Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon


Lloyd-Jones is one of my favorite preachers of all time. Over the years I have
listened to scores of his messages on sermon audio and youtube, as well as read several collections in book form. This collection from the early years of Lloyd-Jones ministry is as good as any other I have read.

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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