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Sermon #2001

Christianity - the Only Hope

A Sermon on Acts 1:1-3

Originally preached Jan. 10, 1965

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Scripture

Acts 1:1-3 ESV KJV
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his …

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Sermon Description

Why do Christians go to church? What compels them to gather for a day of worship, fellowship and preaching? Is it because of an agreement of morals or a collective optimism about life? Is it only for the weak and discouraged? In this sermon on Acts 1:1-3 titled “Christianity – the Only Hope,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the true purpose of the church. With clear exposition and thought-provoking questions, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presses into the heart and asks a compelling question: “do you know the gospel?” Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the saving message of Jesus Christ with an emphasis on how Luke writes it in his gospel and his treatise to Theophilus titled “The Acts of the Apostles,” or “Acts.” The sinner’s past is forgiven when they repent of their sin. In an instant they are made a new creation because of what Jesus did on the cross in paying the wages of sin. The victory is secure by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since He is alive today, He fulfills the promise of being with His people to the end of the age. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones exposits on Acts 1:1–3, listen as he very precisely explains why Christianity is the only hope and how this concept displays itself in the church: “If you want to understand Christianity, don’t shut your Bible, open it! Listen for your life!”

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon begins by establishing that Christianity is the only hope for the world. All other philosophies and religions have been found wanting.
  2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the church today is confused about the core message of Christianity. There are many conflicting opinions about what Christianity is and what the church should do.
  3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the only authority on Christianity is the Bible, specifically the books of Luke and Acts. We must look to the early church to understand Christianity.
  4. The core message of Christianity is Jesus - who he is and what he did. It's not just Jesus's teachings or moral philosophy.
  5. Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world. He worked miracles, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. This is the gospel message.
  6. Jesus came into the world to save humanity from sin and reconcile us to God. This is the meaning of the gospel.
  7. The resurrection of Jesus is what gave birth to the Christian church. Without it, there would be no church.
  8. Jesus instructed his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. The gospel is for all people, not just certain types of people.
  9. Jesus is still acting and working in the world today through the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts shows how Jesus continues to act through his disciples and the early church.
  10. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. He is in control of world events and continues to build his kingdom.
  11. Jesus makes intercession for us in heaven. He stands up for us and helps us in our times of need and temptation.
  12. Jesus will return again to judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom. This is the Christian hope.
  13. The message of Christianity is not to improve the world but to change people through Jesus and prepare them for eternity.
  14. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the audience to consider if they really understand the meaning and significance of Christianity. Do they see it as a mere formality or the most important truth in existence?

The Book of Acts

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.