Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Podcast

John 2:23-25 — In his sermon on “Let a Man Examine Himself,” from John 2:23–25, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles the important topic of unbelief. How does unbelief come about, and how does Jesus respond? He offers an explanation to Christ's actions. In the passage, Jesus performs miracles and many of the crowd believed in His name, but Christ did not give Himself to them, for He knew their hearts. Why did Christ reject them? Dr. Lloyd-Jones points to their unbelief. The people who gathered believed in His miracles, but they did not believe in His teaching. In many ways, they resembled Nicodemus. The Pharisee approached Jesus at night, wondering why He was able to perform such signs and miracles. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that Nicodemus wasn't interested in Jesus's teaching, and that is why he never understood. The proper approach to Christ is like that of the disciples. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says all should mimic the disciples' desire to know God. They saw Christ's miracles, but also wanted to know where He was staying so they could listen and understand. This is the kind of belief God is interested in, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says. These are the people who will understand God's love, and His Son's redemptive sacrifice on the cross.

John 2:1-5 — Who is Jesus and what has He come to do? This was the question that everyone was asking when Jesus was performing miracles and proclaiming the kingdom of God. Modern humanity is still asking this question. In this sermon on John 2:1–5 titled “Christianity and Its Message”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the question of who Jesus is and why it matters. Jesus said He came to do the will of the Father; He would not let other people define who He was or His mission. He tells this to the Jewish people, His disciples, and even His own mother. Jesus says He came to die and rise from the grave for sinners. He is not merely a political figure, but He is God in the flesh. The gospel is concerned with humanity's ultimate reconciliation with the triune God, and not solely on ending war, temporal suffering, and pain. This sermon calls all to repent and believe in Jesus. It calls all to believe that Jesus has been sent from God and that He alone can redeem.

John 1:50-51 — Why did Jesus live and die as a man here on earth? In this sermon on John 1:50–51 titled “The Ladder,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that according to the Scriptures, it was for the salvation of sinners. Jesus alone serves as the ladder that connects God and humanity. This is accomplished by His death, burial, and resurrection, wherein He redeems all who repent and believe in Him. It is in Christ that the person and power of God the Father is revealed to humanity. Without grace, sinners cannot know God or love Him. Furthermore, Jesus fulfills the righteous requirements of the law by granting true righteousness and holiness to His chosen people. Christians are then freed from the wrath and condemnation of God. In the gospel, Jesus died in the place of sinful people so that they could live as children of God and inheritors of all the blessings of God. They are then able to overcome the schemes of Satan, who is the enemy of God, and continually opposes the gospel and the mission of the church. In Christ Jesus, God has given Christians the power to overcome sin, flesh, temptation, the world, and the devil. While all are powerless on their own, the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to overcome all sin and evil in the world.

John 1:50-51 — What does it mean that Jesus is the head of new humanity? In this sermon on John 1:50–51 titled “The Head of the New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the great truth that Jesus is the new Adam who has come to restore humanity to fellowship with God. Just as all of humanity fell into sin because of Adam, now all who believe in Jesus are made a part of the new humanity. This is why Jesus tells the disciples that He is the Son of Man. Jesus is the new and better man. Jesus Christ is the only way for fallen sinners to be restored with God; He is the only way to the Father. The gospels are clear that Jesus as the Son of Man means that He is for all of humanity, not only the Jews. But this also means that Jesus is the only way to God. God has appointed no other means of salvation than through His Son. There is no message more important than the message of the gospel. All are in dire need to be saved from their sins, and it is only Jesus that can fill this need. Jesus alone is the new and better man.

John 1:5-46 — What does it mean to taste and see the fruit of new life? In this sermon on John 1:45–46 titled “Taste and See,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on what it means to know Christ and believe in His message. Many oppose Christianity because they say it asks people to abandon all reason and evidence and make a blind commitment. But this is all wrong, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, because Christianity is a faith based in what God has done in time and history. It is faith grounded in the real person of Jesus Christ who came and died for sinners. When humankind abandons their pride and comes before God, they find that Christianity is a religion about relationship with God. It is about the God who loves His sinful creatures enough to send His own Son to die for them. All are called to believe in Christ and to repent of their sins; this is the only way to salvation and peace with God. This sermon brings the greatest message: the message of Christ. It calls all to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and to come to know the Creator and Lord.

John 1:5-46 — Many believe Christianity is merely another political viewpoint or just another lifestyle option. In this sermon on John 1:5–46 titled “Face to Face with Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states that this is a complete misunderstanding of christianity. While there are many moral philosophies that seek to make the world a better place through education and political lobbying organizations, these fail to bring true change to the human heart. The heart of Christianity is Jesus Christ who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died a sinner's death on the cross, later to be raised from the grave. All this was foretold in the law of Moses and the prophets. When Jesus came, those who knew the Scriptures recognized Him as the long-awaited Messiah who would deliver Israel and bring about the kingdom of God. Those who reject God and Jesus Christ do not do so because they are rational and unbiased, for there is evidence of the identity of Christ in Scripture. They do so because they are sinners blinded by darkness. It is only by the grace of God that this blindness can be dispelled.

John 1:17 — Why is the world as it is and what can one do about it all? Only the Bible can help with the answer, as it accounts for who God is and what He has done. Thankfully, while everything else leads to greater despair, Christians have the Bible to turn to in times of trouble and turmoil. The apostle John says, “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “In the Beginning was the Word,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asserts that this is the announcement of all Christianity. He contrasts how the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a teaching or point of view as if it was something to be given. Christianity is essentially the person of Christ Himself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones turns to the introductory phrase in John's gospel which says, “In the beginning was the Word.” Jesus, “the Word,” expresses and reflects perfectly the mind of God. He is a perfect and complete revelation of the almighty and eternal God. The Word was made flesh. He was born as a man with human nature and came in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet the world moves on as if it never happened. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ and it is to Him alone that one turns.

John 1:17 — In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “The Answer to the World's Problems,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues for the contemporary answers of the Christian gospel to the common problems of humanity. Why listen to this message of the gospel? It is God's message. The world is waiting for a message, but there is not much confidence or satisfaction in the conferences of people. Learn of the origin of the world's problems and the sin that makes all people fools. “The real and only reason to be afraid of death is that to which death leads.” People fear this life, but what about the next life to come? No one should be afraid of people, but of God who can destroy both body and soul. God, who is eternal and all powerful, has given the law, revealing certain things about Himself and humanity's sin against God. Humanity is polluted and finds prayer a hard task; not only do they sin, but they want to sin. God hates sin, but offers grace upon grace at Calvary: “Grace is undeserved favor...it's the very thing you and I need.”

1 Timothy 1:15 — The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ was continuously on the lips of the Apostle Paul. He repeats it over and over again in his letters. Why did the early church continue repeating the good news? Why is the gospel so glorious to the Christian that it dominates their existence? In this Christmas message, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the result of the gospel. Seeing what the gospel brings causes better understanding of why the good news is wonderful. Moreover, as taught by Dr. Lloyd-Jones in this sermon, a Christian properly responds to the gospel by receiving it gladly, yielding to its teaching, and being gripped by its message. It is clear, he says, that anyone who has found the gospel “worthy of all acceptance” will live a life of faithfulness to the Christ who came into this world to save people from their sin. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones's message on 1 Timothy 1:15 and hear why the gospel ends in a person being entirely changed.

Luke 24:45-47 — The central message to the Christian faith has been a matter of confusion from its very inception. Think of the disciples becoming troubled over Jesus's teaching about His death and the mocking of both Jews and Greeks as the early church preached about the death and resurrection of the Messiah. Consider further modern men and women redefining the Christian faith through denial of the necessity of atonement for sin and the bodily resurrection of Christ. Confusion about the gospel of Jesus Christ is pervasive throughout the history of the church. Why does every generation object to the gospel and can anyone have a true understanding of the cross? In this sermon on Luke 24:45–47 titled “He Opened Their Understanding,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles these questions and others in this message. Listen as he answers popular objections to human sin, the wrath of God, and the justice of God. Find encouragement as Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls believers to remain faithful to the gospel message which is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures. Find out why the Lord Jesus Christ Himself said His death for sin was essential. If ever there was a time to make the primary matters of Christianity clear, it is today. Dr. Lloyd-Jones cuts through the confusion and gets to the heart of the gospel in this exposition of Scripture.

Luke 23:27-31 — In Luke's account of Christ's journey to the cross, he includes the last public teaching of Jesus. In the midst of pain and suffering as he trudges along the road to face crucifixion, Jesus turns to the women who are following Him and admonishes them to weep for themselves, not for Him. His instruction is startling since He is on His way to die. In this sermon on Luke 23:27–31 titled “Think, Weep, Repent,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls attention to the compassion Christ had for these women that caused Him to stop along His road toward death. He also calls the listener to pay careful attention to the content of Christ's teaching: weeping for Him is a thoughtless act for He was going to His death on behalf of sinful humankind and would be raised in glory three days later. Christ instructs the women to weep not for Him, but for themselves because of their ignorance of who He is and what He is accomplishing. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the content of Christ's final teaching, he applies this message to the modern listener with a somber warning: “Have you wept over your sin and ignorance? Have you prayed for eyes to behold the love and justice of God displayed on the cross?” He encourages approaching the cross and death of Christ with thoughtfulness and contemplation, with weeping over sin and ignorance.

Luke 21:34-36 — How will this world come to an end? The Bible teaches that Jesus will return in glory to judge the earth and consummate all things. Jesus tells that no one will know the day or the hour of His coming, and for this reason Christians are to be ever faithful and vigilant, called to be holy. However, some have ignored this teaching and attempt to predict when Jesus will return. This leads to speculation and creates division in the church. In this sermon on Luke 21:34–36 titled “The End of the World,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the biblical answer is to trust that Jesus will be faithful to His word to return and complete the salvation of all believers. The church is to look to Christ to make the world new at His coming and set all things right. This is the hope amidst the many trials and hardships that come from living in a fallen world. All are beset by the schemes of the devil from the outside and from sinful desires within. This is why Christians ought not to trust in themselves, but only in Christ Jesus. At His coming He will judge the whole world in righteousness and truth. Those who are still in sin and rebellion will be condemned, but those that believe are saved through His righteousness.

Luke 19:41-44 — What is the greatest tragedy in this world? In this sermon on Luke 19:41–44 titled “One Mediator,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that it is the fact that the world is blinded and unable to believe in the gospel. This unbelief is seen all throughout the ministry of Jesus, but particularly in His final days. The same people that greet Him at His triumphal entry are the same ones who later that same week cry for Him to be crucified. These men and women heard the message of Jesus and they knew that He claimed to be the Messiah, yet in their unbelief they rejected Him. It is a sinful and corrupt heart that leads people to reject the gospel. Jesus knew this was true when He wept over the great city of Jerusalem, knowing that these people would reject Him and be judged by God in the destruction of the temple. Christians of today and all times must remember that the gospel is based on the fact of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection. It is not just another religious theory, but it is the very word of God. It is only through this message of salvation that anyone has true peace and knowledge of God and His love.

John 18:36-37 — It was Jesus who said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This simple but profound statement lies at the heart of Christianity and true faith. Jesus is saying that He is not a mere political revolutionary or social activist fighting for a better society, but He is something entirely new. Many of those living in Israel, including His own disciples, had a hard time understanding this. They still expected Jesus to overthrow the Roman rule and restore the nation of Israel. In this sermon on John 18:36–37 titled “The King and His Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the great truth that Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world to die for sinners. Jesus came to make all things new by His life, death, and resurrection. Many in the church have a distorted view of Jesus's kingdom: they see it only as a source of political and social change in the world. But Jesus and His message offer so much more to the world than simply improved circumstances. It is the promise of eternal life and peace with God through the blood of Christ. To be in the kingdom of God is to be a child of God, free from all sin and guilt.

Luke 17:20-21 — From the time Jesus Christ went around Palestine preaching until the present century, there is a misunderstanding of the arrival the kingdom of God. There is a common fallacy shared by the Pharisees, Pilate, and the disciples long ago that also is shared today by the Roman Catholic church and liberal Protestant advocates of the social gospel. In this sermon on Luke 17:20–21 titled “The Signs of the Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states that they all believe the kingdom of God comes visibly and through social participation. In this passage, Jesus issues a strong warning to the contemporary church concerning the danger of believing the kingdom is brought about through legislation, social reform, or military conquest. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the forms of the kingdom of God are quite clear from Scripture. In the past, the kingdom of God came in the power and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Presently, the kingdom of God is manifested in the body of Christ—the church—as He reigns in their hearts. In the future, the kingdom of God will be fully visible when Christ returns at His second advent. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones's teaching on the kingdom, avoid errors common to the modern church, embrace the truths given here, and learn how to belong to the realm in which Christ reigns.

Luke 16:19-31 — The only two eternal destinations for humankind are heaven and hell. In this sermon on Luke 16:19–31 titled “The Right View of Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows the two very different destinies presented in Scripture that correspond to two different ways of living. There is the carnal life of sin and pleasure that is only concerned with what is temporal and physical. This life leads to eternal destruction and is the destiny of all who die in sin. The other way of life is one that is concerned with God and what is true, good, and eternal. This life leads to eternal life and communion with God. These two lives are either of unbelief or belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. One's attitude toward life, death, and the soul reflects the heart and mind. The story of the rich man and Lazarus show these two principals at work in these two lives. Jesus shows the folly of living for this world with its fleeting passions and desires. But those who seek the kingdom of God are blessed and righteous even though they may suffer in this life. Those who believe do so only because of the work of God upon their hearts. Even if unbelievers were to see a man rise from the dead, they would not believe in Jesus and His gospel.

Luke 16:14-15 — Why was Jesus opposed to the Pharisees? In the gospels, no one is condemned more by the Lord Jesus than the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees. Throughout the gospels, they oppose Jesus and seek to trap Him in His words. In this sermon on Luke 16:14–15 titled “The Pharisees,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that eventually the Pharisees—with the help of the Romans—crucify Him. Jesus condemned them because they claimed to follow the law of Moses and the prophets, yet they were religious hypocrites who loved public praise and recognition. Jesus condemned them because they claimed to be experts in the law and not only added their own traditions to the law of Moses, but they opposed Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the law. They pretended to be holy and righteous, yet they were dead on the inside. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims that there are many today in the church just like the Pharisees. They are self-righteous hypocrites who love to be thought of as holy but do not believe in the gospel, and they trust in their own works for salvation. This false righteousness that is only concerned with looking good is condemned by Jesus because the true righteousness of the kingdom of God comes not by anything one does. It comes by Christ Jesus who is the righteousness for all who believe.

Luke 14:25-35 — What does it mean to be a Christian? The Bible tells that being a Christian is far more than going to church, being moral, and working to make society a better place. In this sermon on Luke 4:25–35 titled “Called to True Discipleship,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that while all these things have a place in the Christians life, they are still not what Christianity is ultimately about. Many people pursue all these things, yet they do not know Christ Jesus as the perfect Son of God who has come to fulfill all that is spoken in the Old Testament. This is because they are not truly His disciples. They do the works of salvation without the repentance that brings salvation. There were many people like this in Jesus's day who followed Jesus because they were going along with the crowd. Those who are truly disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to lose health, wealth, reputation, and family for the sake of the kingdom of God. They count the cost and are prepared to surrender even their own lives for the sake of the gospel. They follow Christ's example and instruction to take up their cross daily. This is the heart of salvation. Only those who truly believe in the gospel are able to do this, for they have been given strength through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Luke 14:15-24 — What is the great feast of God? It is far more than any meal, for the feast of God that all are invited to is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Luke 14:15–24 titled “Invited to the Feast,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the parable of Jesus wherein all the guests of the feast refuse to come when they are invited. Each one has a different excuse. Some say they have to take care of their fields, others have to go to their wives. These are all who were invited to be a part of the kingdom of God, and yet they refused. They were more concerned with their everyday life than what God was doing in the world. The application of this sermon is that no one must put anything before God or before His kingdom. The fate of eternal souls rely on how each responds to the message of God. Does one refuse to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins or do they run to Christ and believe that He is truly the son of God come to save sinners? The gospel is a call to believe in God and to repent of sins. It is a call to experience true life in Christ

Luke 14:7-14 — The kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. This great truth is at the heart of Jesus Christ's ministry. This is why He speaks the seemingly contradictory truth that those who exalt themselves will be brought low, but those that humble themselves will be exalted in the last day. In this sermon on Luke 14:7–14 titled “Whosoever Exalteth Himself?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells us that people, in their sinful pride, naturally seek their own exaltation. They love themselves and deny that they are in need of a Savior. Without God, people are wholly ignorant of their state as a sinner in need of God's grace. This sinful pride is one of the greatest obstacles to ever being saved because they see no need for any to help; in fact, that person does not see themselves as a sinner at all. But the gospel is the message that all are a sinners and that God alone can save. Only God can show people who they are and of the salvation that is needed. The gospel tells that no one should seek self-exaltation, but instead seek the exaltation of God and by doing this, they will find true peace in Jesus Christ.

Luke 13:34-35 — Who are the hypocrites? In this sermon on Luke 13:34–35 titled “In the Shadow of His Wing,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how those who rejected Jesus in the time of his ministry were just like those that persecuted the prophets and murdered them in the Old Testament. The greatest opposition to Jesus came not from the outright rebellious world, but from the religious leaders of the day. They killed their Messiah because He was not what they wanted Him to be. Dr. Lloyd-Jones further expands this convicting message by showing what the Jewish leaders did in rejecting Jesus and killing him is no different than what the modern-day religious person does. They seek to live by their own righteousness and feel no need for a crucified savior. Those who reject Him do so not out of intellectual opposition and reason, but because they are sinners who have been blinded by their evil ways. But in the gospel, there is power to save even the most sin-hardened hypocrite, for the gospel is God's power unto salvation for all who believe.

Luke 13:31-33 — In this sermon on Luke 13:31–31 titled “The Lord of Lords,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones centers this sermon around a critical topic: Why do people not believe? He visits an important passage where the character of Jesus is on display. When told by the Pharisees that Herod is out to kill Him, Christ says, “Go ye, and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.'” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the political undercurrents beneath such an interaction. The Pharisees and Herod did not care for Jesus's safety, but rather wanted Him out of their territory. Herod could not kill Jesus, for surely there would be an uproar in the kingdom. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that both the Pharisees and Herod try to tempt Christ out of His redeeming purpose but God cannot be distracted or led astray. Nothing can derail the plan God has put forth. And like the Pharisees and Herod, a person cannot make Jesus go away. They must come face to face with Him and choose to reject or believe. In closing, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages those who have not believed to see the Son for who He is, and accept His providential and tremendous love.

Luke 13:23-28 — In this sermon on Luke 13:23–28 titled “Are There Few That Be Saved?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on Christ answering a man's question: “how many will be saved?” Instances like these, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, allow the believer to see how Jesus walked and talked on Earth. These conversations are important because understanding how Christ acted clues Christians into how He has always been, since the beginning, and for eternity. Jesus answers, “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones, however, wants to know why Christ answered so strangely. He didn't quote a number or provide a list of names. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says Jesus didn't answer because the question wasn't important. It doesn't matter how many people will be saved, but rather if the one asking will be saved. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that these types of questions reveal a person's heart. The man asking Jesus wasn't interested salvation. He wanted to approach Christ as an equal, to discuss matters of philosophy or theology. He concludes by saying that Jesus isn't interested in discussion. His opinion is the only opinion that matters, and when it comes to salvation, Christ wants to see to a person's soul, to show him or her His redemptive love.

Luke 13:1-9 — Why do people reject the claims of Christianity? Modern people claim that they are enlightened. They believe in their own reasoning and find Christianity to be irrational and utterly unbelievable. In this sermon on Luke 13:1–9 titled “In the Midst of Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that humankind rejects Jesus for one reason: prejudice. Humanity is in sin and a slave to evil desires and, therefore, he is the least free thinking. Humanity claims that evil disproves God, but Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that this is not a belief born out of the evidence but is a result of prejudice. The only answer to humanity's sinful state is the gospel. Only the grace of God can open their eyes to see that they are under the judgment of God and living in death. Only the gospel prepares people for death because it frees them from sin and the judgment of God that justly comes to all. This sermon brings the most important message that anyone can hear. It tells humankind that no matter how bad their sin is, God can save them. There is no one beyond the grace of God and the loving grace of Jesus Christ.

Luke 12:54-57 — Is Christianity based on nothing more than myths? In this sermon on Luke 12:54–57 titled “The Blindness of Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones confronts this false claim, showing that the message of Christianity is based on the historical facts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity. The Holy Scriptures attest to this as the inspired revelation of God the Creator Himself. God testified to His existence and attributes in the very creation of the world and providence. Despite all this, humanity rejects Christianity. They claim that it is intellectually shallow, lacks evidence, and that only those who sacrifice their mind can assent to it. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that those who reject Christianity do not do so because of intellectual objections, but because of the effects of sin. For while people may be capable of extraordinary feats of science, technology, art, and medicine, they are unable to comprehend spiritual truths unless God opens their hearts and minds to understand the gospel. They are not dumb but blinded by sin. They know that if they come to Christ, they must leave behind their sinful ways and give all to Christ. No one is capable of leaving behind a life of sin and rebellion unless God in His grace enlightens their hearts and minds so that they can see the truth of the gospel.

Luke 12:4-5 — In his sermon on Luke 12:4–5 titled “The Fear of Death,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones orients his message around an essential and crucial topic: how the Christian is supposed to live in the world. He focuses on this Scripture where Christ warns His disciples to not fear death, but to fear He who can punish the soul. This fear of death, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is how most of the world chooses to live. It is this fear that causes people to tremble at war, weather, and decline. For the Christian, this fear might tempt a person to deny Christ as Peter did. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that this fear has no grounds. The evil of people can only do so much to the body, but they cannot touch the soul. God is the only one with that power. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Jesus also acknowledges the pain in the world and the fact that there will always be tribulation. But this pain has no real power because it can do nothing to change a person's eternal standing with God. In closing, he reminds the listener of the liberating hope that is found within Jesus and how it is through Him that fear is replaced with security—the promise of eternity with God.

Luke 12:1-12 — In his sermon on Luke 12:1–12 titled “Leaven of the Pharisees,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones visits the topic of hypocrisy and how it relates to Christians today. He asks, “What is the enemy to the Christian life?” and the answer is hypocrisy. It remains a terrible liability to the believer's walk because, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines, it is a desire to be both Christian and non-Christian. Good hypocrites, like the Pharisees, take pleasure in defining themselves by their own self-satisfactory terms. This mindset is a direct reflection of the heart, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, and the believer has a responsibility to look after his or her heart. Here, Dr. Lloyd-Jones breaks down the three archetypes for Christian hypocrites: the intellectual, the emotional, and the practical. Each has its own habits, but are similar in their desperate need for the Spirit. What is the opposite of hypocrisy? Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that it is the admission of weakness and acknowledging that a person cannot live both a Christian and non-Christian life. In turn, this admission creates a dependence on God that dispels this dishonest duality and replaces it with even more of His Spirit. In closing, he reminds to not let the fear of people drive Christians to hypocrisy, but rather to trust in the heavenly Father and His plan for the fullest life.

Luke 10:20 — “It is our fatal tendency to rejoice in the wrong things in connection with our spiritual life and experience.” Humans are so quickly impressed with spiritual success and dangerously blinded by pride. How fast they forget the true joy that their names are recorded in the book of life and heaven is guaranteed. In this sermon on Luke 10:20 titled “Grace Not Gifts,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches the listener not to rejoice in gifts but in God's grace. He explains why people experience fluctuations in their Christian life, with seasons of great security and joy followed by seasons of pride, sadness, and unsteadiness. There is a profound difference between gifts and grace, and the result of the security found in knowing God's children's names are written in heaven.

Luke 9:57-62 — Why is the kingdom of God so divisive? It may seem strange to say that Jesus and His message are a source of controversy and division, but in this sermon on Luke 9:57–62 titled “Entering the Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that it is just that. Jesus's call is to follow Him and to become a member of His kingdom. It is a call to put Him above all things and Jesus takes precedence of all earthly comforts, even one's own family. This is the radical message of the gospel: it tells that Jesus is everything and that His kingdom is now the most important thing in life. All conceptions of the kingdom of God that do not challenge the sinful human conception of power and the meaning of life are not the message that Christ brings. This sermon tells that Jesus has come to save and that nothing one does can bring about the kingdom of God. No amount of good works can bring heaven on earth, for the gospel is the only power of salvation. Only the gospel confronts with the need for salvation and God's Savior, Jesus Christ.

Luke 9:35 — In this sermon on Luke 9:35 titled “This Is My Beloved Son,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about the Mount of Transfiguration where God declares who Jesus is. God tells that Jesus is His Son and all must listen to Him. Human merit nor worldly wisdom is at the heart of Christianity, but it is the real historical person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not like many other religious figures because He is a real man of whom we have historical record. What makes Jesus the Savior is that He really lived, died, and has risen from the dead. The Christian faith is grounded not in myths or fables but in the historical Jesus Christ. The message of Jesus is as vital as it has ever been. People are still sinners who are alienated from God and self-deceived. Jesus frees them from sin through His gospel of truth. He not only makes them right before God, but He transforms them and gives them new desires. While people are naturally deaf to the truths of God, Jesus can heal sinful people and give them new life in the Spirit. Those who are saved then must imitate Christ by taking up their cross and following Him wherever He may lead.

Luke 7:36-50 — There is a difference in knowing Jesus and simply know things about Him. In this sermon on Luke 7:36–50 titled “Because He First Loved Us,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines this statement by looking at the life of Simon the Pharisee. Jesus was invited to dine with Simon, but Simon had not believed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. This is unlike the woman who washes Jesus's feet with her hair and anoints him. She is a sinner who recognizes Jesus for who He is and treats Him as such. Those who know they are the greatest sinners are driven to come and worship at the feet of Jesus while those like Simon do not submit to Christ Jesus as Lord of their lives are ignoring the only source of forgiveness. This is because true religion has Christ at the center. It is one that is concerned with loving God and others because they have been transformed and made new in Christ Jesus. They see themselves for who they are and come to Christ for salvation and cleansing from all sin and unrighteousness. It is God's law that drives sinners to see their need for salvation and it drives them to Jesus Christ who alone can save sinners from judgment and condemnation.

Luke 5:17 — Who is Jesus? To answer this question, one must look at all the extraordinary miracles and deeds He performed before many witnesses. These all affirm His claim that He is who He said He was: God in the flesh. If the evidence is clear, why did so may in Jesus's time reject Him, just as many reject Him today? In this sermon on Luke 5:17 titled “Facing the Evidence,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the answer is simple: prejudice. Sin has corrupted every part of a person, including the judgment of facts. People do not have a detached mind that can assess the evidence because they are bound to sin. They cannot have a truly open mind to the claims of Christianity and the Bible. Is there a way out of this predicament? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that no one can come to know God through their own accord, but by the grace of God, a person's eyes can be opened so that they see the truth. No one can fight their sin on their own, but by God's grace, they can be set free. This sermon brings the message of hope and peace in the gospel for all who believe in Jesus. Humankind does not have to suffer for their sin because Jesus has come to take their place.

Luke 4:22 — Why do men and women today reject Jesus? In this message on Luke 4:22 titled “Unbelief and Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that modern people reject the gospel for the same reason that the Jewish people of Jesus's day rejected Him: Jesus is not who they want Him to be. Jesus is not a mere moral teacher dedicated to giving them a better life. He is the Son of God that has come into to the world to take away its sin and destroy evil. In their prejudice, people reject the idea that they could need a Savior because humankind naturally hates the idea that they are vile sinners in need of divine grace. Humanity uses so-called reason as an excuse to reject the gospel. This sermon tells the bad news that humanity is in sin, in denial of their situation, are lost, and on a path to eternal destruction. But more importantly, it tells that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus alone can overcome this hatred and prejudice and make fallen sinners children of God. This sermon contains the only message of true and lasting hope: the message of the gospel.

Luke 4:22 — What does the rejection of Jesus by His own people teach about humanity? In this sermon on Luke 4:22 titled “A State of Unbelief,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states that while one might be tempted to overlook the story of Jesus's fellow Jews rejecting Him as ancient history, there is more than meets the eye. He says that the Jewish people's rejection of Jesus is not borne out of rational arguments or reason, but it is a result of unbelief. They stumbled over Jesus's message because sin had such a grip on their hearts that they were not able to understand the message of God's grace. Pride and sin blind all from seeing the truth of the gospel until God in His grace breaks into their world. Sin is a state, not only an action. All are in this state of sin until God opens their eyes so that they can believe. At the heart of this story is the message that humanity is in sin and that God is a Savior. It is ultimately a message of hope for all who believe because it is the only means of being forgiven and made new in God. This sermon calls all to believe in Jesus

Luke 4:19 — What is the acceptable year of the Lord? In this sermon on Luke 4:19 Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the year of jubilee in the Old Testament where every seven years slaves were set free and land was returned to its original owners. He shows that this looks forward to the day when God's chosen would be redeemed in Christ and set free from sin. People in sin are like those in bondage and awaiting the year of jubilee to set them free. It is Christ Jesus who is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise and it is by His death, burial, and resurrection that salvation comes to all who believe. This shows clearly that salvation is not brought about by one's good works or even initiative, but salvation is wholly something God has done for His people. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, this is what it means for salvation to be a work of God's grace apart from human merit. This is why it is a grave error to reduce Jesus Christ to nothing more than a moral example, because Jesus came to die for the sins of many, not simply to provide an example to follow. Christianity is fundamentally about what God has done, is doing, and will do by His grace.

Luke 4:18-19 — What does it mean that a person is bruised by sin? In this sermon on Luke 4:18–19 titled “Bruised By Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on Jesus's teaching that people are slaves and victims to sin. They are so blinded by their own deceitful hearts that they are unable to see the need for salvation and grace. They believe that they do not need a savior. All of humanity's faculties, the mind, will, and intellect are subject to sin. This is why Jesus proclaims that He has come to save the captives. Jesus is the deliverer of sinners who are captive to their own evil desires. People are even victims of their own evil, according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, for a person in sin is like those that are diseased and sick. They are wholly unable to heal themselves. But Jesus as the great healer can free all from all this suffering and pain. He alone can save sinners. What does this message mean for humankind? It means that all can have hope despite their sin and depravity because Jesus has come and died for sinners. All who believe are set free from their sin and made righteous before God.

Luke 4:18-19 — In this sermon on Luke 4:18–19 titled “Recovery of Sight to the Blind,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones uncovers the biblical truth regarding the human heart that most do not want to consider. People are wholly corrupt and sinful as a result of the fall. They are blind and unable to see the light of God's truth because they reject the grace of God and scorn the gospel of Jesus Christ as foolish and offensive. But it gets worse. God has appointed a day when He will come in judgment to condemn all those who will not repent and believe in the gospel. The Bible is clear that no one escapes this final judgment. There are no second chances. But as Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims, there is hope. By repenting and believing in the message of salvation given in God's word, anyone may be made right with God. This powerful work is what the Holy Spirit does inside of people, giving the blind sight and the dead new life. This gospel of grace, repentance, and redemption in Christ Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit is the only means of salvation that God has given this world.

Luke 4:18-19 — The glorious truth of the message of Christ is that people can know God and come into a relationship with Him. God has not created humanity and left them to themselves, but has revealed Himself. This revelation does not come through human reason, for Paul tells that the message of the gospel came to those that were not considered wise by the world. God has revealed Himself through Christ in grace. In this sermon on Luke 4:18–19 titled “Divine Knowledge,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on this truth that God can be known not because of human wisdom, but because God is gracious. It is because God so loved this sinful and evil world that He has sent His Son so that all who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus might be saved. This is not merely theoretical knowledge, but it is a knowledge of God and what He has done. How is one to respond to this revelation? The answer of this sermon from Scripture is that they must believe God. They must believe that Jesus Christ is God's son who has come to die and take away the sin of the world.

Luke 4:17-19 — Why does the Bible tell that people are captives? This is an odd statement to many today, just as it was in the time of Jesus, but this truth is at the heart of the gospel. In this sermon on deliverance from Luke 4:17–19 titled “Deliverance to the Captives,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the glorious truth that Jesus has come to save the captives from sin. God Himself came into the evil world to die upon the cross for the salvation of His enemies so that they might become His children. When God saves sinners, He not only frees them from sin, but also makes them new creatures with new desires for righteousness and the things of God. In His grace, God takes people out of their sin and makes them a new creation. The call for all who have believed in Jesus is to stand in faith and resist the devil, pursue godliness, and flee all sin. This sermon contains the most important message any can ever hear because it is the message of grace and salvation. It is the message of the good news of Christ.

Luke 4:18 — In this sermon on healing the broken hearted from Luke 4:18, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the disease in humankind—sin. This disease has many symptoms, and there are numerous manifestations of sin. “Do you regard this gospel as the greatest good news you have ever heard?” One must know they are sick if they are going to be healed. “Sin is something that leads to a broken-hearted condition.” Christ's coming does judge, but He did not come only to judge. He brought salvation and healing. How does Christ heal and what does salvation contain? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims the word of the ultimate physician. Christ came because humanity was a failure. Christ came not only to offer comfort, but to cure people of the disease of sin and reconcile His people to God. “You are not healed by Christ if you are not rejoicing.” This perfect and complete work turns ashes into beauty and the listener is encouraged to not rest until they are clothed with the pure white garments of Christ.

Luke 4:18-19 — What is Christianity all about? There is no one better to get an answer to this question than Jesus Himself. In this sermon on Luke 4:18–19 titled “What is the Good News?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at Jesus's statement concerning Himself. Jesus tells that He has come to bring good news to the poor and to give sight to the blind. What does this mean? First, Jesus brings healing not to the self-righteous, but to those that know they are weak and poor in spirit. Only those who know they are poor seek the riches that Christ brings. Secondly, Jesus is the source of blessing and wisdom. From an early age, Jesus confounded the teachers of the law with His wisdom and knowledge of the things of God. What then is Christianity about? According to Jesus Himself, it is about Him and His gospel message of salvation for sinners. All Christians must look to Jesus Himself for an understanding of what Christianity truly is, not tradition and culture, but the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Luke 3:1-2 — God's law was given after the fall of humanity and His communication with humanity continued until it suddenly halted for 400 years. Silence for 400 years left humankind waiting for God's word to come again. In this sermon on Luke 3:1–2 titled “Think About Good,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the message that broke this silence. God's revelation is the exact opposite of discovery: humanity does not have access to anything that was not first revealed by God. Learn about spiritual history and how this always works exactly according to God's plan. Redemption and the scheme of salvation were in the mind of God even before the world was formed. The hand of God runs throughout Scripture alongside the plan and history of humanity. See how the Old Testament is constantly pointing forward to Christ Jesus and how sin demands punishment. Humanity's sin is such terrible rebellion that God cannot simply pretend He has not seen it. Jesus Christ came to taste death for everyone. Indulging in temporary pleasures of this earth will have devastating eternal effects. There is great hope that comes with this gospel of freedom through Christ, but it is one that must be embraced in this lifetime.

Luke 2:44 — In this sermon on Luke 2:44 titled “Are You a Christian?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives listeners a sober reminder. Just as Joseph and Mary supposed Jesus was in the crowd when He wasn't, many people assume they are Christians when they are not. Joseph and Mary went on their travels without examining whether or not they had Jesus by their side. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues, is what people do when they convince themselves of their salvation without examining themselves. Christianity is not attaining a high ethical standard for living, but rather an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit upon receiving Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks, “What do you have when everything else is taken?” If one does not think of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is likely that they do not have new life in Him. In times of turbulence and war, the Christian can be assured that Christ will walk with them. To meet Jesus, Dr. Lloyd-Jones adds, is to be humbled by Him. Listen in as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages about the only true hope in the universe.

Luke 2:7 — The Christmas message as found in Holy Scripture is full of mystery. As one meditates on the true meaning of Christmas, one wonders why the eternal Son of God came in the particular way He did. Why was He born of a virgin? Why was He not born in a palace? Why did the Son of God live such a humble existence on earth as a carpenter? In this sermon on Luke 2:7 titled “As Little Children,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores these questions in this thought-provoking Christmas message. He reminds the listener that the manner in which the Son of God came to earth stands in direct opposition to the pride, pomp, and outward show of fallen humanity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the coming of the Son of God condemns the world. It condemns the world in how it evaluates greatness, in its belief in wealth, and belief in itself. But, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Son of God coming to the world offers hope to the world. Although Christ comes in an entirely different manner than the world might expect, He comes to point to the way of salvation. He shows the world the necessity of becoming humble, so that God will become powerful in His children's lives.

Luke 2:7 — There is a vast difference between the good news of the eternal Son of God taking on flesh to rescue sinners and the vague commercialized cultural Christmas message of good cheer. The authoritative word of God does not present a Christmas message about the brotherhood of humanity and vague encouragement to have the Christmas spirit. In contrast are the facts about the Son of God and the significance of those facts. In this Christmas sermon on Luke 2:7 titled “…Laid Him in a Manger,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls the church to hold firmly to the historicity of the babe, born of a virgin, in Bethlehem, in a stable, and in the manger. Christians must rid themselves of false sentimentality about what Christmas is truly about and tell the truth about the world . The world, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is blinded to their real need. The world is cold and full of selfishness. The Son of God is humble and was born in the lowliest of situations. Even with the facts, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, all should be amazed that God the Son would come at all for such a dark world. Moreover, when one has the facts, they see the love of God which led to the Son of God coming so that sinners might be reconciled to God. Listeners are encouraged to leave behind the philosophy of Christmas spirit and embrace the historical facts of God taking on human flesh.

Luke 2:1 — Every Christmas season a battle rages. For Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones the battle rages over the historical facts about the birth of Christ. While many deny the facts of Christmas altogether, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says there is a much more dangerous message distributed among the culture during the Christmas season. It is a message which says that it does not matter whether the Son of God actually was born in a particular location and in a particular year. Whether the birth of Christ is true or historical makes no difference at all because we can still say we have a noble teaching in the Christmas story, and it can still help people have a better life. This psychologizing of the Christmas message, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sounds wonderful, but in the end it is the most hopeless message the world has ever heard. Why? Because sinful humanity is left with nothing but an exhortation to live a moral life. But the historical, biblical facts of the Christian Gospel is about what God has actually done in time through the Son of God. In this Christmas Day sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds the relationship of the Lord Jesus Christ to time, emphasizing that the Son of God was before time, manifested in time, come late in time, in the fullness of time, is himself the center of time, and will come back to end time! Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones battles for the true Christmas message in this sermon on Luke 2:1.

Luke 1:76-79 — If one begins the Christmas season by acknowledging that the world is in darkness without Christ, and admitting that there is fear of death, illness, pain, and, war, then they can truly praise the coming of the Son of God. In this sermon on Luke 1:76–79 titled “The Light of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the father of John the Baptist, Zacharias, who understood the condition of the world and the significance of his son's ministry in preparing the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist's ministry brought a word concerning the world's real need, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones. John's message of salvation to the Jews was one that challenged the leading conceptions of how and from what God was delivering His people. Humanity's sin and rebellion against God is the problem. Christmas, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is not about a principle but a person who brings peace—peace with God, peace with self, and peace with others. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains why Jesus Christ is the light of God in a dark and restless world.

Luke 1:51-53 — How does Jesus shatter thinking of what it means to be great? In this sermon on Luke 1:51–53 titled “The Wisdom of Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at Mary's song of praise and what it tells about Jesus. Worldly people look to what is outwardly strong and impressive. They look to what is grand and dignified. Yet the Bible tells that God uses the weak and the seemingly unimpressive things to shame the wisdom of the world. There is no better example of this than Jesus Christ. He was born as a baby to a family of no reputation in the land of Judea. But it is this Jesus who is the Savior of the world and the Redeemer of humankind. He did this by dying a humiliating death upon the cross of Calvary and rising from the grave three days later. This is a message of salvation, not to those who are prideful and arrogant, but to those that know they are weak and poor of spirit. It is a message for the outcast and the despised. This gospel asks the question of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus or do you trust in yourself for your own salvation?”

1 Kings 3:9 — Everyone is given the choice of wisdom or pleasure in this life. This is the choice Solomon was given and he chose wisdom. In this sermon on 1 Kings 3:9, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that when the world is chosen over wisdom, humanity is guaranteed to experience emptiness. Humanity was created to be fulfilled most fully in the Lord and Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that to choose anything but wisdom is short-sighted and, in fact, an insult to humanity's nature. So what is it that makes a person choose wisdom? When a person truly understands the greatness of the task ahead in this life, wisdom is chosen. The world will call for attention and promise its comforts, but it will not satisfy. God alone is strong enough to guide through this life and into the next.

Mark 12:34 — In this sermon on Mark 12:34 titled “Not Far From the Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the matter of the kingdom of God. No one suffered in this world like the Son of God. Biblical Christianity is not vague or indefinite. Either one is in the kingdom of God or they are not. Everyone will have to come to stand before God alone — it is a very straight gate by which one can enter. Learn how far one can travel and yet not be in the kingdom. Though there are various positions occupied by those outside the kingdom, they have no advantage over one another. Many people think that Christians are merely ignorant and unintelligent, but this is not true. Learn the true mark of intelligence. God cannot be bought by good deeds or sacrifices; the mere external acts of religion do not please God. Learn of the essential demand of God's law. One cannot simply be intellectually interested in religion – religion must move from theoretical to practical, or else there is great danger. The law of God is not here to be applauded, but to be applied. “Believe and be ye saved.”

Mark 12:28-31 — Chaos, conflict, and crisis are a regular part of the world. All of humanity's attempts to bring peace and reconciliation fall short. In this sermon on Mark 21:28–31 titled “Love Thy Neighbour,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that humanity's priorities are misplaced. Humankind tries to appease their own desires with their own answers. This human-centered approach is unbiblical because it does not start with God in order to understand the nature of humanity. Only when people see themselves as created by God and in need of redemption and reconciliation with God can they properly diagnose themselves and their problems. Until a person recognizes their sin and rebellion before God, they will never understand the depth of their alienation from one another and God. It is only the gospel that can free anyone from their guilt and sin before a holy God, and it is only by believing in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that they can truly live in fellowship and communion with one another. It is only by divine aid that anyone can flee from themselves and turn to God so that they may be freed from their sin.