The Implanted Word Podcast

When we win board games, how do we feel? There’s a little bit of a sense of pride (which we do have to check and confess), but there’s also a bit of joy because you’ve won! In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that we must have joy in Jesus. Where do you find your joy? Is it in your work? Your status on social media? How popular are you amongst your friends? You must find your joy in Jesus because He’s the only one who won’t fail you. Everything from this world is fleeting, but Jesus is everlasting!

It’s hard to watch people go through suffering. There’s almost nothing you can do to bring their mood up. The correct response most of the time is to point them back to Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that even through Paul’s suffering, God is still providing joy for him. He wants to sustain you when you feel down and bring you comfort when you feel sad. Paul found his strength in Jesus, and you must also. When you’re in a trial, ask yourself what you can do to find your joy in Christ! 

Taking risks can be challenging sometimes. It’s hard to discern what’s a good risk and what’s a bad risk. When someone goes to a casino, they typically bet on whatever causes them to feel something inside, even if the chances of losing are higher than the chances of winning. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says you must take gambles on Jesus while you still can because you never know when you might not be able to. Take risks for Jesus and watch as He answers your prayers and strengthens you!

Imagine being Paul; you’ve had a lot of things happen to you, and yet you still find your joy in Jesus. But even amidst the suffering, Paul’s joy is stronger than ever. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says it’s because he knew that when he took a gamble on Jesus and shared the good news of His resurrection, there would be suffering. What can you learn from Paul’s story? When you face suffering of any kind, you must stand firm in the truths of the Gospel. Remind yourself that God’s right by your side!

There’s a popular song by Rihanna that says, “Shine bright like a diamond.” As silly as it sounds, that’s how you must live your life as a follower of Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill calls for you to shine bright. You must be a difference maker in the world around you! Let your light shine so that you can be a witness before others! When you shine, it’s easier to be a witness for Jesus! Be bright so the world can be influenced not by the things you’re doing, but by the things God’s doing through you!

When someone works out, it takes time for them to build up the strength to lift heavier weights. They must get the form right and understand which exercises work for their body to gain muscle. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says followers of Jesus have to constantly work out and flex the different muscles of the spirit. You must challenge yourself so that you can grow in the Lord. Just like when you work out your body, this will take time before you feel stronger. Take your walk with the Lord one step at a time!

As we go through the book of Philippians, it’s easy to ask the question, “Why is Paul happy even amidst his suffering?” Today, Pastor Bill says even if Paul’s witness leads to his death, he’s still glad. This is because he’s so filled with the Holy Spirit that he’s not thinking about this life as a gain but rather looking forward to what’s to come in Heaven! Now, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a mission while you’re here. There are a lot of people who don’t know Jesus; you must share your faith with others!

In the NBA playoffs this past year, the New York Knicks were losing by twenty-two points in the fourth quarter. It looked like all hope was lost, but somehow and someway they were able to come back and win the game in overtime! It truly was incredible to see! Now this may be a long shot, but I imagine that’s what it might’ve felt like when Jesus was dead for three days. People were wondering whether “He would come back again? Today, Pastor Bill says the story didn’t end in the grave but in resurrection! 

We’re all susceptible to having idols in our lives. We’ll turn to anything if it’ll give us satisfaction in the short term. But it always leads to us feeling shameful and remorseful for what we just did. Today, Pastor Bill says that no matter what we do, we’ll always need someone perfect to atone for our sins. You require a sacrifice because you’re naturally sinful. That’s why God sent Jesus down, so that you can have a way to have a relationship with Him. Trust in Jesus today and allow Him to shape your life!

A superfan of a sports team will do anything to show their love and support for their favorite team. It can be anything from jerseys to bumper stickers to rooms full of collectables. Some might say they’re a freak for their team! Today, Pastor Bill defines what a Jesus freak is. It’s someone who can’t stop talking about how good Jesus is. But isn’t that something everyone should be doing? You shouldn’t be ashamed of the Gospel, but you should continually share what God’s done in your life!