Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions and Answers: The Marks of a True Christian

What are the primary characteristics of a true Christian according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, a true Christian is someone who has undergone a profound change through being born again. The primary characteristics include:

1. A separation from the world and its values
2. Regular, enthusiastic gathering with other believers
3. A steadfast continuation in apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers
4. A new outlook on life focused on eternal matters rather than worldly concerns
5. Recognition of one's sinfulness and complete dependence on Christ
6. A genuine desire for Christian fellowship that isn't forced or reluctant

As Lloyd-Jones states: "A Christian is not merely a man who's a little bit different from others. He's entirely different. He's altogether different. He's not just a man who's been improved a little bit. No, he's a new man. He's a new creation."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones refute the claim that one can be a Christian without attending church?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly refutes this claim by referring to the example of the early church in Acts 2. He specifically addresses a newspaper article where someone claimed to be "a Christian, but strictly the non-church going type." Lloyd-Jones states emphatically:

"According to the book of the Acts of the Apostles, such a man is not a Christian. He is just not a Christian."

Lloyd-Jones argues that the first expression of new spiritual life is the desire to gather with other believers. The early Christians "continued steadfastly" and "daily" in fellowship, demonstrating that this gathering wasn't occasional or reluctant but central to their lives. He explains that true conversion naturally produces a desire for fellowship with other believers because they share the same life, outlook, and Savior.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the unifying factor that brings Christians together despite their differences?

Despite differences in nationality, temperament, intellectual ability, and social status, Christians are unified by several fundamental factors:

1. The same spiritual life: "They'd become members of the same family, they've got the same blood in them... They've got the same life in them."

2. A common outlook on life: "All Christians have the same fundamental view on life in this world, the whole state of the world, the whole history of the world."

3. A shared fundamental experience: "They've all had exactly the same fundamental experience" of being awakened to spiritual truths and receiving new life.

4. The same Savior: "Perhaps supremely and above everything else... They rejoice in the same savior."

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this unity is "deeper than intellect, deeper than nationality, deeper than temperament, deeper than gifts and possessions." This spiritual unity explains why diverse people throughout history have been drawn together in Christian fellowship.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the modern approach to church attendance with the early church's attitude?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the modern reluctant, occasional approach to church attendance with the early Christians' enthusiasm:

Modern approach: - Attending church as a mere social formality - Going reluctantly or only occasionally (like Christmas or Easter) - Viewing services as something to be endured and kept brief - Considering church as just one option among many activities

Early church's attitude: - "They continued steadfastly" and "daily" in fellowship - They gathered willingly and eagerly without being pressured - Fellowship was "the central thing in their lives" rather than an interruption - They couldn't be kept apart and wanted more time together

Lloyd-Jones states: "Can you fit that sort of thing into this book of the Acts of the Apostles? Can't you see that this coming together was the greatest joy in these people's lives? Work was almost an interruption to them."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe is the true purpose of preaching and church gathering?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones is clear that the purpose of preaching and church gathering is not: - To make money or collect offerings - To maintain an institution - To gather a congregation for its own sake - To fulfill social customs or traditions

Rather, the true purpose is: 1. To save souls: "The concern of the apostle Peter when he preached that sermon was not to gather a congregation. It was to save souls."

1. To proclaim Christ: "I'm here for one reason only. That I'm here to tell men and women about this Christ of God, this blessed savior, this new life which he gives."

2. To prepare people for eternity: "I preach this gospel in order that we may all prepare ourselves for that glory which is coming."

3. To help believers grow in their understanding of God: "They wanted to know everything they could in order to be ready and prepared for it."

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that genuine preaching should produce conviction rather than requiring external pressure to make decisions or attend services.