The Ashland St. Pulpit

The Ashland St. Pulpit

di Ashland St. Baptist Church

Miglioramento personale Cristianità

Stagione 2

The Great White Throne

In this episode, we explore one of the Bible’s most sobering and significant topics: the Great White Throne Judgment. Drawing from Revelation 20:11-15, we reflect on the final day of reckoning for humanity and the eternal consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation. Outline 1. Introduction The Vision of the Throne:A great throne: Represents God’s majesty and power. A white throne: Reflects God’s unchanging holiness. This is the final judgment, a moment of doom for those who rejected salvation. Unlike the resurrection of the righteous, this is a scene of condemnation and despair. 2. Who Will Judge? Jesus Christ, the Judge (John 5:22-23):All judgment is entrusted to the Son. The saved have already stood before Christ at the Bema Seat and now rejoice in eternal union with Him. This judgment is for the lost. 3. Who Will Be Judged? The Lost (Revelation 20:12):The dead, small and great, stand before God. No hope, rescue, or grace remains. The time for repentance has passed. (John 3:18) 4. How Will They Be Judged? Standing Before God:No escape: "From whose face the earth and heaven fled away" (Revelation 20:11). The Books Are Opened (Revelation 20:12):The Book of Life: Their names are absent, confirming their rejection of salvation. According to Their Works:Many believe their good deeds will outweigh their bad, but Isaiah 64:6 reveals our righteousness is as filthy rags. God’s standards are impossible to meet (Matthew 5:27-28). 5. The Second Death Eternal Separation (Revelation 20:14):Hell is not annihilation but eternal separation from God. Why Eternal Punishment?:Humanity cannot pay for its sins. Only Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient. 6. A Final Invitation God’s Plea for Salvation:"Come... let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). The invitation remains open until it is too late. 7. Closing Reflection Jonathan Edwards’ Warning: Many who hear of hell never believe they will end up there. Illustration of Despair:Carol Fuller’s tragic story illustrates the hopelessness of those who reject salvation. In eternity, the lost will face an inescapable darkness that mirrors this desperation. Call to Action: Don’t wait until it’s too late. The Great White Throne is not your only option. Today is the day of salvation—come to Christ and accept His free gift of life. Key Scriptures Referenced: Revelation 20:11-15 John 5:22-23 John 3:18 Isaiah 64:6 Matthew 5:27-28 Revelation 22:17 Episode Theme: God’s final judgment calls us to reflect on our eternal destiny. Will we stand redeemed or condemned? Share & Subscribe If this message touched your heart, share this episode and follow us for more reflections on Scripture. Let’s prepare our hearts for eternity.

Facing the Enemies of the Christian Life ( Judges Part 2)

This episode dives into the spiritual struggles faced by God’s people in Judges 3 and the parallels to the challenges Christians face today. We'll explore how to identify and confront the enemies of the Christian life using God’s strength, wisdom, and Word. Outline 1. Introduction The State of Israel:God's chosen people are struggling. Why? “There was no king in Israel.”The Leader was Absent: Without leadership, chaos reigned. Their Lacking was Obvious: Their faith and focus were diminished. Their Lesson was Lasting: Their struggles became a warning for future generations. The Root of Their Struggles:Who were they running with? (Judges 3:5) How were their relationships compromised? (Judges 3:6) 2. The Danger of Unholy Alliances Relationships turned into unholy unions. Compromising with sin ruined their spiritual walk (Judges 3:7-8). 3. God’s Mercy in the Midst of Ruin God Hears Their Cry:Despite their failure, God raises up Othniel as a deliverer (Judges 3:9-10). God’s rest and strength are available when His people return to Him. Warning: When sin rules the heart, God’s strength for you can be given to your enemies. 4. Facing the Enemies of the Christian Life a. The Wickedness (Judges 3:13-14) The people’s sin led to oppression. Similarly, unchecked sin in a Christian’s life can lead to spiritual bondage. b. The Warrior (Judges 3:15) God’s Deliverer: Israel couldn’t fight its battle alone—and neither can the Christian. We must rely on God’s provision for victory. c. The Weapon (Judges 3:16) Ehud’s Dagger:Represents the Word of God—our ultimate weapon against sin. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). d. The Wisdom (Judges 3:16-19) A Brilliant Plan: Ehud’s actions weren’t random; they followed God’s direction. The wisdom of God is crucial for victory:“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Application: Do it God’s way, not your own! e. The Word (Judges 3:20) Ehud’s Message to Eglon:“I have a word for you.” Ehud came to destroy the enemy and declare God’s judgment on sin. Takeaway:Confront sin decisively, knowing God’s power is on your side. 5. Closing Reflection Victory and Rest (Judges 3:26-28):God’s deliverance brings more than relief—it brings rest. “And the land had rest” (Judges 3:30). Encouragement for Christians:After you face the enemies of the Christian life, there is more rest for you!

It's Time to Clean House - Missionary David Aldridge

Title: It’s Time to Clean House S2peaker: Missionary David Aldridge Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-9 (KJV) Message Outline: 1. Admit It Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:7-8Nehemiah discovered the sin and compromise in God’s house. Application:Recognize and confront the areas in your life and ministry where sin has crept in. Admitting the problem is the first step toward restoration. “Acknowledging our sins allows God to start the cleansing process.” 2. Abolish It Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:8-9Nehemiah took swift action, casting out Tobiah’s belongings from the temple. Application:Remove anything that stands in the way of holiness—whether habits, relationships, or compromises. True repentance often requires bold and immediate action. “Don’t just manage sin—abolish it!” 3. Ajax It (Symbolizing Purification) Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:9Nehemiah purified the chambers and restored them to their intended purpose for God. Application:Let God’s Word and Spirit cleanse and restore you. Daily renewal through prayer and scripture leads to spiritual cleanliness. “Only God can make you clean, but you must invite Him to do so.” Takeaways: Admit the areas of sin and compromise (Admit It). Take decisive action to remove obstacles to holiness (Abolish It). Pursue purity through God’s power (Ajax It). Closing Thought: God calls us to clean our spiritual house. Like Nehemiah, be passionate about restoring holiness and dedicating your life and worship entirely to Him.

Stagione 1

The Family of God

Today’s episode features a special message from our Fall Family Day at Ashland St. Baptist Church, where we explore the profound theme of being part of the "Family of God." Join us as we delve into what it means to be adopted into God's family and Jesus made it possible.

Do you love God?

Today, we’ll be exploring a crucial question: "Do You Love God?" Drawing from John 21:15 and various scriptures, we'll discuss what it means to truly love God, how that love transforms our lives, and what we should learn from it. Let’s dive in! Outline: Do you love God? IntroductionWhat's Been Happening? What's Being Said? What Should We Learn? Main Message: Do You Love God?A. Desire for everyone to:Walk with God Work for God Live for God B. Love for God is the foundation. Jesus’ QuestionImportance of Jesus asking Peter three times. Connection to Joshua 23:11: Love the Lord your God. Need for a Check-UpYou won’t live for God until you love God. Scripture Reference: Ephesians 3:17: Being rooted in love. Understanding God’s LoveDoes God Love Me?John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19. God’s unwavering love demonstrated through Christ. Do I Love What God Loves?A. Look at John 21:15. B. Loving Others:Sinners (Matthew 5:46) Saints (1 Thessalonians 4:9) Spouses (Ephesians 5:2) C. Scriptural Commands:John 14:15; Psalms 119 references. Separation and CommitmentIsaiah 61:8: God loves judgment and truth. Love involves separation from sin. Greatest CommandmentChrist’s quote from Luke 10:27: Love God fully. Love's Rewards1 Corinthians 2:9 2 Corinthians 5:14Conclusion

Building the Christian Life

Outline: Opening ScriptureJude 20: Importance of building faith 1 Corinthians 3:13-16: The significance of our work in God Foundation QuestionsThe necessity of having Jesus as your foundation Consequences of building on sand Christian's build their life on the rock Visionary Matters (2:7)Vision passed on: Daily commitment Questions for reflection: What are you passing on to your family? Vision promised: God’s assurance of presence Long-distance relationship analogy Spiritual GoalsSetting goals for yourself and others The importance of self-help in helping others Valiant Men (2:7)The skill and craft of the workers Importance of being chosen and prepared Valuable Materials (2:7)The cost of building: Gold, silver, and cedar Illustration of perceived value and its impact Proverbs 23:5: The fleeting nature of riches Observance: Giving God the best Obedience: Removing obstacles Remembering the rewards of building View the Miraculous (7:1-2)The consuming nature of God’s presence The choice between being consumed by God or the world Visitation by Multitudes (7:3)Legacy: What will you leave behind? A Life built upon Christ will be pleasing to Christ

'' Great Faith''

Intro: In today’s episode, we examine a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a Roman centurion—a man described as good, kind, and in authority. Yet it wasn’t his goodness or position that moved the Lord. It was his great faith. Text: Matthew 8:5–13 Outline: The Willingness of the Savior (vv. 6–7)Jesus shows perfect readiness to respond. He is willing to hear, help, and heal. Great faith trusts in Christ’s willingness, not one’s own worthiness. The Unworthiness of the Soldier (v. 8)The centurion expresses deep humility: “I am not worthy…” He recognizes the conscious ability of Christ—Jesus doesn’t need to come in person. The Unequaled Power of the Word (vv. 9–10)He believes that Jesus' Word alone is enough. This reflects the abiding method of Christ—God works through His Word. Psalm 119:162: “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” The Undeniable Result of Faith (vv. 11, 13)Jesus marvels at his faith. The servant is healed “in the selfsame hour.” Faith always honors God, and God honors true faith.

The Faith of Gideon - (Judges Part 5)

The Faith of Gideon Text: Judges 6:12-13 The Midianites are Israel’s persecution at this time. God sent a prophet because He wanted to get them right so they could live right. Gideon is among the giants of the faith, but I must admit I have questions. Let’s read his story together in Judges. The Cycle The inescapable cycle of Judges: Sin → Suffering → Supplication → Salvation I. Faith at the First (Judges 6:12-13) Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Gideon questions God’s presence and wonders about his family’s situation. This man needs a sign, and it reminds us of the scripture: “For the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22). Hebrews 11:32: "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets." Matthew 17:20-21 (KJV): "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." II. Fighting with Faith (Judges 7:2) God reduces Gideon’s army to ensure victory comes through faith, not numbers. Who will leave first? Gideon must trust God’s plan even when it seems impractical. III. Forgetting our Faith (Judges 8:24) Situations: Trials can test our faith. Success: Victory can sometimes lead to pride and forgetting God. Sorrow: Difficult moments can cause us to doubt God’s presence. Gideon’s journey reminds us of the importance of faith—faith to trust God at the beginning, faith to fight the battles He leads us into, and faith to remain steadfast even after the victory. Let us strive to learn from Gideon’s story and walk by faith, not by sight.

There isn't and They Didn't - (Judges Part 1)

Introduction The book of Judges is a sobering account of Israel's failure to fully obey God's commands after entering the Promised Land. The recurring themes: spiritual decline, disobedience, and God's enduring mercy despite Israel’s failure. The message centers on Israel's incomplete obedience and its devastating consequences, yet offers lessons for the modern believer. 1) Their Leader Was Absent Judges 1:1 "Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass..." The absence of Joshua: Israel had lost its strong and faithful leader.Under Joshua, the people followed God wholeheartedly, but leadership matters. Without him, the people faltered. Application: Leadership provides vision, stability, and accountability. In our lives, without Christ as our ultimate leader, we are prone to wander. Challenge: Who is leading your life? Are you following God's Word, or are you aimlessly drifting? 2) Their Lacking Was Obvious Judges 1:27-28 "Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean...but the Canaanites would dwell in that land." Incomplete obedience:Israel failed to fully drive out the Canaanites, as commanded by God. They allowed compromise to creep in. This disobedience led to idolatry and moral decay. Consequences of disobedience:The Canaanites became a snare (Judges 2:2-3). Small compromises lead to great downfalls. Application: Where in your life have you allowed spiritual compromise? Are you tolerating sin or neglecting areas God has called you to address? 3) The Lesson Was Lasting Judges 2:10 "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." A forgotten generation:Without proper teaching and passing down of faith, an entire generation grew up ignorant of God. Israel's disobedience had generational consequences. God's mercy and judgment:Though Israel sinned, God raised up judges to deliver them (Judges 2:16). Yet, the cycle of sin continued. Application: Are you faithfully teaching and discipling the next generation? What legacy of faith are you leaving? Conclusion "There Isn't and They Didn't" reflects Israel's lack of leadership, obedience, and spiritual faithfulness. Today, the same lessons apply:Without strong leadership, we falter. Compromise in our spiritual walk leads to destruction. Failing to pass down faith results in spiritual decline. Challenge: Examine your heart. Are you fully obeying God, following His leadership, and preparing the next generation to know Him? A Ministry of Ashland St. Baptist Church https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

Won't you be my Neighbor?

Scripture Text: Luke 10:25-29 Summary: In this episode, we dive into the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, exploring the themes of compassion, neighborly love, and the deeper implications of what it means to inherit eternal life. Through this story, Jesus challenges us to go beyond the question, "Who is my neighbor?" and instead ask ourselves, "Am I being a neighbor?" Main Takeaways: The Question of Eternal LifeThe episode begins with the question asked by a lawyer, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question centers on the idea of “doing” or “earning” salvation. Jesus points out that eternal life isn’t earned by works; it’s a gift that comes through faith in Christ. This conversation reveals a universal truth: it is impossible for any human to fully obey God’s Law in their natural state. The Inability to Fulfill the LawJesus reminds the lawyer that to meet God’s requirement, one must love God fully and love others as oneself—a standard no one can meet without divine help. The Lawyer’s Attempt to Justify HimselfSeeking a loophole, the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Instead of a direct answer, Jesus presents the parable of the Good Samaritan, challenging us to consider not only who qualifies as a neighbor but also how we can embody neighborliness. Who is My Neighbor?The question shifts from “Who qualifies as my neighbor?” to “Am I being a neighbor to those in need?”—a question echoed in Mr. Rogers’ iconic phrase, "Won't you be my neighbor?" Breaking Down the Parable:Those in Need of a Neighbor (Luke 10:30):The man traveling to Jericho, who is attacked and left wounded, represents those who need compassion and help. He embodies the plea for someone to be a neighbor. Those Who Neglect Being a Neighbor (Luke 10:31-32):Both a priest and a Levite pass by the injured man, showing a “change of direction” to avoid him. This symbolizes the ease with which we can overlook others' suffering. The True Neighbor (Luke 10:33-35):A Samaritan stops, moved by compassion. He not only cares for the man’s wounds but provides for his continued recovery, showing genuine love and sacrifice. Key Qualities of a Neighbor:Compassion: The Samaritan is moved with compassion, echoing Jesus’ heart for others as seen throughout the Gospels (Jude 22, Mark 6:34, Matthew 9:36, and Matthew 14:14). Care: He personally tends to the man’s wounds, showing hands-on care. Cost: The Samaritan invests his time and resources, even promising to return and cover any additional costs. Closing Thoughts: Through this parable, Jesus calls us to a radical neighborly love that goes beyond cultural or social boundaries. We’re reminded that true love is sacrificial and active—it sees a need and responds. Prayer: Let’s pray together to ask for God’s help in becoming compassionate neighbors, showing His love through our actions.

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