The Ashland St. Pulpit

In this powerful message, we dive into the life of Samson. The book of Judges dedicates a significant portion to his story, warning us of the dangers of straying from God’s purpose.

We explore three key truths from Judges 16:

1️⃣ Avoid Spiritual Degradation (vs. 1-3) – Samson was strong before men but weak before his own desires. His spiritual life became a slippery slope as he compromised his convictions.

2️⃣ Resist Surrender to Temptation (vs. 4-14) – Like Samson, we can easily be ensnared by relationships and choices that distance us from God. Sin never loves us back—it only seeks to destroy.

3️⃣ Seek Strength in Restoration (vs. 22-31) – Despite his downfall, Samson’s story didn’t end in defeat. God’s grace offers restoration, but revenge and bitterness can hinder true healing.

Samson’s life is a warning and a lesson: When we forsake God's calling, we risk losing His power. But when we turn back, He is ready to restore us.

Tune in for this impactful message and be challenged to stand firm in your faith—set apart for God’s purpose!

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Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

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The Bible Believe's Program https://open.spotify.com/show/3R76FeN...

What will you do with the rest of your time?

Life is short. The things of this world fade away, but the will of God endures forever (1 Peter 1:24). In this episode, we explore the powerful challenge of 1 Peter 4:2—to stop wasting time on things that don't matter and start living for what truly lasts.

🔹 From Now On, Enough is Enough (1 Peter 4:3-6) → Leaving behind the sins of the past and the wrong influences of the world → Standing firm when others don’t understand the change God has made in you → Living in the freedom of the Gospel

🔹 From Now On, We Will Empower and Encourage (1 Peter 4:7-11) → Strength through prayer → Charity—love in action → Using our gifts to serve others

🔹 From Now On, We Will Embrace Endurance (1 Peter 4:12-19) → Rejoicing in suffering as partakers with Christ → Understanding the difference between worldly suffering and suffering for Christ → Trusting God completely—surrendering our lives to His will

With biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and stories of faith—from the refining process of silver to Warren Wiersbe’s lesson on making the most of our time—we are reminded: God has given us "the rest of our time" to glorify Him. Don't waste it. Invest it.

🎧 Tune in now and start living "From Now On" in the will of God!

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:

1. Samson’s Struggles: A Hero Without Honor
   • Lacked purity and favor among his brethren.
   • Prayed only twice—when desperate and broken.
2. 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.
3. 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

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....

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 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.

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: "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/

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Title: Knowing Him, and Making Him Known Key Text: Philippians 3:10

Theme: To truly know Christ is to desire to make Him known.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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).
5. 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.