Sermon Breakdown

1. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by discussing the importance of understanding what exactly the Christian church is and what Christianity means. He says this is the most urgent question confronting the world today.

2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then provides an overview of the state of the world, describing it as a world of trouble, confusion, and unhappiness. He says that despite mankind's achievements and efforts, problems seem to be increasing rather than decreasing.

3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the only hope for the world is that a power greater than ourselves, God, is concerned about the world. He says the church's message is that God loves the world and sent his Son to offer salvation.

4. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then begins discussing the early church based on Acts 2, focusing on verses 46-47 which describe the early Christians as "praising God." He says this is the ultimate test of the Christian faith.

5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides several reasons why the early Christians were praising God:

6. They found themselves changed in a wonderful way they never knew before. They went from darkness to light.

7. They realized this change was solely due to the grace and mercy of God, not anything they did themselves. This is the crucial test of real Christianity.

8. They were amazed at the way God provided salvation through Jesus. They heard of his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

9. They understood God's plan of redemption and their part in it. They knew the church would grow and Jesus would return.

10. As they understood what God had done, they began to see God's glorious character. They saw his wisdom, power, love, grace, and mercy.

11. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by asking if we are praising God. He says if we are not, it is because we are blind and ignorant of who God is and what he has done. But once we realize our ignorance and turn to God, he will pour out his love, forgiveness, and life on us.