The Ashland St. Pulpit

The Ashland St. Pulpit

por Ashland St. Baptist Church
Temporada 2

Words I worry about in Samson's Life - (Judges Part 7)

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the story of Samson in Judges 15, examining the vivid parallels between his world and ours today. Despite his extraordinary strength, Samson struggled with honor, purity, and relationships. His story offers profound lessons about the bondage of sin, the bitterness of revenge, and the blindness of a world rejecting God. Key Themes Discussed: Samson’s Struggles: A Hero Without HonorLacked purity and favor among his brethren. Prayed only twice—when desperate and broken. Three Sad Statements from Judges 15 and Their Parallels to Today:Bound Souls:Israelites accepted bondage under the Philistines. Modern believers often entangle themselves in sin’s chains, forgetting Christ’s freedom. Scriptures: Galatians 5:1, John 8:36. Illustration: Spurgeon’s parable of the blacksmith forging his own chains. Bitter Saints:Samson’s spirit of revenge stemmed from betrayal (his wife, father-in-law). Bitterness enslaves and poisons the heart. Forgiveness is the antidote. Scriptures: Hebrews 12:15, Ephesians 4:32. Blind World:The Israelites failed to recognize Samson as their deliverer. Today, the world remains blind to Jesus Christ, rejecting Him as Savior. Scriptures: John 1:10-11, Romans 1:28. The Sad Reality of a Divided People:Samson was betrayed by his own, mirroring Jesus’ betrayal by Judas. Submission to suffering led to ultimate victory for both Samson and Christ. Scriptures: Judges 15:12-14, Matthew 26:14-16. Application: Reflect on the chains holding you—sin, bitterness, or spiritual blindness. Remember, Jesus has already broken these chains and offers freedom and victory. Challenge: Live in the liberty and joy of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. Closing Encouragement: Rejoice in the Savior who has already secured victory. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Supporting Scriptures: Judges 15:18 Galatians 5:1 Philippians 2:10-11 Revelation 1:18 Call to Action: Share this message with someone who may be struggling with spiritual bondage. Follow us for more insights and encouragement from God’s Word.

The Kinsman Redeemer

The Kinsman Redeemer Text: The Book of Ruth In this episode, we delve into the powerful story of Ruth and the consequences of stepping away from God’s place. From staying longer than intended to hurting loved ones and losing what sustains you, we uncover the challenges faced by Naomi and Ruth. But hope isn’t lost—enter the Kinsman Redeemer! Discover how God provides relief, restoration, and a chance to rise up through His redemptive plan. Join us as we explore this moving chapter of scripture and the profound grace of God’s provision. How to know for sure you are going to Heaven: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/.... Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/ Podcast Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-ashland-.... Facebook: / asbcarchdale The Bible Believe's Program https://open.spotify.com/show/3R76FeN....

Knowing His Partnership

In this episode, we explore the profound partnership believers share with Christ, focusing on "the fellowship of His sufferings." Through suffering, we grow closer to God, deepen our faith, and share in His eternal purpose. Drawing from Philippians, Colossians, and other scriptures, we see how suffering teaches reliance on God and bonds believers in unity and love. Discover how Christ's sacrifice transforms our trials into opportunities for fellowship, furtherance of the Gospel, and friendship with Him. Be encouraged as we unpack the joy and purpose found in walking with Him, even in the midst of pain. How to know for sure you are going to Heaven: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/.... Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/ Podcast Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-ashland-.... Facebook: / asbcarchdale The Bible Believe's Program https://open.spotify.com/show/3R76FeN....

How to Make a Bad Decision - (Judges Part 6)

“How to Make Bad Decisions” Text: Judges 13:1-5; Judges 14:1 Overview: This episode dives into the life of Samson, one of the most intriguing figures in the Bible. Using Judges 13 and 14, we explore how Samson—a man chosen and empowered by God—repeatedly made poor decisions that undermined his potential. His story serves as a warning and a lesson about how our choices can either align with God’s will or lead to unnecessary pain. Key Themes: 1. The Promise of Samson (Judges 13:1-5) • God’s purpose for Samson was clear: he was to be a Nazarite, set apart from birth. • Despite this, Samson’s choices often contradicted God’s commands. 2. How to Make Bad Decisions (Judges 14:1-20): • Look in the Wrong Places (vs. 1-3): Samson’s lust-driven focus led him to desire what was forbidden. His attraction to a Philistine woman revealed his misplaced priorities. • Key Point: Lust blinds us to God’s plan and leads us to prioritize what looks good to us over what pleases Him. • Linger in the Wrong Places (vs. 5): Samson wandered into a vineyard—an inappropriate place for someone under a Nazarite vow. • Key Point: Being in the wrong environment opens us up to temptation and weakens our resolve. • Lay Hold of the Wrong Things (vs. 7-9): Samson touched what was unclean, violating his vows and defiling himself. • Key Point: Grasping what God has forbidden makes us unfit for His purposes. • A Labyrinth of Wrong Thoughts (vs. 12-14): • Samson’s riddles came from sinful experiences, revealing his spiritual insensitivity. • Key Point: Mocking sin and neglecting God’s blessings harden our hearts. Conclusion: Samson’s story teaches us that while God can bring good from our failures, obedience spares us from unnecessary pain. His poor decisions—whether in choosing the wrong partner, lingering in tempting environments, or joking about sin—highlight the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will. Takeaway: God’s sovereignty can work through our mistakes, but the greatest blessings come from obedience. Let Samson’s story inspire you to make decisions that honor Him. Verses to Reflect On: • Proverbs 14:9: “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” • Galatians 6:7: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Knowing His Power

In this episode, "Knowing His Power", we explore the profound reality of “The Power of His Resurrection”—a power that saves, secures, sanctifies, satisfies, and settles us in Christ. 🔹 The Power to Save: Through His resurrection, Jesus rescues us and retains us by His grace. 🔹 The Power to Secure: Eternal security, support, and supervision in God’s unchanging love. 🔹 The Power to Sanctify: Living as saints of God, separated for His purposes, with transformed affections and a renewed mind. 🔹 The Power to Satisfy: Experiencing the fullness of joy and delight in God’s presence. 🔹 The Power to Settle: God’s grace perfects, strengthens, and establishes us in unwavering faith. Join us as we reflect on these transformative truths through Scripture, from Philippians 3:10 to 1 Peter 5:10. Let these promises remind you of God’s power at work in every believer’s life. Key Takeaway: To truly know Him is to truly desire to make Him known. Don’t miss this enriching episode—tune in now and let God’s Word speak to your heart!

''Close doesn't Cut it'' - (Judges Part 5)

Close Doesn’t Cut It: "Shibboleth or Sibboleth" Text: Judges 12:1-6 In this episode, we explore the tragic story of Jephthah and its powerful lessons about spiritual ignorance. Through the lens of Judges, we unpack the recurring cycle of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. We'll see how the Gileadites' test of "Shibboleth" revealed true identities, and how being "close" in our walk with God still falls short. Discover the sobering truth: "Close doesn’t cut it." Whether it’s Solomon, Lot, or Judas, their lives teach us how near misses in faith lead to devastating outcomes. This episode challenges us to examine our faith, avoid the traps of worldly distractions, and ensure we’re living authentically for Christ. Join us for a journey into God’s Word, where we’ll uncover why reformation without repentance leaves us short of true transformation. Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

A Vision for 2025

In this episode, we explore The Vision of the Christian Life, guided by the foundational truth from Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Join us as we unpack the key aspects of cultivating a God-centered vision: Vision of Self in Relation to Jesus Christ:Isaiah's encounter with God's holiness teaches us to recognize His majesty, acknowledge our sinfulness, and commit to His call for service. Vision for Service in the Local Church:Discover the eternal significance of dedicating your time, talents, and treasures to the local church, as Christ loved and gave Himself for it. Vision for Souls and the Lost Condition:Be inspired by Paul's Macedonian vision and rekindle a passion for evangelism. Every encounter is an opportunity to share the life-changing message of the gospel. Vision of the Savior's Love for All People:From Peter’s vision in Acts 10, we learn that God's love and salvation extend to all. It’s our responsibility to share the gospel and embrace diversity in the body of Christ. Practical Applications: We’ll also discuss actionable steps to cultivate a godly vision, including: Praying for spiritual clarity. Studying Scripture for alignment with God's purpose. Actively serving in church ministries. Supporting missions locally and globally. Conclusion: Inspired by Isaiah's words—"Here am I, send me!"—this episode is a call to reflect on your role in God’s mission, renew your commitment to serve, and boldly share the gospel in your community and beyond. Credits: This episode is inspired from Lou Baldwin’s teachings and draws upon the timeless wisdom of the King James Bible.

Knowing His Person

Title: Knowing Him, and Making Him Known Key Text: Philippians 3:10 Theme: To truly know Christ is to desire to make Him known. Introduction:Ask the congregation: Do you know Him? How much do you know Him? Emphasize that knowing Christ deeply transforms our lives and drives us to share His love with others. Knowing Him:Knowing Jesus is personal and intimate, not confined to history or distant heavens. True knowledge of Christ reflects His companionship in every life season—joys, struggles, and valleys. Like close friends influence each other, intimacy with Christ transforms us. Benefits of Knowing Christ:Conversion: Eternal life comes from knowing God (John 17:3). Transformation: A new life in Christ reshapes our priorities and purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17). Attributes of Knowing Christ:Compassion: Experiencing and sharing Christ’s love (Philippians 2:1-2). Obedience: Demonstrated through keeping His commandments (1 John 2:3). Conviction: Compelling others to follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11). Making Him Known:Believers are Christ’s ambassadors, tasked with representing Him to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). Sharing Christ is not just an obligation but the overflow of truly knowing Him. Conclusion: Christ desires to deepen His relationship with each of us. As we grow in knowing Him, our lives become a testimony, reflecting His presence and leading others to Him. Encourage the congregation to yearn for a closer relationship with Christ and live as His ambassadors in their daily lives.

"It’s Time to Get on the Wheel"

Introduction Jeremiah is an incredible book in our Bible. Jeremiah is called by God to call the people of Israel out of their sin and back to God before it is too late. Throughout the book, Jeremiah passionately preaches to the people, begging and crying for them to return to God. He leaves no questions about what he believes. Now, in chapter 18, God gives Jeremiah a specific message for a specific purpose. Jeremiah 18:1-10 Let's read it together and focus on verse 6: "God says Israel needs to get on the wheel." Key Message: "Let’s Get on God’s Will" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV): "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." God doesn't want His people to be like everyone else. He wants to produce a change in their lives. If you are saved, God will change you. If there has been no change in your life, you need to check yourself—2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." Many Christians never reach the full potential of the Christian life because they refuse to get on the wheel. God says, "Can I not do it?" Many people don't trust God, so they won’t get on the wheel. You may wonder, What does it mean to get on the wheel? What Does "Getting on the Wheel" Mean? The Bible explains this through the process of pottery. Pottery involves shaping clay into a vessel for a specific purpose. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (KJV): "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." Are you an honorable vessel? The Holy Spirit lives in you—what does His living space look like? Why Must We Get on the Wheel? 1. The Wheel Will Challenge Us The wheel challenges us to trust God, even when it is hard. The wheel will influence us to do what He intends. It will help transform us into His image. Romans 12:2 (KJV): "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." 2. The Wheel Will Convict Us When God’s word comes to us, it will convict us. 1 John 2:6 (KJV): "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." Conviction can be uncomfortable because it calls us to surrender things we like or desire. But sin is nothing more than a lustful want, and God gives us everything we truly need. We don’t need sin. The Potter spends time on the wheel—sometimes subtracting from us. 3. It Shows God’s Concern for Us (Jeremiah 18:7-10) The Potter can build up and break down. He’s concerned for us, and everything He does is for our good and His glory—even when it hurts. Conclusion We sing "Just As I Am" because Jesus always takes us as we are. But He loves us too much to leave us that way. Everything God does in our lives is for His glory and our good.

Why did you show up?

Key Question: Why do we show up? What drives our spiritual actions? 1. Their Standing (Luke 18:9;13): The Right Thing to Bring: Only Christ brings us into good standing with God. Misconception:The Pharisee relied on self-righteous acts and public recognition. He used prayer as a performance rather than worship. Truth: The church or personal deeds don’t establish righteousness—only Christ does. Contrast:The publican’s humility vs. the Pharisee’s pride. The publican’s inability to even look up, overwhelmed by guilt. Reflection:What do we rely on to approach God? Pride vs. Pardon: What’s the posture of our hearts? 2. Their Sayings (Luke 18:11;13): The Pharisee:Addressed God, but his focus was on himself. His prayer was full of self-praise and judgment of others. CAUTION: It’s possible to “pray” but actually talk to yourself instead of God.Passion for self’s agenda instead of God’s. Emphasis on “my will” instead of “Thy will.” The Publican:Genuine humility in prayer—acknowledging his sin and seeking mercy. His focus was on God, not himself or others. Application:Church’s purpose:Helps us get right with God. It’s not for correcting others; God has designated pastors for teaching and guiding. 3. Their Separation: Outcome of Wrong Reasons:The Pharisee left unchanged and empty. Pride leads to spiritual stagnation. Outcome of Right Reasons:The sinner left justified and satisfied. Humility and sincerity bring transformation. Reflection:Living the Christian life the wrong way: focusing on others’ faults, superficial acts. Quotes to ponder:Mark Twain: “Why don’t you stay here, and keep [the Ten Commandments]?” Gandhi: “The reason I’m not a Christian is because of the other Christians.” Conclusion: Why Do We Come?Examine our motivations for attending church and approaching God. What Do We Do When We Leave?Carry humility and seek to grow spiritually. How Must We Return?With a heart ready to seek God’s will and glorify Him. Final Thought: True worship and connection with God require humility, sincerity, and reliance on Christ—not ourselves. Let’s approach Him the right way.
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