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Experiencing the New Birth: Studies in John 3
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the famed Welsh minister, is widely hailed as one of the greatest preachers of the last 100 years. Over the course of his career, “the Doctor” preached 28 sermons on the third chapter of the Gospel of John. However, until now, these sermons have remained unpublished and largely out of reach of today’s Christians. Reflecting on the powerful story of Jesus’s encounter with Nicodemus and what it means to be “born again,” this collection of biblical expositions highlights God’s stunning love for the world as expressed through his unique Son, Jesus Christ. Readers will be encouraged to turn to the One who promises eternal life to all who trust in him.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
27 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
344 books588 followersDavid 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/...
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones
Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
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July 18, 2015
What is the essence of Christianity? Is Christianity essentially a philosophical system to be mastered intellectually, a code of conduct to be rigorously followed, a religious ceremonial system to be observed? Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in his book, Experiencing the New Birth: Studies in John 3, argues that Christianity at its most fundamental level is life—life in Christ.
"Christianity is primarily life receiving of his fullness, and if we forget that, we miss the greatness and the glory and the splendor of it all. Our danger always, even as Christian people, is to be reducing this life— eternal life— to something that is merely a point of view, a teaching, a philosophy, a theology, or whatever. We must never do that. Its essence is that it is a life, and that means receiving of his fullness."
The Contents
Although Experiencing the New Birth is an exposition of John 3, Lloyd-Jones does not deal with every verse in John 3. To risk oversimplification, the first half of the book deals with Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, while the second half deals with the statement from John the Baptist in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one unifying theme of the whole book is Lloyd-Jones’ assertion that the whole of the Gospel of John is summed up in John 1:14, “And of his fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” The first half of the book focuses on how we can know that we are recipients of this fullness, while the second half of the book focuses on how we can receive the entire measure of the fullness that is offered to us in Christ.
As in all of Lloyd-Jones’ books, the greatest strength of this book is his ability to draw the reader into the reality of the biblical truths of which he is speaking. I found my mind excited and my heart thrilled through the reading of these sermons on John 3. At many points in the first half of the book (especially), I found myself putting the book down to express in worship the wonder of it all because my heart was so filled at the reality of the power and glory of God in the new birth and the changed life which results. Only a God of infinite power can bring this life-giving work to pass.
Although the book is a bit lengthy (400 pages), I will (from this point on) be pointing those who are struggling with the issue of the assurance of their own salvation to it for counsel. A great portion of the book is devoted to laying forth biblical tests to know if one has placed true, saving faith in Jesus Christ. Since Lloyd-Jones’ central argument is that Christianity is life in Christ at its very essence, the way to know if you are truly born again is to look at your heart to see if you exhibit the signs that you have been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Experiencing the New Birth will be especially helpful for pastors as they shepherd the flock, because it deals with two questions that are purely pastoral: 1. How can one know that one has been born again, and 2. How can one enter into the fullness of the life that is given in Christ? Although I could go on and on with examples of the ways in which this book could be helpful pastorally, I will provide just two examples.
In regard to the first question (How can one know that one has been born again?), Lloyd-Jones argues that one must always beware of the danger of putting the cart before the horse. He warns of “the danger of seeking sanctification before we know anything at all about regeneration… the mistake of trying to grow before you have been born.” In other words, one must be born again before one can evidence signs of life. We often times treat symptoms without dealing with root of the problem. Many are counseled wrongly because their salvation is assumed. Lloyd Jones is arguing that one must always be certain that one has been born again in Christ before one can grow in sanctification. If one is not advancing in sanctification, the question of whether this person has been born again in the first place must be asked.
In regard to the second question (How can one enter into the fullness of the life that is given in Christ?), Lloyd-Jones argues that the greatest hindrance to abundant life in Christ is a focus on self instead of on Christ and His glory. He argues that “the failure to realize his greatness and the truth concerning him tends to be the greatest cause of trouble in our Christian experience.” If we would only keep our focus on Christ and His glory and not on ourselves and our performance (or lack thereof) or on the world in its fallennes, how we could rise above it all!
Conclusion
I cannot recommend Experiencing the New Birth too highly (or any of Lloyd-Jones’ other books for that matter!). Every Christian needs to be reminded again and again of the essential nature of Christianity and of the Christian life. Christianity is not a dead orthodoxy. Christianity is not a mere moralistic code of rules. Christianity is not even a mere structure of beliefs, ceremonies, or practices. Christianity is at its very heart life in Christ. This life is supernatural and is given and sustained by God. This life is not a drudgery, but a participating in the life of the living and resurrected Christ.
I recommend this book to every Christian as well because we all need to be reminded of the fullness of what is offered to us in Christ. What is offered in the Gospel is not merely forgiveness of sins (although that is great in and of itself!) but abundant life in fellowship with the living God. I urge every Christian to get this book, devour it prayerfully, and then pursue with all your might the realities communicated in its pages.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through the Beyond The Page program.
"Christianity is primarily life receiving of his fullness, and if we forget that, we miss the greatness and the glory and the splendor of it all. Our danger always, even as Christian people, is to be reducing this life— eternal life— to something that is merely a point of view, a teaching, a philosophy, a theology, or whatever. We must never do that. Its essence is that it is a life, and that means receiving of his fullness."
The Contents
Although Experiencing the New Birth is an exposition of John 3, Lloyd-Jones does not deal with every verse in John 3. To risk oversimplification, the first half of the book deals with Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, while the second half deals with the statement from John the Baptist in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one unifying theme of the whole book is Lloyd-Jones’ assertion that the whole of the Gospel of John is summed up in John 1:14, “And of his fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” The first half of the book focuses on how we can know that we are recipients of this fullness, while the second half of the book focuses on how we can receive the entire measure of the fullness that is offered to us in Christ.
As in all of Lloyd-Jones’ books, the greatest strength of this book is his ability to draw the reader into the reality of the biblical truths of which he is speaking. I found my mind excited and my heart thrilled through the reading of these sermons on John 3. At many points in the first half of the book (especially), I found myself putting the book down to express in worship the wonder of it all because my heart was so filled at the reality of the power and glory of God in the new birth and the changed life which results. Only a God of infinite power can bring this life-giving work to pass.
Although the book is a bit lengthy (400 pages), I will (from this point on) be pointing those who are struggling with the issue of the assurance of their own salvation to it for counsel. A great portion of the book is devoted to laying forth biblical tests to know if one has placed true, saving faith in Jesus Christ. Since Lloyd-Jones’ central argument is that Christianity is life in Christ at its very essence, the way to know if you are truly born again is to look at your heart to see if you exhibit the signs that you have been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Experiencing the New Birth will be especially helpful for pastors as they shepherd the flock, because it deals with two questions that are purely pastoral: 1. How can one know that one has been born again, and 2. How can one enter into the fullness of the life that is given in Christ? Although I could go on and on with examples of the ways in which this book could be helpful pastorally, I will provide just two examples.
In regard to the first question (How can one know that one has been born again?), Lloyd-Jones argues that one must always beware of the danger of putting the cart before the horse. He warns of “the danger of seeking sanctification before we know anything at all about regeneration… the mistake of trying to grow before you have been born.” In other words, one must be born again before one can evidence signs of life. We often times treat symptoms without dealing with root of the problem. Many are counseled wrongly because their salvation is assumed. Lloyd Jones is arguing that one must always be certain that one has been born again in Christ before one can grow in sanctification. If one is not advancing in sanctification, the question of whether this person has been born again in the first place must be asked.
In regard to the second question (How can one enter into the fullness of the life that is given in Christ?), Lloyd-Jones argues that the greatest hindrance to abundant life in Christ is a focus on self instead of on Christ and His glory. He argues that “the failure to realize his greatness and the truth concerning him tends to be the greatest cause of trouble in our Christian experience.” If we would only keep our focus on Christ and His glory and not on ourselves and our performance (or lack thereof) or on the world in its fallennes, how we could rise above it all!
Conclusion
I cannot recommend Experiencing the New Birth too highly (or any of Lloyd-Jones’ other books for that matter!). Every Christian needs to be reminded again and again of the essential nature of Christianity and of the Christian life. Christianity is not a dead orthodoxy. Christianity is not a mere moralistic code of rules. Christianity is not even a mere structure of beliefs, ceremonies, or practices. Christianity is at its very heart life in Christ. This life is supernatural and is given and sustained by God. This life is not a drudgery, but a participating in the life of the living and resurrected Christ.
I recommend this book to every Christian as well because we all need to be reminded of the fullness of what is offered to us in Christ. What is offered in the Gospel is not merely forgiveness of sins (although that is great in and of itself!) but abundant life in fellowship with the living God. I urge every Christian to get this book, devour it prayerfully, and then pursue with all your might the realities communicated in its pages.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through the Beyond The Page program.
July 25, 2015
What does it mean to be born again? Most believers understand the term at least minimally as being that moment when you became a child of God. When Nicodemus was told by Jesus that he could not see the kingdom of God unless he was born again, that statement took Nicodemus for a bit of a loop. Was he supposed to crawl back into his mother’s womb and be delivered into this world again? Furthermore, what are all the ramifications for what it means to be born again? In a collection of previously unreleased sermons on John 3 and the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, the famed pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones unpacks this important story and principle.
I have grown to enjoy the writings of Martyn Lloyd-Jones in recent years. His ability to engage a periscope of Scripture and to then relay to the reader the meaning and most importantly the application of what God has to say is quite remarkable. Quite honestly, I wish pastors today would take note of his style of preaching and the manner in which he unpacked Scripture to his congregants.
In this collection of sermons aptly titled Experiencing the New Birth: Studies in John 3, Lloyd-Jones walks the reader through the story of Jesus discussing with Nicodemus the subject of the new birth. Jones rightly notes in the very beginning an important point we must grasp when understanding the new birth and for that matter the Christian walk as a whole. He states, “Our danger always, even as Christian people, is to be reducing this life – eternal life – to something that is merely a point of view, a teaching, a philosophy, a theology, or whatever. We must never do that. Its essence is that it is a life, and that means receiving of his fullness. This is the greatest thing in the world, the greatest thing that any of us can ever realize.”
This means that the new birth is far more than a singular event despite that event being a miraculous demonstration of God’s mercy and grace towards sinners through the sacrifice of Jesus. Properly understanding the new birth involves the reality that being born again places us in the family of God. As such, there are characteristics that one should demonstrate in their lives that reveal they are in God’s family. Lloyd-Jones does an excellent job of explaining what those characteristics are such as humility, being truly repentant, a changed life, a love for God’s Word, maturity in the faith, love for the body of Christ, as well as a desire for truth and living righteously before God.
In fact, Lloyd-Jones spends the majority of his time in this collection of sermons focusing on those specific elements to include other related and important subjects such as assurance of faith, being alive in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and the need to empty oneself of themselves and to replace fleshly desires with a desire to love and serve God. I would classify this wonderful collection of sermons as an essential overview of what it means to be a child of God – the basics of the Christian walk and what it looks like in practice to have a relationship with our heavenly Father.
I highly recommend this book as something every new believer should read and for all believers to have in their collection as a valuable resource. The truths shared by Lloyd-Jones are theologically insightful, profound, and accessible regardless of what point in your Christian walk you may find yourself. Being born again is more than an event. Conversely, it is merely the beginning of a life lived in service to the One who gave His Son so that we might have life. Lloyd-Jones beautifully relays that important message in these sermons and I encourage you to spend some time reading this book.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I have grown to enjoy the writings of Martyn Lloyd-Jones in recent years. His ability to engage a periscope of Scripture and to then relay to the reader the meaning and most importantly the application of what God has to say is quite remarkable. Quite honestly, I wish pastors today would take note of his style of preaching and the manner in which he unpacked Scripture to his congregants.
In this collection of sermons aptly titled Experiencing the New Birth: Studies in John 3, Lloyd-Jones walks the reader through the story of Jesus discussing with Nicodemus the subject of the new birth. Jones rightly notes in the very beginning an important point we must grasp when understanding the new birth and for that matter the Christian walk as a whole. He states, “Our danger always, even as Christian people, is to be reducing this life – eternal life – to something that is merely a point of view, a teaching, a philosophy, a theology, or whatever. We must never do that. Its essence is that it is a life, and that means receiving of his fullness. This is the greatest thing in the world, the greatest thing that any of us can ever realize.”
This means that the new birth is far more than a singular event despite that event being a miraculous demonstration of God’s mercy and grace towards sinners through the sacrifice of Jesus. Properly understanding the new birth involves the reality that being born again places us in the family of God. As such, there are characteristics that one should demonstrate in their lives that reveal they are in God’s family. Lloyd-Jones does an excellent job of explaining what those characteristics are such as humility, being truly repentant, a changed life, a love for God’s Word, maturity in the faith, love for the body of Christ, as well as a desire for truth and living righteously before God.
In fact, Lloyd-Jones spends the majority of his time in this collection of sermons focusing on those specific elements to include other related and important subjects such as assurance of faith, being alive in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and the need to empty oneself of themselves and to replace fleshly desires with a desire to love and serve God. I would classify this wonderful collection of sermons as an essential overview of what it means to be a child of God – the basics of the Christian walk and what it looks like in practice to have a relationship with our heavenly Father.
I highly recommend this book as something every new believer should read and for all believers to have in their collection as a valuable resource. The truths shared by Lloyd-Jones are theologically insightful, profound, and accessible regardless of what point in your Christian walk you may find yourself. Being born again is more than an event. Conversely, it is merely the beginning of a life lived in service to the One who gave His Son so that we might have life. Lloyd-Jones beautifully relays that important message in these sermons and I encourage you to spend some time reading this book.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 12, 2019
Great teaching as always
Another wonderful book of teaching from Lloyd-Jones. Even though the sermons contained in this volume were preached over 50 years ago, they are still as relevant today as they were then. This is simply down to the fact that he preached the word of God in all its fullness. The gospel always was and always will be the answer to mankind's problems in every age.
Another wonderful book of teaching from Lloyd-Jones. Even though the sermons contained in this volume were preached over 50 years ago, they are still as relevant today as they were then. This is simply down to the fact that he preached the word of God in all its fullness. The gospel always was and always will be the answer to mankind's problems in every age.
April 16, 2015
One of my favorite things about Martin Lloyd Jones is that he speaks and writes in a way that is timeless, proving valuable no matter where or when you might read it. So often when Christians think about the new birth it seems to apply in the past (I have been saved) and the future (I will be saved perfectly in heaven) but doesn't seem to make a lot of difference right now. There is this sort of gospel gap when it's hard to apply the truths of the Bible to the here and now in a meaningful way. Lloyd Jones helps us by asking important and probing questions. He doesn't ignore the basic and most important questions like "Do you have life?" but he also helps the growing Christian think deeply and practically by asking Have you changed since being born again? Are you surprised in how God is working in you? Have you grown in your love for God's word? That's important because it provides a spiritual barometer for us to think about. The story of Nicodemus goes far beyond one man's encounter with Jesus - Lloyd Jones helps us see what it means that Jesus Christ offers the opportunity to be born again to any who will believe. He helps us recognize the Bible as a completely unique text that is alive and speaks to our deepest needs when he says; "There is nothing so fatal as to approach the Bible as just a textbook that you get to know, that is not it's business. It's whole object is to bring you to him in whom is all this fulness of which we stand in need."
I can imagine this book being helpful to someone thinking about Christianity for the first time and trying to figure out what the difference is between being religious or being a Christian. I can also see how these sermons might be invaluable to someone who simply needs a wise friend to remind them of the incredible reality that is the new birth - that God through his spirit makes those who are spiritually deal come alive! That is an incredible truth, one that I hope I never tire from. If you're stuck at home sick and can't get to church it would be a great thing to read through a sermon or two. But if you do, I can imagine that you might not stop at just one and might be convinced that there's more to be had. The sermons are deep and rich so don't worry if you need to take a break as you read. It's far better to read and enjoy than to rush past the jewels that come along the way. I'm thankful that God uses preachers like Martin Lloyd Jones to rekindle my excitement and thankfulness of all that it means to be have life because of a new birth in Christ. Read one sermon at a time, or read them together as a series - it frankly doesn't matter it'll be worth your time either way.
I can imagine this book being helpful to someone thinking about Christianity for the first time and trying to figure out what the difference is between being religious or being a Christian. I can also see how these sermons might be invaluable to someone who simply needs a wise friend to remind them of the incredible reality that is the new birth - that God through his spirit makes those who are spiritually deal come alive! That is an incredible truth, one that I hope I never tire from. If you're stuck at home sick and can't get to church it would be a great thing to read through a sermon or two. But if you do, I can imagine that you might not stop at just one and might be convinced that there's more to be had. The sermons are deep and rich so don't worry if you need to take a break as you read. It's far better to read and enjoy than to rush past the jewels that come along the way. I'm thankful that God uses preachers like Martin Lloyd Jones to rekindle my excitement and thankfulness of all that it means to be have life because of a new birth in Christ. Read one sermon at a time, or read them together as a series - it frankly doesn't matter it'll be worth your time either way.
April 28, 2015
Experiencing the New Birth is a collection of twenty-four sermons preached by Martyn Lloyd-Jones in 1966. All the messages are drawn primarily from John 3. I say primarily because Lloyd-Jones often brings in other passages into each chapter. Does Experiencing the New Birth guide readers verse by verse through the entire chapter? Not really. But it addresses many--if not all--of the themes of John 3. He uses John 3 as the main text, and supplements as needed from other books-- 1 John, Hebrews, Romans, etc. I was expecting the book to stick more closely to John 3 itself. That being said, I wasn't disappointed by his theological ramblings.
Experiencing the New Birth--for better or worse--isn't exactly concise. These are a series of sermons gathered together to be published in book format. So there is a lot of repetition, a lot more repetition than I'm used to reading in my theology. But repetition is needed in sermons because of our weaknesses: our inattention, our wandering minds, our proneness to get distracted and stay that way. Reading is different from listening, but, distraction still happens. So the repetition isn't unforgivable.
Twelve of the twenty-four messages are drawn from John 3:8. This seemed a little much to me--especially at first. But each message varies a little:
Characteristics of the New Birth
The Sign of the New Birth
Marks of the Spiritual Life
The Christian and the World
Righteousness
Loving the Brethren
Knowing God
A Personal Knowledge of God--God the Father and God the Son
The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Things
Assurance
Alive in Christ
All these messages essentially are passionate pleas from Martyn Lloyd-Jones to his listeners and readers: EXAMINE YOURSELF, SEE IF YOU PASS THESE TESTS, ARE YOU IN THE FAITH? HAVE YOU BEEN REBORN? In these twelve chapters, he makes distinctions between believers and nonbelievers. He reminds us again and again that you can think you're saved and not actually be saved at all.
Eight of the twenty-four messages are drawn from John 3:30. He continues discussing what it means to be a Christian, and what the Christian life looks like, or should look like. Much of the emphasis in these chapters are the dangers of self.
The Friend of the Bridegroom
The Baptism with the Holy Spirit
None of Self and All of Thee
Make the Poor Self Grow Less and Less
He Must Increase
Is He Everything?
Prophet, Priest, and King
Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise
Reading Experiencing the New Birth requires a commitment, but, overall I think it's worth the effort.
Experiencing the New Birth--for better or worse--isn't exactly concise. These are a series of sermons gathered together to be published in book format. So there is a lot of repetition, a lot more repetition than I'm used to reading in my theology. But repetition is needed in sermons because of our weaknesses: our inattention, our wandering minds, our proneness to get distracted and stay that way. Reading is different from listening, but, distraction still happens. So the repetition isn't unforgivable.
Twelve of the twenty-four messages are drawn from John 3:8. This seemed a little much to me--especially at first. But each message varies a little:
Characteristics of the New Birth
The Sign of the New Birth
Marks of the Spiritual Life
The Christian and the World
Righteousness
Loving the Brethren
Knowing God
A Personal Knowledge of God--God the Father and God the Son
The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Things
Assurance
Alive in Christ
All these messages essentially are passionate pleas from Martyn Lloyd-Jones to his listeners and readers: EXAMINE YOURSELF, SEE IF YOU PASS THESE TESTS, ARE YOU IN THE FAITH? HAVE YOU BEEN REBORN? In these twelve chapters, he makes distinctions between believers and nonbelievers. He reminds us again and again that you can think you're saved and not actually be saved at all.
Eight of the twenty-four messages are drawn from John 3:30. He continues discussing what it means to be a Christian, and what the Christian life looks like, or should look like. Much of the emphasis in these chapters are the dangers of self.
The Friend of the Bridegroom
The Baptism with the Holy Spirit
None of Self and All of Thee
Make the Poor Self Grow Less and Less
He Must Increase
Is He Everything?
Prophet, Priest, and King
Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise
Reading Experiencing the New Birth requires a commitment, but, overall I think it's worth the effort.
March 17, 2015
This will seem odd to write about a book coming soon that I have not read fully...but, I have heard on audio at mlj.org very, very many of Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermons. I did not check before writing this but I am sure when listening to all his sermons on the gospel of John that some of these I have heard. I am thrilled this book of his sermons on John 3 is coming out and I will read my copy immediately...I will tell you why I will put all down, excepting my bible and do that.
When a rather new believer, just several years,in Jesus, in 1972 I came across my first book of this greatest preacher of the 20th century, titled, "Studies In The Sermon On The Mount." This book I have since read over & over and have given out at least 25 copies or more. One dear friend of mine I gave a copy to has read it faithfully over and over, along with the way she does Spurgeons "Morning & Evening" every year. When I saw her about 20 years later the pages were loose, some had fallen out...so I got her a new hardcover copy to keep her favorite book near her side...she too has gotten all he ever got into print.
I must sum up why I write this about MLJ now...a long story short, the Sermon on the Mount book changed my recently new life in Christ like nothing else...that book, continuous prayer and the bible are my constant companions now 43 years later.
Time/space does not permit me to go on much more but after that book I read all he ever put in print, as the Romans and Ephesians series came out...my bookshelves have all he ever wrote and I have read much of them over. This man of God was used to change my life. What a gift the Lord gave us with this man. I never tire of hearing (audio on mljtrust.org) or reading him...so I can write about this new book just now appearing & not into my hands yet. He is so easy to read, yet tackles all the great doctrines of the bible. Oh, that we were given another like him again. I do believe that James Montgomery Boice was so similar in his preaching as MLJ. James Boice in the audio sermons I listen to every week...I hear him quote MLJ & CHS all the time. I think James loved him as I did.
I look so fwd to this book & you see, after reading all he ever got into print, it will be as every other. Blessings, Wally.
When a rather new believer, just several years,in Jesus, in 1972 I came across my first book of this greatest preacher of the 20th century, titled, "Studies In The Sermon On The Mount." This book I have since read over & over and have given out at least 25 copies or more. One dear friend of mine I gave a copy to has read it faithfully over and over, along with the way she does Spurgeons "Morning & Evening" every year. When I saw her about 20 years later the pages were loose, some had fallen out...so I got her a new hardcover copy to keep her favorite book near her side...she too has gotten all he ever got into print.
I must sum up why I write this about MLJ now...a long story short, the Sermon on the Mount book changed my recently new life in Christ like nothing else...that book, continuous prayer and the bible are my constant companions now 43 years later.
Time/space does not permit me to go on much more but after that book I read all he ever put in print, as the Romans and Ephesians series came out...my bookshelves have all he ever wrote and I have read much of them over. This man of God was used to change my life. What a gift the Lord gave us with this man. I never tire of hearing (audio on mljtrust.org) or reading him...so I can write about this new book just now appearing & not into my hands yet. He is so easy to read, yet tackles all the great doctrines of the bible. Oh, that we were given another like him again. I do believe that James Montgomery Boice was so similar in his preaching as MLJ. James Boice in the audio sermons I listen to every week...I hear him quote MLJ & CHS all the time. I think James loved him as I did.
I look so fwd to this book & you see, after reading all he ever got into print, it will be as every other. Blessings, Wally.
March 30, 2015
Martin Lloyd-Jones is considered, by many, one of the greatest preachers of the 20th century. Maybe even the greatest. This new volume from Crossway makes accessible previously unpublished sermons on John 3. 300+ pages of “The Doctor” preaching over John 3 is exactly what you would expect it to be-encouraging, challenging, and edifying.
This is a great, evangelical preacher pleading and prodding his congregation to consider Jesus, to consider their sinful state, to consider the Gospel, to repent and believe. There is much to be praise about this volume, but the greatest commendation I can give started out as a gripe about the sermons.
Reading the sermons you could feel Lloyd-Jones’ passion. As he encouraged his congregation to repent and believe, there was a multitude of times where he would make absolute statements. Many of the statements could lead weaker brethren to unnecessarily struggle with their faith. I was beginning to be troubled by these statements but then I became overwhelmingly encouraged.
I highlight that these were sermons delivered to his congregation and Lloyd-Jones as pastor comes through clearly. As the sermons progressed, there were statements made that backed off of the implications of some of his earlier absolutes. Or, at the very least, he clarified his position and offered qualifications on his earlier absolutes. It is hard not to believe that a troubled congregant approached his pastor and “The Doctor” saw the need to offer treatment from the pulpit. This is an assumption, of course, but it is not outside the realm of possibility or even probability.
Lloyd-Jones’ influence on many modern preachers can be seen in this volume. The Lord used him in mighty ways and this volume is a treasure.
I received a review copy of this book from Crossway’s Beyond the Page program.
This is a great, evangelical preacher pleading and prodding his congregation to consider Jesus, to consider their sinful state, to consider the Gospel, to repent and believe. There is much to be praise about this volume, but the greatest commendation I can give started out as a gripe about the sermons.
Reading the sermons you could feel Lloyd-Jones’ passion. As he encouraged his congregation to repent and believe, there was a multitude of times where he would make absolute statements. Many of the statements could lead weaker brethren to unnecessarily struggle with their faith. I was beginning to be troubled by these statements but then I became overwhelmingly encouraged.
I highlight that these were sermons delivered to his congregation and Lloyd-Jones as pastor comes through clearly. As the sermons progressed, there were statements made that backed off of the implications of some of his earlier absolutes. Or, at the very least, he clarified his position and offered qualifications on his earlier absolutes. It is hard not to believe that a troubled congregant approached his pastor and “The Doctor” saw the need to offer treatment from the pulpit. This is an assumption, of course, but it is not outside the realm of possibility or even probability.
Lloyd-Jones’ influence on many modern preachers can be seen in this volume. The Lord used him in mighty ways and this volume is a treasure.
I received a review copy of this book from Crossway’s Beyond the Page program.
May 9, 2015
I am always interested in any new publication of the works of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, with the hope that his sermons might be introduced to new readers and new generations.
I was first introduced to Lloyd-Jones -- the physician-turned-evangelist -- in 1996 through a collection of messages called Knowing the Times. I soon moved on to reading many more sermons by Lloyd-Jones, as well as his biography. I was amazed at his grasp of the gospel, his depth of wisdom in applying biblical truth, the breadth of his understanding of history, and his prescient understanding of where our western world is heading. He was able to communicate all this in a plain and straight-forward manner from the pulpit.
Experiencing the New Birth is a collection of sermons on John 3, preached in 1966 at Westminster Chapel. This is a most timely book, and quite needed today among professing Christians, many of whom take the new birth for granted. Evangelical offerings published recently have been strong on the issues of justification and related gospel-centered topics, but this book brings forth helpful, biblical answers related to what it means to be born again. What does the work of God look like, when bringing a person from darkness to light, from death to life? How can we judge ourselves in this? With careful diagnosis Lloyd-Jones gives biblical insight as to the meaning of "the fullness of life" in Jesus. His preaching is passionate but logical, giving the reader a practical basis for diagnosing his own heart. It's a kind of Religious Affections for modern man. Recommended!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through the Beyond The Page program.
I was first introduced to Lloyd-Jones -- the physician-turned-evangelist -- in 1996 through a collection of messages called Knowing the Times. I soon moved on to reading many more sermons by Lloyd-Jones, as well as his biography. I was amazed at his grasp of the gospel, his depth of wisdom in applying biblical truth, the breadth of his understanding of history, and his prescient understanding of where our western world is heading. He was able to communicate all this in a plain and straight-forward manner from the pulpit.
Experiencing the New Birth is a collection of sermons on John 3, preached in 1966 at Westminster Chapel. This is a most timely book, and quite needed today among professing Christians, many of whom take the new birth for granted. Evangelical offerings published recently have been strong on the issues of justification and related gospel-centered topics, but this book brings forth helpful, biblical answers related to what it means to be born again. What does the work of God look like, when bringing a person from darkness to light, from death to life? How can we judge ourselves in this? With careful diagnosis Lloyd-Jones gives biblical insight as to the meaning of "the fullness of life" in Jesus. His preaching is passionate but logical, giving the reader a practical basis for diagnosing his own heart. It's a kind of Religious Affections for modern man. Recommended!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through the Beyond The Page program.
May 26, 2015
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for my honest review.
What does it mean to become a Christian? What does it look like? Are the evidences that should be present to validate that one is a Christian?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in this study on John 3, answers those questions with such depth, detail, and power that I found myself so very grateful he did so.
With candor and grace, Dr. Lloyd-Jones weaves a wonderful message about all that new birth has and all that should be experienced on this earth.
Sadly, many Christians have been brought under the "thou shall" and "thou shalt nots" that they have misdirected from the life that the new birth offers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones, in this book, helps to remove the misdirection and get the Christian focused on what truly matters.
What does it mean to become a Christian? What does it look like? Are the evidences that should be present to validate that one is a Christian?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in this study on John 3, answers those questions with such depth, detail, and power that I found myself so very grateful he did so.
With candor and grace, Dr. Lloyd-Jones weaves a wonderful message about all that new birth has and all that should be experienced on this earth.
Sadly, many Christians have been brought under the "thou shall" and "thou shalt nots" that they have misdirected from the life that the new birth offers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones, in this book, helps to remove the misdirection and get the Christian focused on what truly matters.
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