David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

This book review by Terry Delaney appears on his website, Christian Book Notes (January 20, 2012). Used by permission.

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Born of God: Sermons from John, Chapter One. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011. 482 pp. $29.00.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is well known by many in the Reformed circles of Christianity. This is because of his love for the Puritans and his deep exegetical and expository style of preaching. My prayer is that he would be well known throughout all of Christendom. He has much to offer today’s Christian. You can download sermons for free at OnePlace.com. I highly recommend you check out that website.

Summary

Born of God is a 32 sermon compilation of messages delivered by the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones as part of his last sermon series preached on Sunday mornings at Westminster Chapel. He started preaching through John in 1962 but health prevented him from ever finishing. Another lengthy treatment from the Gospel of John is found in his work entitled Living Water which I reviewed here.

In this particular work, the Doctor concentrates on two doctrines found in the first chapter of the beloved disciple’s gospel: Law and Grace and the assurance of salvation. He began the series with the comment, “Do you know what is the matter with us? I will tell you. We none of us really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!” From there he explains what he means and shows with pinpoint accuracy how this is truly the case for most believers in Jesus Christ.

Review

 With his warning shot fired, Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how we need to better grasp the doctrines we believe and allow them to have the desired effect in and on our lives. What is better is his continuous pointing back to Christ in all that he says.

Chapter fifteen is an excellent chapter in that he lays out in plain language how we become children of God. In my personal estimation, it is one of his more articulate evangelical sermons we have. Chapters 21-25 are of great value in and of themselves as they explain the importance of mortifying (killing) sin within you.

After reading Born of God, you will have a far greater understanding and appreciation for the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

Recommendation

As with all of the materials by and about Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I highly recommend this compilation of sermons. I do not hide the truth that he has been most influential on my ministry and in my walk with the Lord. If you have never read anything by the Doctor, then start here with Born of God and be blessed. You will also be “hooked” so to speak on the ministry of the greatest preacher of the 20th century.

Pastor Rich will continue his series on “Some Choruses, a Pep-talk, and an Offering” after Christmas.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (December 20, 1899 – March 1, 1981) was a Welsh pastor who was for almost 30 years the minister of Westminster Chapel in London and was well known for his expository preaching (sermons can be found here). Take ten minutes and watch the video below…it is worth it.

The definitive biography of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was written by Iain Murray in two volumes and is highly recommended. They are  David Martyn Lloyd-Jones the First Forty Years 1899-1939 (v. 1) and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939-1981 (v. 2).

A third book, a companion volume to his biography, Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace, also authored by Iain H. Murray is also recommended. Murray does not repeat biographical material but focuses on three significant themes relating to Lloyd-Jones’ ministry: the nature of true preaching; the importance of full assurance of salvation for a vibrant and persuasive Christianity; and the grounds of fellowship between Christians and churches. Murray provides previously unpublished material and a CD of a Lloyd-Jones sermon on John 8 comes with the hardcover edition of the book. A thorough review of Messenger of Grace can be found here.