The Ashland St. Pulpit

"What Could Have Been?"

Text: Isaiah 5:1-5

Introduction:

• Opening Question: What could have been?
• History’s What-Ifs:
  • D-Day, June 6, 1944 – Hitler took a sleeping pill and couldn’t be woken.
  • The hand of God in history.
• Sports What-Ifs:
  • Drew Bledsoe’s injury led to Tom Brady’s legendary career.
  • What might have been for Bledsoe?
• Life’s What-Ifs:
  • Dr. Seuss faced 19 rejections before success.

Main Discussion: Isaiah 5 – The Story of What Could Have Been

1. The Place – (vs. 1)
   • The Beloved (God’s People, The Church)
   • God provided a fruitful place full of benefits.
   • Key Verses:
     • Proverbs 21:20 – “Treasure in the dwelling of the wise.”
     • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
     • Philippians 2:13 – God works in us for His good pleasure.
     • Isaiah 41:13 – God holds our hand and helps us.
2. The Planting – (vs. 2)
   • God planted a choice vine (His people).
   • Illustration: Like planting a magnolia tree, God planted Israel to grow and flourish.
3. The Provision – (vs. 2)
   • God’s Protection
     • Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower.”
   • The Walls & Watchtower
     • God fenced His people for their safety.
     • Example: The story of Del Wilkes, a pro-wrestler who lost everything to drugs but found redemption.
     • Lesson: Walls of God’s protection keep us from destruction.
4. The Prayer – (vs. 3-4)
   • God asks: “Could I have done more?”
   • No one has done more for us than God.
   • Yet, people still choose another way.
5. The Product – (vs. 4)
   • Instead of good fruit, Israel produced wild grapes.
   • Key Verses:
     • Galatians 6:7-9 – We reap what we sow.
     • Matthew 7:16 – “You shall know them by their fruits.”
   • The question: What fruit are we producing?

Conclusion:

• Turning the Page – Isaiah 6:8-9
  • “Here am I, send me.”
• Two Important Days for Every Christian:
  1. The Day of Salvation
  2. The Day of Surrender
• Final Challenge: It’s no longer about what could have been—it’s about what will be.
• What will your story be?

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

This is the final installment in the series.

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...

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

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...

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

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...

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

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...

The Cycle of Compromise and Confusion

I. Causes of the Cycle (The Reason)

• Spiritual decline begins when God’s people stray from Him.
• The rejection of divine authority leads to moral decay.

II. Curse of the Cycle (The Record)

• The historical record shows Israel repeatedly falling into sin.
• Their suffering was a direct result of their disobedience.

III. Conditions in the Cycle (The Results)

• A nation without God becomes a place of chaos.
• Compromise leads to confusion, and confusion leads to corruption.

Key Moments:

1. A Servant Out of Place (vs. 1-2)

• A Levite, meant to serve the Lord, is instead wandering in a compromised position.
• Key Observations:
  • His life is disgraced.
  • His household has gone astray.
• Side Note: True character apologizes even when one has done nothing wrong.

2. A Search to Bring Peace (vs. 3-8)

• The Levite seeks to reconcile with his concubine.
• Lessons on Love & Delay:
  • A loving response was given.
  • A late return led to greater problems (vs. 9).

3. A Lodge for a Retreat (vs. 12-15)

• A choice between locations—safety vs. danger.
• A fateful decision led them to an unsafe place.

4. A Sin-Filled Place (vs. 20-)

• The contrast of a warm welcome versus a wicked welcome.
• Darkness in the land mirrors the spiritual darkness of the people.

5. The Sadness of Pain (vs. 25-28)

• A horrific event unfolds.
• Though difficult to discuss, the reality must be acknowledged.
• Reflection: Can we see a purpose in this passage?
• Judges 19 is a stark reminder of what happens when God is removed from a society.

How to know for sure you are going to Heaven: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/... Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

Facebook: / asbcarchdale

In this episode, we dive into 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and explore the importance of standing firm in the traditions of faith. What does it mean to hold fast to what we've been taught? Why is it crucial not to waver in a world full of deception?

• You Better Believe – Don’t be shaken or troubled; the Day of Christ is coming.
• Don’t Be Deceived – The rise of the Antichrist is a warning for believers to stay grounded in truth (2 Peter 3:3).
• We All Need to Cleave – The Greek meaning behind "taught" calls us to conform to the truth rather than personal preference (Matthew 15:2-3).
• Watch Out for Those Who Leave – Be mindful of those who cause division (Romans 16:17).
• Help Those We Bereave – As we stand firm, let’s support those struggling in faith (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

🎧 Tune in and hold on to what you know to be true!

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...

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

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...

Thank you for listening to this very special episode of the Ashland St. Pulpit. This is the recording from our Great Commision Service for our church's missions conference. God greatly met with us as the Mercy Mountain Girls home sang and Missionary John Shelley preached from the Old Testament book of Leviticus. We hope God will speak to you through this episode.

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...

Join us for this series , as we explore"The Days of Elijah." This powerful series dives deep into the life, ministry, and significance of the prophet Elijah—one of the most compelling figures in Scripture. From his bold confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to his miraculous moments at the Brook Cherith and Mount Carmel, Elijah’s story is filled with faith, fire, and divine intervention.

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...