Itinerant Preaching

Christians all around the world face varying levels of persecution—some believers are murdered or physically harmed for their faith, while others are merely scoffed at by those who think Christianity is foolish. What can the Christian do to combat this? In this sermon on Acts 4:23–24 titled “Power in Persecution,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how the church can stand strong in the midst of trying times by pointing back to the early church and the examples of Peter and John. First, believers must not compromise their message. After being released from prison, Peter and John continued to preach the gospel even though they had been forbidden to on penalty of death. Second, they must go to God in prayer. It is so easy for Christians to become anxious about what they need to do, yet Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Peter and John acknowledged that it was God’s problem to handle, not theirs. This brought immense peace because they were choosing to rest in God’s sovereignty by trusting His plan rather than becoming worried about the circumstances. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones unpacks how Christians today can stand strong for the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of persecution.

In this sermon on Luke 24:25–26 titled “A Burning Heart,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from the New Testament passage regarding the two men walking to Emmaus. The gospel author uses four words to initially describe these men: “their hearts were sad.” Later, however, they undergo a massive emotional change as they end up with their “hearts burning within them.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says there is nothing more important than this change because when people claim to be Christians and yet have a heavy heart, they are a poor witness: “Masses of people are outside the church today because they look at us and see what we are.” Are Christians making the gospel attractive to people? Are they, as Paul instructs them to be in 2 Corinthians 2:16, a sweet-smelling aroma? For many believers, it is still a struggle to live in the joy that is theirs in Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the remedy for this is to pray and ask the Spirit to open one’s eyes to the truth and to enlighten them so that their heart rejoices. Sincere joy in the Lord will aid the Christian’s testimony.

There is a great problem of communication and this sermon focuses on how the state of both the church and the world demands that all pay attention to the presentation of the gospel. This gospel is the only hope for the world and the answer for every need. In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:5 titled “Not in Word Only,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses this same problem that people have faced for centuries. He preaches of the proposals for new translations, how the gospel spread, and what the true Christian message is. There is no need for something new. People need the same old gospel and old apostolic way of preaching that is found in the New Testament. What is Christianity? Can it be defined? The gospel is the proclamation of the greatest good news humanity has ever heard. Is Christianity something that is caught or taught? Apostolic preaching never started with people, but with God. There is great need for people to see their need for Jesus in order to come to Him. Jesus did not merely come to tell how people could be delivered, but He came to be the one to deliver them. Christians cannot entertain people in flippancy. God will judge both message and method. Preach and receive this gospel with assurance.

It is not uncommon for the Christian to struggle in their walk with Christ, to be overcome with anxiety, or frustrated with continued temptations. While they are promised that God will gradually grow them into the image of His sinless Son, many become frustrated to find that they still struggle with many of the things they wrestled with before becoming followers of Jesus. In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:1, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that many of the problems in the Christian life can be traced to forgetfulness about the truths of the faith. For those who are constantly anxious or discouraged because they still wrestle with many temptations, Dr Lloyd-Jones encourages actively calling to mind the core tenets and promises of Christianity, such as that God has equipped His people with everything they need to live in a way that pleases Him. The character of faith is precious because God Himself has given it, it cost Him His Son, and it is rare. While many people do not have the blessing of knowing Jesus as their Savior, Christians are in the same company as the heroes of the faith who have gone before them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to rest in the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Why do some people reject Christ? The truth of the gospel seems so sure, and yet many still turn from it. Why? In this sermon on 1 Timothy 1:12–13 titled “Ignorance: Prejudice and Fog in the Mind,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones takes to Scripture to explain why people reject the gospel. One of the greatest missionaries of all time was the apostle Paul. Yet in 1 Timothy 1:12–13, he makes a startling admission—he had at one point been a great blasphemer of God and persecutor of Christians. And yet, God eventually saved him. People today say that they are not Christians because of their high intellect— they say that Christianity is for the weak-minded, and that they do not need it since they have a high intellectual understanding. Yet, many great Christians throughout history have shown this to be false simply because they were of towering intellect themselves. Augustine and Paul himself are just two out of a vast number of those who were brilliant and yet followed Jesus. Paul writes that the real reason for rejection is unbelief and ignorance that bring prejudice against the gospel and blind people to its truths. What exactly is this unbelief and ignorance about? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the real reason for unbelief and how Christians can effectively engage it today.

Do Christians think? In this sermon on “What is Man?” from Psalms 8:3–4, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asserts the wonder of creation and the fact that only the Christian can really perceive. Psalm 8:3-4 shows how the believer thinks differently from the unbeliever. The Christian mind is guided by the Bible, rather than by the media and news. The Christian should marvel and wonder at creation, not just live life from one news highlight to the next. Is Christianity really against the advance of science? Look at the persecution of Galileo and the Protestant Reformation that pushed science forward. There is a difference between accidental happening and intentional creation. Why are order and laws of creation in place? Learn the difference between a thinker and a superficial reactor. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses the problem, the contradiction, the uniqueness, and the tragedy of humanity. People are worshippers and the only hope for humanity and the world is that this is God’s world. God visited and redeemed this world. The listener will discover the series of “launchings” of the Son of God. There is great urgency to be encapsulated in Christ before one is launched into the presence of a Holy God.

In this sermon on Acts 4:11–12 titled “No Second Name,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the first persecution of Christianity and how the apostles both answered the charge brought against them and withstood the fight to continue preaching. The rejection of the gospel is as old as the belief of the gospel itself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks about the differences that divided the Pharisees and Sadducees, and how in the face of Christ these two opposing groups united together. Unbelief is always due to pride. Christians should never apologize for their faith. Christians must address the world as they are filled with the Holy Ghost. They cannot fight an unbelieving world with the message of the world. The church must preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified to this unbelieving world. They must not be doubtful about Christ—this is a travesty to the Christian faith. The teachings of Christ alone will condemn everyone, but He did not leave it at that. All are sinners and have rejected the cornerstone, but there is hope. Humanity killed Christ, God raised Him, and His people most certainly will meet Him again.

How is one to face the problem of evangelism? Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he preached this sermon on Acts 5:32 titled “Witness in the Power of the Spirit,” onboard the OM ship Doulos on September 18, 1978. The church is fighting for life amidst pagan countries. Be certain of the authority of God and not humanity, and replace the fear of humanity with the fear of God. Learn of the two elements that are absolutely necessary for witness. One can be perfectly orthodox and yet still dead. There is great danger in taking the Spirit without the Bible and apostolic witness. Hear of the baptism of the Spirit and the transformation of Peter. To what does the Spirit bear witness? Is it to Himself, humanity, gifts, or something else? He was sent for one great purpose. Learn of one test to know whether a person has been filled with Spirit: do they point to Christ? There is great danger in living off other people’s experiences. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the true understanding of a revival. This is not something that can be announced and planned for: it is the falling of the Holy Spirit upon people in great power.

Christians should be encouraged that some of the trials and persecution they are facing in life might be as a result of being a follower of Jesus. Christians are not facing a new situation, and in this sermon on Acts 4:1–12 titled “Opponents: Objections and Judgment,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on the gospel and people’s rejection of it. Christians must not forget that hostility towards the gospel is not a novelty— from the beginning, Christianity was rejected, and opposition to it has not changed at all. While people reject the gospel because of prejudices they bring against it that blind them to the truth, one of the main barriers to belief is pride. Christianity does not fit into the way that people want to think about the world and themselves. What are unbelievers rejecting? Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that at the root, people reject Jesus Christ as Savior and as the only Savior. Yet, as he points out, these are two extremely vital doctrines that must be dealt with by all. Why is Jesus the only Savior? From Scripture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that everyone is dead in their sins by their nature. Jesus is the only Savior because He is the only Savior sufficient enough to rescue humanity since He lived sinlessly and conquered death. Through Him, and Him alone, people can have the victory.

In this sermon on Acts 24:24 titled “Righteousness: Temperance and Judgment to Come, “ Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on two questions: how is the gospel to be presented and how are people to listen to the gospel? The gospel is reason, and people must think and be confronted with the truth. This gospel is not merely entertainment. Learn about the character of God and how He created people to be His righteous companions. What happened? Made in the image and likeness of God, people are to have self-control and temperance. The meaning of temperance is addressed alongside righteousness—one being the general principle, while the other is concerned with application in daily living. What distinguishes humans from animals? Animals are controlled by instinct, but people have souls with reasoning and understanding. Judgment will come and people will be held responsible before God, but they can look at the perfect provision He provided. Only a person’s fear can drive them to salvation. Why do people reject the gospel? The opinion of others must never be put over the opinion of God. Learn from the tragedy of Felix and Priscilla.

How will a Christian stand fast in the midst of trials, and not be discouraged by the continued attacks on Christianity and how few people are following the Lord? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:1 titled “Preciousness of Faith,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how believers can honor the Lord and hold fast to His word in the midst of persecution. Often when Christians are in the midst of hard times, they tend to think that they need something new to help them out of the rut they are in. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that they need to grasp what they already believe—that God is all-powerful and that their salvation is precious. In this passage, Peter describes faith as precious for a couple of reasons. First, it is rare—many believers are discouraged when they see how many people are not Christians when instead they should be rejoicing that they are part of His family. Instead of counting heads, Christians should look to the character of the few. Second, it is rare because it cost God His own Son. Third, it gives so many blessings—forgiveness of sins, being partakers of the divine nature, companionship, and more. The Christian faith is the most precious thing in the universe, and this alone is a magnificent truth they can stand on in the midst of hard times.

In this sermon on Acts 24:24 titled “Faith: The Golden Key” that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached to Bridgnorth Baptist Church in 1975, he focused on how the gospel is to be preached and listened to. The tragic story of Felix and Priscilla unfolds as a prisoner talks to this Roman governor and princess. What happened then is still needed now. Take a look at the Ten Commandments and God’s design for humanity to be made in His image as a righteous companion. Temperance and self-control are crucial. All people are made of both body and soul and will one day stand before God in judgment. What distinct characteristic divides human and animal? Are humans merely a product of their instincts? Surely not. The gospel is absolutely necessary for humanity’s hope and it is at this very point in which God steps in. Turn to God, cry out for mercy, and He will give it. Christ died that all might be forgiven and made good; it only requires belief. Unbelievers should heed the warnings of the story of Felix and Priscilla as the “Night of Nights” in Pompeii ended in tragedy for them and confess their sin today.

Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Acts 16 to Bridgnorth Baptist Church in 1977 as he considers the account of how Christianity came to the pagan culture of Europe. In this sermon, he tracks the history to see how intellectual and pagan cultures were affected by the Gospel. Why did Paul come to Europe? Who is the message of the Bible for? Listen and understand that the future of the church and the gospel is not up to the Christian – it is all part of God's plan that He has kept for generations before and will continue for generations after. Learn how God works in ways contrary to humanity’s plan. “We must be orthodox, but alone it is not enough,” reminds Dr. Lloyd-Jones. It is dangerous to have a dead orthodoxy, knowing the truth but not living it. Look at the example of Lydia in Acts 16 and remember that no one can convert another; only God can turn a heart of stone into flesh. Dr Lloyd-Jones also warns that it is not enough to merely hear the gospel; people of faith must attend to it. They must not be such experts on the evil powers of this age, but experts on the things of God. The listener is encouraged to have faith in God and what He has purposed, for He will surely bring all to pass.

Why is the heart divided by following the words, thinking, and philosophy of others? In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 3:11 titled “Christ: The Only Foundation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that all must have a foundation for everything they do, say, and think. Issues in this life are the result of a lack of a solid foundation. Desire has replaced principle, truth, and morality. Many call themselves Christians while denying the very being of God. Everything is in a state of flux and uncertainty. Are Christians supposed to “hope for the best and expect the worst”? The Bible’s message is emphatically concerned about this. Unaided, no one can build the necessary solid foundation. No one knows how to live or how to die. What is a person? Who is God? What is life? Learn the definitions for each of these and how to handle the stresses and strains of this world. Death is not the end; everyone will have to give an account before God. Look to the one who is truly man and truly God. No one at their greatest is enough. The ultimate sin is godlessness. The chief end of man is to know God and glorify Him forever.

In this sermon on Psalm 8:3–4 titled “What is Man…?” spoken at Trinity Road Chapel Centenary in 1970, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responds to the accusations of the world that Christians are stuck in the past and unaware of what is happening in the modern world. The Christian gospel is necessary to consider the past and to face the future. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the only people truly thinking in this world are the Christians. Governed entirely by the Bible, this is a new way of thinking and “considering” things. Christians are not anti-scientific. In fact, true Christianity has been the greatest stimulus for scientific discovery. Learn how the Protestant Reformation liberated people from Greek philosophy and encouraged the scientific revolution. The mind of God alone offers an adequate explanation for the intricacies of creation. Listen to the majesty of humanity, the companion of God, the mark of the divine stamp, the tragedy of humanity, and the great contradiction of humanity. People are hero worshippers with marred faculties. This life determines eternity, there are no second chances—enter in and be eternally safe.

What is the mission of the church? Believers and unbelievers ask this question with some saying that the mission of the church is to lobby governments. Others claim that the church is to be a means of social change. In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:2 titled “Jesus Christ, Crucified,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones considers what the Bible says is the mission of the church. Paul the apostle is preaching Christ and Him crucified. He is not merely advocating for external social change, nor is he looking to the greatest philosophers of the day for answers. Paul’s answer to the question of the church’s mission is simple: proclaim Christ and Him crucified. This is the only message that saves people, not only from their sins, but from eternal damnation as the just punishment for rebellion. All human wisdom and culture stand under the judgment of God in Jesus Christ. All are responsible for their actions before God almighty. All stand condemned before the holy God. This is why the church must proclaim Jesus Christ crucified. There is no other way of salvation. This sermon confronts all with the simple question: “do I believe in Jesus as my savior?”

How do we experience God? Chaos and confusion results among Christians as religious movements emerge based upon unique experiences. In this sermon on Genesis 32:24 entitled "The Man Who Wrestled With God", Dr. Marytn Lloyd-Jones desires to counter this confusion by discerning the essence of true Christian experience. He seeks to do this by looking at the great turning point in the life of Jacob in Genesis 32. While he acknowledges that any standardized Christian experience is unhelpful, Lloyd-Jones affirms there are broad elements which can be used to authenticate our experience. True Christian experience will penetrate the heart of the individual and therefore disrupt the person’s entire life. With true Christin experience the attitude of the person moves beyond general interest in religion to being dominated with the one thing that matters: knowing their Creator. All these things result in a changed person or a new man. They become someone who knows they have peace with God. Someone who is humbled by the presence of God. Hear this challenging sermon from Genesis 32:24 as you consider your own Christian experience.

No one can turn the gospel into something ordinary; it is extraordinary! Look at the confusion of Corinth and the church today. Why do modern people not like the miraculous and supernatural? They are more concerned about this world than the next. Take heed, for one is temporal and one is eternal. In this sermon on Acts 17:21 titled “Paul Preaches at Athens,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones preaches on the essential truth of Christ’s resurrection from the dead to Heath Evangelical Church in 1977. If Christ was only a man who taught moral principles, there can be no assurance in the gospel. Christ’s resurrection announced that He had satisfied everything the Father required of humanity. One day His people will be perfected not only in spirit, but also in body. Jesus’s teaching alone only serves to condemn; no one can even keep their own standards. People often fail to keep a New Year’s resolution, so how do they think they can achieve their own righteousness? The world is as it is because of sin. One cannot fight the devil; Christ alone has conquered every enemy and can clothe people in righteousness. Christ builds His kingdom through individual conversions.

Today’s cultural environment is difficult for the church. How are Christians supposed to act in the midst of increasing hostility towards the faith? In this sermon on Acts 5:32, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws from Scripture and church history to encourage believers in how to walk with the Lord in difficult times. The church has had to fight for her life many times over the centuries, and the essence of wisdom is to look at the past and see how she has survived. How did the church flourish in the midst of trials and persecution? The church flourished through the emphasis on personal witness and the witness of the Holy Spirit. So often believers focus solely on their abilities and witness when instead they are also called to recognize the need for the Holy Spirit. Though the Spirit is often thought of in terms of the spiritual gifts He bestows, perhaps more important is the role He plays in everyday lives and how He lives out His testimony in and through His people. This correct view shows that people are desperately dependent on the Holy Spirit for their lives to be lived out in a godly manner. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians about how they can keep the faith in the midst of a hostile environment by relying on the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 3:22-24 helps understand that this is an uncertain and restless age, and the anxiety of science pervades. In this sermon on Genesis 3:22–24 titled “Is Christianity Out of Date?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that this was not the way God made the world. God made humanity perfect and put them in a perfect environment. God had fellowship and communion with people. How did the world become what it is today? People ceased to realize they had lost communion with God; they failed to see their own finiteness and dependence on God. Desire usurped everything else; people were no longer guided by truth and principle, but by appearance and lust. Fear and guilt came. Look at history and see war and conflict; original paradise was lost. No one escape the judgment of God. All have tried to get back to paradise, but it is always futile as they depend on philosophy, politics, nature, or reason. People were indeed meant for something better; even the nonbeliever understands that. But, all are self-centered and the devil is the god of this world. No one can have paradise on human terms or without God. Look to Christ and find spiritual paradise today.