The Ashland St. Pulpit

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.

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:

1. Why Do We Come?
   • Examine our motivations for attending church and approaching God.
2. What Do We Do When We Leave?
   • Carry humility and seek to grow spiritually.
3. 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.

Introduction:

Paul Harvey, a famous broadcaster, was known for his series titled “The Rest of the Story.” Today, we’ve all heard the Christmas story, but let’s take a look at the rest of the story as it relates to Jesus Christ.

"The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

Luke 9:22

1. His Miraculous Birth

A. He Was Born Low

• Jesus was given the title “Son of Man,” a term emphasizing both His humility and His divine mission.
• Daniel 7:13:“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.”

B. A Promised Birth

• Prophecies foretold His miraculous coming:“A virgin shall conceive” (Isaiah 7:14).

C. A Precious Birth

• His birth brought hope and peace to the world.
• Luke 2:14:“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

D. A Peace-Bringing Birth

• His arrival ushered in the promise of peace on earth to those who trust Him.

2. His Magnificent Life

A. He Lived Low

• Jesus humbled Himself throughout His life.
• Luke 9:58:“The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

B. He Performed Miracles

• Acts 10:38:“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

C. He Cared for People

• He showed compassion to all who were in need.
• He wept for those in sorrow and had a heart for the lost.

D. He Converted People

• He transformed the lives of many:
  • Tax collectors like Zacchaeus
  • Fishermen like Peter, James, and John
  • Rebels and outcasts

E. He Was Rejected

• As Luke 9:22 states, He was rejected by the leaders and many people of His time.
• Application: Have you accepted or rejected Jesus? He offers love and forgiveness to all who come to Him.

3. His Meaningful Death

A. He Died Low

• Betrayed by one of His own disciples.
• John 19:4:“I find no fault in him.”
• You will never find fault in Jesus—He is sinless.

B. He Was Beaten and Buried

• He suffered and died for the sins of the world, enduring unimaginable pain and humiliation.

4. His Mighty Resurrection

A. He Lives on High

• Luke 24:6:“He is not here, but is risen.”
• His resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. It’s how we know He lives today.

B. He Lives Within Our Hearts

• The hymn asks, “You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

5. His Momentous Return

A. He Will Return

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

B. A Time of Joy

• But will you be ready?

Conclusion:

The only way to have true joy, peace, and eternal life is through Jesus Christ. Salvation isn’t about a place; it’s about a person. Jesus is calling you today. Will you come to Him?

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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.

In this message, we’ll explore the incredible nature, names, and nobility of Jesus, the One who brings wisdom, peace, and eternal hope.

I His Nature

• The prophecy of Jesus' birth, highlighting His divine nature (Isaiah 7:14).

II His Names:

In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is given five remarkable names, each revealing His divine attributes:

1. Wonderful
   • Jesus is truly marvelous in every aspect: His birth, life, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and second coming.
   • Reflection: Are we still in awe of His name, or have we grown indifferent?
   • Quote: "You have calluses on your soul" (Adrian Rogers).
2. Counselor
   • Jesus is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance.
   • He surpasses earthly counselors in every way, offering wisdom that transforms lives (1 Corinthians 1:24, 1:30).
   • Challenge: Are you letting Jesus take over as the Counselor in your life?
3. The Mighty God
   • Jesus is the "Mightiest among the mighty," fully embodying Absolute Deity (El).
   • His power guarantees both preservation and liberation for His people.
4. The Everlasting Father
   • Jesus shares unity with the Father, offering eternal love, provision, and protection.
   • Reflection: Jesus, as the "Everlasting Father," meets our deepest needs, guarding and shepherding His people with tenderness and care.
5. The Prince of Peace
   • Jesus is the source of peace—personally, domestically, and internationally.
   • Through justification by faith, we can experience peace with God (Romans 5:1).
   • Quote: "Peace floods the soul when Christ rules the heart."

Reflection on His Nobility (Isaiah 9:7):

• The Incredible: The wonder of Christ's eternal reign.
• The Individual: Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and the hope of all humanity.
• The Inevitable: His eternal kingdom of justice and righteousness.

Closing Thought: Jesus is not just the reason for the season—He is the reason for every moment of our lives. Embrace the wonder, wisdom, and peace He offers this Christmas.

"Here Comes the Preacher"

Text: Judges 6:1-8

God's Response to Israel:

• They Wanted a Mighty Man, but God sent a Messenger Man.
  • Israel expected a powerful warrior, but God sent a prophet to give them a message.
• They Wanted Power, but God sent a Proclamation.
  • The people sought a deliverer, but God gave them understanding of why they were in bondage.
• They Wanted Immediate Relief, but God wanted them to learn something deeper.
  • Instead of just taking them out of suffering, God wanted to teach them the root of their oppression.

  Outline:

• I. Delivered from Bondage (Judges 6:8):
  • God brought Israel out of their oppression and out of slavery.
  • This deliverance was not just a release from suffering; it was to take them to the Promised Land (Canaan)—a place of hope, abundance, and fulfillment.
  • God’s purpose is always to bring us into something greater, not just to free us from something bad.
• II. Drave Out the Burden (Judges 6:9):
  • God did not just bring Israel out of bondage, but He also drove out the burdens that weighed them down.
  • This involved removing obstacles, like the Canaanites, who were oppressing the Israelites.
  • The “driving out” represents God's intervention in clearing the way for His people to experience His full blessing.
• III. He Declared God’s Bulletin (Judges 6:10):
  • God’s Message to Israel:
    • Fear Not: A message of reassurance that God is with them, even in their struggles.
    • Faint Not: Encouragement to not give up, even when the situation seems overwhelming.
    • Favor Comes from Me: God reminds them that their deliverance comes not through their own strength, but through His grace and favor.

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John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2The same was in the beginning with God.

3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Outline:

1 The Life of the Word - 1:1-4;14

2. The Light of the Word - 1:4-9

3. The Love of the Word - 1:12

Most people know about the "three wise men" in the story of Christ's birth (Matthew 2), but this episode shifts the spotlight to the wise women who played pivotal roles in the events surrounding Jesus’ birth.

• Quick Facts on the Wise Men:
  • Number: Speculated to be three because of their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh).
  • The Star: They didn't follow the Star
  • Timing: They likely arrived years after Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:11).

Focus for Today:

• Let’s explore the lives and wisdom of three wise women: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna.

1. Elizabeth: The Wisdom of Waiting

1. Wait Patiently:
   • Trust in God’s timing, even when it feels delayed.
   • Elizabeth’s unwavering faith shows us the power of persistence.
2. Wait Prayerfully:
   • Persistent prayer aligns us with God’s will.
   • Elizabeth’s prayers were eventually answered in a way that glorified God.
3. Wait Faithfully:
   • Serve God wholeheartedly, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
   • Elizabeth’s faithfulness reminds us that God often works after periods of waiting.

2. Mary: The Willing Servant (Luke 1:26–38, 46–55)

Lessons from Mary’s Willingness:

• Mary surrendered her life to God’s will, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38).
• She embraced God’s plan with joy and trust, even though it meant facing societal judgment and great personal challenges.

3. Anna: The Wisdom of Witnessing

Lessons from Anna’s Witnessing:

1. Witness to a Person:
   • Anna spoke of Jesus, directing others to Him as the hope of redemption.
   • Challenge: Our testimony should always point others to Christ.
2. Witness to All People:
   • Anna shared the message of redemption with everyone seeking hope.
   • Challenge: Proclaim the good news boldly, without reservation.
3. Witness with Passion:
   • Anna’s life was fully dedicated to proclaiming the Messiah, showing deep commitment and enthusiasm.

Closing Challenge: Let the wisdom of these three women inspire us to trust God—whether we are waiting, surrendering, or witnessing.

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"When the Woman Went to War"

Text: Judges 4:1

Introduction

• The Judges Cycle: Sin → Suffering → Supplication → Salvation.
• Ehud, the previous deliverer, brought temporary relief but couldn’t transform Israel’s hearts. This highlights the need for an ultimate Savior.

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. The One with Faith (Judges 4:4)

• Deborah’s Leadership:
  • A woman chosen by God in a time of fear and leadership failure among Israel’s men.
  • Note: Deborah’s role reflects God’s sovereignty, not a normative pattern for church leadership.
  • Personal Challenge: Every believer is called to lead in some way—whether through influence, service, or example.

2. The One that Follows (Judges 4:6)

• Barak’s Call:
  • God instructed Barak to lead the army, but he hesitated, depending on Deborah’s presence for courage.
  • Key Points:
    • The Favor: God’s promise of victory.
    • The Fear: Barak’s reluctance showed incomplete faith.
    • The Fortune: Despite fear, his obedience enabled him to witness God’s power.
  • Reflection Question: What areas of life require you to step out in faith, even when you feel afraid?

• Heber the Kenite’s Decision:
  • His choice to align with Israel’s enemies set up a critical moment in God’s plan.
  • The Battle:
    • A rare unity among six tribes (Naphtali, Zebulun, Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh, Issachar) fighting under God’s command.
    • God’s intervention through nature (storm and flooding) ensured Israel’s victory.
  • Application: Small actions can have significant impacts when used by God.

4. The One Who Finished It (Judges 4:17-22)

• Jael’s Bold Move:
  • The Betrayal: She lured Sisera into her tent, giving him a false sense of security.
  • The Bottle: Milk calmed him, making him vulnerable.
  • The Burial: Jael delivered God’s judgment, bringing an end to Sisera’s oppression.
  • Takeaway: Jael teaches us that courage and willingness are key when God calls us to act, even in unconventional ways.

Closing Thoughts

• This story illustrates God’s ability to use unexpected people to fulfill His purposes.
• Lessons to Apply:
  1. Trust God to work through you, regardless of societal norms.
  2. Obey even when you’re afraid—God’s power shines in our weakness.
  3. Honor God by recognizing and supporting those He calls.

Challenge for Today: Who will step up in faith and answer God’s call in our time?

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