The Implanted Word Podcast

A hallmark trait of consumerism is constantly looking for the “next big thing.” What features will the new iPhone have? The new model of car has those bells and whistles that you can’t live without! Never mind the fact that you’ve lived without it your whole life. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that when you look for joy in the “next big thing,” your joy will never be satisfied. The day a new product hits the market, it will always be outdated. Instead, your joy should come from the everlasting God.

Nine times out of ten, arguments usually escalate because one person gets defensive, and they accidentally buy into the saying, “The best defense is a good offense.” The problem there is that Jesus doesn’t necessarily want you to be on offense. He wants you to love His creation in the same way that He does. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that when you get into a conflict with other people, don’t look horizontally… that is, don’t only look at them. Look vertically, and how God would treat others in the situation.

Many people are looking to treat church sermons as an inspirational TED Talk. They hope that they won’t be offended and that they might learn a couple of interesting things as they go on their merry way. Well, as Pastor Bill points out in today’s message, it doesn’t often end up that way… or at least it shouldn’t. The Word of God isn’t there to make you feel good about yourself. God speaks through the pages to bring you closer to Himself and make you look more like Jesus.

Our own worst enemy is often ourselves. We let our heads become bigger than they ought to be and fill with pride. We think we know everything and that we can do it all, until one day we realize we're neither as intelligent nor as invincible as we thought. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that instead of taking pride in what you know, take pride in what God knows. Instead of trying to use your own strength, rely on the strength that only the Holy Spirit can give. Simply put: “Let God lead.”

Have you ever walked around a market and seen a friend or colleague that you didn’t expect to see? It can sometimes take us by surprise! Today, Pastor Bill says God often moves in ways you can’t even see. When you trust Him and allow Him to lead you, He’ll show up at the most random points. You could be doing something you think is for a specific purpose, but God will show up and tell you it’s for something else! Let Him work in your life and lead you continually because His ways are always better.

Have you ever used a GPS and gotten lost while driving? It’s frustrating because what’s supposed to be a helpful device isn’t helpful at all. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says God’s always on the move and will lead you even if you’re doing wrong. Unlike a GPS, which only works when you give it a destination, God continually works even when you don’t know where you’re going. Trust in Him today and allow Him to lead you. He’s willing to guide as long as you let Him take the reins on your life.

When we hear stories of revival happening in cities or nations, it can be easy to give credit to the people speaking or leading them. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that when Stephen was teaching, people were being changed, but not because of anything Stephen was doing; it was all because of what the Holy Spirit was doing in his heart. When Jesus is the main person guiding your life, you can be assured that He’ll use you in mighty ways for His kingdom, and it may not be in ways you even think of!

Have you ever seen someone change their life because of Jesus? It’s like they’re a new human! The old is gone, and the new is here! Today, Pastor Bill says you can’t change anything on your own, but it’s because of the Holy Spirit that you’re changed. When you accept Jesus into your heart, He’s able to work through your life and change you from the inside out. You’ll look at things differently just because you have the Holy Spirit in you. Accept Jesus into your heart, and trust that His way is better!

What would you do if you had the solution to all the Earth’s health issues? You’d probably go everywhere sharing the solution so people could be healed even if you were told not to! Today, Pastor Bill says the world doesn’t want you to share the Gospel, but you must be bold and continue to share because people need to know the truth. This doesn’t mean go out and yell and shout at people, but rather share the gospel with them in love. Show God’s love and watch as people’s hearts start to change.

When we’re young and we have arguments with our parents, things usually start to escalate when both parties start to yell at each other. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that though we can be firm with the Gospel, we must also show love towards those who need it. When you fight violence with love, all guards go down. Next time you’re trying to share the gospel, ask yourself what Jesus would do. I assure you, Jesus would show compassion to those who are hurting to bring them closer to Him.