Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In this sermon on Romans 14:5–9 titled “Live and Die to the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his sermon series by addressing the need for unity among believers on issues that are not central to the Christian faith. Drawing from Paul, however, he reminds that Christians have a biblical responsibility to be convinced in their minds about the convictions they hold that are not clearly defined in Scripture. Above all, he says, they are to do everything for the glory of the Lord. In this passage, Paul is saying that the how and why one does something is more important in some cases than the specific thing they are doing. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also addresses issues that are not essential to core faith and doctrine and how one can draw right convictions on these topics on which Scripture is sometimes not clear. He reminds that God’s glory is to govern one’s living and dying. If one has been in church for any period of time, they have heard believers discuss the beauty of dying since they are going to be with the Lord. While this is true, Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts the listener to focus on this life now and what the Lord has for them to do while they are alive. He reminds that Christians are to be ready to go at any time, but that focusing too much on dying and the life after this one will distract from the reasons that God still has them on earth.

In this sermon on Romans 14:1–6 titled “Sabbath and Special Days,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones offers that Paul is not addressing the importance of observation of the Sabbath since that has been established in Scripture for all time. He provides Scriptural support for this and offers up a question that has been discussed in Christian circles often since the early church: what day of the week is supposed to be set aside for the Sabbath – Saturday or Sunday? He references Biblical evidence for the day of the week that Christians used to meet on, as well as historical evidences from writings that are outside of Scripture. How do Christians today make the right choice about the day to meet? To answer this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that the early church would not have changed the day of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday arbitrarily— he argues that they must have received a revelation that it was good to change it. However, he also states that it is not an issue over which Christians should divide. He addresses extreme Sabbatarianism, a view that is very literal about how the Sabbath day should be observed, and provides helpful points to consider when thinking through it. In echoing Paul, he concluded that Christians are to be fully persuaded in their own mind from Scripture about which decision is correct.

The Lord alone has the authority to make final judgments on people. In this sermon from Romans 14:1–4 titled “Saved for Eternity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of this important truth and how they can follow this while still exercising discernment regarding the people they are around and the activities in which they participate. When the Christian makes ultimate judgments about people, they are usurping the authority of the Lord and putting themselves in His place. This is a very dangerous place. What are they to do about the activities of the world that in and of themselves are not wrong? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides helpful guidelines to consider as one works through this. He proposes that it all comes back to the theme of Christian liberty and that on issues not clearly portrayed in Scripture as sinful, it is a matter of conscience between each person and God. Paul says that one is not to judge or be jealous of those who are using their Christian liberty because ultimately, the Lord is powerful and strong enough to help them stand up. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ties this into the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, providing supporting examples from Scripture. Listen as he instructs on being discerning about things one should avoid and the effects that freedom in Christ has on such choices.

What really is legalism? In this sermon on Romans 14:1–4 titled “God Has Received Him,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles this important subject by asking what it is, how it can be fought, and the consequences that it carries within the church. Legalism is what happens when people take principles in Scripture, interpret them wrongly, and make them absolute rules that everyone is required to follow. Legalists tend to make indifferent things central. Mainly it means that issues not core to Christianity are elevated to make-or-break issues that are used as standards for measuring the depth of someone’s relationship with Christ. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds, what matters is that people have been received by God— it is not up to others to determine this. People frequently set up their own standards for determining if people are Christians, but from where do they derive their authority? Dr. Lloyd-Jones also addresses if Paul was contradicting his stance against legalism when he said that he acts certain ways around certain people. Ultimately, this was to keep them from stumbling and as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds, Paul did not see these issues as central doctrines of Christianity. He closes with a charge— Christians are not to reject someone whom God has received, and ultimately, only God can make the call on whether or not this is the case. They are to trust Him with this and simply be obedient.

It is common for the Christian to have a disagreement with someone else about what they think the Bible teaches to be wrong or right on an issue that is not particularly clear. This is the topic at hand for this sermon on Romans 14:1–4 titled “Food and Drink” and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones guides the listener through how to interact with this issue that is becoming more prominent in the church today. There are things in Scripture about which there is not a clear command. In this passage, it had to do with food sacrificed to idols. Because idols are not real, the food sacrificed to them means nothing. However, Paul encourages believers to watch out for their brothers and sisters in Christ and to avoid doing things that would make it easier to stumble because of the way they were raised. The immature Christian, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is characterized by making secondary issues primary ones. Yet, as he points out, one should not sit back and judge other Christians— it is the weak Christian who is most likely to do this. Why do they have this tendency? He says that it is due to the spirit of fear and he explains his reasoning behind this. He encourages avoiding falling into legalism and determining if or not people are Christians based off of their judgments— ultimately, that is up to the Lord and it allows living in a way that pleases the Lord and leaving the consequences up to Him.

Within the family of God are those who are strong in their understanding of the Christian faith and those who are weak in their understanding of the faith. The church is made up of some who are more mature and some who are less mature. This diversity within the body of Christ can lead to problems as matters of opinion arise. While the world might say getting one’s way or winning the argument is the most important goal during a disagreement, the apostle Paul offers a different vision for the church, particularly for the strong in faith. In this sermon on Romans 14:1–4 titled “Weak in Faith (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones instructs how to engage the weak in faith over indifferent, albeit important, matters to the Christian life. The weak in faith are part of the family of God, reminds Dr. Lloyd-Jones, and need to be instructed in their thinking. The way the strong instruct them makes a considerable difference and they must distinguish between a Christian discussion and an uncontrolled argument. A Christian discussion must demonstrate self-controlled dialogue which shows love and patience towards a brother or sister in Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the contemporary church in family disputes.

Some find it hard to know how to regard the differences in spiritual maturity that exists among Christians. Are these differences always good? Are they bad? In this sermon on Romans 14:1 titled “Weak in the Faith (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides some biblical answers to these questions. He starts by asking a foundational question: what does it mean to be weak in faith? The believers Paul was talking about and writing to were true Christians that were falling into legalism. He reminds that all believers are the same as it relates to justification and regeneration and the basic need for being saved from sins. However, some are stronger than others. What causes this? Dr. Lloyd-Jones posits that natural personality often lends itself to different strengths and weaknesses in different people. Additionally, the diligence and application of people as Christians also play a large part in the strength or weakness of someone’s faith. He also suggests that the length of time one has been a Christian will affect this. Thankfully the Christian is given the power to grow by the grace of God so if one’s faith is weak, they should not be anxious but continue to seek the Lord and it will grow.

Being suddenly awakened in the middle of the night by bright lights can be an incredibly alarming and disconcerting experience. In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “The Armor of Light,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the similarities between this kind of event and conversion for those who become Christians and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. They are called to wake up out of spiritual sleep. What does Paul mean when he tells to awake and arise? Overall, it is a general call to spiritual discipline. Time and time again, Scripture warns against living in a purely theoretical way. The Christian life is to be one that is extremely practical. Christians are to take the knowledge of their conversion and the knowledge of what it means to be saved and apply those truths as they seek to live their lives. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that it is because the Christian has been washed that they need to keep themselves clean. In constant practice, Christians are to put off the old man and put on the new man. Since they have been saved from being slaves to sin, why would they still live as they did before they were saved? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Many have charged that Paul gradually changed his view on when he thought the Lord would return. Is this the case? Critics use this to demonstrate that Scripture is not divinely inspired, using passages they think supposedly contradict each other. In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “Christ’s Return,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones guides the listener through this crucial contention, clearly showing that this is a false charge. He begins by demonstrating Jesus’s own view— that a gap of time would exist between His life and His second coming. What about Paul? He in fact warned people not to listen to those who said that the coming of the Lord was right around the corner. Elsewhere, he preaches that there are still things that need to happen before Christ would return. Additionally, he wrote about his own coming death. All of these points taken together demonstrate that Paul saw Christ’s return as something far off. But what is the solution to the problem? As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, Paul was writing in a style called “prophetic time,” a mode of writing that takes the future and shortens it down. Ultimately for the Christian, the day of the Lord is right around the corner because everything here is so brief and temporary. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps the reader work through this issue.

What is the relationship between thoughts and actions? In this sermon on Christians and how they are to live in the world, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents a reminder that doctrine and practice are always tied — doctrine especially plays a large influence over the other. What can one deduce from the doctrines that Paul has been presenting in this passage? First, Christians are children of the day. This is how they are to live in the world today— they are to remember where they were, but only by calling to remembrance where Christ has currently brought them. A major purpose of redemption was to deliver the Christian from slavery to sin. Thus, they are doing a great dishonor to the cross of Christ if they are still living in the sinful ways that characterized them before they were saved by Christ. Preaching from Romans 13:11–14 in a sermon titled “Strangers and Pilgrims (2),” Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that if they start to compromise on their actions, they will also compromise their beliefs so that they line up with what they want to do. He warns that instead of getting as close to the line as possible, flee sin at all costs. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps one think through what it means to be a Christian in today’s world and how they can navigate it well.

It can be easy to lose faith in oneself when feelings change quickly. In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “Strangers and Pilgrims (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that regardless of feelings, one’s position is sure if they are a follower of Jesus. Feelings come and go but thankfully they do not influence one’s position or relationship with Jesus since it is centered in Him and His work, not theirs. Christians are charged throughout Scripture that they are to be different from the world because of the change they have undergone in Christ. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, Paul calls believers to walk as children of the day, yet he mentions that the day is still to come— how can it be both? As he explains, Christians are already in the day because they are believers. Even though it is in the future, Christians are there in spirit because they are followers of Christ. Paul’s point is that their citizenship is in heaven and must act like it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how the knowledge of one’s conversion ought to drive their actions and how this concept of the “now and not-yet” applies to today.

What is the future of the Christian? In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “The Christian’s Future,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about what is awaiting the Christian. All over Scripture, the answer is clear— Christians are waiting for the coming day of the Lord. Contrary to what some people say, Scripture tells that this coming is a visible and physical coming of the Lord. At this time Jesus will be coming to complete His work. After passing judgment, He will set up His eternal kingdom. What are the consequences of this? First, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that time will be no more. One of the main effects this will have is on the condition of the world. It will undo the results of the fall. All things will be restored to their original, perfect condition that existed before humanity sinned. Additionally, there will be a judgment and for believers, a judgment about rewards— the righteous are promised in Scripture that they will receive rewards corresponding to their acts on earth. Judgment for the wicked involves both the body and the spirit. However, the righteous are promised eternal life in the presence of the Lord. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps the reader grasp the vision for what the future holds if one has repented and believed in Jesus for forgiveness from their sins and is a child of God.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones makes a striking statement about the Christian view of the world in saying that at its best, the world is still in darkness. In a modern day and age when such statements may seem polarizing and perhaps even offensive, why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make such a provocative claim? Does this mean that the Christian simply dismisses everything in the world? Does the Christian despise the culture as a result of acknowledging the darkness that pervades every aspect of this world? In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “A World in Darkness,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the post-enlightenment, progressive view that the world is generally good and getting better. He does so by looking closely at how the apostle Paul characterizes the world as ignorant of the most vital knowledge. The world is morally dark and in utter despair because of sin. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, makes the Christian a pilgrim in this world. They are restless strangers in a world of darkness. As children of the light, they cannot find their ultimate trust or excitement in what politicians and others offer as a fix to this dark world. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges this understanding of the world and encourages Christians to look forward to the day when their salvation will be complete.

As Christians compare Christianity with other moral and ethical belief systems, philosophies, and religions in the world, many of them have an equal emphasis on love of neighbor. What then distinguishes the Christians’ call to fulfill the royal law of love from others? In Romans 13:11–14 the apostle Paul provides a beautiful insight into the Christian motivation to love neighbor as he writes to Christians in Rome about the doctrine of eschatology. It is in this doctrine that the believer finds the grounding to live a radical life of love of neighbor. In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “Redemption History,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that no other moral system knows anything about the doctrine of last things. In this sermon, he brings out the practical implications of the doctrine of eschatology. Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ stress on the intimate relationship between the life to come and its impact on the Christian life today moves eschatology beyond the often sensationalized prophesy paperbacks to the nitty-gritty of Christian love. While not neglecting the importance of general history, he calls Christians to understand redemptive history because that is what the Bible is interested in. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he calls Christians to follow Paul’s call for radical love of neighbor by looking at redemption history, especially regarding Christ’s second coming.

Justification by faith alone has been called the great doctrine on which the church stands or falls. With the emphasis on justification, many Protestants are guilty of neglecting the important doctrine of sanctification. As Christians strive to rightly understand what the Bible teaches about sanctification, there are many unique challenges this doctrine presents. What is the relationship between faith and works? Does the law have any role to play in the Christian life? How does right motivation affect one’s works before God? In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “Sanctification,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions and more. He also alerts to the dangers of antinomianism and legalism. These two defective beliefs work in tandem as people either think the law does not concern them or they reduce the Christian life to outward practice of the law. In this sermon on sanctification, Dr. Lloyd-Jones not only warns about the dangers of an imprecise understanding of sanctification, but also positively makes a biblical case for grounding good works in faith in Christ Jesus. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones uncovers the symptoms of false beliefs about sanctification while providing the biblical treatment that will lead Christians to truly grow in their relationship with God.

Vestiges of the Christian call to “love one’s neighbor” can be found throughout Western culture. What has been lost, however, is the Scriptural understanding of love and a strong theological foundation to support the command. Without Scripture and theology, love of neighbor is either reduced to sentimentality or the gospel is denied. The seriousness of the latter is highlighted in this sermon on Romans 13:8–10 titled “Scriptural Love.” Modern teaching claims sinful people are able to fulfill this important command despite the fact that they have not experienced regeneration. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines both Scripture and culture, arguing that a biblical view of self and neighbor is necessary to understand Paul’s words correctly. This also answers one of the fundamental questions Christians ask: what is the Christian relationship to the law? Be warned against the trap of mysticism with its emphasis on mere contemplation of love and also watch out for rigorism with its emphasis on the merely knowing the letter of the law. Rather than falling into mysticism or rigorism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues for both the letter and the spirit of the law. Listen closely as he argues for a balanced approach to the law and seeks to challenge contemporary views of love of the neighbor.

If there is one word in the Bible that is easily misunderstood, it is the word “love.” Contemporary society replaces the biblical view of love with mere sentiment or lust. Not only this, but love of neighbor is pitted against love of God. In this sermon on Romans 13:8–10 titled “Love Your Neighbour,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones contends that love of neighbor has been twisted. One must look to Scripture in order to see that theology and love are not contrasted nor is it right to pit love and law against each other. Instead, when one truly loves their neighbor, they are, by necessity, fulfilling the law. Should Christians then only talk about love and never theology? Should they expect non-Christians, who have never experienced the new birth, to carry out this command? In this careful message on love and neighbor, Dr. Lloyd-Jones diagnoses the problem modern people have with biblical understanding of love of neighbor by pointing out how love of neighbor must be wedded to sound doctrine. Listen as he helps understand the difference between agape and other kinds of love. Furthermore, he clues the listener in on how a self-centered and sinful person can actually love thy neighbor as thyself.

Debt is burdensome and being obligated to another is a constant weight on one’s shoulders. But there is one great exception, according to the apostle Paul. That exception is the debt of love. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes in this sermon on Romans 13:8–10 titled “Love Fulfills the Law,” Paul calls the church to be perpetually obligated in their love for one another. Paul himself was likewise indebted to all: to the Greeks and Barbarians and both to the wise and the unwise. He had the medicine in the gospel that they needed and this meant he was under obligation to share it. Paul expects nothing less from the church. The church in Rome, as well as the church today, are in a constant state of debt to one another. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that if one thinks love and law are at odds with one another, then they have misunderstood the Bible. It is an abuse of the law – by the Pharisees, moralists, and in legalism — that is at odds with Paul’s thoughts on law and love. The law begins with the negative, but God’s commandments ultimately have a positive effect. In other words, “love is the fulfilling of the law.” Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides insight into this beautiful synthesis of law and love.

No matter how the topic is framed – church and state, or Christ and culture – it deserves a lot of careful thought. This is one topic in the history of Christianity that intersects with doctrine, theology, church history, and culture. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (6),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones completes his six-part series on church and the state by looking at Christ’s lordship, common grace, the mission of the church, and the Christian individual in society. While some advocate transforming all the culture — including the arts, science, and government — in order to “Christianize” it, Dr. Lloyd-Jones cautions listeners to never talk this way. The Christian is unable to “Christianize” anything that is not Christian. Christ’s kingdom does not come gradually, except in the sense that it is in the church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds there will always be a tension between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of humanity. This doesn’t mean, however, that God does not give His common grace to human society. Christians are engaged in their society and the individual Christian must work out the application of doctrine in business, government, science, and art. Nevertheless, the church must maintain its distinct calling to preach the gospel. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones works from Romans 13:1–7 and engages in what is still today a most relevant topic for evangelical Christians.

How do the church and ruling government interact? Are they co-equals working together for the greater good? Do they share the same end goal? In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (5),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones first examines the historical context of church and government traditions that attempt to work together. Many church leaders have fallen under the tyranny of traditionalism in various ways. One such way is the acceptance of the Roman Catholic position of the church and state relationship as one of mutual exchange, power, and respect. Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges evaluating this relationship in light of Scripture, not in light of tradition. Scripture, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, shows a negative position regarding the power and authority of the state, not a partnership. Biblical evidence clearly points to an understanding of two distinct kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of humanity. These two kingdoms are eternally different and the Christian must be wary of trying to join the two, especially when it involves the power of leaders. Heed Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s warning to take seriously Jesus’s words that His return will establish a reign and rule that is entirely different from worldly rule.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones taught extensively on church history, specifically on the relationship between church and state. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (4),” Dr. Lloyd-Jones turns his attention to the underlying foundation of the view proposing an alliance between church and state. How do they biblically defend their position? What biblical evidence do they portray to say this alliance is biblically sound and wise? He enters this controversial topic by looking at two specific confessions of faith, the Belgic Confession and the Westminster Confession. The bulk of these confessions’ defense is taken from the Old Testament, with only one direct passage from the New Testament. Pointing to the position of Israel as a nation and Judaism as a religion, proponents of the alliance position maintain no distinction between Israel and the church in this way. Deviating from this position, Dr. Lloyd-Jones advocates for the separation of the church and state, based on the New Testament’s teaching on the kingdom of God. As he handles this delicate discussion, he reminds his listeners of the importance of this new identity of believers: the reality that Christians are now citizens of the kingdom through rebirth and this kingdom consists of citizens from every nation and tongue.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his historical review of the relationship between church and state. Building on his previous sermon, he presses the listener to consider church history in this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (3).” It is important, he argues, because there is no neutral ground. It is all relevant to the life of Christ’s followers and how they live out those lives. Claiming disinterest and avoidance is a great sin. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the lives of the Puritans and Separatists (both groups had deep-rooted interest in this topic), he reminds that these two were completely different in their approach towards church and state. Though the Puritans went to America to find relief from religious tyranny, they themselves became the religious and ecclesial tyrants who were intolerant. At the same time the Separatists argued for complete freedom between church and state, wanting the religious freedom to worship as they chose. As these groups are considered, Dr. Lloyd-Jones cautions refraining from severe judgment because they were outworking new ideas and beliefs in a difficult political atmosphere. Listen to his compelling review on church history and be encouraged to think anew on one’s own responsibilities regarding religious freedom.

Does church history hold importance for believers today? Why should Christians look to the past for insight into doctrine instead of looking to Scripture alone? In the second part of his series on the church and the state, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones chastises the arrogance of believers who say church history is not important. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (2),” he argues for the wisdom of modern believers’ consideration of men and women of history handling difficult questions of their faith. This is particularly enlightening as one considers the relations of church and state. Dr. Lloyd-Jones continues his historical look at these particular relations through consideration of the view that the church and the state are essentially different and distinct. He provides four distinctions to consider: their difference in origin, the object from which they were instituted, the power given to them by God, and the way their functions are carried out. The teachings of Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin are given special attention by Dr. Lloyd-Jones as their beliefs are foundational to the development of the influential Belgic Confession and Westminster Confession. These confessions have direct implications for Presbyterian congregations today. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the value of learning from church history as he continues discussing the relations of the church and the state.

In this first part of his series on the church and the state, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones lays a historical foundation for understanding the development of the relationship between the two. In this sermon from Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (1),” he affirms the importance of Christians thinking carefully about their responsibility and attitude towards government and authority. Scripture teaches that the church and government structures are both ordained by God and therefore Christians must maintain a God-honoring posture towards both. Critical to this is having an understanding of how church and state relations developed. In the first three centuries of the early church, believers were living in a pagan world controlled by the Roman Empire. No one was under the illusion that the church and state were one entity. They were at odds towards one another. This changed, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches, when Constantine came to power and instituted Christianity as the official religion of the state. What followed was a power struggle between church and state. Listen to this compelling sermon by Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he equips his listeners to understand the historical struggle for authority and power that shapes a current understanding of the relationship of Christianity and government.

During times of international conflict, the national conversation inevitably moves to the legitimacy of war or the pursuit of peace. Christian conversations are no different. As those who acknowledge this is God’s world and are sincerely concerned about the well-being of their neighbors, Christians are called to engage the issue by bringing God’s word to bear. Historically Christians have supported (as a last result) wars that can legitimately be called “just,” while in the past century there has risen a competing position called Christian pacifism. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (3): The Christian and War,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to draw out the implications of this passage by asking the question: what is the Christian position on fighting in war? While Dr. Lloyd-Jones is concerned about answering this question with regard to the individual Christian, he also engages the overall pacifist position in depth. He leaves no stone unturned as he examines the best arguments of pacifists and offers extensive critique of the position. While the Christian should always reject nationalism or jingoism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says as a matter of Christian freedom that one is allowed to partake in a war if they are satisfied their country is pursing war as a last resort and for a righteous or just cause. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones navigates this hot-button issue and seeks to bring biblical clarity.

How the people of God relate to kings, emperors, magistrates, and the state in general has long been a topic in the Christian church. Persecution by the state, unjust laws, along with the emergence of new political ideologies, often lead to a re-evaluation on the topic. Can the Christian say with confidence that there is a biblical view on the relationship between the Christian and the state? If so, what principles should guide them? What are the implications for a hot-button issue like capital punishment? In this sermon from Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to examine Paul’s message as he tackles this confusing topic by providing biblical and theological principles as guidance. Within what Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the two “extremes” – always maintaining the status quo or anarchy – and paves a way forward that holds together the Christian call to be subject to the state, the limits of being subject to the state, a nuanced understanding of liberty of conscience, and a tempered overall expectation of what the state can accomplish in a sinful world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones is able to soberly look at the complexity of the topic and leave both sides challenged and also encouraged. While ultimately citizens of heaven, Christians are still pilgrims in this world. Listen and learn how to faithfully relate to the state as sojourners and strangers.

In today’s media-driven culture, the public can witness firsthand the mess of politicians and politics on social media, cable television, and in print media. Cynically, many Christians might find it necessary to simply retreat out of political concerns and government altogether. Perhaps the Christian could justify a retreat from politics by positing the need to focus exclusively on spiritual matters. In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer such objections. He engages these ideas and other radical ones that call for Christians to abandon concern for the state, government, or politics altogether. In answering critics, Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a positive Christian view of the state by looking at Romans 13:1–7 and the implications of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Christians understand that the origin of government is not in human evolution but arose from God Himself. Moreover, the Christian knows human nature and how easily sin and evil can deteriorate society. God has instituted government for the restraint of evil and the well-being of society. Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists that the Christian needs motivation to be not only the best citizen, but also to be compelled to participate in government for the promotion of peace and the common good of all.

How are Christians supposed to read the Bible? If there are many different views on what the Bible says, how are they to know the right interpretation? The answer is that they must read the Bible as one work of God. In the sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Subject to Government,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that this is because the only way to understand Scripture properly is by taking a holistic approach to everything that God has revealed. Christians should not use philosophy to create doctrine but doctrine is to come from the text. With all these things in mind, Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to expound the biblical view of government. He says that the submission to authorities and powers that the apostle Paul speaks of is not slavish servitude, but godly submission to the authorities that God has ordained for their good and the good of all people. In this attitude, Christians are to seek to live in peace with all those around them in a way that brings honor to Christ and his gospel. God in his providence has put magistrates in place as a means of restraining sin and evil in the world, though they are often corrupt and sinful. Nevertheless, Christians ought to strive to obey God first and foremost and to obey the government when doing so does not contradict the commands of God.

What are the Christian’s duties and responsibilities to government and the state? In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Relationships,” this is the perplexing question that Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to address. While Christians are citizens of heaven and the kingdom of God, they still live on Earth and are subject to the earthly authorities. When believers disobey the government or refuse to honor earthly powers on the basis of their new citizenship in the kingdom of God, they bring dishonor to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians must seek to be faithful to God by obeying his commandments rather than humanity’s, but they also are to live at peace with all. Many Christians have misunderstood this teaching and brought contempt to the name of Christ. Paul says that the government is a minister of God to bring about righteousness. When the government commands what is not contrary to Scripture, Christians should obey and live as good citizens. Natural relations are not destroyed by a believer’s new relationship with God, but it encourages believers to live in a peaceful way as far as they can. This is ultimately so that God is glorified and honored by the lives of Christians in all aspects of life.

The Christian must ask themselves if they truly love those who desire to do them wrong and if it is enough to not return evil with evil. According to the apostle Paul in Romans 12:20–21, God requires much more from Christians. The return of evil with good raises the Christian perspective far above secular morality. It lifts it to the supernatural. How do Christians achieve such a supernatural response? In this sermon on Romans 12:20–21 titled “Overcoming Evil,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores this question and others in his exposition of Romans. In addition to discerning the meaning of Paul’s citation of Proverbs 25:21–22, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains why the principle of returning evil with good is essential. Dr. Lloyd-Jones puts Paul’s words in the broader context of the Bible’s teaching on spiritual warfare. Instead of overcoming evil by doing positive good, Christians allow themselves to be overcome by evil by retaliating. The key is to think of themselves less and put the situation in the proper perspective, understanding that life is more about the spiritual than the physical. The Christian commends the gospel and personally grows as they overcome evil with good. Heed the words of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he teaches on the Christian’s response to enemies.

While some popular streams of so-called Christianity claim that becoming a Christian means a care-free life, the New Testament is clear that Christians are likely to have more troubles. In this passage, the apostle Paul assumes Christians faithfully living in this fallen world will inevitably encounter evil against them. In this sermon on Romans 12:19–20 titled “God’s Wrath, Not Man’s,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds Paul’s teaching on the topic. Negatively, Christians are to respond to evil by not avenging. Positively, they are to give place to God’s wrath. But what do these things mean? Why should the Christian never seek personal vengeance and does this teaching support Christian pacifism? What about questions about the wrath of God and how are Christians to understand imprecatory prayers in light of this teaching regarding personal vengeance? In all these complex questions, Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings the Scriptures to bear in a cohesive manner by allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. Listen to this thought-provoking message as he challenges Christians to a distinct way of life in a world where they will encounter evil.

Biblical ethics are supernatural ethics. The call of the Lord Jesus Christ upon His followers is different from humanity’s own fallen instinct. Christ’s call is a fundamentally other worldly way of life – it is what James calls wisdom from above. When Christians encounter evil against them, the natural instinct is retaliation. A person cannot carry out the injunctions given by the apostle Paul in this passage. In this sermon on Romans 12:17–18 titled “Be Different,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says the story of humanity is one of hitting back and retaliation. People scoff at turning the other cheek as it is viewed as a weakness. While Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians not to retaliate, the Scriptures raise one’s thoughts beyond just the negative. When the Christian encounters evil against them, their response is to put the evil action against them in the larger context of their entire Christian outlook. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that Christians do not act on instinct but instead should consider the gospel, Christ, and their witness to the Christian faith. Christians should fight for peace but not peace at any cost, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Listen as he explains the important nuance of contending for the truth while at the same time being peacemakers.

In this sermon on Romans 12:16 titled “Wisdom and Knowledge,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on the importance of being of the same mind. Christians are to bless those who persecute them, rejoice with those who rejoice, and are to be of the same mind in agreement with one another. Two things threaten to destroy harmony – haughtiness in minding high things and being wise in one’s own eyes. Christians should learn about the folly of intellectual pride and look at the history of the Christian church to see how important it is to guard against this sin. This sin is the abuse of one of God’s greatest gift to humanity — the intellect. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom: one is merely gathering and acquiring factual information, while the other is the power and capacity to apply it. The greater the scholar, the more humble the person. A little knowledge is most dangerous and while love builds one up, knowledge merely puffs up. Christians should consider the humility and meekness of the Son of God and remember the Scriptures, “walk humbly with thy God” and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Christians are encouraged to learn to distinguish between true and false wisdom.

Is it harder to rejoice with those who rejoice or weep with those who weep? In this sermon on Romans 12:15–16 titled “Practical Christianity (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at how Christians are called to respond to one another. The problem of every human being, without exception, is the problem of pride and self. All struggle with envy and jealousy. The Christian is called to not settle for being able to hide this sin but learn to replace it by rejoicing with another over their success. No one can do this for themselves. The gospel of salvation in Christ is the only thing that can deliver one from the self and unify them with the body of believers. Christians cannot divide doctrine and practice and should look at the story of the Christian church, being called to have a common mind and think like one another. Christians are encouraged to know what it means to be knit together in love. They are to look at the example of Christ washing the feet of men and preach the gospel to the poorest. Nothing is more incongruent to the Christian faith as social disjunctions. Christians should associate with the humble, forsaking pride and ambition, and come humbly before the Lord.

In this sermon on Romans 12:14–15 titled “Practical Christianity (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the application for the doctrine Paul has been laying down and how theory moves into practical daily living: “The glory of God in His great salvation is involved in this [daily living].” Learn that the best form of evangelism is Christian people manifesting the Christian life, not only the proclamation by word of mouth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares that “a mere theoretical Christianity is useless” and a contradiction. The Scriptures are intensely practical and Christians are called to have patience with unbelievers. Moreover, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that one’s attitude towards persecution must be positive as the endurance of persecution in its various forms tests the reality of their Christianity in a thorough manner. Only a Christian can bless (and not curse) those who persecute them. Christians are called to remember what they were and how God reacted to them, showing them total grace. The sinner must be separated from the sin, asking the question, “Why does a person behave the way they does?” Christians are encouraged to have compassion on the sinner’s helpless state and pray for the salvation of unbelievers to “be like our blessed Lord.”

In this sermon on Romans 12:13 titled “Fellowship of the Saints,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges the listeners to show hospitality. Preaching from Romans 12:13, one of the first things he clarifies is the true Pauline meaning of hospitality. In the book of Romans (and in other places in Scripture), the biblical meaning for hospitality is “loving strangers.” This means that when the biblical authors command believers to show hospitality, their command is one of evangelism rather than only fellowship with the saints. An important element of the Christian existence paired with hospitality is indeed contributing to the needs of the saints. Separate from hospitality but similar, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that contributing to the needs of the saints shows the love of God within the hearts of Christians. A privilege that God has given His believers is that they may share in their suffering instead of enduring alone. Other Christians should be a welcome and wonderful sight for believers because of the burden and the privilege the saints carry. Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts his listeners by saying that Christians submit too much to the needs and expectations of the world. Rather, Christians must be the light of the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ with all those they come in contact with, especially through hospitality.

The Christian should ask themselves if they are “fervent in spirit” and learn to look at their total view of life in this world as Christian people. There is nothing so fatal for the Christian than to misunderstand his or her life in this present world. “The only way a Christian can rejoice is in the life of this hope [Christ].” How are they then to live in this present world? “We must never allow tribulation to do us any harm at all.” In this sermon on Romans 12:12 titled “Patient in Tribulation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Is your reaction one of grumbling or of patient endurance in the midst of tribulation?” The Christian ought to expect trouble to come their way. Nothing teaches the believer better than tribulations: weakness, pride, and selfishness is brought out in trials. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that these trials yield the fruit of righteousness. Prayer results from tribulation and one ought to quickly seek this refuge. Christians are in the fight of faith; not against the things of this world, but against the spiritual matters. Do not continue in ignorance and self-confidence that pervades common humanity. Rejoice in knowing that truly nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ, not even the hardest of trials or tribulation.

In this sermon on Romans 12:11­–12 titled “Serving the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about the importance of serving the Lord with zeal. The Christian may be tempted to do things half-heartedly as they go from task to task. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that this approach is second to demon possession in that the Christian has allowed the devil to influence their actions. Slothfulness, he expresses, can manifest itself in doing something half-heartedly. This lazy form of action is one way in which the devil corrupts God’s good creation. Similar to the body and mind, exercise of the Spirit is what promotes its health within the believer. The Christian must continually fan the flames of the Spirit within them. Before long, the sluggish Christian can become the diseased Christian who falls into sin easily and becomes entangled by it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also preaches that when the Christian feels lethargic or sluggish, they must meditate on, read, and study the actions of God in His people. God will bring to fruition the seeds sown by the Christian. God’s people must be sure to keep fervent in spirit, which literally means that they must be “at the boiling point” in their hearts and in their passion for the Lord.

What does slothfulness and self-importance share in common? The antidote to both is a heart that understands that Christians are not their own but belong to God. The antidote to both pride and laziness is the great hope the Christian have in the Lord Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Romans 12:11 titled “Stir Yourselves,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the question of slothfulness and he confronts the fundamental question on what it means to serve the Lord. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the Christian of their fundamental identity. Christians are slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ and have been bought with a price. As slaves to the Lord, their service is not their personal cause but it is the Lord’s ministry. It is fundamentally not their honor involved as they serve, but the honor of the Lord Jesus Christ. This slavery to the Lord is a privilege and Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the Christian that they are co-workers with God. As those involved in God’s work, they cultivate a particular outlook of hope on this life. This is not a hopeful optimism in the present world, nor a general hopefulness. It is the doctrine of hope and the hope that Christ will return. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages keeping one’s eyes on Jesus Christ and mortify slothfulness and self-importance in service to Him.

Becoming a Christian means becoming part of a family. The Christian family is not a natural family but a supernatural one. When one is born again, they see that the same is true for other Christians. The apostle Paul teaches Christians that they are to love brothers and sisters in the faith as though they were brothers and sisters in blood. In this sermon on Romans 12:9–11 titled “Sermon on Love, Part 2,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns that this love is not phony love. It is not based upon positive circumstances and not the same as merely “liking” each member of the body of Christ. It is an innate or instinctive love as one has for blood family. There is a strong chance, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, a Christian will not have instinctive affections for other Christians. What are they to do? They cannot base their love on feelings since feelings are fickle. He exhorts the Christian to begin with doctrine. The Christian works out their doctrine of regeneration and the teaching of Scripture regarding the household of God. Christians have a bond of faith which surpasses even the natural bonds of blood. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks the pressing question of believers: what do they feel about their fellow Christians? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones stirs the listener to consider brotherly love and showing honor to the body of Christ.

In this sermon on Romans 12:9–21 titled “Sermon on Love, Part 1,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that the believer must always proceed from doctrine to application and the two great principles must characterize and govern the Christian life. The apostle Paul is concerned with the practicalities of the Christian life, both in how the Christian acts and reacts. The listener will see their absolute need for the salvation of Christ and respond in presenting themselves as a sacrifice. Love is the fulfilling of the law and it sums up the whole of the law — these two must never be contrasted. “We should be animated in our living with the same kind of love by which God loves us,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. Love is totalitarian, not sentimental and weak. God should not be loved merely in word, but also in deed. Learn of the love of the atonement that commands one’s love of God and neighbor. The Christian must keep the law with the Spirit; otherwise they will fall into dissimulation. “The law is an expression of God’s being,” says Dr. Lloyd-Jones. The Christian is to hate and abhor evil, adhering themselves to that which is good in the eyes of God.

Human traditions are often blinded to the clear teaching of Scripture. Traditionalism is a danger Christians must avoid because it is a prejudice they are all subject to. Perhaps no area of the Christian life is more prone to traditionalism than worship. Whether as an individual or entire denomination, one can easily read their prejudices back into Scripture. In this sermon on Romans 12:6–8 titled “Worship, the Old and the New,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls Bible-believing Christians to examine their traditions. He asks them to consider the general impression of the New Testament as they read about the early church engaging in worship. Seeking to counter the resurgence among evangelicals towards a liturgical form, Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers the liturgical arguments by drawing attention to passages such as Romans 12:6–8. While there is continuity between Old Testament worship – with its emphasis on prescribed forms – there is discontinuity as well. Of course, this difference is not one in kind but in degree. Moreover, as figures in church history have justified set prayers and liturgical services in order to prevent error from creeping into the church, this should only be a temporary expedience, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Nevertheless, Christ is able to gift all to pray, preach, and teach in a biblical manner avoiding doctrinal errors. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges from Scripture prevailing worship traditions and prejudices.

Liturgical forms of worship in free churches were on the rise during the ministry of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. This tendency hasn’t slowed and continues to this day as evangelicals have a renewed interest in read prayers, prayer books, responsive readings, and vestments. In this sermon on Romans 12:6–8 titled “Worship, Ancient and Modern,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks pressing questions of this movement. When one reads the descriptions of early church life, do they see themselves? Do they find these liturgical elements in Scripture and in what sense is the New Testament teaching binding on worship forms? While the liturgical practice of a prayer book and prescribed prayers each week is often argued on the basis of the Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges this interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s critique of the liturgical movement also takes the listener through church history in order to give a historical context for its development. While Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that both Martin Luther and John Calvin affirmed the authority of Scripture, it was Calvin who carried that belief beyond the realm of salvation and into church governance and worship. The goal in worship, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, should be to correspond as closely to the picture given in Scripture. Listen to this intriguing and informative message on the history and development of church worship practices.

Do the practices of the early church have anything to say to the contemporary church? How can one explain the obvious difference between what is read in the pages of Scripture regarding the church and the present manifestation of so many contemporary church models? As those invested in the authority and sufficiency of God’s word, evangelicals must be willing to set aside prejudices and look at Scripture with fresh eyes and seek to conform to the picture and pattern found in the New Testament. This is the conviction of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. In this sermon on Romans 12:6–8 titled “Lessons from Church History,” he elaborates on the glimpses of early church life and asks pressing questions about the development of church governance over the past two centuries. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides an overview and explanation on the accumulation of power by the bishops throughout church history. He also tackles the reactions to centralized power by radical free church groups after the Reformation. The key in all these matters, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is to get back to the Scriptures in all matters of preaching, governance, gifts, pastors, and church life. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds evangelicals that they cannot afford to ignore the doctrine and nature of the church.

Why does God give different spiritual gifts to each Christian? In this sermon on Romans 12:6–8 titled “Lessons From the Early Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that God equips His church in order to strengthen and build it up to accomplish the task of preaching the gospel and disciplining all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is seen in the early church that many of the early believers had different roles and purposes in bringing about the kingdom of God – some as apostles, some as prophets, and others as evangelists. The prophets and the apostles form the foundation from which the whole church was to be built. They wrote Scripture and spoke the very words of God as God’s emissaries to his people. They were often the ones to lay hands on others so that they would receive the power and the giftings of the Holy Spirit, displaying the apostles’ power and authority. Furthermore, some have the specific gift of leading and teaching. These men are called elders, shepherds, overseers, and presbyters. All these titles convey the same role as the leader amongst God’s people. These are the ones whom God has specially gifted to preach the gospel and shepherd the people of God. This is a charge given by the Holy Spirit of God for the glory of God and the edification of the church.

How does God ensure that the church is equipped for its mission? In this passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul tells that it is by the Holy Spirit giving gifts to those in the church. Some are given the gift of teaching and others the gift of giving. In this sermon on Romans 12:7–8 titled “Spiritual Gifts (4),” the important thing is that every Christian only seek to use the gifts God has actually given them, not what they want. He says that there is great danger in Christians trying to do things for which they have not been gifted. Those who do not have the gift of teaching ought not to seek to be teachers because they are doomed to fail. Christians are to trust in Jesus that He has granted them the gifts that are best for them and for the church as a whole. God in His wisdom gives all Christians what they need to be faithful servants of Jesus Christ.

The gift of prophecy is one of the most unusual spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. It has been dismissed, over-emphasized, and abused throughout church history. In a sermon on Romans 12:6 titled “Spiritual Gifts (3),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones illustrates both the dismissal and abuse of this teaching in the church. He does not just give a history lesson on the misuse of the gift of prophecy; he expounds the biblical teaching on it. Walking carefully through each interpretation, he explains various understandings of the apostle Paul’s teaching on prophecy and faith. In the end, Dr. Lloyd-Jones sides with the teaching that says Paul is calling the church to prophesy in proportion to the faith – the objective body of doctrine. He makes a strong and compelling case for the importance of systematic theology in the Christian life. Furthermore, by outlining general principles for discerning prophetic utterances, he assists Christians in applying biblical teaching on testing the spirits. The Holy Spirit will always be consistent with what He has given in Scripture. Finally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes the mysterious nature of the Scripture’s teaching on the topic of miraculous gifts. The Spirit is always sovereign of the gift, yet according to Scripture, the Christian can quench the Spirit.

Perhaps no topic in evangelical circles stirs more controversy than the nature and function of spiritual gifts. There can sometimes be a great divide between ‘cessationists’ and ‘continuationists’ on the “unusual” gifts. In this sermon on Romans 12:6 titled “Spiritual Gifts (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks with clarity and boldness on the topic. In arguing for the continuation of all the gifts – including the unusual gifts – he answers specific objections posed by ‘cessationists’. One unique feature of this sermon is Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s reminder to all camps of the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in both the dispensing of gifts and withholding of gifts. The Spirit alone determines the manifestation of all gifts but the Spirit can be quenched. This difficult balance is maintained in this message where he warns that quenching the Spirit results in not just a lack of unusual gifts, but also the hinderance of the “regular” gifts. Moreover, he helpfully answers one of the most practical questions in the Christian life: how does one know their particular gift? With practical application and in-depth teaching on prophesy, tongues and miraculous gifts, Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the great doctrine of spiritual gifts.

In this sermon on Romans 12:6 titled “Spiritual Gifts (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages a look at the nature of spiritual gifts. God decides which gift to provide to each Christian but they all work in and through the very same Spirit. He reminds that there is a “diversity of operations, but the same God that worketh all in all.” Why and how are Christians to “covet” and “desire” the best gifts? How ought they seek these gifts? The listener is encouraged to learn to love the spiritual gifts and to be filled with love. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes and explains the doctrine of the body, love, and contentment. Can one “claim” a gift? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks more directly at the gift of tongues, pastoring, and missions and shows the importance of understanding that gifts cannot be “claimed” or imparted by others. Some people proclaim that “the need is the call,” but this simply shows an ignorance of the doctrine concerning the call of the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones touches on baptism with the Holy Spirit, how gifts differ, and His call to the particular service. God decides the gifts, calls the Christian to a certain gift, and equips them to the service to which each of His children have been called.

What guides and keeps a church unified? How can the church encourage unity among its members? In this sermon on Romans 12:5-6 titled “Character of Unity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains there are two elements to preserving the unity of a church. There is a spiritual unity that can only be brought about the Spirit of God and there is a necessary fundamental agreement of doctrine. While agreeing in the area of doctrine, it is also important to remember that the church body was created for a specific purpose. It ought to function in a living and active way together as many members of one body. The church must be using her gifts otherwise she is failing as a church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones cautions the listener to beware of their church falling into two extremes when it comes to being active: on one hand, activism or over busyness tires the body and wears out its members. On the other hand, hyper-paralysis, where the individual members are only worried about themselves, causes the church to be perpetually inactive and unhealthy. The activity of the church must be consistent and in conformity with the mind of the head, which is Christ Jesus, as he instructs in Scripture.