The Bible Speaks - What it's Really About

[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, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit to another edition of The Bible Speaks where we're studying God's word together. Today's discussion is titled, What It's Really About. Our scriptural inspiration comes from Acts, chapter 9, verses 1-16.

[00:01:32] Have you ever been sure you were following God only to watch your life take a turn you never expected? A door closes, a career changes, and you ask, Lord, what happened? In Acts, chapter 9, Saul discovered that being convinced he was right did not mean he was aligned with God.

[00:01:56] His story reminds us that a change in direction does not always end in our purpose. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, open our hearts to your word. When our plans change, help us recognize your guidance without surrendering to fear.

[00:02:18] Give us humility to be corrected, courage to begin again, and wisdom to serve with everything you've taught us. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen. Saul was educated, passionate, and deeply committed to what he believed was service to God. But his certainty had become dangerous.

[00:02:43] He was persecuting followers of Jesus and was on his way to Damascus to arrest more of them. Then Jesus confronted him on the road. Saul lost his sight and the direction of his life changed. Think about that. Saul has spent years developing knowledge, discipline, and influence. But he was using those abilities for the wrong purpose.

[00:03:11] He had information without the understanding that comes from knowing Christ. His passion needed transformation, not a new assignment. Some of us know that feeling. We've worked hard, studied, and built something. We believe we had the right plan for the right season. Then sickness, loss, a closed door, or an unexpected opportunity changed everything.

[00:03:40] We wondered whether we had failed or if God was punishing us. But a difficult change is not automatically punishment. Sometimes it is a call to examine our direction. Sometimes what we learned in one season becomes the very thing God uses in another. That doesn't make our past mistakes right. It means his grace can redeem what we bring to him.

[00:04:07] Notice another person in Acts 9. Ananias. God asked him to visit Saul, the very man believers feared. Ananias questioned that assignment, but he listened and obeyed. God described Saul as his chosen instrument. The man who had tried to silence the church would become someone who proclaimed Jesus to others. He said,

[00:04:34] It's not about defending our old plan, but becoming available for God's purpose. In Ephesians 2 and 10, Paul would later teach that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. And in Philippians 3, he described how his old measures of achievement changed once he came to know Christ. He did not lose the ability to think, learn, or lead.

[00:05:01] As in our episodes, who me and why it didn't work. God can use unexpected seasons to develop the patience, skill, and compassion we need to help others. Through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, we are offered new life. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers can seek guidance as they grow. So, be present today.

[00:05:30] Study the word. Pray. Listen. Do your work well. Ask where your knowledge can serve someone, not simply advance you. When life changes, don't assume God has abandoned you. Test your direction against his word. Seek wise counsel and be willing to change how you think, worship, pray, and live.

[00:05:57] You may not see the whole road, but you can be faithful today. What you thought was destination may have been preparation. God knows what he's doing, and he loves you. Father God, thank you that your grace can give new purpose to what we've learned. When we face painful changes, help us grow instead of giving up.

[00:06:25] Teach us to hear the Holy Spirit, receive correction, and use your gifts to bless others. Let every season bring us closer to Jesus and bring you glory. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen. I thank you for spending time with me on today, and I look forward to our time together next Sunday. Until then, God bless.

[00:06:59] 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. If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone. You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.

[00:07:25] Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online. You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478, or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.