What is baptism by the Spirit? In this sermon titled “Seeking Baptism in the Spirit (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that baptism by the Spirit is something that the Lord Himself must grant upon a person. Through an exposition of John 1:26–33, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that baptism by the Spirit was not something that stopped in the early church; rather, it has continued throughout history and has been made evident in revivals of the church. He prescribes the prayer of 1 Peter 1:8 every morning and that the Christian should be seeking joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory in the awaiting of our Savior. Dr. Lloyd-Jones, though enthusiastic about baptism by the Spirit, is careful to distinguish modern Christians from the apostles. He explains that the apostles had a God-given mandate and blessing upon being baptized by the Spirit, but the Christian does not know whether or not they have been baptized by the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones is also careful to explain that the “laying on of hands” does not and has not baptized people in the Spirit, and that many who have been influential in revivals have been so through patient and earnest prayer.

What does it mean to seek baptism of the Spirit? In this sermon titled “Seeking Baptism in the Spirit (3),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33 to encourage Christians that they must seek baptism of the Spirit. By this, he means to seek the salvation of God both in justification and sanctification. God justifies completely upon conversion but His wondrous and purging sanctification will last a lifetime until being made perfect before His throne upon death. Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts that many Christians seek growth and baptism of the Spirit spasmodically, in that they pray only seasonally. God often grows His people only after driving them to the point of despair so that they may see their inadequacy in comparison to His glorious completeness. What Dr. Lloyd-Jones instructs is that the Christian ought to seek the Lord constantly in their prayers and be consistent and patient with the way in which God brings about growth – after all, God’s ways are not their ways. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also has a word on reading biographies as they are meant to stimulate the reader to seek God, not motivate them to seek the same experience as others. The saints of old can teach what it means to love the Lord.

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “When the Spirit Comes,” Scripture teaches that God often works in special ways through His Spirit. This special deployment of the Spirit’s power and work is different than His indwelling of every believer. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out from the book of Acts, God is seen sending the Holy Spirit upon those early believers in order to empower their ministries. God still chooses to work by sending his Holy Spirit upon men and women in modern days. The greatest examples of this is in the revivals since the time of the Reformation. This is a unique blessing of the Holy Spirit. This baptism of the Holy Spirit does not come to all people, and when it does, it is often not permanent. Yet this is a great blessing that all Christians ought to seek, and often come upon in times of trial and great suffering. It produces a heart of joy and peace that rests in God and His many promises. While not all will experience this great blessing of the Spirit, nonetheless, all should seek it. According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, even if it is only temporary, many live their lives looking back on this experience and gain strength from it.

Can Christians receive more power from the Holy Ghost for the work of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ? In this sermon on John 1:26-33, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He argues that the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is not the first giving of the Spirit, but rather a second anointing of power. He argues this by pointing out that Jesus says to “receive the Holy Spirit” when He reveals Himself to them in the upper room before Pentecost. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this means that the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost was not the regeneration of the disciples or the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; rather, it was a unique empowerment of the Spirit for the work of the kingdom. A Christian’s view of the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament directly informs what they pray for and how they approach Spirit-led revival. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Christians who don’t understand Pentecost correctly will be unable to seek after, or accept, revival and awakening.

Does the Christian need power to live a Christ-filled life, and for evangelism and obedience in the face of persecution? Do they find that they lack boldness to share the gospel? In this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “The Spirit Fell on the Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes how the disciples received power when the Spirit descended on them at various times throughout the book of Acts. He considers that their receiving of the Spirit was not limited to the regenerative work but instead was multifaceted and involved multiple fillings of the Spirit. He elaborates that this is the normal method that God uses to give power to the church and argues that a baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with any true revival. He determines that revivals are not built on the church’s obedience, but by God sending His Spirit with power to the church. Therefore, the Christian should pray for revival in order that the church would be given great power by the Spirit in order to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth. In a time when the work of the Spirit is debated, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks clarity into the discussion and encourage prayer for the empowerment of the church.

“What seek ye?” This is a pivotal question Jesus asks not only His followers in the New Testament, but of His followers today. Has the Christian church truly sought after and found the fullness of Jesus through the baptism of the Holy Ghost? Preaching from John 1:35–39, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers these questions and explains the simple steps to attaining this same baptism. First, he states the importance of John the Baptist’s message within this passage of beholding the Savior. It is through beholding and seeking after Him that the Christian can truly understand what Jesus has done in becoming the substitute who took sins upon Himself. It is through putting faith and trust in this simple, yet monumental, truth that brings about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and which opens eyes to the fullness of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ends by examining the difference between seeking after Jesus for who He is versus seeking after Him for what He can do. The Christian should truly seek after Christ with the goal of glorifying Him. It will take the form like that of Mary, kneeling down at her savior’s feet. The Christian is asked “what seek Ye?” and can respond with thankful and sincere hearts, “Jesus, my Savior.”

What is the road to the fullness of God? Is this something that can only be experienced by Christian heroes of the past or is it for all of God’s children? In this sermon titled “The Road to Fullness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions by considering conversion in John 1:40–45. A frequent misconception among people is that in order to experience the fullness of God, one must have a Damascus road-type of conversion. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how this couldn’t be further from the truth and experience of the fullness of God comes from obedience and beholding the Lord. Conversion is not a certain formula that must be followed as it looks different for each person. He emphasizes that what matters is not how one comes to God, but simply that they do come to Him. While conversion may look different for each person, the results will be the same. Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks about some of the similarities which include unspeakable joy, the finding of truth, and the desire to share it with others. This is the road to fullness. It is not saved only for the Christian heroes of the past, but for all if they only obey and behold their Lord and Savior.

The Spiritual realm is much different than the realm of the world. It sees things differently, judges things differently, and estimates things much differently than the world. What may seem little through the world’s eyes can be huge in light of spiritual matters. Listen to “Pointing to Christ” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:41–42 and expresses this truth through the lives of Andrew and Simon Peter. He uses these men of the New Testament to show that those whom the world may look at as simple fishermen, God can use as kingdom bearers and messengers of the gospel. He then encourages that it is the same today. Christians may look at themselves and wonder how they could serve the Lord, but God tells them to simply come to Him, and through His own strength and power they too can play a part in the kingdom of God. It is essential to realize that they cannot do it on their own, but must rely upon Him and His own strength. Lastly, they can also be encouraged by seeing how this truth points to the fact that God cares about each one personally and wants them to be a part of His great plan.

What is the difference between a true Christian life and someone who simply sees it as a formal religion? Is Christianity all about following the right rules and looking the right way on the outside? In this sermon on John 1:45–49, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions by diving into the life of a man named Nathaniel from the New Testament. He uses this man to show that true Christians do not view Christianity casually, but out of a sincere and concerned heart. This means a heart that is not only interested in the things of the Lord, but one that has a desire to know them. Secondly, true Christians will carefully consider what is given to them and testing it against the Scriptures. Nathaniel did just this when he was told of Jesus of Nazareth. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones is careful to point out that although he carefully considered what was told to him (“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”), he did not reject it all together. Those who truly desire to know the Lord must not believe everything they hear, but they also must not quench the Spirit. This is the mark of a true Christian: someone who truly desires to know Jesus Christ and who does not take the process lightly, but takes it with a concerned and sincere heart.

How are Christians to live life in the hope of greater things to come? Listen to “The Christian Life” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones explains this through the life of Nathaniel in John 1:48–51. After Nathaniel recognized Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus responded by saying that greater things would be revealed to him. At that moment, Nathaniel did not see the whole picture and did not understand everything about Jesus but he chose to believe. Many people today do not believe simply because they do not understand everything. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listeners through this passage by employing them to not live in unbelief simply because of the things they do not understand now, but to take hold of the truths that are evident and displayed in the Word of God. The result of this, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows us in Nathaniel’s life, is that the Holy Spirit will reveal greater things in the Christian journey. So while a Christian may not understand it all now, may they live in hope knowing that the present time is only a glimpse into the greater things to be revealed.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.