Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Twenty-one of Dr Lloyd-Jones' own manuscripts show why the gospel is the most urgent, glorious and transforming of all messages.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Evangelism

294 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1983

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

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book over 30 years ago and read one or two sermons. But having just read it through cover to cover, I'd recommend this to any preachers, as examples of outstanding gospel preaching. Contrary to the suggestion that DMLJ wasn't an evangelistic preacher, here are classic examples of approaching the circle of the gospel from many different tangents.
One thing that astonished me, was his introduction to a sermon on "As in the days of Noah etc" in which he refers to two different approaches to history. One view sees everything much the same throughout history, with fallen human nature etc, and hence the text. But another view is that proposed by Hegel, with a thesis conflicting with an antithesis, producing a new thesis. This is the basis of Francis Schaeffer's apologetics eg in "The God Who Is There" - and yet here was Lloyd-Jones preaching that to working people, long before in Port Talbot and in Westminster Chapel in 1933. It is a stark reminder of the towering genius of Dr. Lloyd-Jones.

[Conor Culverhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The transition away from two Sunday gatherings to one, in my view, has led to a confused state of preaching: are we preaching to build up the saints or are we preaching to the lost that they might be saved?

These sermons (from a church where there was a morning and evening gathering) are a refreshing reminder of evangelistic preaching which, inevitably, calls the hearer to decide for or against Christ.

A worthwhile read for all. For the believer, a good opportunity to “examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith”. For the unbeliever, clear presentations of the gospel. For the pastor, wonderful examples of evangelical preaching.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about D. M. Lloyd-Jones when he was mentioned and referenced by the late theologian R. C. Sproul. Lloyd-Jones was most known as the preacher of Westminster Chapel, London. But what was his preaching like in his earlier years? In Evangelistic Sermons, we get a glimpse of the powerful preaching of D. M. Lloyd-Jones from the beginnings of his ministry at Aberavon, South Wales.

Concern for Sin

Lloyd-Jones showed a strong concern for sin. In his sermon Repentance: The Gate to the Kingdom, he calls upon his listeners to come face-to-face with their own life. He knows the condition of the human heart, and how we try to defend ourselves and justify our sins. He calls us all to confession and repentance.

Calls to Christ

And he calls us to Christ. In his sermon The Wonder of the Gospel, he first shows us how salvation is entirely a gift of God. Second, he shows that salvation is supernatural and miraculous. It is something that cannot be achieved by man, and it cannot be understood and comprehended fully by us. However, there is still hope that we can simply believe and be saved. Throughout his sermons, I was impressed by Lloyd-Jones’ logic and his ability to lay it out plainly for his listeners.

“Almost” Christians

In his sermon Missing the Mark, Lloyd-Jones brings up the case of “almost” Christians. In today’s language, we tend to name what he is describing as “nominal” Christianity. In examining Herod, Lloyd-Jones reveals how he was impressed by the life and personality of John the Baptist. He even saw how it was right and true.

Ultimately, Herod was content not to see things through in regards to acting upon John’s call and the message of Jesus. Moreover, Lloyd-Jones shows how Herod’s love of sin and his illegal alliance with Herodias led to his downfall. Lloyd-Jones commands our attention, and calls us to die to self and live to Christ.

Powerful and Passionate

Aberavon was an industrial town, far away from the London metropolis. This book proves that even at the start of his ministry, Lloyd-Jones desired nothing but to preach Christ crucified. His preaching was powerful and passionate. I am inspired to do and be the same in my own small hometown.

I received a media copy of Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon and this is my honest review.

[Ken Bickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of evening service messages preached by Dr. Lloyd-Jones, mostly at Sandfields, between 1927 and 1936. Later, he was the renowned pastor at London's Westminster Chapel. These sermons were discovered in a box in the attic, by his wife, and published in 1983. The language is at times somewhat stilted, and the messages naturally become "better" as those early years of his ministry progress; but all of them are very good, and very worthwhile.

[Robert Luff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5, because these are not MLJ's best sermons. But despite that, they are incredibly effective, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you read these messages. They were delivered over the course of a decade at the beginning of his ministry, so they are not as strong as some of his later ones, like the ones in "Spiritual Depression" or in his series from 1st John. Because of this, they get much better as the book goes on. The last third or so of the book delivers absolutely heart-penetrating messages that unsaved people as well as long-time seasoned Christians need as food for their souls.

[Michial · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb collection of sermons by Lloyd -Jones on evangelistic themes. If you’re a fan of the Good Dr. you won’t be disappointed. Much fruit here for the seasoned saint!

[Matthew Cazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these were wonderful. Nice to see how much Lloyd-Jones influenced Keller.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pastor recommended these sermons to our church. Lloyd-Jones wrote and preached these messages shortly after his own conversion, and pastor commented that these sermons demonstrate great insight into how the mind of unconverted people work. In this regard, they serve as a helpful tool to prepare one for evangelism. I found them also to be personally challenging and edifying as well.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sampling of the last welsh calvinistic methodists

[Cortney Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken one sermon at a time, maybe 30min to read through each. Daily, or regular reminders about His great sacrifice and our great need. Every single sermon is on point.

[Dustin Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of sermons I've ever read.