David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939-1981 (v. 2) [Hardcover]

Iain H. Murray (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 862 pages
• Publisher: Banner of Truth (June 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851515649
• ISBN-13: 978-0851515649
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.2 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Fail . . . January 2, 2003

By Brian G Hedges

Format:Hardcover

After twice reading this second volume of Murray's wonderful biography on Martyn Lloyd-Jones, words still fail to describe how much it has meant to me. Lloyd-Jones was perhaps the greatest preacher of the 20th century, leaving a legacy worthy of the eight hundred pages in this book! He restored expository preaching to the modern pulpit, recovered the theology of the Reformation for a new generation, fostered a hunger for the reviving work of the Holy Spirit, revived an interest in historical Evangelical literature, and labored for true unity among Evangelicals. All of this and more is documented in this very readable and instructive book. Pure delight!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The compelling account of the greatest preacher of our times January 14, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

A giant of our times such as Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones surely merits a two-volume appreciation as magnificent as that which Iain Murray has penned. The factual details recounted in this biography are not only of the most crucial significance in understanding evangelicalism in the twentieth century; but they make compelling reading. At the same time, the character of the man shines through in every page. Reading the account of the final few days of his life, I almst felt as though I were losing a dearly-beloved grandfather. But the pages of this book do not speak so much of the activity of man as of the activity of God, who raises up leaders in every generation. Those who sense a true spiritual calling into the ministry should most certainly read and reread this account of a preacher who should be reckoned as a worthy successor to George Whitefield and Charles Haddon Spurgeon; the greatest British preacher of the twentieth century.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing Book January 12, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I bought this book (together with vol 1)almost 8 years ago & I remembered that I literally devoured the book. He was one the Christian who made greatest contribution in my spiritual life.

Murray portrays him as the great man of God he was & the many contributions he has made to Christendom. No one can read this biography without gaining some benefit. Although the book is bulky, it never seem the case to those who are acquainted with the subject.

Now I am going for round 2 of this book which should attest to the value I have with regard to this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Profound and Helpful Biography August 5, 2008

By Darryl Dash

Format:Hardcover

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is not a household name today, even though he died a relatively short time ago. I knew of him as a brilliant thinker, a physician who became a pastor of Westminster Chapel in London near Buckingham Palace. I've heard and appreciated some of his sermons, and I have some of his books. It wasn't until I heard Tim Keller continually refer to him that I decided to learn more.

The result is a deep appreciation for an incredible ministry. Reading biographies of great men is inspiring, and this one is no different. I benefited from seeing accounts of Lloyd-Jones as he pastored a church in London during the worst of World War II, with bombs exploding nearby; as he dealt with difficult deacons and patiently pastored a church while allowing God to change hearts; as he became known for his preaching ministry and began to speak all over the world; and as he dealt with controversies that continue today. You can't help but read all that he went through without learning as you think through the issues and weigh what you would have done.

But what really struck me as I read this volume is the benefits of being out of step with the times. It's popular today to say that we live in a new day, and that everything has to change. But things weren't all that different when Lloyd-Jones was alive. Many within the church were arguing for new approaches. For example, one person argued in 1976 that his method of preaching was out of date:

"What one must question, however, is this: is our age ever going to accept monologue again? Does it not seem that our generation is demanding, and insisting on the right of talk-back?...One way communication may have been sufficient in the past.... Nowadays there is feed-back, and right of reply, and letters to the editor: must the preacher be the sole exception to this general trend?"

Lloyd-Jones, however, never lost confidence in the power of the Word proclaimed, and the results were profound.

Other trends in his day included increased reliance on business methods and entertainment in an effort to become more effective. Lloyd-Jones resisted these trends. As a physician, he had diagnosed the problem differently, and more entertainment and better methods would never be enough. "The modern church was bypassing her primary need," writes Iain Murray. "She was adopting 'methods of big business and advertising' instead of praying for a visitation of God." His focus was not on new methods, but on preaching and applying the gospel and relying on God's power.

Iain Murray's biography is not hagiography. You do get a sense of where Lloyd-Jones struggled, and he seemed to be aware of these areas as well. But I can't tell you how much I appreciated reading of his life and ministry, and how much I learned as a result. Every pastor could benefit from reading these books. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Desert Island Book October 16, 2009

By J. L. Green

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

For full review see my comments on Vol. 1. I cannot express how important this book is to me spiritually. It is rare for a biography to do so much in bringing one nearer to God. One thinks of Spurgeons autobiography and Dallimore's Whitefield volumes. But Murray's volumes on Lloyd-Jones are my 'desert island books.' Both books have been constant companions of mine for two years. Today reading through chapter 13 again I felt a Jeremiah-like fire in my bones to preach. I can't wait until Sunday! Preachers: you need to read this book. Believer: learn what to look for in your pastors. Okay, I must quit because I want to read chapter 14!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones The Fight of Faith November 12, 2012

By Gregory D. Metcalf

Format:Hardcover

Title: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - The Fight of Faith 1939-1981, Volume 2

Author: Iain Murray

Publisher: The Banner of Truth Trust

First Copyright: 1990

Type of Book: Hardback

General Subject Matter: Biography

Special Features: Black and white photos, color photos

Price: $39.00

ISBN: 978-0-85151-564-9

The purpose of the author in writing this volume was to record the abundant material related to the life of Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he "lived in more than one world" at the same time. According to the author, "For all most all the years covered by this volume their was little happening of an important Christian character with which he was not in some way related. Murray was able to record more of the life of Lloyd-Jones since he collected many personal notes of events and conversations.

The theme of this book is the involvement of Lloyd-Jones in Christian ministry from 1939 to his death in 1981. The thesis of this book is the man and ministry of Dr. Lloyd-Jones influenced and impacted global Christianity.

Just as in the precious volume, Murray uses narration to develop his thesis. Murray tells the story of Lloyd-Jones life, ministry, and impact on Christianity through a series of events in a chronological order. Being the skilled writer and biographer that he is, Murray often utilized argument to persuade and establish the veracity of many of his analysis and conclusions about Lloyd-Jones impact and influence on Christianity.

With regards to evaluating this volume for interest, accuracy, objectivity, and importance, it suffices to say that is an extremely valuable and important piece of writing. First, I found this volume, as the last, to be of extreme interest.... Lloyd-Jones was quite a character. He was a tremendous student of scripture with a keen mind. The times and events both secular and spiritual that he lived through made very interesting reading. This book purports to be of extreme accuracy due to the fact that the author was an assistant of Lloyd-Jones, personal friend, and had access to the subject. Murray was able to collect material, make notes, authenticate, and verify much of what he wrote long before he put the first words of this biography on paper. The danger Murray faced was constantly before him of not being objective. However, as I read this volume I believe Murray was very objective. He never gave into "idol" worship nor did he make his subject out to be anything more than a sinner saved by grace.

This book delves in matters of pastoral ministry, evangelism, real Christianity, and the various "isms" that threatened biblical Christianity during Lloyd-Jones life time. Matters of separation, ecumenical ism, the eroding confidence in the scriptures, and even Billy Graham are covered in depth as they relate to, affect, or affected by Lloyd-Jones.

As far as the qualifications of the author, Iain Murray has been in the Christian ministry since 1955. In 1957 Murray co-founded The Banner of Truth Trust serving as the senior editor until 1996. Murray served as an assistant to Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones at the Westminster Chapel. Murray pastored Grove Chapel in Camberwell, London and St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Sydney. He is has authored numerous books including a number of biographies. He is amply qualified to write this biography of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

This book is replete with footnotes. It has a single appendix after the final page. It has an extensive and useful subject index. These footnotes provide additional information as was as documentation. They certainly help clarify and even extend points made by the author in the main body.

Although quite voluminous, some 830 pages, I whole-heartily recommend this book to every Christian. This book is well worth reading. I was mesmerized by the life and times of this truly gifted yet humble man of God. May God give us more men like Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Read more ›