Samson - "Strong Blessings"

Ashland Church of Christ
May 25
5 min read

Guest Pastor Jamie Allen

May 25, 2025

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Samson Series: Lesson #1 – “Strong Blessing”

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Today we launched a powerful new sermon series on the life of Samson, one of the most fascinating—and flawed—heroes in Scripture. In our first message, “Strong Blessing,” we took a closer look at the beginning of Samson’s story to see how richly blessed he truly was from the start.

Samson was born at the perfect time, to godly parents, and chosen by God for a divine purpose. His strength was unmatched—not because of anything he did—but because God gifted it to him. As we explored his origin story, we were reminded that every blessing and every gift we have comes from the Lord.

“Much is required from those to whom much is given.” – Luke 12:48

This verse shaped our discussion today. God doesn’t bless us just for our own benefit. Blessings are not a badge of honor—they’re a call to action. When we use our strengths for God’s glory, we uplift the church, impact the world, and reflect the heart of Jesus. But it all begins with humility—acknowledging that our talents are not ours alone.

We asked a challenging but important question today:

Are we using our God-given gifts for His purposes or our own plans?

Let Samson's life serve as both a warning and a reminder: it’s not enough to be gifted. It matters how we use the gifts. The “strong blessing” you carry isn’t for show—it’s for service.

Join us next Sunday as we continue this series with Lesson #2: “Strong Failing.” Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into what happens when strength is misused.

🕙 Service begins at 10:00 AM – 320 W Washington St, Ashland, IL

Baptism Sunday!

Today, we celebrate a powerful moment in Courtney Stark’s life—her baptism! With faith in her heart and joy in her spirit, Courtney made the public declaration that Jesus Christ is her Lord and Savior. Surrounded by her church family, she took this beautiful step of obedience, symbolizing her new life in Christ. Let’s continue to pray for Courtney as she grows in faith, walks boldly with Jesus, and shines His light wherever she goes. Welcome to the family of God, Courtney! 💧🙌✨

If you’ve never been baptized, today is the perfect time to consider taking that next step of faith. Baptism is a powerful outward expression of the inward transformation Jesus brings. It’s not about having it all together—it’s about saying, “I’m ready to follow Jesus with my life.”

Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Just like Courtney did today, you can declare your faith publicly and step into the life God has called you to. Whether you've been walking with Christ for years or are just beginning to explore what it means to follow Him, baptism is a beautiful act of obedience and surrender.

If you feel the Spirit nudging your heart, don’t wait. Talk to a pastor, pray with a friend, and take that step. We’d be honored to walk with you on your journey of faith. 💧💛

Announcements

View the calendar for more events

Bible Study Thursdays

https://www.ashlandilchurchofchrist.com/post/romans-bible-study

Are you hungry to dig deeper into God's Word? Looking for a midweek recharge surrounded by fellowship and truth? We invite you to join us for our brand-new Thursday Night Bible Study on the Book of Romans in the Fellowship Hall.

This week read Romans 1:18-32

'For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.'

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ROM.1.18-32

ACC Blessings

As this school year wraps up, the ACC Blessings team would like to thank all those who have donated their time, food, and money to the project as well as the many prayers given to God to help make it a successful endeavor.

A special thanks to those packing food bags and transporting to the elementary school in Chandlerville.

This summer, continue to bring in 16/18oz jars of peanut butter.

Ensure the expiration date is 2026 or later.