The True Nature of the Christian Church, Part 2
Examining the early church in Acts as a model for the church today
Originally preached Dec. 8, 1965
Scripture
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And …
Sermon Description
In this sermon, the second of two sermons preached at the opening of Zion Evangelical Baptist Church (Rippon, England) on December 8th 1965, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the critical importance of understanding the doctrine and true nature of the Christian church.
What does an authentic, Spirit-filled Christian church look like? In this sermon examining the early church in Acts 2:42-47, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that the defining mark is an insatiable desire to gather together, rooted in their new life in Christ. The early believers met daily because they shared the same salvation experience, the same newfound separation from the world, and the same joy in their Savior. Their example stands in stark contrast to many professing Christians today who see church as a duty rather than a delight. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asserts that the only thing that will draw the masses to church is seeing a body of believers who wouldn't miss gathering for anything because it thrills them to the depths of their being. Revival occurs when people are truly born again and treasure Christ and His church above all else. This passion and authenticity is the great need today. Please note that the ending of this sermon was lost from the original recording.
Sermon Breakdown
- The early believers in Acts continued meeting together daily with great joy and steadfastness, in contrast to many professing Christians today who see church as a duty.
- The early church gathered so frequently because they shared the same salvation experience, the same separation from the world, and the same delight in Christ their Savior.
- People are largely staying away from churches today because they don't see an authentic passion and living faith in many who attend.
- Superficial solutions like new Bible translations, films, or entertainment in services will not draw people in; only a church that treasures Christ above all else will be attractive.
- When believers are born again, there is an elemental desire to gather with others who share the same life in Christ to worship, pray, and speak of Him.
- The early church didn't gather for entertainment or social activities, but to pour out their hearts in worship to God and minister to one another.
- Every period of revival and reformation in church history has been marked by believers eagerly gathering together because of their great delight in God.
- The Christian church must return to this authentic zeal and love for Christ and His church if she wants to make an impact in this generation.
Other Sermons
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.