Lessons From Church History

Lessons From Church History

From Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones by MLJ Trust

April 20, 2026

About this episode

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the relevance of early church practices to contemporary church governance and the importance of adhering to Scripture.

Do the practices of the early church have anything to say to the contemporary church? How can one explain the obvious difference between what is read in the pages of Scripture regarding the church and the present manifestation of so many contemporary church models? As those invested in the authority and sufficiency of God’s word, evangelicals must be willing to set aside prejudices and look at Scripture with fresh eyes and seek to conform to the picture and pattern found in the New Testament. This is the conviction of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. In this sermon on Romans 12:6–8 titled “Lessons from Church History,” he elaborates on the glimpses of early church life and asks pressing questions about the development of church governance over the past two centuries. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides an overview and explanation on the accumulation of power by the bishops throughout church history. He also tackles the reactions to centralized power by radical free church groups after the Reformation. The key in all these matters, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is to get back to the Scriptures in all matters of preaching, governance, gifts, pastors, and church life. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Topics covered

  • church history
  • early church practices
  • contemporary church models
  • church governance
  • evangelical doctrine

Keywords

  • church history
  • evangelicals
  • governance
  • Scripture
  • early church
  • Reformation
  • doctrine

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MLJ Trust

Books & works: Romans 12:6–8

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