The Implanted Word Podcast

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.

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?

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

Have you seen the many predictions that The Simpsons seem to get right? For instance, The Shard in London, which was constructed in 2009, was featured in an episode in 1995. Then, there's one of their more famous predictions – the Donald Trump presidency. It's rather fascinating… and of course purely coincidental. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that what isn't coincidental is the number of accurate predictions in the Bible. You can trust them because God authored them.

There's nothing better than that powerhouse of a friend who knows exactly what to say, and when to say it. Their words of encouragement can completely change a situation. Today, Pastor Bill equips you to be that friend by offering the best word of encouragement there is – the name of Jesus. No matter what you or your friends might be going through, knowing that there's a savior who loved you enough to die for you can change your entire outlook. Aren't you glad you have that savior?

As Christians, we are called to love others. The world has somewhat distorted the definition of love to mean accept, affirm, or make others comfortable. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that truly loving others means that… in his words, “There is a time to go Batman on somebody.” When you truly love someone, you desire to see them succeed and grow, and not just stay stuck in their sins. To be a Christian is to be an ambassador for Christ, and to be an ambassador is to make His Word known. 

Whenever you do an act of kindness, what's the mindset behind it? Do you minister to others for God, or do you minister to God? Those may sound similar, but maybe this will help. Imagine you work for a hotel as a greeter. Do you hold the door open for patrons on the company's behalf, or because you want to show them an act of kindness? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that, in the same way, you can either serve people for God or serve people to God. It's not just the actions you do, but the heart behind them.

In medieval times, knights were valiant warriors who spent a lot of time training and making sure they were well-equipped. They often had a squire who would help them get their extremely heavy armor attached and secured so that they could be protected from enemy attacks. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that God, the King, has chosen you to be a warrior for His name's sake. In fact, He is so confident in His choice that He equips you with His own armor, which we call the Bible.

Aren't you glad that God isn't distant? If you look at other religions, the “gods” they worship seem to want nothing to do with humanity. In Greek and Roman mythology, the gods seemed to treat people as playthings. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that the God of the Christian faith is as real as the air you're breathing right now! Aren't you glad that you can pray to a God who will listen to you and speak back to you? Aren't you thankful that God doesn't just sit idly, but that He actually answers prayers?

As the boats full of soldiers approached the eerie Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, what do you imagine was going through their minds? Were they excited? Were they relaxed? Of course not! There was tension there because they knew they were marked, yet they mustered up courage and fought anyway. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that as a follower of Jesus Christ, you are marked. The world isn't going to be happy with you, but gather your courage and fight the good fight anyway.

We often view those spiritual leaders in our lives who pray consistently and frequently as never having any doubt about who they are praying to. In our mind, they have their act together. Well, in today's sermon, Pastor Bill teaches that sometimes there's more to it than meets the eye. Doubt is common, and when it creeps in, it doesn't make you any less Christian. When that happens, follow the path of the father who cried to Jesus to help his unbelief. Let Jesus heal your doubts.

How often do you ask your spouse or kids to do something, and then a little hint of anger seeps in when they don't immediately do it? How often do you do that with God? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that you should pray fervently and without ceasing. However, he also reminds you that God doesn't work on your schedule. He has a schedule of His own. Your prayers will be answered, but they just might not be answered in the way you hoped, or as fast as you'd hoped. Nevertheless, keep praying.

The greatest compliment, the highest title, and the most rewarding identity you or anyone could ever achieve is Christian. If you're a Christian, you have a higher calling and a much more rewarding and pleasurable future lined up! In today's message, Pastor Bill will ask you as plainly as possible, “Are you a Christian?” Going to church and reading your Bible doesn't constitute a holy life; Jesus does! If you love Jesus and have surrendered ALL to Him, you are a Holy and valuable Christian!

There is no hierarchy in the kingdom of God except that Jesus is over everything. There isn't some seasoned, holier-than-thou section for some people and a less holy section for new believers. It's simply Jesus is King and WE'RE ALL under Him! We're all holy and precious in His sight! Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that no matter how long you've been a Christian, you are a son or daughter to God! Nothing more, nothing less! He sees you and your saved neighbor as holy because of the cross!

Let me save you a lot of confusion and stress; you cannot understand everything God does. It is literally impossible for your human mind to comprehend godly actions. God's ways are unknown, and that is a good thing! You can't fathom all He does or is doing. The Lord chooses not to reveal His plans - to protect you! In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to accept the unknown and trust God! When you don't understand, lean on God for peace and acceptance, and He will be faithful! 

Having the Holy Spirit is a gift so magnificent that we cannot fully comprehend it! Jesus Himself said that the Holy Spirit would live in us and would be with us forever! In today's message, Pastor Bill will share how lucky we are to have a helper with us 24/7! If you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, then you have the wisdom, patience, and love of God flowing through you, ready to be accessed! As you go throughout your day, give space to listen and obey wherever the Holy Spirit may be guiding you!

We cannot be half-Christian and still be half-worldly. If we're true “Christians,” then we must be all in! God must be Lord over everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have! There can be no halfway; we must be completely sold out for Jesus! In today's message, Pastor Bill will ask you, “Is Jesus Lord of you?... or are you still on the fence?” If you're not quite sure, let me tell you, you will never regret giving your all to God; you won't! Jesus is faithful, loving, and will never leave you!

We cannot be half-Christian and still be half-worldly. If we're true “Christians,” then we must be all in! God must be Lord over everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have! There can be no halfway; we must be completely sold out for Jesus! In today's message, Pastor Bill will ask you, “Is Jesus Lord of you?... or are you still on the fence?” If you're not quite sure, let me tell you, you will never regret giving your all to God; you won't! Jesus is faithful, loving, and will never leave you!

True Christianity has been misunderstood and twisted in today's day and age. Living a real Christian life is all about Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross. There are no other deciding factors or anything that can change that. It isn't about what we want or what we think we need; it's about Jesus, and Jesus alone!!! Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to live a Biblical Christian life. You aren't to live according to what culture says is Christian, but according to who God says Christians are to be!

True Christianity has been misunderstood and twisted in today's day and age. Living a real Christian life is all about Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross. There are no other deciding factors or anything that can change that. It isn't about what we want or what we think we need; it's about Jesus, and Jesus alone!!! Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to live a Biblical Christian life. You aren't to live according to what culture says is Christian, but according to who God says Christians are to be!

If we truly want to hear the Word of God and not just a feel-good after a sermon, we will find it! True Bible teaching includes the comforting and the difficult-to-hear truths. There are good, Spirit-led Bible teachers out there; we just need to be wise! In today's message, Pastor Bill will show that if you want wholesome Bible teaching, then you need to be ready for ALL of it! You cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible you want to live by. You must live with and for Jesus, and that's it!

If we truly want to hear the Word of God and not just a feel-good after a sermon, we will find it! True Bible teaching includes the comforting and the difficult-to-hear truths. There are good, Spirit-led Bible teachers out there; we just need to be wise! In today's message, Pastor Bill will show that if you want wholesome Bible teaching, then you need to be ready for ALL of it! You cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible you want to live by. You must live with and for Jesus, and that's it!

Just as Peter had to make the choice of following God or following himself…we too have to make the same choice today. Are we going to choose to obey God or give in to our wills? As we are sure to find out, one choice usually works out MUCH better than the other! In today's message, Pastor Bill shows you how your obedience to God always pays off. He is forever faithful! No matter what it is God is calling you to, even if it's something you don't like or know, being obedient will never be a regret!!

Just as Peter had to make the choice of following God or following himself…we too have to make the same choice today. Are we going to choose to obey God or give in to our wills? As we are sure to find out, one choice usually works out MUCH better than the other! In today's message, Pastor Bill shows you how your obedience to God always pays off. He is forever faithful! No matter what it is God is calling you to, even if it's something you don't like or know, being obedient will never be a regret!!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing! We desperately need it! In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that the good news, which is the gospel, is shared by people. The wonders, protective warning, and faithful love of Jesus are spread to other desperate people by you! You are meant to share all that God has done for you with other people. That is your purpose. That is why you are on this earth: to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who haven't heard or accepted it!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing! We desperately need it! In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that the good news, which is the gospel, is shared by people. The wonders, protective warning, and faithful love of Jesus are spread to other desperate people by you! You are meant to share all that God has done for you with other people. That is your purpose. That is why you are on this earth: to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who haven't heard or accepted it!

God knows the names of His children!... Isn't that just amazing?!?! The same God Who paints the sky every night knows every single one of us by name! In today's message, Pastor Bill shares the comfort and wonder Cornelius had of being known. He wasn't just known, but he was known by His heavenly Father! You share that same unthinkable blessing! You are deeply understood, fully seen, and known by God! There isn't a place you can go that God won't find you and call you by your name!

God knows the names of His children!... Isn't that just amazing?!?! The same God Who paints the sky every night knows every single one of us by name! In today's message, Pastor Bill shares the comfort and wonder Cornelius had of being known. He wasn't just known, but he was known by His heavenly Father! You share that same unthinkable blessing! You are deeply understood, fully seen, and known by God! There isn't a place you can go that God won't find you and call you by your name!

There is no segregation in the kingdom of God! If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and live your life chasing after Him, then you belong! That's it. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, what gender you are, or what country you're from. If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus, you will be saved! In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to give your life to Jesus and surrender to Him! If you've already done that, then go tell everyone who Jesus is and how they can be saved too!!!

There is no segregation in the kingdom of God! If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and live your life chasing after Him, then you belong! That's it. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, what gender you are, or what country you're from. If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus, you will be saved! In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to give your life to Jesus and surrender to Him! If you've already done that, then go tell everyone who Jesus is and how they can be saved too!!!

Sometimes the most important moments in your walk with God are when you serve Him right where you are. It may be possible that you've spent so much time looking for what God's calling you to do that you overlook the opportunities right in front of you. Today, Pastor Bill is going to tell you about the readiness of Peter, and how that readiness and eagerness to serve put him right where he needed to be to be ready for the more important moments of his life. He started where he was with what he had.

Sometimes the most important moments in your walk with God are when you serve Him right where you are. It may be possible that you've spent so much time looking for what God's calling you to do that you overlook the opportunities right in front of you. Today, Pastor Bill is going to tell you about the readiness of Peter, and how that readiness and eagerness to serve put him right where he needed to be to be ready for the more important moments of his life. He started where he was with what he had.

Everyone can be made a saint in God's eyes. You just need to be forgiven of your sins and made clean before Him. That comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God wants as many people as possible to be saved, and that includes you. After that, your goal should be spreading the hope of Jesus and eternal life to everyone you can. Today, Pastor Bill will share the example that Paul set of reaching people in ministry. He travelled and spread the Gospels everywhere he could, to anyone who would listen.

Everyone can be made a saint in God's eyes. You just need to be forgiven of your sins and made clean before Him. That comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God wants as many people as possible to be saved, and that includes you. After that, your goal should be spreading the hope of Jesus and eternal life to everyone you can. Today, Pastor Bill will share the example that Paul set of reaching people in ministry. He travelled and spread the Gospels everywhere he could, to anyone who would listen.

God has huge plans for your life. Even if you don't know how it could be or what it would look like, that plan can't be stopped by anything. You just have to follow God's calling and be faithful to doing His will. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how sometimes it takes moments of silent preparation to get you ready for when it's time to move. No matter what God calls you to do, you'll have what you need to get there. Just be patient and faithful during those days when you don't see God moving. Be ready.

God has huge plans for your life. Even if you don't know how it could be or what it would look like, that plan can't be stopped by anything. You just have to follow God's calling and be faithful to doing His will. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how sometimes it takes moments of silent preparation to get you ready for when it's time to move. No matter what God calls you to do, you'll have what you need to get there. Just be patient and faithful during those days when you don't see God moving. Be ready.

Sometimes, the moments where you don't see God moving are the moments that prepare you for when He does. Paul alone on the road to Damascus, Jesus alone in the desert, Moses alone by the burning bush – all were moments away from the action that prepared them for the ministry they would soon have. Today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you find yourself in the middle of those quiet times, it might be the perfect moment to study God's Word more and prepare yourself for when God says to go.

Sometimes, the moments where you don't see God moving are the moments that prepare you for when He does. Paul alone on the road to Damascus, Jesus alone in the desert, Moses alone by the burning bush – all were moments away from the action that prepared them for the ministry they would soon have. Today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you find yourself in the middle of those quiet times, it might be the perfect moment to study God's Word more and prepare yourself for when God says to go.

Sometimes, God's plans won't make perfect sense to you. They might make you confused or simply wonder when you'll hear from Him again. In those days of testing, your faith is strengthened. In those moments, remember what God has done before and what He's capable of doing now. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God's plans won't always be how you imagine they should be. What's important is waiting in faith for the next time God speaks to you and tells you what to do.

Sometimes, God's plans won't make perfect sense to you. They might make you confused or simply wonder when you'll hear from Him again. In those days of testing, your faith is strengthened. In those moments, remember what God has done before and what He's capable of doing now. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God's plans won't always be how you imagine they should be. What's important is waiting in faith for the next time God speaks to you and tells you what to do.