Over the next episodes, we’ll explore how to be more, do more, and have more by deepening our relationship with God, increasing our understanding of His will, and serving others with wisdom and love.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to another edition of The Bible Speaks. And today we begin our new series, Be More, Do More, Have More. This series is all about embracing God's expectation of our continuous growth as we move toward the purpose for which we were created.
[00:01:32] Our inspiration comes from Hebrews chapter 6 verse 1. And reading from the New Living Translation, it reads,
[00:01:42] So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. This verse challenges us to grow beyond the basics of faith and pursue spiritual maturity.
[00:02:11] Over the next few episodes, we'll explore how to be more, do more, and have more by deepening our relationship with God, increasing our understanding of his will, and serving others with wisdom and love.
[00:02:30] The first step in the series is recognizing God's call for us to be more.
[00:02:35] As believers, we're not called to stagnation, but to continuous transformation.
[00:02:43] Romans 12 and 2, reading from the New International Version, reminds us,
[00:02:48] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
[00:02:55] Then you will be able to test and prove what God's will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
[00:03:04] To be more means allowing God to shape us into his likeness.
[00:03:10] It's about growing in character, faith, and spiritual understanding.
[00:03:15] This growth begins with deepening our relationship with God.
[00:03:21] Spending time in prayer and his word strengthens our connection to him.
[00:03:27] Developing Christ-like character, traits like love, humility, patience, and kindness reflect our transformation.
[00:03:38] Aligning with God's will
[00:03:39] As we grow, our desire aligns with his, allowing us to walk confidently in his purpose for our lives.
[00:03:50] Next, God calls us to do more.
[00:03:53] Growth isn't just about becoming.
[00:03:56] It's about taking action.
[00:03:58] As we mature, we are equipped to step into greater roles of service and responsibility,
[00:04:05] impacting those around us.
[00:04:08] James 2 and 17 says,
[00:04:11] Faith by itself, if it's not accompanied by action, is dead.
[00:04:17] Our faith should drive us to serve others and share God's love in practical ways.
[00:04:23] This might look like using your spiritual gifts.
[00:04:27] Each of us have unique gifts that God has given us to serve the body of Christ and the world around us.
[00:04:34] 1 Peter 4 and 10 says,
[00:04:37] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
[00:04:42] as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
[00:04:47] It also may look like meeting the needs of others.
[00:04:51] Whether through acts of kindness, mentorship, or ministry, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
[00:05:00] Matthew 25 and 40 reminds us,
[00:05:03] Whatever you did for one of the least of these, brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
[00:05:10] Finally, as we become and do more, we open ourselves to have more.
[00:05:17] This isn't about material possession or worldly success.
[00:05:21] It's about receiving the fullness of what God has for us.
[00:05:25] John 10 10 says,
[00:05:27] I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
[00:05:33] When we grow in faith and service, we experience more spiritual wisdom.
[00:05:40] God reveals deeper truth to those who seek him wholeheartedly.
[00:05:44] Proverbs 9 and 10 says,
[00:05:47] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
[00:05:54] More kingdom impact.
[00:05:56] As we serve others, God multiplies our efforts, allowing us to touch more lives for his glory.
[00:06:04] Ephesians 3 and 20 reminds us,
[00:06:07] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
[00:06:13] according to his power that is at work within us.
[00:06:18] More power and joy.
[00:06:20] Living in alignment with God's will brings a sense of fulfillment that surpasses worldly success.
[00:06:28] As we journey toward the purpose for which we were created,
[00:06:32] God expects us to grow continually.
[00:06:35] This growth is not just for our benefit.
[00:06:38] It equips us to serve others and expand his kingdom.
[00:06:42] Philippians 1 and 6 reassures us,
[00:06:45] Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[00:06:56] Growth is a process, and God is patient with us.
[00:07:00] He provides the Holy Spirit to guide us, the word to instruct us, and the church community to support us.
[00:07:07] Our responsibility is to embrace the process, trusting that each step brings us closer to his ultimate plan.
[00:07:16] As we move through this series, I encourage you to reflect on these questions.
[00:07:23] Be more?
[00:07:25] What areas of your character or spiritual life need growth?
[00:07:30] How can you deepen your relationship with God?
[00:07:35] Do more?
[00:07:36] What actions can you take to serve others and live out your faith more fully?
[00:07:42] And finally, have more.
[00:07:44] What blessings, spiritual or otherwise, has God placed in your life?
[00:07:49] How can you steward them for his glory?
[00:07:54] These reflections will help you engage with the series on a personal level,
[00:07:59] allowing God to speak directly to your heart about who he's calling you to grow to.
[00:08:05] I want to leave you with this thought.
[00:08:08] God didn't create you to remain the same.
[00:08:11] He designed you for continuous growth,
[00:08:14] equipping you to fulfill his purpose and impact the lives of others.
[00:08:20] Hebrews 6 and 1 reminds us that we're not meant to stay stuck in the basics of faith.
[00:08:28] We're called to mature, to be more, do more, and have more for God's glory.
[00:08:36] Over the next few episodes, we'll explore how to embrace this journey of growth
[00:08:40] and step into the fullness of what God has for you.
[00:08:45] If this message has inspired you,
[00:08:48] share it with someone who's seeking growth in their faith and purpose.
[00:08:53] And as you go about your week, remember,
[00:08:55] God has called you to be more, do more, and have more.
[00:09:01] Not for your glory, but for his.
[00:09:05] I thank you for spending time with me on today,
[00:09:07] and I look forward to our time together on tomorrow.
[00:09:11] Until then, God bless.
[00:09:13] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group
[00:09:26] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:09:30] If anything you've heard poured into your life,
[00:09:34] please share it with someone.
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[00:09:49] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:10:00] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.