You are a child of the light. God has equipped you with everything you need to bring His order to your home, community, and the marketplace. Don’t let fear, doubt, or unbelief hold you back. Instead, walk boldly in the authority God has given you, knowing that His light will overcome any darkness.
[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 our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ, to another episode of The Bible Speaks.
[00:01:13] And I'm truly blessed to introduce our new series titled, Children of the Light.
[00:01:20] This series is inspired by Ephesians chapter 5, verses 8 through 11.
[00:01:27] And reading from the English Standard Version, it reads,
[00:01:32] For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
[00:01:38] Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
[00:01:48] And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
[00:02:00] These verses remind us of our identity and responsibility as believers.
[00:02:06] We are no longer in darkness, but called to live as children of the light, reflecting God's truth and righteousness in every area of our lives.
[00:02:17] The purpose of this series is to remind us that God has given us the power to bring his order to our homes, communities and marketplace.
[00:02:28] In a world filled with violence, despair and selfishness, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
[00:02:35] But as children of delight, we have a mission.
[00:02:39] To position ourselves to have the dominion God spoke of in Genesis 1, verses 26 through 28, where he calls us to subdue the earth and rule over it.
[00:02:52] So let's explore how we can step into this calling.
[00:02:59] At the heart of this series is the truth that our identity is rooted in Christ.
[00:03:05] Before knowing him, we lived in darkness, bound by sin and separated from God.
[00:03:12] But now as believers, we are light in the world.
[00:03:17] This transformation is not just about personal salvation.
[00:03:21] It's a call to action.
[00:03:24] Ephesians 5 and 8 tells us, walk as children of light.
[00:03:29] This means living lives that produce goodness, righteousness and truth.
[00:03:35] It's not enough to avoid sin.
[00:03:38] We must actively reflect God's character in every aspect of our lives.
[00:03:45] Genesis 1, verses 26 through 28, reading from the New International Version reminds us,
[00:03:52] Then God said, Let us make mankind in our own image, in our own likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.
[00:04:12] God created us to have dominion, which means exercising his authority and bringing his order to the world.
[00:04:23] We don't have to look far to see the chaos in the world.
[00:04:27] The violence, despair and selfishness that seems to dominate every headline.
[00:04:33] But as children of light, we are called to counteract this darkness with God's truth and love.
[00:04:42] Matthew 5, verses 14 through 16, calls us the light of the world.
[00:04:49] You are the light of the world.
[00:04:51] A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
[00:04:54] Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
[00:05:02] Our light is not meant to be hidden.
[00:05:05] Whether in our families, workplace or communities, we are called to be beacons of hope and agents of change.
[00:05:14] In our homes, start with your family.
[00:05:18] Lead with love, discipline and faith, creating a foundation of godly values.
[00:05:33] In our communities, volunteer, mentor and advocate for justice.
[00:05:40] Be a presence that uplifts and unites.
[00:05:45] Jeremiah 29 and 7 reminds us,
[00:05:49] Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.
[00:05:56] And finally in the marketplace.
[00:05:59] Reflect integrity and excellence in your work.
[00:06:02] Use your influence to set a standard of righteousness.
[00:06:07] Colossians 3, verse 23 reads,
[00:06:09] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
[00:06:19] One of the greatest obstacles to living as a child of light is the internal battle against fear, doubt and unbelief.
[00:06:28] These emotions can keep us from stepping into our God given authority.
[00:06:33] Fear of failure, rejection or opposition can paralyze us.
[00:06:39] But God has given us the spirit of power.
[00:06:43] 2 Timothy 1 and 7 tells us,
[00:06:46] For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
[00:06:55] We often question whether we are qualified or capable of making a difference.
[00:07:01] But God equips those he calls.
[00:07:04] Philippians 4 and 13 tells us,
[00:07:07] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
[00:07:13] Unbelief limits what God can do through us.
[00:07:17] Faith unlocks his power in our lives.
[00:07:20] Mark 9 and 23 reads,
[00:07:24] If you can, said Jesus, everything is possible for one who believes.
[00:07:30] To overcome these barriers, we must stand on God's promises and allow his word to renew our minds.
[00:07:39] Living as children of light requires intentionality.
[00:07:43] And so here are some practical steps to start bringing God's order to your world.
[00:07:49] Number one, pray for guidance.
[00:07:52] Ask God to reveal the areas where he wants you to bring his light and how he wants you to use it.
[00:08:00] Number two, invest in your spiritual growth.
[00:08:05] Spend time in scripture, worship and fellowship to strengthen your faith and understanding of God's will.
[00:08:13] Number three, engage with your community.
[00:08:16] Look for ways to serve, mentor and contribute to positive change in your local area.
[00:08:24] Number four, take bold action.
[00:08:27] Don't let fear hold you back.
[00:08:30] Trust that God has equipped you to fulfill his purpose.
[00:08:34] Number five, celebrate small victories.
[00:08:39] Recognize and give thanks for the progress you see, no matter how small.
[00:08:44] Every step forward is a step forward fulfilling your call.
[00:08:51] The dominion God spoke of in Genesis 1 verses 26 through 28 isn't about control or dominance.
[00:08:59] It's about stewardship and influence.
[00:09:02] As children of light, we are called to exercise this dominion by aligning our lives with God's will and allowing his light to shine through us.
[00:09:13] Romans 8 19 reminds us,
[00:09:16] For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
[00:09:23] This world is waiting for us to step into our roles as children of light, bringing hope, healing and restoration.
[00:09:33] Brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you.
[00:09:37] You are a child of light.
[00:09:41] God has equipped you with everything you need to bring his order to your home, community and marketplace.
[00:09:48] Don't let fear, doubt or unbelief hold you back.
[00:09:53] Instead, walk boldly in the authority God has given you, knowing that his light will overcome any darkness.
[00:10:02] Ephesians 5 verses 8 through 11 reminds us of our mission and Genesis 1 26 through 28 affirms our authority.
[00:10:12] Together, these truths empower us to shine God's light in every aspect of life, no matter how great the challenge.
[00:10:23] If today's message has inspired you, share it with someone who needs encouragement.
[00:10:29] And remember, you are called to shine, to lead and to make a difference for God's kingdom.
[00:10:36] Stay faithful, be bold and keep walking as a child of the light.
[00:10:43] I thank you for spending time with me on today.
[00:10:47] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:10:50] Until then, God bless.
[00:10:58] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:11:09] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
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[00:11:28] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478 or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.
[00:11:48] Thank you.
[00:11:48] Thank you.