285 sermons ranging across 19 of the books and letters in the New Testament, all preached at Westminster Chapel. Some were preached in short series, others were individual sermons.
Opponents of Christianity will say that the gospel is too narrow and that Christians must conform their worldview. How should Christians respond to this charge and the subsequent challenge? In this sermon on Matthew 24:6 titled “The Christian Message and the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches through these issues, showing the incompatibilities of the competing worldviews. The world tends to think of people together in groupings. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones duly notes, Jesus addressed the individual and not the whole. He preached the gospel to all but He was clear in stating that individuals must make decisions themselves about whether or not to accept His offer of forgiveness since they alone will be held responsible for their eternal state. Another area the world falls short in is that it puts care and worry of the body ahead of the soul. Scripture clearly emphasizes that it is useless to gain anything in this life if the soul is lost in the end. Christianity gives its followers hope because they know that this world is not the end due to the offer of salvation made available through Jesus’s death on the cross. The world tries to rob Him of His glory, but He has already won the war.
The chaotic world and the glorious kingdom of Heaven are in juxtaposition. In the world there is constant trouble, discord, rebellion, and estrangement from God. The kingdom of Heaven offers hope, safety and relationship with the Creator. There is no impending destruction in God’s kingdom. There is no fear, or terror, or alarm as in the world. In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus Christ not only foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, but also the destruction of the world. What should the response be to this terrible judgment? Can it be escaped? How may one enter the kingdom of Heaven? In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “Entering the Kingdom of Heaven,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of the utter importance of such questions and where the ultimate answer is found. It is found in the gospel. God offers a way to escape the terror. All must repent and be born again. Entering the kingdom of Heaven requires looking at Christ the King. As He is looked to with faith and hope, and a confession of foolishness, sin, and rebellion is made, the Christian finds admission into the kingdom. In an age of crisis and uncertainty, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the listener to face the future without fear because they have entered God’s kingdom.
In the midst of a prophecy of gloom, there is a good news. In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “The Only Way,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the Messiah of the Old Testament. The world without God is under the wrath of God – where is the hope? It is a different message and perspective, giving the only light in the midst of all darkness. The history of the world and the kingdoms of humankind are competing with the history and kingdom of the eternal God. No one can earn entrance into this kingdom; Jesus Christ is the only door to the kingdom of God. Christ did not come to reform the world politically or socially; His kingdom is completely different. God’s kingdom remains in the spiritual realm until Christ returns. Learn not only what Christ has done and continues to do, but also discover what He will do. The Bible recounts the wonderful works of God. The eternally pure Christ looked into the face of sin and bore the punishment of death; He is the only door to salvation. No one can cleanse themselves – come to Him as He can wash, clothe, and receive His people into the kingdom of God.
In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “A New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses history from the Lord’s view and the prophesies already fulfilled. While these are prophesies of doom, He also offers good news of a new kingdom. This leads to questions on how one can enter into God’s kingdom and why Christ came into the world. Listeners learn that it is not merely Christ’s accurate prophecy and teaching, but rather His works that make all the difference. Christ paved the way into God’s kingdom by His own living in obedience, conquering Satan, dying for humanity’s punishment, and rising in victory. He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. A Christian is not defined as someone who is learned and exceptionally able. No one can do or learn enough to enter into God’s kingdom; Christ had to come and make a new humanity. As the representative and last Adam, Christ has done all the things people should have done. Hear about humanity’s ultimate problem and the guilt of sin. The real work was done upon the cross, freeing those who believe in Him. God’s pronouncement of the judgement of sin is death.
What is the relationship between teaching and good deeds in the Bible? In this sermon on Matthew 22:34–40 titled “Man and Dogma,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responds to those that say they do not want dogma, but only what is practical and what helps them love their neighbor. He shows the fallacy of this question because Biblical dogma, or teaching, is related to love of neighbor and good deeds. It is only once the sinful nature of humanity, the redemptive work of Christ, and the need for repentance is understood that anyone can understand why they must love their neighbor. Moralistic legalism exists when the teachings of Scripture are done away with in order to focus on morality. This creates a false Christianity that is devoid of the gospel and therefore devoid of any hope. The church must preach the whole counsel of God. This includes both the need for salvation from sins and the need to live in holiness and righteousness towards one’s neighbors. Love of neighbor and love of God are connected and make one whole. Christians must see that the teachings of Scripture are what compel them to love and serve others just as Christ did.
All try to find satisfaction in this life, but they must first seek God’s kingdom. Do not be deceived—not only will the unrighteousness not enter the kingdom, even the good one does is not enough. It is a peculiar, yet common fallacy. In this sermon on Mark 10:17–25 titled “The Way of Entry,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the story of the rich young ruler to explain how Christianity is not just an addition to life, but a new life entirely. There are only two inevitable responses to Christ: either go after Him and forfeit everything, or be offended by Him and run away. No one can be indifferent to Christ. Find out how this young ruler was sorrowful due to both what Christ said, and what He did not say. All must come to the one who knows them better than they know themselves. God alone truly knows what everyone needs. Humanity’s problem is not intellectual; it is moral. God makes an impossible request that can only be fulfilled in Christ; do not walk away from Him. The listener is encouraged to not rely on anything other than Christ; turning away from Christ will only to lead to sorrow and condemnation. Find rest in Christ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
