Exodus 33:17 — The Christian can be encouraged by God’s response to Moses’s prayer in Exodus 33:17 and knowing that He gives an answer. He has mercy upon Moses and His people, and sends His blessing. In this sermon on Exodus 33:17 titled “Revival Sermon: The Power of Pentecost,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones assures the listener that the Lord has mercy upon His people, the church today, and sends His blessing. He claims that revival, above everything else, is what is needed today and therefore Christians must pray for it. For the world has always been the same, and people in sin do not change. Every revival, in a sense, has been a repetition of the day of Pentecost. There are certain occurrences that happen in revival today that happened at Pentecost. The church becomes aware of the Spirit and His presence. They are given great assurance when given the truth, and are filled with great joy and a sense of praise. That is how the church is meant to be. It is the same power today that is given in the proclamation of the truth. Another occurrence that can be related to Pentecost today is the response of the people in joining the church. Many continue steadfastly in activities of the church: membership, communion, worship, and prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages leaving time to pray for revival among God’s people today.
--------
Revival Sermon: Why We Should Pray for Revival
Exodus 33:12-17 — In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God’s people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses’s motives were clear when he approached the Lord: a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God’s servants pray, and should pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was assured of God’s nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name’s sake.
--------
Revival Sermon: Prayer for Revival
Exodus 33:12-17 — The church today focuses too much on doing what other religions can do. Other religions can teach a person to be moral and just. Other religions can create a sense of community and friendship. Other religions can do good things in the community. Christians tend to be content with these small things; content with the unexceptional and ordinary condition of the church. They must pray for revival. In this sermon on prayer for revival from Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Revival Sermon: Prayer for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the prayer of Moses where he prays for more. God had returned to Israel and Moses is grateful for this, but he wants more. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that praying for revival is praying for something extra, something more. Revival is not ordinary. It is a special, unusual, and exceptional move of God. The Christian praying for revival is no longer satisfied with the ordinary condition of the church. They pray for God’s glory to be shown, and cries from the “depths” that God may be known. True revival cannot be manipulated. The moment one believes this can be organized, they are in great danger. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that church needs the power of God. The Holy Spirit must fall upon His people, and they must be revived.
--------
Revival Sermon: Preparatory Stages in Revival
Exodus 33:12-17 — Revival is conceived through the prayers of one who is burdened. Continuing the examination of where revival comes from, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that there are intermediate steps that are common before a revival begins. This begins with prayer. In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Revival Sermon: Preparatory Stages of Revival,” he explains three stages of prayer. This prayer toward revival begins with a longing for separation. As God used the intercession of Moses on behalf of rebellious Israel, it is explained that revival is initiated with the prayers of just one person. This one person feels a great burden for the people of God and wants to do something about it. He prays for holiness and separation from the ways of the world. There is a concern to be holy. This leads to an incredible assurance of God. Prayer turns from dread to delight as God promises His presence among the people. The praying church and individual then grow in expectancy, looking for and expecting change that only the Holy Spirit can bring. This change is not managed by people but by the sovereign Spirit of God. If the listener is burdened for the church in this world, Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages that revival begins with the prayers of one.
--------
Revival Sermon: Towards Revival
Exodus 33:1-11 — Revival begins when one realizes that they may gain the whole world and lose their soul. Every good thing of this earth is nothing if God is not with them. In this sermon on Exodus 33:1–11 titled “Revival Sermon: Toward Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the steps toward revival. How does revival come? What sparks it? Whether revival is individual and personal or corporate, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that it begins the same way. First, one faces the facts and becomes deeply aware of sin and idolatry. Second, one repents. As he presents the story of Israel’s revival upon the building of a golden calf, he highlights a number of issues involved: the need for separation, a mediator, realizing they are poor and wretched, and God’s displeasure upon the church. Why is the church so ineffective? Why is it going from bad to worse? The need is not met with better events, campaigns, or programs; the presence of God must be in the midst. God must be with them. This is the thing that so horrified the people of Israel and it must haunt Christians today. Revival begins as men and women realize nothing is so serious as being without the presence of God.
The MLJ Trust presents original audio recordings of the sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981). Dr. Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture. Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John.
Netherlands