Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon
Lloyd-Jones is one of my favorite preachers of all time.
Over the years I have
There is a simplicity to these early messages at Aberavon.
They each go directly to the heart of the matter: how is one to find salvation
from the wrath of God against sin? True to form, Lloyd-Jones does not waste a
word in extraneous thought or light jocularity. Each sermon is desperate in
scope, each dealing with the deep severity of eternity. What makes these
especially prescient is Lloyd-Jones was preaching these messages to primarily
“churched” people: individuals who had a degree of Biblical literacy and a high
morality. The Doctor was convinced that many who call themselves Christians in
his day were not actually saved, and these messages were often targeting that
class of nominal Christians. Oh how desperately we need a similar emphasis in
our own day!
One thing that impressed me is how easily Lloyd-Jones fits
Biblical accounts into his modern context. His view of mankind as a whole
contributes to his ability to do this; but there is also a supreme confidence
in the Scriptures exhibited throughout. He does not need to wrangle with the
text to get it to say what he wants. He simply presents it and draws sharp
parallels to our immediate and personal attitudes. “Herod enjoyed hearing John
the Baptist preach—yet he remained lost! Such are many of you.” “Simon the
Pharisee invited Jesus to his house and was interested in what He had to say
–yet he did not fall at His feet like this sinful woman did. How like modern
man!” “The people wanted Jesus for the loaves; yet left Him when they did not
receive. We are no different!”
Another tool Lloyd-Jones utilizes with frequency is he takes
a modern, in vogue opinion, and preaches the Biblical text to that opinion.
While he is desperately Biblical in His presentation, he is not reading the
text in a vacuum. He voices the possible objections people may have to the
gospel. He strives to address what “modern man” may say, what the “progressive
Englishman” may protest when confronted with this particular text. This openly challenges
false viewpoints (which may be hidden in the hearts of listeners) with the
Scripture and forces the people to decide which side they belong to.
This collection can be read devotionally, and I would
recommend it to any Christian, young or seasoned. The writing is surprisingly
clear, though it is a little dated and a little British. I would particularly
recommend this book to preachers, who can always use a little gospel “shot in
the arm” to continue in the good work. As I myself am beginning to preach with
a degree of frequency, this resource was invaluable. I will revisit it again in
the future.
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