The Implanted Word Podcast

How do you receive God's Word? For many believers, the Bible is a tool used to reinforce their own preconceived notions and the way they want to perceive the world. They wield it recklessly as a sword, ready to take down anyone who disagrees with them. But, as Pastor Bill will point out in the example of the Bereans, this book, this gift from God, is meant to reveal who He is to our hearts. When we study it with humility, he'll reveal His truth and transform our hearts to be more like His.

In today's message from Pastor Bill, we'll encounter a group of Jews who challenge us in our walk. This group was from the region of Berea, and they were known and still remembered for their faithfulness to God's Word. They diligently studied it daily, and when Paul came with the Gospel, they received him eagerly and weighed his words against the Word of God. This is what we need to be doing every time we take in teaching, testing it for ourselves to be sure it aligns with Scripture.

The fruit we bear as believers may be some of the best, if not the only, evidence for the Gospel that someone in your community ever encounters. We need to be aware of this and allow it to motivate our actions and attitudes. All too often, the only thing different about us as believers is the way we spend our Sunday mornings. As Pastor Bill will urge us in today's message, we're called to get out into the world and share the truth that's been revealed to our hearts by God's Word and His Holy Spirit.

We have a real problem with entitlement in our culture. Everyone thinks that they're owed more than they're getting, and we're preoccupied with figuring out who to blame for any hardship we experience. As Pastor Bill will challenge us in today's message, suffering is a big part of our calling as believers. Paul and Silas had the opportunity to run free from the prison but chose to stay for the sake of the guard, their oppressor. Likewise, we may find ourselves called to stay for the sake of those we call enemies. 

As we examine the account of Paul and Silas in prison and the miraculous work of God that happened there, Pastor Bill has an uplifting and challenging message to share. This story is incredible. Paul and Silas, imprisoned for their faith, had an uncertain future immediately ahead. Yet, instead of trembling in fear, they lifted their voices in praise. Then the earth trembled, and God provided freedom. As we'll find in today's study, before they walked free, God had a bigger purpose for them.

Jesus wants to fill you with His Holy Spirit. We often wish we could walk with Jesus physically and experience Him here in the flesh, but He gave us an incredible gift in his absence by sending His Holy Spirit. This Spirit doesn't just walk with us and talk with us; He lives in us and empowers us to do things that Jesus said would be even greater than His own earthly works. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today's message, all we have to do to receive this Spirit is to ask in faith. 

Have you ever had a job you hated? Or a neighbor, co-worker, or classmate who just made your life miserable? You just want to get out of that situation as soon as possible. It can be very challenging to maintain patience and grace in that position. Many of us find ourselves stumbling into sinful attitudes and actions in response. But, as Pastor Bill will challenge us in today's message, these trials are an opportunity, and God wants to use you if you'll just open your heart to his moving.

The kingdoms of man are filled with greed, pride, violence, and lust. The focus is always on what best serves me, even when it brings harm to others. That may sound just fine to you, but when others have the same mindset, it's going to cause conflict, and that's what you'll see playing out in this world every day, in real time. As Pastor Bill will remind you in today's message, the Kingdom you enter into when you accept Jesus as Lord is one of love. That love is focused on serving others, not yourself.

What an encouraging and hope-filled truth from Pastor Bill! God sees where we are. He knows the pain and struggles we're experiencing. He sent His Son, Jesus – who lived in this world, just like the rest of us, and then went on to experience pain and agony we can't imagine on the cross. Jesus knows what we're going through. Not only did He give us that incredible gift, but then He built a community of believers around us that can lift us up and carry us when we don't know how to go on.

What an encouraging and hope-filled truth from Pastor Bill! God sees where we are. He knows the pain and struggles we're experiencing. He sent His Son, Jesus – who lived in this world, just like the rest of us, and then went on to experience pain and agony we can't imagine on the cross. Jesus knows what we're going through. Not only did He give us that incredible gift, but then He built a community of believers around us that can lift us up and carry us when we don't know how to go on.

Are you going through a hard time right now? Whether it feels like walking through the valley of the shadow of death, or just an uncomfortable detour, many of us probably are facing a trial or will sometime soon. This life is full of them. As Pastor Bill continues our study in the book of Acts today, he offers this encouragement – we are not alone in our struggles. God is with us in His Holy Spirit, and He's put a community of people around us that wants to support us if we'll give them a chance.

Are you going through a hard time right now? Whether it feels like walking through the valley of the shadow of death, or just an uncomfortable detour, many of us probably are facing a trial or will sometime soon. This life is full of them. As Pastor Bill continues our study in the book of Acts today, he offers this encouragement – we are not alone in our struggles. God is with us in His Holy Spirit, and He's put a community of people around us that wants to support us if we'll give them a chance.

Text, email, messenger, facetime, skype… you could go on and on with the various means we have to communicate with others in our world. And of course, there's still the option of meeting face-to-face. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today's message, we have an amazing privilege and responsibility before us in this life. We've been given new life in Christ, and we're surrounded by people who are drowning in their sin and sorrow. We need to get out there and share the hope we've found.

Text, email, messenger, facetime, skype… you could go on and on with the various means we have to communicate with others in our world. And of course, there's still the option of meeting face-to-face. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today's message, we have an amazing privilege and responsibility before us in this life. We've been given new life in Christ, and we're surrounded by people who are drowning in their sin and sorrow. We need to get out there and share the hope we've found.

You're called to prophesy to the world around you. That doesn't mean you need a pulpit and a congregation. This means you need to share the Good News of the Gospel with the people in your community through your words and deeds. As Pastor Bill will point out in today's message, some in the Church make themselves busy in every other way possible, and the work they do is wonderful, but those activities and programs are only part of the picture. The focus needs to be on sharing Jesus. 

You're called to prophesy to the world around you. That doesn't mean you need a pulpit and a congregation. This means you need to share the Good News of the Gospel with the people in your community through your words and deeds. As Pastor Bill will point out in today's message, some in the Church make themselves busy in every other way possible, and the work they do is wonderful, but those activities and programs are only part of the picture. The focus needs to be on sharing Jesus. 

Being a witness doesn't mean you have to stand on a stage or preach to crowds. God invites each of us to simply share what He has done in our lives. When we talk about His grace, His faithfulness, or the ways He's changed us, we let others see Him through our story. Witnessing is personal, honest, and natural. It flows out of a life transformed by Christ. Today, Pastor Bill will explore how you have the privilege of pointing others to Jesus by sharing the truth of God's work in your own heart.

Being a witness doesn't mean you have to stand on a stage or preach to crowds. God invites each of us to simply share what He has done in our lives. When we talk about His grace, His faithfulness, or the ways He's changed us, we let others see Him through our story. Witnessing is personal, honest, and natural. It flows out of a life transformed by Christ. Today, Pastor Bill will explore how you have the privilege of pointing others to Jesus by sharing the truth of God's work in your own heart.

It's easy to see the Bible as a collection of old letters or ancient stories, but it's so much more than that. Every page carries a personal message from God to you. The words that guided, corrected, and encouraged people thousands of years ago still speak into our lives today. Today, Pastor Bill will reveal to you that when you open Scripture, God meets you where you are, with wisdom, comfort, and direction. It's not just history or literature; it's His living Word reaching deep into your heart.

It's easy to see the Bible as a collection of old letters or ancient stories, but it's so much more than that. Every page carries a personal message from God to you. The words that guided, corrected, and encouraged people thousands of years ago still speak into our lives today. Today, Pastor Bill will reveal to you that when you open Scripture, God meets you where you are, with wisdom, comfort, and direction. It's not just history or literature; it's His living Word reaching deep into your heart.

Listening to a sermon or watching an online teaching can be refreshing, but it's like sipping from a cup someone else has poured; you're only tasting what they've passed along. Reading the Bible for yourself is drinking straight from the spring, letting God's living water flow directly into your life. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to engage Scripture personally and experience its life-giving truth, clarity, and refreshment in a way secondhand teachings can't provide. Let His living water nourish you.

Listening to a sermon or watching an online teaching can be refreshing, but it's like sipping from a cup someone else has poured; you're only tasting what they've passed along. Reading the Bible for yourself is drinking straight from the spring, letting God's living water flow directly into your life. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to engage Scripture personally and experience its life-giving truth, clarity, and refreshment in a way secondhand teachings can't provide. Let His living water nourish you.

Imagine being handed a beautifully wrapped gift, but leaving it unopened on the table. That's what it's like to agree with the gospel but never receive it. You can believe Jesus died for sins, that He rose again, and that He offers forgiveness, yet still never make it your own. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that the gospel isn't just truth to nod at; it's a gift to say “yes” to. When you open our hands in faith, that gift becomes yours, bringing forgiveness, freedom, and new life. It's time to receive the gospel today.

Imagine being handed a beautifully wrapped gift, but leaving it unopened on the table. That's what it's like to agree with the gospel but never receive it. You can believe Jesus died for sins, that He rose again, and that He offers forgiveness, yet still never make it your own. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that the gospel isn't just truth to nod at; it's a gift to say “yes” to. When you open our hands in faith, that gift becomes yours, bringing forgiveness, freedom, and new life. It's time to receive the gospel today.

When we carry the gospel, we carry joy. Not the kind that depends on circumstances, but the kind rooted in God's grace. Everywhere we go, we have the opportunity to bring light into dark places, hope into weary hearts, and laughter into heavy moments. Pastor Bill will explain today that the good news of Jesus isn't meant to stay bottled up inside you; it overflows. Like a lamp that can't help but shine or perfume that fills a whole room, the gospel brings joy wherever it goes. Spread that joy today.

When we carry the gospel, we carry joy. Not the kind that depends on circumstances, but the kind rooted in God's grace. Everywhere we go, we have the opportunity to bring light into dark places, hope into weary hearts, and laughter into heavy moments. Pastor Bill will explain today that the good news of Jesus isn't meant to stay bottled up inside you; it overflows. Like a lamp that can't help but shine or perfume that fills a whole room, the gospel brings joy wherever it goes. Spread that joy today.

Grace is like a perfect diamond. It shines in its completeness, needing nothing added to make it more beautiful. But so often, we try to glue on our own little pieces, our efforts, our rules, our good works, thinking it will somehow make it better. In reality, all it does is cover the brilliance of what was already flawless. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you are saved by grace alone, not by works, so that no one can boast. Grace doesn't need your additions; it simply needs to be received as is.

Grace is like a perfect diamond. It shines in its completeness, needing nothing added to make it more beautiful. But so often, we try to glue on our own little pieces, our efforts, our rules, our good works, thinking it will somehow make it better. In reality, all it does is cover the brilliance of what was already flawless. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you are saved by grace alone, not by works, so that no one can boast. Grace doesn't need your additions; it simply needs to be received as is.

Imagine the excitement in the early church when Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey. They gathered the believers and shared story after story, how God had opened hearts, how entire cities had heard the good news, and how the door of faith had swung wide for the Gentiles. For a church that once wondered if the gospel was only for Israel, this was world-changing news. Today, Pastor Bill will share with you how the gospel is still opening doors for people everywhere.

Imagine the excitement in the early church when Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey. They gathered the believers and shared story after story, how God had opened hearts, how entire cities had heard the good news, and how the door of faith had swung wide for the Gentiles. For a church that once wondered if the gospel was only for Israel, this was world-changing news. Today, Pastor Bill will share with you how the gospel is still opening doors for people everywhere.

When hatred comes at us, it can feel like stones being hurled in our direction. The natural response is to pick up our own stones and throw them back at them. But Jesus shows us another way. He takes the rocks of anger and turns them into seeds of love, planting peace where hostility once grew. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to choose love instead of retaliation. Then you'll reflect the heart of Christ, a love that absorbs the blow without striking back. Are you ready to lay down the rocks and choose love?

When hatred comes at us, it can feel like stones being hurled in our direction. The natural response is to pick up our own stones and throw them back at them. But Jesus shows us another way. He takes the rocks of anger and turns them into seeds of love, planting peace where hostility once grew. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to choose love instead of retaliation. Then you'll reflect the heart of Christ, a love that absorbs the blow without striking back. Are you ready to lay down the rocks and choose love?

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? It's more than agreeing with His teaching; it's becoming like Him. As His people, we're called to represent Christ in a world that often pushes back against Him. Today, Pastor Bill will share with you how Jesus showed love in the face of hate, grace in the face of failure, and truth in the face of lies. And now, He calls you to walk in His steps. What does it mean to be Christ-like, carrying His presence into a world that desperately needs to see Him through you?

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? It's more than agreeing with His teaching; it's becoming like Him. As His people, we're called to represent Christ in a world that often pushes back against Him. Today, Pastor Bill will share with you how Jesus showed love in the face of hate, grace in the face of failure, and truth in the face of lies. And now, He calls you to walk in His steps. What does it mean to be Christ-like, carrying His presence into a world that desperately needs to see Him through you?

Crowds are powerful, but they're not always right. The same people who shouted “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem were shouting “Crucify Him!” just days later. The crowd is often fickle, swayed by emotions, fear, or the pressure of the moment. That's why Scripture calls us to fix our eyes on Christ, not on the shifting opinions around us. Pastor Bill will explain today that following Jesus may mean standing apart. Steer clear of joining the crowd and choose to follow the voice of your Shepherd instead.

Crowds are powerful, but they're not always right. The same people who shouted “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem were shouting “Crucify Him!” just days later. The crowd is often fickle, swayed by emotions, fear, or the pressure of the moment. That's why Scripture calls us to fix our eyes on Christ, not on the shifting opinions around us. Pastor Bill will explain today that following Jesus may mean standing apart. Steer clear of joining the crowd and choose to follow the voice of your Shepherd instead.

Christianity rises or falls on one event: the resurrection of Jesus. If He stayed in the grave, then our faith is empty, our hope is gone, and our message is powerless. But if He truly rose from the dead, then everything changes. Death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and life with God is guaranteed. Today, Pastor Bill will declare that the resurrection isn't just a detail of the story; it's the foundation of your faith. Christ is the center of Christianity, and everything you believe hangs on that truth.

Christianity rises or falls on one event: the resurrection of Jesus. If He stayed in the grave, then our faith is empty, our hope is gone, and our message is powerless. But if He truly rose from the dead, then everything changes. Death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and life with God is guaranteed. Today, Pastor Bill will declare that the resurrection isn't just a detail of the story; it's the foundation of your faith. Christ is the center of Christianity, and everything you believe hangs on that truth.

Have you ever thought about what your life's purpose might be after experiencing Salvation? Perhaps you're the quiet type, or maybe you lean more towards being an introvert. So, does that mean you're off the hook when it comes to contributing to God's Kingdom? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how God works through you to fulfill His purpose. There are specific individuals out there that God has in mind for you to connect with and share the gospel. Don't worry! The Holy Spirit will lead you and inspire the right words to say!

Have you ever thought about what your life's purpose might be after experiencing Salvation? Perhaps you're the quiet type, or maybe you lean more towards being an introvert. So, does that mean you're off the hook when it comes to contributing to God's Kingdom? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how God works through you to fulfill His purpose. There are specific individuals out there that God has in mind for you to connect with and share the gospel. Don't worry! The Holy Spirit will lead you and inspire the right words to say!

Isn't it the best feeling when you stumble upon something amazing? You just can't help but want to share it with everyone, right? That's precisely what Jesus' disciples went ahead and did. They talked about Salvation and the incredible transformation it had brought to their lives. They weren't just preaching rituals; they were sharing the incredible fountain of grace that Jesus offers to all of humanity. In today's message, Pastor Bill encourages you to share the joy of the gospel with those around you!

Isn't it the best feeling when you stumble upon something amazing? You just can't help but want to share it with everyone, right? That's precisely what Jesus' disciples went ahead and did. They talked about Salvation and the incredible transformation it had brought to their lives. They weren't just preaching rituals; they were sharing the incredible fountain of grace that Jesus offers to all of humanity. In today's message, Pastor Bill encourages you to share the joy of the gospel with those around you!

Have you ever come across the saying, “two hands are better than one”? Isn't it just better to have someone by your side for everything you do? But not every friend sticks around for the long haul. In ministry, it's not uncommon to find yourself in moments where people drift away from your side. So, does that mean you can't move ahead anymore? Today, Pastor Bill is here to remind you to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges you face. Even when you feel alone, just remember, God is with you!

Have you ever come across the saying, “two hands are better than one”? Isn't it just better to have someone by your side for everything you do? But not every friend sticks around for the long haul. In ministry, it's not uncommon to find yourself in moments where people drift away from your side. So, does that mean you can't move ahead anymore? Today, Pastor Bill is here to remind you to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges you face. Even when you feel alone, just remember, God is with you!

Picture yourself as this bashful guy, working up the courage to impress the girl of your dreams. When you pop the question and she responds with a ‘yes', that surge of dopamine kick will fill you with unparalleled happiness. In the same way, Jesus bursts with joy the instant you welcome Him as your Savior. In today's message, Pastor Bill describes the joy of your Creator. Jesus gave His life on the cross just for your sins. Just picture His delight in realizing that all His suffering didn't go in vain!

Picture yourself as this bashful guy, working up the courage to impress the girl of your dreams. When you pop the question and she responds with a ‘yes', that surge of dopamine kick will fill you with unparalleled happiness. In the same way, Jesus bursts with joy the instant you welcome Him as your Savior. In today's message, Pastor Bill describes the joy of your Creator. Jesus gave His life on the cross just for your sins. Just picture His delight in realizing that all His suffering didn't go in vain!

Have you ever noticed how people often face backlash when they welcome Jesus into their hearts? It could come from their family, friends, or maybe even their coworkers. Have you ever thought about why this happens? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how the enemy lies to snatch away your happiness. Receiving Jesus into your life can lead to a profound sense of joy. But you know, Satan isn't a fan of that, so he'll use others to chip away at your joy and, in the end, your salvation. Don't get caught in his lies!

Have you ever noticed how people often face backlash when they welcome Jesus into their hearts? It could come from their family, friends, or maybe even their coworkers. Have you ever thought about why this happens? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how the enemy lies to snatch away your happiness. Receiving Jesus into your life can lead to a profound sense of joy. But you know, Satan isn't a fan of that, so he'll use others to chip away at your joy and, in the end, your salvation. Don't get caught in his lies!

When joy crosses your mind, a whole bunch of delightful thoughts come to play. How about kicking things off with that dream supercar or a stylish house complete with a swimming pool? But have you ever considered how these things might only bring you happiness for a short while? Today, Pastor Bill shares some insights about where real happiness comes from. Getting to know Jesus and understanding how He saved you brings a joy that's truly untouchable! It's a feeling that sticks with you, no matter what!

When joy crosses your mind, a whole bunch of delightful thoughts come to play. How about kicking things off with that dream supercar or a stylish house complete with a swimming pool? But have you ever considered how these things might only bring you happiness for a short while? Today, Pastor Bill shares some insights about where real happiness comes from. Getting to know Jesus and understanding how He saved you brings a joy that's truly untouchable! It's a feeling that sticks with you, no matter what!

Imagine the feeling of being so overwhelmed because the court just ordered you to pay a $20 million settlement. How's your bank account looking? Would you be able to do it? Now imagine the feeling of relief when someone walks in, speaks to the judge, and the judge declares your portion paid in full. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that this isn't imaginary. Jesus came down to earth, saw a debt you couldn't pay, and paid for it in full with His sweat, blood, tears, and ultimately His life.