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The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones

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From the pulpit at Westminster Chapel in London, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones set a new standard for faithful and passionate preaching, a standard that continues to be relevant today. Lloyd-Jones was a physician by training and had begun a promising career in medicine before sensing an irresistible call to preach. Surrounded by theological liberalism, he began a pulpit ministry that would exert profound influence on both sides of the Atlantic.

5 pages, Audiobook

Published February 15, 2016

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About the author

Steven J. Lawson

78 books315 followers
Dr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Ben Chapman.
95 reviews37 followers
January 31, 2019
Possibly my favorite book in this whole series. The Doctor was a fiery, serious man of God and he lived to proclaim the Word of the Lord.
Profile Image for Benjamin.
843 reviews27 followers
March 5, 2017
As the title indicates, this is a treatment of the preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Lawson begins with a brief survey of Lloyd-Jones's life and ministry. He then treats the preaching under eight categories. First, the preacher must be called by God to his task. This chapter is a useful discussion of what is meant by being called to preach. The remaining categories deal with the sermons themselves. In these chapters we have presented Lloyd-Jones's own views on preaching. Sermons should be biblically based, distinctly expository, carefully studied, divinely focused, doctrinally grounded, theologically Reformed, and spiritually empowered. There is a fair amount of repetition throughout the book, so that the readers sees the same points made again and again. This would be a good book for a young man who is considering that he might be called to the preacher's work. It is also useful for the experienced preacher, to be reminded once again of the work that he is about. I gave it only three stars, however, because of the sheer amount of repetition.
Profile Image for Noel Burke.
475 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2017
I really liked the book. It balanced historical info with his theological positions. One doctrine I disagree with is his special calling for preachers. I don't believe that Scripture supports some special inward feeling or calling for some to be preachers. A great resource is Garry Freisen's book, Decision Making and the Will of God. Other than that, loved the biography and now desire to listen to some of his preaching!
Profile Image for Michael.
598 reviews124 followers
September 7, 2021
A delightful overview of the biography and preaching style of Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Profile Image for Fred.
109 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2017
I picked up this Martyn Lloyd-Jones book out of frustration.

I had downloaded Dr. Jones's 1959 series of sermons on Revival from the MLJ Trust website (where Dr. Jone's sermons are available for download on a voluntary donation basis) and was about a third of the way through the series unimpressed. To me, they were too long, too cliche', too old school, and although in English, were in coded insider language that I didn't understand. Some may gasp, but frankly, I was bored with them.

So why, I wondered, did all the influential Christian leaders that I know and respect, hold this guy in such high esteem? Why did so many say that Jones was THE single biggest influence on their preaching and thinking? Clearly, I was missing something.

I suspected that "something" was historical context, and I was right.

Steven Lawson has done us all a tremendous service here. He helped me to understand that the reason why Dr. Jones' sermons seem so cliche' to 21st Century ears is that we have, without knowing it, been hearing his sermons through the sermons of others for decades without knowing it. It's probably an understatement to say that Martyn Lloyd Jones is the most common, but uncredited, sermon source of the 20th Century. Everyone from Billy Graham to Timothy Keller glosses on Lloyd-Jones, folks!

Further, Jones' sermons are long because like a finely crafted orchestra piece, they have several content rich movements which build to a crescendo. To shorten them up would be to do the listener a disservice. And given the deep legacy and heritage that they're drawing from the man had a LOT to say - so he did.

His sermons are old school because, well, they are. The series on revival that I'm listening to was preached the year that I was born - they, like I, am going on 60-years. A LOT has happened since then, I know, I've lived it.

And yes, he was indeed preaching in coded insider language. Thanks to Steven Lawson I now know who the "Philistines" are in the Revival sermon series. And it stunning to hear him railing against church practices that were just beginning in the postwar world that are now common today. The man spoke prophetically because the bad fruit that he predicted in the late 1950's has indeed been harvested in our day. And no, I'm not "spilling", if you want to know what I'm referring to you'll have to read the book.

I owe Steven Lawson a debt because thanks to this fine little book I now "get it". I'm finishing off Dr. Jones' Revival sermon series now and thanks to this book, it has come to life. Like so many others, I too am now a devoted disciple of Martyn Lloyd-Jones and a blessed recipient of his passionate preaching - and I am a better man for it.

Read this book, listen to his sermons and I suspect that you will be too.
Profile Image for Glenn Crouch.
527 reviews21 followers
April 15, 2019
I enjoyed reading another from the "A Long Line of Godly Men" series, this time looking at Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

As young man, I was heavily influenced by Lloyd-Jones, but that was when I was part of a Reformed Baptist church - where I also developed my great appreciation of Spurgeon, that remains to this day. However, as Lutheran for the past 25 years (and now a Lutheran Pastor) it has been sometime since I did much with the works of "the Doctor". So this small book seemed like a good opportunity.

The Author includes a nice bibliography of Lloyd-Jones, but as the title indicates, he concentrates on the Preaching of the man. This is quite a good approach. However I must say that last few chapters seemed more like an apologetic for the Reformed faith rather than an analysis of how Lloyd-Jones Reformed faith come through in his preaching. The Author just assumes that the reader is in full agreement that the various points of Calvinism are fully Biblically based, and correct! I think rather that the strength of Lloyd-Jones' preaching on these things should be allowed to speak for itself.

However, this is a good intro to "the Doctor" and has encouraged me to get back into some works from Lloyd-Jones.
Profile Image for Brian Eshleman.
847 reviews132 followers
May 17, 2017
My usual standards for evaluating a biography are, does it help me to know the contours of the person's characters such that I would know how they would react in different circumstances, and does it help me to know the times in which they lived? This one doesn't especially do either, because both seem to have been sublimated by the subject's devotion to the timeless Gospel. That one great thing which sets the book's subject's soul on fire is both clear and compelling.
Profile Image for Nathanaël.
27 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2022
Un bon survol de la vie de cet excellent prédicateur baptiste qui fut un pilier de l'orthodoxie et de la prédiction textuelle de l'évangile à son époque grandement corrompue par le libéralisme d'un côté et l'émotionalisme de l'autre. L'emphase sur sa compréhension de la préparation du sermon et de la prédication est très appréciable. Un bon livre pour une bonne série.
Profile Image for Jamie Hill.
28 reviews
February 15, 2024
Month 2: A biography, I have never read much about Lloyd-Jones but I was very encouraged by his zeal for the truth and his humility in his preaching. At some stage I would love to read some of his stuff!
Profile Image for Alan Rennê.
226 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2021
Uma boa sistematização da pregação expositiva de D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Profile Image for Becky.
6,177 reviews303 followers
May 22, 2016
The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones is one of the biographies in Reformation Trust's Long Line of Godly Men series. This title is written by one of my favorite authors/speakers Steven J. Lawson. (I thought I loved him before watching the sermon series The Doctrines of Grace in the Gospel of John. Now I love, love, LOVE him.) I am also very fond of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. This is not my first title to read in the series, and, it won't be my last. I'd love to read as many as I can actually! I think it's a great way to approach biographies.

In the first chapter, readers get a relatively brief introduction to his life--birth through death. This is roughly twenty-five pages! I'd say it was a just-right amount of biographical context.

In the second chapter, the focus shifts to the ministry. The argument is that ministers should be sovereignly called. The chapter includes six distinguishing marks of divine calling. 1) Inner compulsion 2) Outside influence 3) Loving concern for others 4) Overwhelming constraint 5) Sobering humility 6) Corporate Confirmation. Lloyd-Jones did not believe that theological training in a seminary was necessary or always beneficial. He also did not believe in lay preaching. All are called to be witnesses but not all called to PREACH. Preaching is not the same as teaching or witnessing.

In the third chapter, the focus shifts to the Bible--the Word of God--and the role the Bible should have in the life of the minister and the life of the church. Many chapters within this book focus on preaching from the Bible, expository preaching from the Bible, going verse-by-verse-by-verse through whole books of the Bible. But this chapter focuses more generally on the authority and power of the Bible. The Bible is divine, the very word of God. I loved, loved, loved this chapter.
We can be perfectly certain that the Church has lost her authority and power from the moment she ceased to firmly believe in the authority of the Word of God. ~ Lloyd-Jones

From the moment that the idea began to gain currency that the Bible was the history of the quest of mankind for God, rather than God's revelation of Himself and the only way of salvation to mankind, the Church began to decline and to wane in her influence and in her power. From the time the Church threw overboard the great evangelical doctrines, and substituted for them a belief in the moral and spiritual evolution of mankind, and began to preach a social gospel rather than a personal salvation--from that moment church attendance really became a mere matter of form, or a merely pleasant way of gratifying one's appetite for ceremony, ritual, oratory, and music. ~ Lloyd-Jones

We all therefore have to face this ultimate and final question: Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do we not? Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture and sit in judgment upon it, putting myself and modern knowledge forward as the ultimate standard and authority? The issue is crystal clear. Do I accept Scripture as a revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding, and human reasons OR, putting it still more simply, Do I pin my faith to, and subject all my thinking to, what I read in the Bible? Or do I defer to modern knowledge, to modern learning, to what people think today, to what we know at this present time which was not known in the past? It is inevitable that we occupy one or the other of those two positions. ~ Lloyd-Jones

Do not read the Bible to find texts for sermon, read it because it is the food that God has provided for your soul, because it is the Word of God, because it is the means whereby you can get to know God. Read it because it is the bread of life, the manna provided for your soul's nourishment and well-being. ~ Lloyd-Jones

The purpose of studying the Scripture is to arrive at its doctrine. ~ Lloyd-Jones

I believe the paramount and most urgent duty at the moment is not to defend the Bible, not to argue about the Bible--I believe we are called upon at the present moment to declare the Bible: to announce the eternal truths contained in the Bible. ~ Lloyd-Jones


The fourth chapter begins by making a distinction between teaching and preaching. How did Martyn Lloyd-Jones define the terms "preacher" and "preaching"?
The first thing, obviously, is that he is a speaker. He is not primarily a writer of books, he is not an essayist or a literary man; the preacher is primarily a speaker. So if the candidate has not got the gift of speech, whatever else he may have, he is not going to make a preacher. He may be a great theologian, he can be an excellent man at giving private advice and counseling, and many other things, but by basic definition, if a man has not got the gift of speech he cannot be a preacher. ~ Lloyd-Jones

The business of the preacher is to bring the Bible alive to them, to show them what is in it to thrill them as they hear it from him. ~ Lloyd-Jones

It then shifts to focus specifically on expository preaching. Did you know there are three types of expository preaching? Experiential preaching--expository preaching that assumes the audience is Christian and teaching application--how to live a Christian life. Evangelistic preaching--expository preaching directed to unbelievers. Instructional preaching--expository preaching designed to teach doctrines and theology.

The fifth chapter makes distinctions between lectures and sermons. This chapter would be completely practical for ministers. It is focused on sermon preparations, etc. For example, the necessity to have at least a sermon outline, if not a full draft of what one will say.

The sixth chapter is about how all sermons should be divinely-focused and seek at all times to unveil God. This may just be the best chapter in the book. Maybe. They're all so good though!
I can forgive a man a bad sermon, I can forgive the preacher almost anything if he gives me a sense of God, if he gives me something for my soul, if he gives me the sense that though he is inadequate in himself, he is handling something which is very great and glorious, if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and glory of God, the love of Christ my Savior, and the magnificence of the gospel. If he does that, I am his debtor, and I am profoundly grateful to him. ~ Lloyd-Jones

The goal of preaching is to plant within people the knowledge of God, a sense of wonder for His divine holiness, and an overwhelming realization of His ardent love for sinners. ~ Lawson

The goal of all our seeking and all our worship and all our endeavor should not be to have a particular experience; it should not be to petition certain blessings; it should be to know God Himself--the Giver not the gift, the source and the fount of every blessing, not the blessing itself. ~ Lloyd-Jones

The Word of God is, first and foremost, a presentation of the awesome majesty of God. ~ Lawson

The preaching of God must begin with expounding the absolute holiness of God. Lloyd-Jones said every other area of truth must be viewed in light of this divine attribute. ~ Lawson

You will never have a knowledge of sin unless you have a true conception of the holiness of God. ~ Lloyd-Jones

It is the holiness of God that demands the cross, so without starting with holiness there is no meaning in the cross. It is not surprising that the cross has been discounted by modern theologians; it is because they have started with the love of God without His holiness. It is because they have forgotten the life of God, His holy life, that everything in Him is holy; with God love and forgiveness are not things of weakness or compromise. He can only forgive sin as He has dealt with it in His own holy manner, and that is what He did upon the cross. ~ Lloyd-Jones


The seventh chapter focuses on doctrine and theology. Preachers should have a good and solid grasp of systematic theology and biblical theology.
Preaching must always be theological, always based on a theological foundation...there is no type of preaching that should be non-theological. ~ Lloyd-Jones

Each doctrine in Scripture is inseparably joined to every other doctrine. Preaching must be aimed at teaching what he called "doctrinal certainties" that unify the entire Bible in one cohesive body of truth. ~ Lawson

It is our business to face the Scriptures. One advantage in preaching through a book of the Bible, as we are proposing to do, is that it compels us to face every single statement, come what may, and stand before it, and look at it, and allow it to speak to us. ~ Lloyd-Jones


The eighth chapter focuses on Lloyd-Jones being Reformed. This chapter specifically focuses on tracing the doctrines of grace through his works.
Instead of labeling the doctrine he was preaching, Lloyd-Jones opted to simply explain the text of Scripture. ~ Lawson


The ninth chapter is the final chapter. It focuses on the Holy Spirit and the role of the Spirit both in the minister and in the church.
The Holy Spirit must be active in true preaching, active not only in owning the truth as it is heard, but active in anointing the preacher himself. ~ Lloyd-Jones

Lloyd-Jones insisted that without the power of the Spirit, a man in the pulpit is merely reading his notes and repeating words. ~ Lawson
Profile Image for Tim Crist.
3 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
Great snippet of the preaching philosophy and doctrinal beliefs of one of the greatest expositors our world has seen.
Profile Image for Olivia.
109 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2018
Somehow, I began listening to this book thinking it was a collection of sermons by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Instead, it is a look at his life and beliefs with a focus on his preaching. Though it wasn't what I expected, I enjoyed it and gained some valuable things from it!

It inspired me as the story of a man who refused to conform to anything he thought contrary to Scripture. It was practically helpful when it talked about how Lloyd-Jones went about studying Scripture or preparing and giving sermons. It challenged my thoughts on a few of my doctrinal standpoints as Lloyd-Jones' views and reasons for them were discussed.

It's not an exciting book, but it does make for an excellent look at the life and preaching of this man. It has a lot of great thoughts for anyone who might be in a position of discipling someone else, most specifically toward preachers. But it can encourage anyone as a look at a man who loved his God and poured that love out through preaching.
Profile Image for Tim Casteel.
203 reviews88 followers
October 22, 2017
Honestly, not a great bio. I did learn a lot. Because I knew nothing about the Doctor aside from hearing him name dropped in Keller sermons.

I appreciate the author gathering relevant facts about Lloyd-Jones but it seems like a little more writing could have turned the book from a copy and paste job to a moving biography (what I mean is, as another reviewer commented, much of it was just quotes from Lloyd-Jone's "Preaching and Preachers" and Iain Murray's"The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones").

For a short bio it was oddly repetitive: the author used the phrase "theology on fire" at least 4 times to describe the Dr's preaching philosophy; and the author often "summarized" MLJ and then offered a quote from MLJ that directly repeats what the author just said.

A decent intro for people, like me, who know nothing about MLJ. But could have been so much better.
Profile Image for Bob.
29 reviews
June 12, 2020
Lawson writes of Lloyd-Jones' passion and pursuits, his doctrine and devotion, and his ultimate love for the Lord and His glory. There are few expositors today that could stand at the caliber of Lloyd-Jones, and this is because Lloyd-Jones understood the deep need, first of all, for the glory and holiness of God to be consistently praised and upheld. Secondly, that doctrine, theology, and knowledge of God and His Word is fundamental to growing in love and affection for God, and following His will. This is a great and succinct volume to kindle hearts fresh for the study and preaching of God's Word
Profile Image for Jordan Parker.
23 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2021
I have always admired Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones. This book gives wonderful insights into his life, his passions and his methods. At a time where expository preaching was mocked at, Lloyd-Jones believed it to be what was vital to the church for revival and he preached to a congregation of 2000 weekly. Lloyd-Jones really believed in the authority of scripture and dedicating his life to studying it, practicing it and teaching it to others. After reading this book, I leave with a deeper appreciation for the word of God and for power that it brings to transform lives. I’m grateful for the life and legacy of Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Profile Image for Mark Jr..
Author 7 books456 followers
June 1, 2017
Earnest, edifying, admirably brief. Doesn't break any new ground or offer any new insight if you've already read Murray's biography. But a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the Doctor.

Christian Audio provided me a free review copy of this work (no strings attached), and the reader was absolutely perfect: I'm pretty sure he imitated DMLJ's accent, and I've heard the Doctor often enough that he brought me up short several times—I could almost believe I was listening to the man himself.
Profile Image for Mark Donald.
245 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2018
Great short work on Martyn Lloyd-Jones' preaching ministry and his view of what preaching was and should contain. Lloyd-Jones is a great model of faithful preaching by emphasizing the centrality of the Scriptures, through expositional preaching, that was deeply doctrinal, God-centered, and Spirit empowered. This will be both challenging and encouraging to anyone, like me, who aspires to preach and teach God's people.
Profile Image for ValeReads Kyriosity.
1,488 reviews195 followers
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April 28, 2019
I should have taken the title more seriously. I was expecting a biography, but it really is just an extended discussion of Lloyd-Jones's approach to preaching. While I'm sure such would be of benefit to some, alas, it is not what I was looking for. Perhaps if the author had gotten to the "passionate" part, it might have done something for me, but it was pretty dry...at least the chapters I made it through before giving up.
Profile Image for Omar.
102 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2017
Favorite quotes from Lloyd-Jones:

"We must be expository... It should be clear to people that what we are saying comes out of the Bible. We are presenting the Bible and it's message."

"You must sacrifice a good sermon rather than force a text."
Profile Image for Donald Owens II.
338 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2017
A poorly written, almost superstitiously adoring, tribute to a gifted preacher, that reads more like a preaching textbook, with quotes from Lloyd-Jones as proof texts.
Profile Image for Bill Forgeard.
798 reviews90 followers
November 18, 2017
Combines a tribute to Martyn Lloyd-Jones with an accessible summary of Preaching and Preachers, with a biographical flavour. Somewhat repetitive. As a preacher, I found it encouraging.
Profile Image for Chase Calkins.
13 reviews
August 15, 2022
A good concise view of MLJ and his doctrine of preaching. Excellent, think those that yearn to preach would be benefited from this book.
Profile Image for Joaquim Dias.
11 reviews
May 25, 2024
O doutor realmente é uma inspiração para todos nós cristão e principalmente para aqueles que pregam a palavra de Deus. Livro muito bem escrito. Excelente!!!
Profile Image for Bob Hayton.
252 reviews40 followers
January 15, 2025
Listened to ChristianAudio.com version of this. Unsure of date completed, but likely early 2018.
Profile Image for Dr. David Steele.
Author 8 books263 followers
March 4, 2016
Steven J. Lawson. The Passionate Preaching of Martyn-Lloyd Jones. Sanford: Reformation Trust, 2016. $16.00

I will never forget reading the first installment of Steven Lawson’s series in the Long Line of Godly Men Profiles. The Expository Genius of John Calvin riveted my attention and engaged my mind. This book captivated my imagination and challenged my studying habits. The first volume reminded me about the importance and preciousness of our Christian heritage and the great men of God who lined the halls of church history.

Since that first book, nine additional books have been added to the series, including the latest, The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Dr. Lawson includes an illuminating biographical summary of the great Welsh preacher and demonstrates how God not only regenerated his sinful heart, but also how he ordered his steps to serve as pastor of Westminster Chapel in London for most of his adult life.

A sizable portion of the book is devoted to the preaching of Lloyd-Jones. His passion for the Word of God is explained and his theological convictions are explored. For anyone who has any doubts that Lloyd-Jones was a fiery five-point Calvinist, those doubts will be extinguished here. He was a committed Reformed theologian whose sermons were drenched in the doctrines of grace.

Dr. Lawson helps readers understand the important role that theology played in the ministry of Lloyd-Jones. His sermons were doctrinally driven and theologically charged. There was no ambiguity in Lloyd-Jones. His listeners knew exactly where he stood. The highest authority in his life was the Bible.

Additionally, the author clearly articulates the passion that Lloyd-Jones had for preaching expository sermons. “The primary task of the Church and of the Christian minister is the preaching of the Word of God,” argued Lloyd-Jones. Lawson adds, “This allegiance to expository preaching was completely foreign to most pulpits at that time in England.” Such a reminder should motivate preachers in our generation to faithfully preach expository sermons. To do any less would be treasonous and an affront to God.

The concluding chapter, Spiritually Empowered stands as one of the most interesting chapters of the book. Here, the author explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the preaching of Lloyd-Jones. The Welsh pastor strongly believed that the Holy Spirit must empower pastors, not only in during sermon preparation but also as the pastor proclaims the truth of God’s Word. Lawson accurately explains the heart of Lloyd-Jones: “First, the preacher must do his part in sermon preparation. Then God must do His part in sending the fire.”

Lloyd-Jones was a preacher with authority. But that authority was a derived authority. His authority came as he submitted to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He says, “This, then, is the dual action of the Spirit. He takes the preacher … and gives this enabling. Then the Holy Spirit acts upon the ones who are listening and deals with their minds and hearts and wills.”

The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a book for aspiring preachers and veteran preachers alike. But it should not be limited to preachers exclusively. This book is for Christian leaders who need a fresh burst of encouragement. It is for Christ-followers who need inspiration as they make their way to the Celestial City.

The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a vivid reminder about the importance of faithful preaching. It is a reminder that behind every solid expository sermon is a man who walks with Jesus and submits to the Holy Spirit. This book is a monument of sorts that honors a great hero of the Christian faith. Indeed, this book honors a man who was very likely the most effective preacher of the 20th century.

Highly recommended!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
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