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Remembering Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones - 40 years on

Today (1st March) marks exactly 40 years since Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones (in photo below taken from Banner of Truth website) went to be with the Lord. Dr. Lloyd-Jones or "The Doctor" as he was fondly known was the pastor or minister of Westminster Chapel in London, England for thirty years until he retired in 1969. Previously, he was minister of a church in Wales, where he hailed from. Dr. Lloyd-Jones has been described by Peter Lewis, who preached at his memorial service in April 1981 as probably the greatest preacher London had since the days of Charles Haddon Spurgeon at Metropolitan Tabernacle.

I first encountered Dr. Lloyd-Jones through his books in 1985. The first book I remember reading by hi, was entitled "Authority". I was given this book by Mr. Stephen Winter, my Scripture Union Senior Friend and Housemaster. I was given this book for having served as a Scripture Union Committee. 

The next books I read by Dr. Lloyd-Jones were Expositions on the books of Romans and Ephesians which were placed in my hands by a good friend of mine, Kunda Kalifungwa. Later, I borrowed other volumes from this series from the library of the then Emmasdale Church and from Lusaka Baptist Church Library when I started attending the church services there in 1987. 


I recall reading one of the Romans volume (with over 300 pages) from cover to cover within 3 days in 1986 as a  school leaver after my form 5. 

Later, I read books such as "Spiritual Depression", Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Preaching and Preachers, Joy Unspeakable, Knowing the Times, Evangelistic Sermons, The Cross: The Vindication of God. 

I also encountered Dr. Lloyd-Jones through his recorded sermons. In the late 80s and 90s this was through listening to audio tapes. With improvements in technology, I listened to the sermons on CDs. These sermons were/are engaging and made you think. They made you reason from the Scriptures as the preacher argued his points from the Bible. Most of the sermons (about 1,600) that were preached by Lloyd-Jones can be accessed on the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust website. 

What lessons can we learn from this servant of God, as we remember him 40 years after his death?

Firstly, it is the need to have faithful expository preaching of God's word. A number of preachers in evangelical circles today are entertaining their flock instead of feeding the flock with God's word. To faithfully preach in an expository manner like Lloyd-Jones did for over 30 years at Westminster Chapel requires one to be committed to the study of the Bible. 

Secondly, the need to have preachers that spend time studying God's word and good books before they mount the pulpit. A number of preachers in our day are given to preach what they claim "a word from the Lord" which is not borne out of pain staking study of the Bible. Lloyd-Jones was given to much study of the word of God before he brought God's word to God's people.

Thirdly, the need to have preachers and pastors or ministers that read solid Christian books. Dr. Lloyd-Jones read a lot of good Christian books by Evangelicals, Reformers and Puritans. This sharpened and brought depth to his preaching and the books authored by him. 

For those who would like to read more about the life of Dr. Lloyd Jones I recommend the following books published by Evangelical Press and Banner of Truth respectively. 

also available as a Kindle edition from Amaon


You can also read: 10 Reasons to Read Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones available in Kindle edition from Amazon. 

Gabriel Konayuma, 1 March 2021




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