The Power of the Gospel
A Sermon on Mark 1:1
Originally preached Oct. 4, 1964
Scripture
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Sermon Description
What is the gospel? The answer to this simple question has ultimate meaning for the lives of everyone. In this sermon on Mark 1:1 titled “The Power of the Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that many look for answers to the problems they face in the world, whether it is religion, politics, or philosophy. The true answer is in the message that came two thousand years ago in the person of Christ. Christ was born a baby in the lowly place of Bethlehem, yet the hope of all is in this one man. Only Jesus can redeem from sin and make all things new. Only Jesus can forgive sins and give peace with God. What then is the gospel? The gospel is the message of salvation that Jesus died in order that all who believe in Him might be saved. It is the only message that God has given; all others are counterfeits. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks the critical question: “do you believe in Jesus?” This sermon will help the listener answer that question of eternal importance.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon begins by introducing the first verse of Mark 1 which states “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that this verse demonstrates the confidence and joy with which the gospel message is delivered. There is no hesitation or long introduction.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones says this direct and confident style is typical of how the gospel is presented throughout the New Testament by various writers and preachers. Examples are given of how Matthew, John, Paul, and others begin their accounts with bold proclamations about Jesus.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones poses the question: Why was the gospel message delivered with such confidence and urgency? The first reason given is that the gospel speaks to our deepest human needs and the human condition. It deals with life’s greatest questions around meaning, purpose, life, death, eternity, morality, and human nature.
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The second reason the gospel demands a hearing is that it proclaims historical events, not just ideas or theories. The gospel is centered on actual events that took place in history, events that change everything and demand a response.
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The third reason to listen to the gospel is because of the nature of what has happened—the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who entered into human history. This is a unique, unparalleled event. God has spoken through His Son in a way that puts the gospel in a category by itself.
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The fourth reason to listen to the gospel is because of the consequences of what has happened. The gospel is “good news” that God and sinners can be reconciled through Jesus Christ. The gospel offers forgiveness, new life, power over sin, purpose, meaning, and eternal life.
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In summary, the gospel demands to be heard because it speaks to our deepest needs, proclaims historical events, centers on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and offers reconciliation with God. The gospel brings “good news” that changes everything.
Sermons on the Gospel
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.