagnoses the chief problems of the church and as he stresses the need to jettison popular trends of the day and return Christ’s bride to fidelity with His commands in the Word.
What a gift Martin Lloyd-Jones is to the body of Christ. This compilation of sermons is well worth the read as we consider the church today both corporately and individually. Not only is this book compelling but it is also convicting as we consider where we have come from and where we are gong in our Christian life.