An old friend…

An old friend…

I want to introduce you to a man who has been discipling me for almost 20 years, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  I did not “meet” him until years after his death but he has had a profound impact on my life.   His book, Spiritual Depression, was one of the most influential and helpful books I have read and his sermon series on The Sermon on the Mount was food for my soul as I preached through the text myself. The video below is just over 10 minutes long.  It is probably longer than you would usually spend on a blog post (I have included a brief summary below) but maybe you can find a few extra minutes to be briefly introduced to a man many consider the greatest preacher of the 20th century; a medical doctor, called by God to preach. My hope would be to remind you that we stand in a long line of witnesses.  Many have gone before us who have faced the same temptations, faced the same struggles, dealt with the same heartaches that we face and have emerged by God’s grace as faithful servants. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was born into a relatively poor but hardworking family in 1899.  He demonstrated early a sharp mind and an aptitude for studies by excelling in school.  He entered university at the age of 16 and was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery by the age of 21.  He received numerous awards for his academic achievements and became the assist to the royal physician at the age of 23.  He had a bright and lucrative career in medicine ahead of him. It was during this time that he began a long path to conversion.  He wrote about the many years he believed he was a Christian before he actually came to Christ.  He saw this as the direct result of sitting under preaching that never confronted him with the gospel. The Spirit began a work in his life that would eventually call him away from a career in medicine to a career in the pulpit.  He was simply known as “the Dr.” and would faithfully preach the gospel in Wales, London and eventually have a ministry that would have worldwide impact to this day. So, without further ado… [youtube QPhtyC3GsjM nolink] -Pastor Steve