Liddon Sheridan

ID 113742Date unavailable

ID 92706Date unavailable

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ID 53730Date unavailable

The church is presented as a glorious entity, a new creation distinct from Old Testament Israel, characterized by its union with Christ as His bride, His body, and His building. This union is loving, living, and lasting, with Christ as the foundation and chief cornerstone. Local churches are seen as golden lampstands, reflecting the divine nature of the true church, and should embody its oneness through reception and discipline. The sermon emphasizes that believers are living members of Christ's body, each with unique spiritual gifts and functions, and that leadership within the church, whether elders or deacons, is about loving service and example, not ruling. Ultimately, believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their works, whether good or worthless, for the purpose of receiving praise from God.

ID 53720Date unavailable

Expounds on three symbolic ordinances delivered by God: water baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the practice of head coverings in worship. It clarifies that ordinances are "things delivered" and that emblems, like baptism, visually represent spiritual truths such as death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Believers' baptism is emphasized as an immediate confession of faith, with immersion being the scriptural form that pictures union with Christ. The Lord's Supper is presented as a time to focus on and appreciate the Lord Jesus, not for preaching or rebuke, and its regular observance can deepen one's walk with God. Finally, the head covering for women in worship is explained as a symbol of God's order, signifying submission to male leadership, mirroring Christ's submission to God, and is rooted in creation, not social custom.

ID 53703Date unavailable

The church is presented as the one body of Christ, into which believers are placed by the Holy Spirit upon salvation, not as a matter of joining. This body is comprised of individual members, each with unique spiritual gifts given by the Spirit to fulfill their specific function within the church. The sermon emphasizes that these gifts are not natural talents but divine endowments, essential for the proper functioning and edification of the body. It further clarifies the roles of elders (bishops) and deacons within the local church, highlighting that elders are overseers chosen for their maturity and character, responsible for leading and caring for the flock, and that criticism of these leaders is a serious offense against God.

ID 53702Date unavailable

The glory of the church, both the universal body of Christ and the local assembly, is examined through biblical imagery and apostolic example. The sermon highlights Christ's own view of the churches as golden lampstands in Revelation, emphasizing His personal inspection and the high standard He holds for them. It then turns to the Apostle Paul's tireless efforts to establish and confirm local churches, underscoring his profound concern for their well-being, even above his own physical suffering. The core lesson is that local churches should reflect the unity and purity of the universal church, which is achieved by bearing only Christ's name and by carefully receiving believers into fellowship. The message concludes by stressing the importance of guarding this unity through intentional reception and, if necessary, discipline, ensuring that local assemblies truly represent the one body of Christ.

ID 53629Date unavailable

The church is presented as a glorious entity, defined by its relationship to Christ as His body and His bride. The sermon explores the etymology of 'ecclesia' as 'called out ones,' emphasizing that the church is a divine assembly, not merely a human institution. It highlights that the church is a living organism, with Christ as its head, and that believers are living members of this body, each with a function to fulfill. The text also touches upon the church as the temple of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, underscoring its sacredness and the importance of unity among believers, as Christ is the unifying name for all true Christians.

ID 53628Date unavailable

Expounds on the concept of 'ordinances' as teachings handed down, specifically focusing on the principle of order in the church as established in 1 Corinthians 11. It argues that the Apostle Paul, in this passage, introduces the divine order of God, Christ, man, and woman, symbolized by the man being uncovered and the woman being covered during worship. This ordinance is not based on custom but on creation and the distinct natures of man and woman, with the man representing Christ as head and the woman representing the church in submission. The sermon further connects this to the Lord's Supper as another vital ordinance, emphasizing that true worship involves an affectionate calling to mind of Christ and His sacrifice, as depicted through the various offerings in Leviticus, rather than mere remembrance.

ID 53618Date unavailable

The glory of the church is found in understanding and engaging in the Lord's work, which is twofold: preaching the gospel to make disciples and teaching them to observe all Christ's commands, thereby establishing local assemblies. The sermon begins by describing John's vision of Christ in Revelation 1, emphasizing the importance of seeing the whole counsel of God before engaging in ministry, contrasting this with a superficial approach to Christian service. It then shares a personal testimony of conversion, highlighting the transformative power of surrendering to Christ as Lord, which shifted The passage's perspective from weariness to a passionate commitment to God's work. The core lesson is that the Lord's work, as exemplified by Paul and Timothy, involves both evangelism and discipleship, cultivating believers like a field and building them up like a spiritual house, with the ultimate goal of establishing churches that reflect Christ's commands.

ID 53614Date unavailable

The glory of the church, both universally and locally, is presented as its divine nature and Christ's profound love for it. The sermon explains that while there is only one true church, geographical realities necessitate local assemblies, which are intended to be perfect expressions of the universal church, like smaller pieces of mercury mirroring the whole. The examples emphasize that the Lord Jesus views local churches as "golden lampstands," signifying their divine origin and immense value, urging believers to see them through His eyes. The Apostle Paul's ministry, which included not only preaching the gospel but also establishing and nurturing local churches, exemplifies this dedication, highlighting that the care for these assemblies was a significant burden for him. Furthermore, the sermon clarifies the meaning of "church" (ecclesia) as a "called-out company" and stresses that the local church must manifest the oneness of the Spirit by guarding unity and embracing all believers, rejecting sectarian labels that divide Christ's body. The body of Christ is composed of members with diverse gifts, and the local church should allow these gifts to be fully developed and utilized, with elders functioning as shepherds (pastors) of the flock.

ID 53592Date unavailable

The church is presented as a glorious entity, united with Christ in a profound and lasting union. This union is explored through two primary metaphors: the bride of Christ, emphasizing a loving and intimate relationship, and the body of Christ, highlighting a living, functional connection where believers are integral members. The sermon draws parallels between Christ's love for the church and the ideal marital relationship, urging husbands to love their wives sacrificially. It further explains that believers, united by the Holy Spirit, are spiritually 'glued' or 'welded' to the Lord, becoming one spirit with Him. This union enables believers to bear fruit for God, a feat impossible under the law. The church is also described as a building, founded on the confession of Christ's identity, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone, signifying its enduring nature and ultimate purpose of exalting Him.

ID 53411Date unavailable

The church is presented as a glorious mystery revealed in the New Testament, distinct from Israel, with heavenly promises and a spiritual birthright. The sermon draws parallels between Christ and the church, mirroring the relationship between a husband and wife, and highlights the church's origin from Christ's wounded side, likening it to a pearl of great price formed through suffering. This divine union, established by God, is intended to be the perfect counterpart to Christ, completing him and reflecting his glory eternally. Belonging to this redeemed company, the church, is a profound privilege and a testament to God's redemptive plan.

ID 53081Date unavailable

It, based on Philippians 2:1-13, focuses on the present tense of salvation and the believer's responsibility to actively live it out. It explains that while salvation is a past and future reality, the present tense involves working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, not out of fear of losing it, but out of reverence for God who is working within. The sermon emphasizes that this process is not about self-improvement but about cultivating a Christ-like character characterized by like-mindedness, lowliness of mind, and an others-centered focus, exemplified by Jesus' own humility and sacrifice. Ultimately, believers are called to pursue peace, consider others as better than themselves, and allow God's will to be accomplished through them, thereby working out their salvation into practical, daily living.

ID 53077Date unavailable

Establishes that a righteousness from God, apart from the law, is the foundational blessing for believers, revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. It explains that this righteousness, as evidenced by the Old Testament, is essential for receiving God's grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, illustrating this with the story of Noah and the dove. The core lesson is that humanity is universally sinful and incapable of achieving righteousness on its own, necessitating God's provision through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The message concludes by urging listeners to accept this divine righteousness as a free gift by faith, enabling them to stand righteous before God and receive all His blessings.

ID 53076Date unavailable

The seven utterances from the cross reveal Christ's work in reconciling sinners to God. Jesus' first word, "Father, forgive them," demonstrates selfless love by praying for his persecutors, a prayer answered through his own vicarious suffering. The repentant thief's plea, "Lord, remember me," highlights salvation by grace through faith, as Jesus promises immediate paradise. Jesus entrusting his mother to John, "Woman, behold thy son," shows his care for family and our responsibility to loved ones. The cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" expresses the agony of God's abandonment as Christ bore sin. "I thirst" fulfills Scripture and underscores Jesus' humanity and obedience. Finally, "It is finished" signifies the completion of redemption, offering rest and assurance to believers, culminating in "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

ID 53032Date unavailable

The Christian life is lived by making Christ the central passion and motivation, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul in Philippians. Paul's life demonstrates that Christ should be the driving force in every aspect of daily living, from personal motivation to love for fellow believers and even in suffering. By focusing on Christ, believers can experience a victorious and joyful Christian life, mirroring Paul's own example of making Christ his sole reason for existence. The sermon encourages returning to this foundational love for Christ and allowing His interests to become our own, thereby living out the Christian life authentically.

ID 52554Date unavailable

God can use anyone, regardless of their ability, to accomplish His purposes, as demonstrated by the feeding of the five thousand. The sermon highlights how Jesus used a young boy's meager lunch of five loaves and two fish, showing that even insignificant resources can be multiplied by God. This principle is further illustrated through examples like Moses' staff and Gideon's small army, emphasizing that God's power is not limited by human capacity. The core lesson is that believers should surrender all they have, even their perceived weaknesses or contrary abilities, to God, trusting Him to transform and use them for His glory.

ID 52517Date unavailable

The book of Esther demonstrates God's hidden providence, working behind the scenes even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. Despite Israel's spiritual disengagement, God orchestrated events through wicked men like Haman, ultimately turning their plots for destruction into salvation for His people. The sermon highlights how God uses seemingly insignificant details, such as a king's sleeplessness or a forgotten record, to fulfill His purposes, illustrating the principle that the wrath of man will praise Him. Ultimately, the narrative of Esther serves as a powerful example of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring good out of evil, urging believers to trust His sovereign plan in their own lives.

ID 52473Date unavailable

Directly addresses the biblical concept of hell, distinguishing it from Hades and emphasizing its eternal torment. It clarifies that Hades, the place of departed spirits, was divided into paradise (for the saved) and a place of torment (for the unsaved) before Christ's ascension, citing Luke 16 and the experience of Samuel. Following Christ's resurrection, paradise was translated to heaven, meaning the saved now go directly to God's presence, while the unsaved still go to Hades to await final judgment. The sermon concludes by describing hell (Gehenna) as a literal place of fire, weeping, and gnashing of teeth, a consequence of sin that underscores the necessity of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice.