D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones #2

by Iain H. Murray

Martyn Lloyd-Jones' hard work in the difficult War and post-War years became the preparation for his great influence in London in the fifties and sixties. But these pages trace his ministry into wider circles - to the Universities, to Europe, the United States, South Africa and ultimately, in his books, to the whole world.

Genres: Biography, Christian, History, Church History, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Theology

831 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1990

About the author

Iain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.

Reviews

[Demetrius Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it is laboriously long. Yes, it is painstakingly detailed. And for those reasons, I could give it 4 stars. But, I would have easily signed up for 500 additional pages. This was a thoroughly delightful treatment of a remarkable man. I loved the subject; and I loved the author. I love books of wisdom, and this book was embedded with it. So many great preaching nuggets to contemplate. And, man, did this guy have a connection with the Holy Spirit! This is the finest example I know of a biblical expositor who believed as much, or more, in the power of the Spirit. ML-J was his own man, and in no way do I ever want to emulate him (nor could I), but I know he possesses things I desperately need in my own ministry. This book made me hungry for more of God, for more submission to him in my life.

Kudos to Iain Murray. There were times I had issues with how he would try to apologize for or even explain away ML-J's view on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But for the most part he kept to the sidelines pretty well. And what better man to take up the job. Murray held ML-J in affectionate esteem, and produced a marvelous (yet objective) tribute to his dear mentor and friend. This is a book I would love to revisit for years to come. An inspirational and satisfying read.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve found, when rating a biography, that it’s hard to differentiate between rating the book as a book (in terms of prose, etc…) and rating the person being written about (and the impact their story has had on you as a reader). In this case, I’m leaning toward the latter. The writing of this second volume became a bit tedious at times, bogged down with details that didn’t seem to move the biography along. However, there aren’t enough stars to express the imprint that this biography (both volumes together) has left on my own heart/mind, regarding MLJ, Christian ministry, and a number of other things in between. Conviction at times; inspiration at others—any way you slice it, it’s a life worth reading about.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a bit of time to read this two volume biography but it was well worth every minute. Lloyd-Jones was a giant of the faith and so important in many areas of 20th Century evangelical life. I have such admiration for his commitment to teach and preach the Bible, for evangelism, for counsel and the care of his people. When he gave up an important medical career for ministry he always said he gained everything. The world gained a great deal as well - his books and recordings will continue to draw many to Christ for years to come. Well done, humble Doctor!

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two-volume biography of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray is one of the greatest spiritual biographies of all time. Without a doubt, any Christian reader will walk away from these two volumes refreshed and encouraged in the Spirit.

I could say much about this biography, but I will avoid the error of Murray (more on that below) and be brief. ML-J was a great man. His preaching has blessed me greatly, specifically in his books, and to have context for life and ministry is great.

I was mostly encouraged and convicted in ML-J's prayer for revival and reliance upon the Spirit. His whole life was marked by communion with God and a desire to feel the Spirit's presence (which he, somewhat unhelpfully IMO referred to as continual "baptisms of the Spirit"). But, threading the needle perfectly, didn't fall in the ditch between "reliance upon the Spirit" that forsook the need for doctrine, or stodgy, dead religiosity. The Spirit comes with power and joy. In this respect, he is a model evangelical.

The only complaint of this book is that it is simply too long. I'm glad that I decided to read the full two-volume set and not the recently released abridged version, but it wasn't without toil. I understand Murray's predicament which he makes clear in the conclusion that writing a biography on Lloyd-Jones is difficult because he lived in so many different "worlds," but long quotations, letters, and the like - while at times helpful - were often laborious.

Even still, for this genre of biography, these two volumes are classic. Now, please excuse me while I scratch this off my bucket list!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although both volumes of this biography are excellent, I somehow liked this one even better than the first. It’s not only interesting to learn something about the man behind the many sermons and books that have been a blessing to me over the years; it’s edifying, encouraging reading because it’s as much about what he believed as it is about the man himself (and also touches, along the way, on the testimony and experiences of many other Christian people whom Dr. Lloyd-Jones helped or worked with in the course of his life). I also found it extremely eye-opening in understanding church history of the 20th century—a clearer realization that we didn’t get to where we are today overnight, and of some of the key compromises and failures that led to this point.

Highly recommended.

[Todd Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murray’s biography of MLJ’s life is must reading for any pastor. Here is a clarion call to keep proclamation of the gospel the primary responsibility of the pastor with a stubborn commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture. I have learned much of the privilege and necessity of bold preaching from my reading of both volumes of the biography.

[Jacob Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, MLJ’s life, of course, lights a flame in the heart of any aspiring preacher; but the most distinguishing impression his life makes upon any reader is his godliness and utter concern for the Lord and nothing else. Great as a preacher as he was, his life out-preached any sermon he ever delivered. MLJ’s 81 years of life, in essence, were a continual testimony to the question, “What is a Christian?”.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks be to God for faithful ministers. May the Lord raise up more godly pastors like MLJ—and I pray his grace to count me among them.

[Jack Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure, and ML-J is fast becoming a spiritual hero of mine. Profound wisdom, deep theology, and captivating biography all bound into one. I cannot speak highly enough of these two volumes.

[Adam Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the first volume, there’s a wealth of wisdom in the pages of volume 2 of Ian Murray’s biography of ML-J. This volume is roughly twice the length of the first volume, and I found it took me quite a while to get through it. It’s not the kind of book I wanted to speed through, as there’s a lot of stuff to really think about. I frequently found myself re-reading sentences & paragraphs to let the text sink in better. Again, it’s remarkably enriching, for being a biography.

Why only 4 stars instead of 5? Well, the author gets bogged down in minutiae at times, recounting many individuals with whom ML-J had contact, and many different groups/committees/associations - most of which are unfamiliar to me being an American reading this almost 40 years after ML-J’s death. Also, normally I’m totally against abridged editions of any book, but I might make an exception here. There was a large swath of the book that was quite a slog to get through (probably 150 pages) that largely dealt with the controversy of the ecumenical movement in England in the mid to late 1960’s. I get it that ML-J was opposed to it, but it seems that he was still quite misunderstood. He (and Murray?) did a good job of describing the problems, but not necessarily the solution(s) to the said controversy. I’m still not exactly sure what the prescriptive action was that ML-J sought for the evangelical church in his day in response to the controversy. It seems that his contemporaries were confused as well, as they incorrectly thought that he was advocating for a new reformed evangelical denomination (Murray makes it clear that was not the case).

All that being said, to end on a positive note - overall it was a great read. This is a book that I have no intention of ever parting with - I’ve made all kinds of notes within, and I’ve underlined a plethora of passages.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best biography I have read, to date!

Volume 2 of the Authorised Biography of Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a MUST read for every Christian! Whether you agree with his theological views or not, you will be helped in so many ways by reading this biography!

There is much in Lloyd-Jones' views that I do not agree with, his views on baptism, church polity and probably eschatology, but there is so much more that I do agree with! His insistence of sola scriptura, albeit through the prism of presbyterianism, is so fundamental to understanding him, his life, his service and his contentions, that it is the elephant in the room always! His focus on the 'biblical' gospel, as opposed to easy-believism, is also so refreshing. His life and his ministry shed light upon some of the 20th century's most 'popular' evangelical and reformed personalities!

I received much information through reading this, and the previous volume, on the evangelical situation spanning 60 od years that is so helpful, but more helpful were the insights into Llloyud-Jones personal and spiritual life.

A truly 5-star read!

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-volume biographical tome of ML-J finished—finally! Light reading this is not, in part because ML-J's life merits more than a cursory overview but also because Murray's writing is unnecessarily thorough and/or tangential at times. Nevertheless, this is certainly worth reading to get to know such a key figure in twentieth-century Christianity (it also struck me that this volume functions in many places as a church history book on twentieth-century evangelicalism).

Suffice it to say, I've made a note to myself to put some ML-J writing on my 2018 reading list.

(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A biography of a Christian)

[Jonathan Pait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closing the book for the final time was like saying goodbye to a friend after a long relationship. "Long" definitely describes the book, but the subject and content provided much on which to build a "relationship". As a minister I found this book encouraged me, convicted me, and motivated me. There is much to learn from the times of DML-J and from the man himself. It was time well spent.

[Doug Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lloyd-Jones was committed to the ministry of prayer and the Word. His preaching ministry is an inspiration for pastors and budding ministers. He was doggedly devoted to preach the text and show people the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[Richard Wand · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible biography of and incredible man who served an incredible God!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The middle section is too long and detailed but I couldn’t give it less than 5 stars. A brilliant read.

[Kevin Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this book is long and it could be even longer and still be a joy. The legacy of dr. Martyn llyod Jones still continues on through the work of many reformed ministers and through the work of the banner of truth. You truly get a taste of heaven on earth through the testimony of the people under the Doctor’s ministry. I found these testimonies to be very encouraging as they serve as evidence of how real growth of a church is not in the numbers but in the fervency of revival in the heart of the believers.

[Jelinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Murray's first volume on the life of Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I was practically foaming at the mouth to read the second volume.

It did not disappoint.

This look at the second half of Lloyd-Jones' ministry covers his ministry at Westminster Chapel, his relationship with InterVarsity, his eventual rift with this ministry, spiritual depression, illnesses, and, above it all, his supernatural faith in a supernatural God.

Murray painstakingly researched his subject. I'm sure that his personal admiration for the man made that process a lot easier. And, through Murray's faithful research, people for generations to come will have a clear picture of this man, whom God used so mightily in His kingdom's work.

It's hard to put into words what I enjoyed most about the biography. I enjoyed so many different things. Murray shows Lloyd-Jones' unwavering conviction that the Word of God is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). He also shows Lloyd-Jones' spiritual sensitivity in dealing with controversial issues.

But he also paints the portrait of the pastor as a family man. He was devoted to his wife and daughters, and could hardly stand to be separated from them. He was a die-hard patriot, and Wales was the home that he loved more than any other place in the world, despite his faithful ministry in London for so many years.

He looks at the Lloyd-Jones' life during World War II, and how it changed them as it changed the nation.

Above all, Murray faithfully shows what Lloyd-Jones himself believed with fervor: that he was just an instrument, and the true skill lay in the hand of the One who wielded it. While it's clear that Lloyd-Jones was mightily used to promote the gospel and the kingdom of heaven, all the praise goes not to Murray or to Lloyd-Jones, but to the God of heaven.

I benefited greatly from reading about Lloyd-Jones, as well as from reading excerpts of his writings that the author saw fit to include. I look forward to reading more of Murray's biographies in the future.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough account of an extraordinary life. The last few chapters approaching the Doctor's death were especially moving. In fact, his interview with Carl Henry about his own father in the last year of his life nearly brought me to tears. There are so many lessons in this two volume biography, and Iain Murray should be thanked for this gift he has given to the church.

It is difficult to review such an expansive account of a life such as this one, but I'm glad that Murray helps highlight the most important themes and lessons that are reasonably drawn from the details of the life. That is, the description of the forest is confirmed by the many details of the trees. Though I regret that my reading was somewhat disjointed, I think some of this may be due to the fact that this book is really long. I enjoyed it as many others have, but I think the abridged biography would serve most readers well.

After reading this book, my primary takeaway is that you cannot understand Lloyd-Jones apart from his earnest desire for the Holy Spirit's power to be at work in his life and in that of the church. While he had many emphases in his ministry, I think they all trace their origin to this burning passion, along with others of course, including his great fear of God and love for the mercy of God found in the gospel.

Throughout his entire ministry, Lloyd-Jones was an evangelist who was zealous for revival and for a special work of the Holy Spirit. Though he didn't believe he saw it in his lifetime, he was content with the hope that he had paved the way for future generations to see the work of God. Here though, is where we especially see that it was his passion for the work of the Holy Spirit to be visible rather than his own gifts which animated him. He resisted manipulative evangelistic techniques and pragmatic ministry partnerships which could have gained him much greater acclaim given his natural abilities. Yet, he was controlled by the conviction that it was the Holy Spirit who brought men to a conviction of sin through the ordinary means of grace, which for him meant that he was constrained to the passionate preaching of the Word with an aim to honor God and persuade men. How does a man stand against Billy Graham and the English ecumenical movement, both of which sought to forge unity with those who denied and undermined the evangelical gospel, along with other compromises? Regardless of how one would analyze his handling of those situations, no one can deny that he did so because he was so conscious of man's constant temptation to appeal to the flesh rather than to the power of God, and he was so especially desirous to see the gospel take root in people's lives by the Holy Spirit. His heart for evangelism is just extraordinary. Seeing his schedule over the years and the emphasis he put on evangelism, both in his preaching and in his work in ministries such as IVF, is simply astounding. The man was indefatigable. It is chastening to read the account of lives such as this one, and I couldn't help but feel humbled.

You could see this emphasis as well in his labors to recover the experimental theology of the Puritans. He was interested in faith and practice. He loved doctrine; he loved living life with passion for the Lord. His followers didn't always embody this, but it wasn't due to a lack of trying on his part. He was a voracious reader, particularly of the Puritans and of historic revivals, in order that he could better understand doctrine and life before God, and he brought the fruits of these labors to as many people as he could through the Evangelical Library, the Puritan Conference with Dr. Packer, and his help in starting the Banner of Truth Trust.

Perhaps nothing more exemplifies his life than his preaching. Everyone interested in Lloyd-Jones should listen to him preach. There's nothing quite like it. It is, as he calls it, "logic on fire." He prepared hard, but he was conscious that he wasn't delivering a lecture and relied heavily on the Holy Spirit to give life to his words. People are drawn to sincerity, and this biography could really be summed up as one long testimony to the utter sincerity of this man, both to live and preach before God and bring others to Him in faith. He loved to preach, and he was clearly called to it. It is unmistakeable. He was the man God fitted to his hour, for only a man such as Lloyd-Jones would preach in between bombing runs on London in the early 40's. He may have been small in stature, but he is a colossus.

Finally, what stands out to me is that he was a kind man. He was vigorous in standing for principle, but he was not contentious. Nothing to me speaks better of a man than that he was admired by those whom he publicly opposed. That is truly remarkable. He had strong convictions which he never watered down, but he could separate the principles from the person, and he was always hoping to win people to his side, and more than that he endeavored to show the fruit of the Spirit in all circumstances.

There's so much more to say, and I appreciate that Murray indicates where he finds some weaknesses in Lloyd-Jones' ministry along with other strengths. If I had anything "negative" to say about this second volume, it would be that I wish there was a little bit more of Bethan like there was in the first volume. What an amazing woman, and I'm so glad that she and Martyn were such a team. His love for his family and their love for him despite the necessary busyness of his life is something I thank God for. This is a great, encouraging read. There's a lot to chew on and think about, and there's a lot to be thankful for. We have moved on from the Doctor's era—we face new challenges and have new hopes—but the gospel remains the same and faithfulness will always retain a similar shape from generation to generation. I hope the church remembers him and continues to learn from him as we go forward and serve God in the church by the Spirit.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given it four stars but it is just too long to be real enjoyable. He should have published a more edited version of about 300 pages. This 2nd volume was almost 800 pages!

[John Brackbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you read and say "I did it." It is rather lengthy. It is also the kind of book that your say soon after "and I am glad that I did."

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout his long pulpit ministry, which this volume documents beginning with his move to Westminster Chapel in London, Martyn Lloyd-Jones moved against the currents of his times. What makes his story not just one of historical interest but of acute application to our day is the fact that the currents of his time (essentially the middle of the twentieth century) are those also of our time. Christianity in Great Britain, whether liberal or evangelical, had become essentially man-centered. The liberals had "de-mythologized" the Bible and changed the Gospel into a social gospel. Evangelicals, while still preaching the gospel, were largely Arminian and were beginning with man, his needs, and his decision.

Lloyd-Jones, by contrast, began not with man but with God. He stressed that the sovereignty of God in salvation was absolutely essential for the church. "All other doctrines derive from this... If this is not understood then neither will the doctrines of justification, sanctification, and glorification be understood" (p.240). Beginning with God and His holiness led to teachings that ML-J regarded as essential, but which were not popularly heard from the pulpit. The first was the certainty of divine wrath and the reality of Hell.

The second was total depravity, that by nature we are dead in sin, enemies of God, and unable and unwilling to convert ourselves. Although regeneration (the new birth) was a concept which all Evangelicals held to, it was nevertheless distorted by a theology that began with man, his abilities and his needs, such that it was widely thought to be under man's control and to be the result of a simple decision. ML-J warned that this resulted in conversions that were not real, or even if they were real, tended to be superficial.

The difference in emphasis was immediately evident in the weightiness that characterized worship services at Westminster Chapel. There was a stillness, a gravity, a reverence that descended upon the congregation during the service. One regular worshipper wrote that "It was as if I lost all count of time and space. The eternal truth that I hungered for so deeply was being revealed, and I was caught up body, mind, and spirit in the sublime experience of receiving, finding, understanding, knowing...ML-J was only an instrument. What I experienced was the power of the Word and a deep, intensive, quickening work of the Holy Spirit" (p.266).

Author Iain Murray reminds us that it would be a mistake to suppose that this description of worship at Westminster Chapel was typical of churches in the 1950's. In fact the opposite was true: the prevailing attitude among churches was to be "light and breezy", to be entertaining, and to be sure to give far shorter sermons than the forty minutes that ML-J usually preached. Lloyd-Jones did not subscribe to the use of "techniques" or practiced mannerisms in order to produce an effect in the congregation.

Murray ponders the question after having observed ML-J preach powerfully later in his life, when his physical presence in the pulpit was diminished by age: "How was it that preaching as simple as this should be so rare? And why did the pulpit not more commonly bring the consciousness of eternity to those who hear? " (p.699). Having known the man very well over many years, Murray is in the unique position to offer the following answer: "His life was of a nature which quietly and spontaneously impressed a sense of God upon us... It was not because he always talked 'religiously' but because there was the evidence in him of things which lay deeper than words and without which his words would have had no force" (p.763).

"His jealousy for God's glory, his faith in God's promises and reverence for His Word, his sense of what sin deserves, his thankfulness, his hatred for all that is casual and flippant in holy things, his seriousness, boldness in opposing promoters of error - all these features, and more, flowed from his knowing something of being in the presence of God" (p.764).

It is important to keep this in mind when evaluating ML-J's role in the controversy of the 1960's, the decade which he considered the most difficult of his life. The controversy was that of ecumenism, the dialogue and building of bridges between evangelicals and non-evangelicals, including theological liberals and Roman Catholics. Some might have thought that ML-J was responsible for dividing evangelicals during this time by an overstressing of doctrine at the expense of Christian experience. This was not so. In fact he taught that Christian experience was vital. "More spirituality was required, more attention to the New Testament's call to dependence on God and, particularly, more of the joy and praise which should belong to those who are the heirs of glory" (p.458).

By the same token, he observed that among some of the younger men who had shared in the doctrinal recovery of the 1950's, there was, in the 1960's, now a dangerous tendency to trust in orthodoxy. He was concerned that "sound theology can be taken up as a great system in the same way that some people take up crossword puzzles" (p.545).

The issue was one of priority. ML-J stressed that doctrine must come before experience, that it must guide and set the boundaries around legitimate Christian experience. Ecumenically-minded evangelicals were basing fellowship on a common experience of Christ, rather than on a common profession of Biblical truths. A commonly repeated slogan was that "the one badge of Christian discipleship is not orthodoxy but love" (p.305).

What complicated the matter was that the ecumenically-minded evangelicals were not repudiating the gospel; they could still maintain that they believed all the essential doctrines of the Bible. The problem was that what they affirmed with their mouths they denied with their actions because the rules of ecumenical discussion required all participants to be regarded as fellow Christians. As this stretched the definition of Christian further than the New Testament allowed, ML-J regarded this as a compromise of the gospel. To put this another way, ecumenical evangelicals did not change the content of their doctrine, but the way in which the doctrine was held. It was now said to be no longer held "narrowly" and "exclusively" (p.655).

ML-J rightly regarded such a position, the allowing of evangelicalism to regard itself as one possible interpretation of Christianity, with those of opposing views being equally entitled to the same claim, as essentially emptying the word "evangelical" of any content. "If an evangelical, who is defined as one who believes the New Testament gospel (euangelion) is to regard as Christians those denying that gospel, then the whole point of the word is bound to be lost" (p.655).

"Here is the great divide," ML-J declared. "The ecumenical people put fellowship before doctrine. We, as evangelicals, put doctrine before fellowship" (p.523). He saw the issue boiling down to the following question: "In spiritual affairs, does theology really matter at all? Does it, in the last analysis, matter what a man ultimately believes?" An avoidance of that question, he believed, lay at the heart of the ecumenical movement (p.300). "I am a believer in ecumenicity, evangelical ecumenicity" he affirmed (p.524), maintaining that Scripture, and not a mere claim to the term, was to define what the meaning of the word "Christian" was to be.

Despite his opposition to ecumenism, which cost him much and distressed him personally, he believed that "the negative should never be allowed to displace the positive." "We are not here to defend Him but to praise Him, and His high praises should be on our lips because of what He has done in His Son" (p.685). Though he had long prayed fervently that revival would descend upon Britain, he had peace with the realization that he would not live to see it, because he rested in the sovereignty of God. It was enough for him to be faithful to his calling, the rest was up to God.

In the last year of his life, in failing health, he could say (citing a line from Toplady), "I have nothing but praise in my heart. I am more aware of the goodness of God than ever before and that I am a debtor to mercy alone" (p.737).

[Trent Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

MLJ is a hero of mine. This volume begins with his chilling ministry at Westminster during WWII, but more largely documents him as a minister at large during the ecumenical debate of his day. Although he was misunderstood as a separatist for his views, this volume reveals the truth: he was a man that was charitable to disagreement in all areas of theology (even within his own church) except two - a proper understanding of the gospel and a proper understanding of conversion. Although much could be said about his ministry, his faithfulness to these points is the chief strength of his life, along with faithful endurance to trust God until the end regardless of the harvest in this life. I am grateful for his example.

And although his faithfulness to this doctrine is commendable, it seems as though it became his primary mission instead of pastoring Westminster Chapel. MLJ would devote Sundays sunrise to sundown to the saints of Westminster Chapel, but the rest of the week he is found elsewhere in the UK and world. Sadly, as we see in many ministers, MLJ seemed to be more consumed with the church at large than his own church. It’s hard to tell if the book’s lack of MLJ’s specific pastoral practices is a criticism of the author or a criticism of MLJ.

Enjoyed reading this volume less than volume 1, but am still thankful for Murray’s extensive work. In fact, it’s breadth is the only reason I give it three stars - there is simply too much documentation (which Murray acknowledges in the forward). I would recommend both volumes for any pastor or aspiring pastor, but can’t say every Christian should read this second volume. For those wanting to know more about MLJ, I would read volume 1 then read “Evangelicalism Divided” for a much briefer summary of MLJs second half of ministry (and you’ll get a broader survey of ecumenicalism over the past 50 years), or consider Murray’s one volume work on MLJ.

[Peter Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a rising star in the surgical field of medicine, when he received a call to the ministry – the larger part which was to be at Westminster Chapel, London.

The massive two-volume biography of Dr. Lloyd-Jones by Iain H. Murray began as Murray’s notes for Lloyd-Jones for the eventual writing of Lloyd-Jones’ autobiography – which was never to be written.

Volume 1: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: the First Forty Years: 1899-1938.

Volume 2: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: the Fight of Faith: 1939-1981.

Murray served alongside of Lloyd-Jones at Westminster for some years and they collaborated on the Banner of Truth Trust, so he is someone with a great knowledge of the man of which he writes.

Though the two-volume biography scales some 1,300 pages, it is very readable and extraordinarily engaging. Murray includes primary documents and pictures will greatly add to the work.

Had a never read Lloyd-Jones or heard Murray speak before reading these volumes, I would still have picked them up knowing that Lloyd-Jones defines preaching as “logic on fire” – that is, preaching – good preaching – examines the text as a surgeon diagnosing with medical skills and with a passion given by God the Holy Spirit.

Other than saying you will have missed out on a great preacher, a great biographer, and what the Holy Spirit might do with you through this book, I will keep this brief – you have much to read.

Highly recommended.

[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

[Jonathan Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I had given almost ask the other books I’ve rated on here 3 stars, so that when I give this book 5 stars you will be motivated to read it.

Perhaps the most helpful and encouraging book I’ve read in the last 5 years. Couldn’t put it down.

Lloyd jones was a man that understood the importance of doctrine and experience simultaneously so that he made both the Pentecostalists and the frozen chosen Doctrinairres uncomfortable.

This asking with the incredible insight into the history of Christianity in the 1900s profoundly affected me. From revival, to ecumenism, to Billy Graham and drcisionism, to assurance, denominational affiliation, Pentecostalism and fundamentalism I have been greatly helped

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me two years to finish, but I completed Iain Murray's Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith tonight. The book's 800 pages was well worth my time. As with all of Iain Murray's biographies, Christ is centerpiece, and then the subject is a testimony of God's saving and sanctifying grace. In this case, Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a grand subject: Jones's passion for Christ, love for preaching and heart for Christ's flock was truly an inspiration. I wanted to a better pastor after ready this grandest of biographies.

[Brian Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is great and there are so many interesting facts about Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones and his pastoral ministry. It is a little difficult however, to read the sections about all of the goings-on in England, and all of the different associations and people that are mentioned. I had trouble keeping everything in order and remembering which person was which throughout the book.

Still there was so much to learn about this man and his love for the Word of God and for God himself.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

- very thorough; interesting overview of 20th century church history in many ways;
- for a book of 800 pages, it mostly moved at a steady clip but there were times when it felt like things could’ve been more concisely reported
- major issues in the second half of his life include controversies in the broader church: Charismatic Movement, ecumenical movement, evangelicalism,

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two of a wonderfully written biography on a wonderful man, who loved Jesus Christ and spent his life caring for others by preaching the Word boldly and standing up (often alone) for the Truth. Who knew you could come away from a biography so encouraged! It might be long, but this two volume set is well worth the investment.

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues the great biographical set by Murray on such a grand preacher. Volume 1 was more fast paced and full of surprises, but this volume includes the important issues MLJ faced later in life.