The Implanted Word Podcast

If you are out on a boat in the middle of a storm, you would want to know exactly how to operate that particular boat. You wouldn’t really care what anyone’s opinion was on how to steer it. You wouldn’t rely on your own gut feeling. You would consult what you know from the manual. You would operate the boat as it was intended. When you encounter storms in your own life, you have to operate according to the manual, that is, the Bible. Today Pastor Bill encourages you to live life according to what God says.

We often want to be the person on the stage, the one lighting up a room and making huge advances for the kingdom. Even if you are a behind-the-scenes kind of person, it’s easy to feel inadequate when you look at those who have a very public gifting from God. But as Pastor Bill reminds you today, you have no reason to feel less than others. John the Baptist had a huge role in bringing people to Jesus, and he never performed even one miracle. You don’t have to perform miracles to be used by God. Simply point others to Him.

Love is the best motivation for action. It’s hard to be patient without having love first. Kindness and goodness come easier when love is strong. True peace can’t be attained without first having love. So how is God able to perfectly show all these attributes to us? He loves first. Everything He does is motivated by love. Pastor Bill shows you today that Jesus really loves you. He’s patient with you because He wants you to be saved. He is long-suffering with your questions and doubts because He loves you.

I can't wait for that day when we're all in heaven together looking back at the “great ride” that was this life. When we will see God's glorious tapestry in full, instead of the pieces that may feel disjointed or dark. Thank you, Lord, that you are working all of this out for my good and your glory! I can't wait to see it all one day! But in the meantime, when things are getting discouraging or downright frightening, you're going to want to have today's message from Pastor Bill tucked away for that rainy day!

Are you circling Jesus like a boxer in the ring? You haven't dismissed Him yet, but you're treating Him more like an adversary than a Savior. You poke and prod and ask questions just to tear apart Christianity. But if you're asking who Jesus is, He has already made it clear. He is the Savior, the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. And He's ready to take your sin, too. Pastor Bill is going to show you today who Jesus is and how much He loves you. Do you want to believe it?

What's your problem today? Whatever your answer, Pastor Bill is here to tell you, just like Jesus did, that that is not your problem. Your problem is hell. When you come to Jesus, He's not going to be the physical savior you think He is. It's not about making this life on earth more comfortable. Jesus came to save your soul from hell. He came to bring your dead soul back to life! So whatever problem you're facing today, that's not your problem. Run to Jesus to solve the real problem—that you're separated from God.

Do you have a pet? A cat or a dog or maybe a bird? How much do you love that animal? Is it a member of your family? You might run into a burning building to pull it out, but would you voluntarily give up your life for that pet? Praise the Lord you and I are worth so much more than a pet! Because Jesus did voluntarily give up His life to save you—even though you're a sheep! Take a minute and thank Him for being the Good Shepherd, and then stay with us so we can thank Him together!

How many times have you wandered away from God and His plan for you? We're all just like sheep, wandering from God's protective care. We run away and fall into a ditch, sometimes the same ditch over and over! But He will never leave us in our wandering. Pastor Bill is going to share the heart of the Shepherd today—how he keeps coming after us every time we wander, again and again, and again. Don't you want to hear more about the One who loves you enough to keep coming after you?

What kind of animal would you choose to be? Which one do you feel most reflects who you are? I would love to be an eagle, soaring majestically above the trees. Or like Pastor Bill, I'd like to think I would be a stallion! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind you and me that we are all really just sheep. Without the loving hand of our Shepherd to guide and protect us, we are helpless and hopeless. Aren't you grateful for Shepherd's love? Stick around to hear more about Him!

If you’re fortunate enough to be comfortable economically – that doesn’t have to mean wealthy, but if you’re not worried about where your next meal is coming from or that you’ll have a place to lay your head – you’re wealthier than a significant portion of the world population. If you’re in that position of comfort and modern convenience, you’ll find it harder to see your need for a Savior. But, as Pastor Bill will warn in today’s message, those comforts have blinded you to your desperate need.