What does it take to change a person? Many in modern society say people simply need political change, or to change their environment. In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:26 titled “A New Heart,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Scripture gives a very different answer. Scripture tells that a person’s greatest need is not that they should be wealthy or emotionally fulfilled. The greatest need is to be made right with God. For all are naturally born with a sin-hardened and corrupted heart. They desire sin continually and reject God and His ways. This cannot be remedied by shallow and external change, but it requires true change. What is this change? According to the prophet Ezekiel, it is a change brought about by God granting a new heart to sinners. This is when God miraculously changes people from sinners to children of God. This wholly new orientation frees people from the bondage of sin and immorality, and gives them new desires for what is righteous, beautiful, and good. This is the free gift of salvation for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

If one fails to understand the completeness of the gospel and Christianity, they will fail to reap the benefits given by God. First, all need forgiveness and to be washed of their sins. One cannot receive help from God until they receive forgiveness. They must be in a right relationship with Him to receive anything from Him. But, after being made right, how can the Christian live to His standards? In this commentary on Ezekiel 36:27 titled “I Will Put My Spirit Within You,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches the glorious truth that God says He will put His spirit in His people and cause them to walk in His statutes. This is a promise. It is all God’s work from beginning to end. This power is seen in the apostles—the acts of the apostles are really the acts of the Holy Spirit. The cowardice of people is now replaced with a unique confidence. Christ not only justified His people, but He also forgave them and then made them holy. God does not halfway complete His work; He gave His Spirit to solidify the completion of it.

The greatest tragedy in the world is the neglect of the Christian message. This neglect causes so much unhappiness and distress. Everything God does is a perfect work and in His salvation nothing is left undone, but many people, even Christians, fail to recognize this greatness. They need a new attitude toward holiness: “Ye shall be my people.” In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:28 titled “A Great and Complete Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to view this Scripture from God’s perspective. There is nothing more terrible than to be without God in the world; to do so is to belong to a realm that is dying and decaying—this is a tragic position, yet one the sinner delights in. Gain the assurance that God is a personal God, and that He will not let His people go. Salvation brings a certainty when the Christian goes to God in prayer. “In Christ, we are brought to an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares and encourages that this is reserved in heaven by God for His people. Not only are they a holy nation as His people, but He is their God. He laid Himself down that He might bring them to God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones leaves the listener with one question: “Can you say ‘He is my God’?”

“I come to a place of final satisfaction.” In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:29–30 titled “Man in a State of Famine,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones rejoices in the fullness of the Christian life and hope of the gospel. Christianity doesn’t call God’s people to scorn the luxuries and pleasures of life. The “laws of nature” that one discovers are simply rules God has put in place. God’s dealings with humanity and the delivery of His people from sin demonstrate His plan. God always works upon a plan. God will do nothing with His people until their guilt has been dealt with: forgiveness is first in salvation. God’s way is through Christ alone, then continues on in sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Humanity’s real need is to know God and to know how to come to Him. The tragedy of today is that people don’t know the cause of trouble because they are ignorant of God. A life not looking at God invariably leads to famine. God is what people were made for. The most terrible thing to happen to a human is to be abandoned by God. Intellectual and moral activity declines without God. The godless life starves the mind and the heart. The Christian life alone leads to fulfillment.

God provides emancipation and deliverance from the captivity of sin, but the devil is also trying to provide a “solution.” The Bible is careful to tell and teach how to discern what is true. If this world was the only one, it really wouldn’t matter what one seeks for happiness, but all will have eternal life somewhere. In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:31–32 titled “The Foolishness of Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives into the many parts of God’s one way of salvation. Peace, plenty, and joy are all characteristic of this salvation. However, what about self-loathing over sin? Christianity doesn’t start or end with people like the cults do, but rather it brings people to see God and thereby loathe themselves. There is a fountain of evil within all. One does not disdain evil naturally. They crave sin and find entertainment in it; sin is not a result of external circumstances. The world sees Christianity as a kind of “narrowness.” Don't reject the love of God. This is the greatest issue of all.

In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:33–35 titled “The Temple in the Soul,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that there is one God and one message of salvation that runs consistently throughout the entire Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God is working to bring His plan of salvation to its fulfillment in Christ Jesus. The prophet Ezekiel looked forward to this fulfillment when God would rebuild what was lost in the fall. God does this through the gospel and forgiveness of sins. All were born in sin because of the fall and this fallen nature is wholly given over to sin and corruption. Humanity’s will, mind, and every action are tainted by sin. Relationships are twisted and marred by the effects of the sinful nature and disposition. Ignoring it doesn’t change the presence or reality of sin. The good news is that there is hope in Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that it is only in Christ that anyone can have true fellowship with God and neighbor. In the gospel people are made right with God and humanity by the blood of the only Son of God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows the path out of the loneliness and confusion that engulfs humankind.

Discover the benefits that come when one forfeits sins for the glory of God. Exceeding riches of God’s grace are found to be endless in Christ. In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:34–35 titled “The Unproductive Age, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the sin that ruins humanity and defaces the image of God. Listen to the hope of the gospel in undoing these effects of sin. Sin wastes life; it is not just “negative,” it is devastating. Nothing in a person is left unaffected. Both in general and in particular, sin makes utterly useless that which was designed to be productive. This is an unproductive and barren age. History shows great productivity in ages of great faith. What is the condition of souls today? Look at sex, work, drinking, gambling, and beauty and see how happiness and pleasure become ends in themselves. Taken out of context and isolated from the glory of God, these become idols. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reveals the real and abhorrent nature of such sin. Sin always produces a crop of misery, shame, regret, and suffering. Nothing in sin enables the soul or increases anyone’s faculties. The Holy Spirit must break, smash, and convict.

Sin pollutes and perverts—it is an attack on God’s greatness and glory. In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:35–36 titled “Saved By Grace Alone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about Israel's example when the heathen looked on Israel’s desolation and mocked God. Humanity is designed to bear God’s image, but sin always distracts from the glory of God and taints the image of God. God’s plan is to punish sin and to restore His people. Listen to this preview by Dr. Lloyd-Jones on the Christian gospel and God’s way of salvation. Salvation vindicates God’s name and displays His glory. Many agencies in this world can give peace, healing, and happiness, but only up to a point. Salvation restores humanity to its created position. Forgiveness is merely the beginning—all the effects of the Fall become undone. God deals with both the guilt and power of sin; Christ bore the punishment. No one can deal with their own sin because they continue in it. The gospel makes the weak strong. Regain not only a knowledge of God, but a communion with Him as His own child. When God works, it is unmistakable to all.

Why is the birth of Christ important? In this sermon on Daniel 2:44 titled “The Kingdom that Cannot be Removed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains why the birth of a baby in the little town of Bethlehem changes the whole course of human history. While this may sound like a grand claim, it is no exaggeration. For the baby that was born to Mary was none other than the long-awaited Messiah that was to bring the kingdom of God. While people put their hope in what looks good, God is quite different. He sent His Son to be born in a lowly place. He was not born amongst kings and the powerful. It is this Jesus who has died not only to forgive sins, but also that He might inherit the whole earth and rule all the kingdoms of the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how Jesus conquered through suffering on the cross. Only in Jesus is there salvation and true peace with God.

In this sermon on Daniel 7:9–14 titled “The Prophesy of Daniel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the relevancy of this prophesy and the Bible as a whole. Humanity’s sinful state is explained and there is a prophecy of what is yet to come. Much of what Scripture conveys has already become part of history. The Bible’s future prophesies are verified by this history taking place as it was foretold. Learn to distinguish between two types of history—the perspective of humanity and of God. Daniel’s prophecy combines both. A glance at history shows an array of wars as Daniel prophesied. A shift from the war of the beast to that of the intellect occurs. Humanity is trying to change laws, time, and nature. This history is written in rebellion to God, proclaiming that control belongs to humanity. God’s perspective shows the vanity of this. God only permits humanity’s free hand for a time. This kingdom will be utterly destroyed, as it has been throughout history. One must look at Christ’s kingdom as this history is altogether different from any other. The message of Christianity is a completely new and eternal kingdom where humanity serves God forever.

God made humanity for Himself and His own pleasure. In this sermon on Amos 8:9–12 titled “Outside the Word of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the warnings of sin and the promises of obedience God gave to Israel. The Christian message starts with personal condemnation and exposure of sin, but it does not stop there. Hear the gracious message of God making a way for people in spite of their grievous sin. God’s only Son came to deliver humanity from the wrath they deserved. Why do people ignore the word of God? They think they know better. This is the same today as in Amos’s time with the children of Israel. Humanity doesn't like the word of God because they don’t like what it commands and what it prohibits. This is a moral problem. Is religion just a parachute to fall back on in time of need? God sends His word and speaks, but people ignore it. God chastises and punishes, but He gives hope by calling people back to Himself through famines. Learn about the worst famine of all—the silence of God. The disobedient person is left to themselves and completely hopeless. Nothing they or anyone else can do will improve their position. Find a firm foundation in the hope of Christ.

The story of the human race points to Bethlehem. The focal point of history is Bethlehem. Everything in the Scriptures points to Bethlehem. In this Christmas sermon on Micah 5:2 titled “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings out the marvelous character of the season. But how does one respond to the Christmas season? Do they marvel at it? Are they amazed by it? Often people are distracted by many other messages during this time. Listen as Dr Lloyd-Jones looks at Micah 5:2 in order to move the church to adore the great Savior Jesus Christ. In this message, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says Christians marvel at Bethlehem because it is where God’s promises are fulfilled. In Bethlehem, God the Father was vindicating His character and proving Himself to be faithful, beginning in Genesis 3. What is more, it is in Bethlehem that the eternal counsel by the triune God was made manifest as the Son of God came to earth. Jesus Christ was just like every other babe, for He was fully human. But He was unlike every other babe in that He is from everlasting. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones connects the promises of God from the Old Testament to their fulfillment in the babe in the manger. He encourages the listener to come, adore, and marvel at the mystery of Bethlehem.

Everyone is given the choice of wisdom or pleasure in this life. This is the choice Solomon was given and he chose wisdom. In this sermon on 1 Kings 3:9, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that when the world is chosen over wisdom, humanity is guaranteed to experience emptiness. Humanity was created to be fulfilled most fully in the Lord and Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that to choose anything but wisdom is short-sighted and, in fact, an insult to humanity’s nature. So what is it that makes a person choose wisdom? When a person truly understands the greatness of the task ahead in this life, wisdom is chosen. The world will call for attention and promise its comforts, but it will not satisfy. God alone is strong enough to guide through this life and into the next.

In this sermon from 1977, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on the state of evangelicalism in Britain over the previous decade since he issues his call for evangelicals to leave their mixed congregations. Focusing particularly on shifts he has observed among Anglican evangelicals, Dr Lloyd-Jones argues that the past ten years has seen a dramatic drift away from historic evangelical positions on Scripture, salvation, and ecclesiology among many who still claim the evangelical label. Dr. Lloyd-Jones sees this exemplified in books like "Growing into Union" and events like the 1977 Nottingham Congress, where he perceives a blurring of lines between evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics. He laments what he views as compromises on biblical authority, cooperation with Roman Catholics, and a move away from Reformation principles. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls for a renewed "battle for the Bible" and contends that mixed denominations inevitably lead to doctrinal compromise. He urges evangelicals to maintain clear theological distinctives and separation from error, while also cultivating joy and praise to God. The sermon combines theological analysis, historical perspective, and pastoral exhortation as Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to rally British evangelicals to stand firm for biblical truth in changing times. He sees the British Evangelical Council as playing a crucial role in upholding historic evangelical convictions against modern trends of accommodation and ecumenism. Throughout, Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the need for both doctrinal fidelity and spiritual vitality - wielding "the sword" of God's Word while also lifting up "high praises" to the Lord.

In this sermon on 1 Samuel 5:1-4, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the story of the Philistines capturing the Ark of the Covenant, drawing profound parallels to the modern world's relationship with God. He begins by recounting how the Israelites, at a low point spiritually and militarily, were defeated by the Philistines who then captured the Ark. The Philistines placed the Ark in their temple next to their god Dagon, thinking they could use the Israelite God when needed. However, God demonstrated His power by repeatedly knocking down the Dagon idol. Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses this story to illustrate how the modern world has relegated God to the background, only calling on Him for ceremonies or emergencies, while trusting in human wisdom and achievements. He traces how God has repeatedly intervened to humble mankind's arrogance throughout the 20th century - through world wars, economic crises, and technological dangers like nuclear weapons. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that these disruptions to human plans are God asserting His sovereignty and judging a world that has forgotten Him. He emphasizes that the church's weakness stems not from external challenges but from its own self-reliance and forgetfulness of God. The solution, he contends, is not better organization or campaigns, but a true revival where Christians recognize their helplessness without God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by affirming God's nature as the living, exclusive, and sovereign Lord who cannot be manipulated, warning that He will judge those who neglect Him, and calling listeners to humbly repent and turn to Christ as the only way to be reconciled with God. This sermon powerfully applies an Old Testament story to critique modern secularism and call the church back to complete dependence on God.