Living Influence with Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd

How might your life change if you truly believed you were no longer a slave to sin?In this episode, Bill and Scott explore how faith—given to us when we were “dead in sin”—forms the foundation for a new identity in Christ. The conversation reframes spiritual growth from striving to sin less into trusting the truth of who God has already made us to be.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:41) How Christians often miss the obvious truth that faith is a gift.(02:39) The cycle of striving to sin less and hiding failures, and why it traps believers in defeat.(03:53) How Jesus not only died for sins but took believers into His death to give them new life.(05:13) Bill shares the short prayer that helped him believe he truly had the ability to serve righteousness.(06:20) Scott and Bill discuss the shift from “freedom from sin” to “freedom to live into God’s purposes.”(07:08) Bill begins unpacking 1 John 3 and what it means to be called children of God with the DNA of Jesus.(09:23) Bill explains why believers are righteous now, even though they are not yet fully mature.(12:41) Bill warns that focusing only on avoiding sin without embracing new identity leads to immaturity and defeat.(17:55) Bill prays for God to teach believers to trust their ability to love, and Scott shares how grief awakened his desire for shared love and community.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

How much of your spiritual struggle comes from trying to manage your sin instead of trusting your identity?In this episode, Bill and Scott unpack why so many believers live stuck in shame, hiding, and sin-management even though they’ve been given a new identity. Through stories, Scripture, and vulnerable examples, they show how experiencing love—not effort—is what transforms the heart. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:00) Scott shares how misunderstanding grace left him feeling imprisoned during his wife’s cancer battle.(02:40) How trying to use the law to become godly cuts Christians off from grace.(04:20) Bill describes the years he believed God loved him but never experienced that love personally.(06:00) How conflict with others can impact whether we view ourselves as a saint.(08:00) How passiveness was secretly the voice of Bill’s anger. (09:50) How transformation means the old patterns no longer own you, even if reactions still occur.(11:20) How hiding sin made Bill a slave to it. (15:20) Scott describes a leadership program that revealed how his self-protection was rooted in fear.(18:40) How shame awakens hopeless striving, and why a new reality is the only solution. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

How do I move from seeing myself as a sinner to living as someone dead to sin?This episode explores what it truly means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ. Bill and Scott challenge the deeply ingrained belief that Christians are still defined by their sin, revealing how that mindset robs us of joy and love. Together, they unpack how trusting God with your new identity leads to freedom, love, and a life rooted in grace instead of fear.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:29) How believers can move from seeing themselves as sinners to being dead to sin.(01:04) How seeing yourself as a sinner keeps sin your focus, but seeing yourself as a saint makes love your focus.(03:42) Faith in Christ gives believers a new identity under grace.(05:33) Why being dead to sin means living out righteousness through love.(07:05) How churches often reinforce a sinner mindset instead of grace.(10:49) Bill explains that the Christian life is not behavior change—it’s death to the old self.(14:03) What it means to trust Jesus not just with sin, but with your whole life.(18:51) Success comes from loving people.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

How have you been influenced by grace?In this episode, Bill and Scott reflect on how grace has shaped their lives, leadership, and communities. Scott shares how discovering grace changed his business culture, replacing control with trust and empowerment. Bill tells stories of how grace led to the founding of Open Door Fellowship, where commitment, love, and valuing people created a movement of transformation and freedom.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:40) How Scott’s company built a culture where people felt valued and empowered.(03:20) How grace-based leadership helps businesses thrive.(06:30) Seeing value in people, and how that challenges old frameworks of sin management.(11:30) On choosing to be “for, not against,” and how that simple conviction is transformative. (18:10) How grace expands people’s potential and inspires communities built on love, trust, and possibility.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Have you ever thought about how your theology is influencing you?This episode explores how many Christians have unknowingly built their theology around sin management rather than grace. Bill and Scott reflect on the harm caused by striving to become godly instead of trusting who God already says we are. Through personal stories and heartfelt reflection, they reveal that transformation begins not with working on sin, but with receiving and living from love.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:03) The idea that theology shapes how people see themselves and God.(01:15) How sin management creates pride or despair, depending on whether someone feels they’re “winning” or “failing” at holiness.(02:43) How striving to sin less never works; instead, love naturally reduces sin’s grip.(05:49) A personal story about how sin management led to painful separation from friends in pursuit of false godliness.(09:38) The discussion exposes how fear-based theology leads Christians to isolate from the world rather than engage it with grace.(13:12) How legalism grows from a theology that refuses to see saints as saints.(15:27) Sin management never touches our reality—only grace does.(16:03) Scott shares a personal story about how grace began transforming him during his wife’s cancer journey.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Are you discovering solutions to the lies that you've believed were true about you?This episode explores how the lies we believe about ourselves are often discovered within the stories we tell. Bill and Scott reveal the powerful connection between permission, trust, and the discovery of truth. Through vulnerability, questions, and grace, they invite listeners to move from false realities into a new way of seeing themselves and others.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:17) Discovering lies happens through telling and hearing our stories.(01:27) How permission grants genuine access to another person’s story.(02:09) Asking thoughtful questions becomes a key way to gain trust.(05:09) The danger of “fixing” others without permission. (06:03) How shame can keep learning and asking for help out of reach.(07:39) Knowledge used humbly can build trust.(10:17) Bill shares childhood memories of false family stories that created a false sense of reality.(12:55) Discovering truth through faith in Jesus becomes a turning point for freedom and identity.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What are some of the lies you've believed? Are there some convictions that you believe in that actually might be lies?This episode explores the deep and personal lies we believe about ourselves—and how love, not effort, is what truly heals them. Bill and Scott share intimate stories of loneliness, shame, and healing through trust, friendship, and being known. Together they reveal that grace through love is the only path to freedom from the lies that once defined us.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:02) How early lies can shape identity and self-worth.(02:39) The cycle of shame and insecurity. (03:55) How love, not self-effort, begins to dismantle lifelong lies.(05:31) Experiencing love for the first time. (06:45) How the fear of being hurt leads to putting conditions on love and acceptance.(09:25) The healing power of being loved without conditions. (11:19) A reflection on hiding and shame leads to the realization that safety, not effort, ends the cycle of hiding.(13:22) How vulnerability in a trusted community builds compassion.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Who in your life is taking a risk on you? Also, who in your life has influenced you?This episode explores how influence is born out of trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to take risks for someone else’s benefit. Through honest stories and reflections, Bill and Scott show how the people who have most shaped our lives are those who dared to believe we were worth the risk. Influence, they reveal, is not about control or teaching—it’s about choosing to love and trust in a way that invites transformation.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:22) The idea that both positive and negative influences can shape us. (03:06) How the influence of Bill’s wife, Grace, changed his life through love and honesty.(04:35) A pivotal moment unfolds when Grace tells Bill, “You won’t let me love you.” (06:04) Many people hide parts of themselves because they fear rejection if truly known.(07:38) The myth of self-sufficiency. (09:48) How hiding our needs keeps us from experiencing true relationship and healing.(12:19) The phrase “love can handle sin” reframes what it means to be known. (15:59) How influence extends outward. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you willing to risk trusting the influence of God in you for the benefit of others?This episode explores what it means to risk trusting God’s influence within you for the benefit of others. Through stories of business, family, and faith, the conversation reveals how courage, grace, and trust reshape how we lead and love. Bill and Scott invite you to act upon the truth that God’s influence in you is meant to influence others.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (0:00) Risking trust in God’s influence for the benefit of others.(1:18) How fear of failure keeps people from stepping into the game of life and leadership.(4:27) Coaching children to take small risks and how it shaped leadership philosophy.(5:53) Creating cultures of trust and removing fear of mistakes in business environments.(7:19) The power of believing in others and helping them feel valued.(8:25) How trusting people transformed a company’s growth and culture.(11:45) The danger of minimizing God’s work within us through “worm theology.”(13:44) A story about leading a young Jewish man to Christ and the lessons that followed.(17:17) The lifelong influence that came from helping others grow in purpose, not just direction.(21:04) The call to act upon the reality of God’s influence in us—and risk trusting it.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Do you live your life looking for opportunities and open doors, or do you live it based on your convictions?Bill and Scott unpack the difference between living by open doors of opportunity versus living by convictions rooted in truth. Bill shares formative stories of discovering conviction, divine interruption, and learning to trust God without knowing outcomes. Together, they invite you to consider how God’s influence shapes your past, present, and future.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:24) How Satan can use opportunity to distract from God’s purpose.(01:53) Mother Teresa’s decades of silent struggle were lived through conviction.(03:59) Bill recounts being invited to Bible college after becoming a Christian.(08:43) The importance of looking back at life to see God’s influence.(10:36) How our Creator’s presence is in our hearts to trust.(11:20) Bill’s first experience sensing God’s presence as a teenager.(16:53) How God brings people through suffering when they trust Him.(19:08) Unless we experience grace, we won’t truly understand God or ourselves.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

How are you influenced? Also, do you disregard influence and purpose based on circumstances, or do you remain undeterred by struggle?In this episode, Bill and Scott share personal stories of how God has influenced and interrupted their lives in unexpected ways. They also reflect on the difference between blessing and success, and how true blessing always leads to purpose—sometimes through suffering. Together, they remind us that trusting God’s interruptions is the path to discovering our destiny and learning to influence others with humility and authenticity.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:03) How blessing is often mistaken for success and shows how true purpose involves suffering.(03:41) God is always the initiator and introduces the idea of divine interruption.(06:51) Why God values humility more than excellence.(09:56) How Bill’s brothers were first influenced through a boys’ club.(11:13) Bill’s salvation at 17 after being asked, “What are you going to do with Jesus?”(13:31) Scott contrasts his Lutheran roots with how his wife and stepmother’s influence deepened his faith.(17:57) Trusting God when He interrupts and redirects life.(19:43) Obedience means trusting God and surrendering the results to Him.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What possibilities open when you embrace God’s purposes for your life?In this episode, Bill and Scott unpack what it means to live in freedom rather than in the bondage of shame. Drawing from Scripture and their own experiences, they highlight how trust in God’s truth reshapes identity, relationships, and daily choices. Together with guest Waldemar, they invite listeners to step out of the cage of familiarity and embrace the endless purposes of God.Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (00:03) Freedom in Christ(01:43) Experiencing Bondage vs. Freedom(03:56) Possibilities and Purpose in Freedom(07:48) Saying Yes to God’s Purposes(12:20) Living Out Freedom DailyThis episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Does God declare who we are, or are we on a continuous improvement plan?In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore how theology directly shapes our experience of either bondage to shame or freedom in Christ. They unpack the difference between reading Scripture as a list of “shoulds” versus embracing it as a declaration of who God says we are. The conversation highlights the life-changing reality of grace, the gift of a new heart, and the freedom to live without condemnation.Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (00:03) Theology, shame, and living in freedom through Ephesians 4.(01:27) How theology can keep believers trapped in shame or free them to live without condemnation.(03:01) The shift from “I ought to” toward “I can” as the language of grace.(06:06) Waldemar’s personal story of moving from self-punishment to freedom in prayer and grace.(08:09) Scott reframes repentance and forgiveness as gifts of grace rather than commands to keep God happy.(09:33) The feeling of “not enough.”(11:07) Focusing on the harder work of love—loving neighbors and enemies—rather than just avoiding sin.(12:34) Gifts, strengths, weaknesses, and the pitfalls of “sin management” theology.(15:01) How a theology of a deceitful heart keeps believers trapped, while a new heart in Christ brings lasting freedom.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Is Jesus able to give you new life? Did He really rise from the dead? Is the resurrection of Jesus the proof of all He accomplished?In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be alive in Christ. We discuss how shame and condemnation no longer define believers because of the resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We also highlight that righteousness is evidenced by love, and that new life in Jesus brings both healing and purpose.Topics that Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (00:08) The Question of Being Alive* The idea of resurrection life and God’s declaration of a new identity.(04:12) What It Means to Be Holy* Believers often resist believing they are holy or righteous.* How misunderstanding identity leads to confusion and doubt.(06:47) The Holy Spirit as Evidence* The Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy place.* The Spirit’s presence proves believers’ holiness.(10:52) Love as the Proof of Righteousness* Love, not morality or striving, is the evidence of new life.* The vulnerability of receiving love and its healing power.(17:30) Purpose in the New Life* Scott shares his experience teaching grace despite resistance.* Bill concludes with the Great Commission, calling believers to live their new purpose through influence and love.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

At Calvary, is Jesus able to bring me into His death? And, what does it mean when I say, “I am crucified in Christ”? In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore the radical reality of being crucified with Christ. They unpack what it means to die with Him—leaving behind shame, condemnation, and the law—and to begin living under grace. This conversation will invite you to trust God’s finished work and discover the freedom of a new identity.Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (0:30) – The Reality of Death in Christ* Galatians 2.* At Calvary, believers were brought into Christ’s death, freeing them from shame and sin.(3:30) – Surrender vs. Death* Challenging the idea of surrender as the solution, emphasizing that death is the ultimate surrender.(6:19) – Dead to Law, Alive to Grace* If we are dead to the law, then shame and condemnation no longer define us.* Experience does not define identity—God’s declaration does.(11:31) – It Is Finished* Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “It is finished.”(17:15) – Freedom Through Grace and Love* How love covers sin and creates healing relationships.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you defined by God or your experience? Also, if you’re defined by your experience, is your experience your God?This episode dives into the roots of shame and its lingering presence even after becoming a Christian. Bill, Scott, and Waldemar discuss how sin management, comparison, and fear are often signs of unresolved shame. Through biblical truth and personal stories, they explore how the redemptive work of Jesus offers a new identity free from condemnation.Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (00:00) What Is Shame?* Bill contrasts guilt and shame and explains how shame rewrites identity.* How shame distorts the way Christians see themselves despite God's truth.(04:12) Sin Management Theology* “Sin management” keeps Christians in shame.* Churches may preach grace but still convey a message of needing to “measure up.”(07:49) Adam and Eve* Genesis 3 and sin management.* How fear and hiding reveal shame hasn’t been healed.(10:00) Shame, Blame, and Comparison* How shame leads to blame and relational distance.* Shame often causes us to see others and ourselves through the wrong lens.(15:20) Wearing the Coat of Righteousness* The symbolism of God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins.* Personal stories of when shame distorted how Scott and Bill saw themselves.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What if shame or condemnation no longer had the power to define you?In this episode, Waldemar Kohl joins Bill and Scott to explore how grace offers a radical alternative to a life shaped by shame and condemnation. They also discuss what it means to trust Jesus not just with sin, but with our insecurities, failures, and fears. Topics Waldemar Kohl, Bill Thrall, and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (0:33) Waldemar’s Story * Waldemar’s early life of performance-driven faith and corporate success.(5:56) From Shame to No Condemnation* Thinking of trust as the bridge between belief and transformation.(10:01) The Object of Our Faith* Trust isn’t about quantity—it’s about the One you’re trusting.* Jesus can not only forgive sin but also take on shame itself.(14:21) The Power of Safe Community* Grace-based environments create safety, allowing people to be known.* When shame loses its grip, people discover trust through vulnerability.(20:15) Redefining Theology and Identity* Many Christians are still living as sinners instead of saints.* Learning to be loved leads to loving more—and sinning less.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

What if your destiny isn’t about what you do for God, but what He does in you and for you?This episode explores how grace radically shapes our destiny—not through performance, but through trust. Bill and Scott discuss how identity, humility, and influence are transformed when we receive God's view of us. They challenge listeners to stop fixing themselves and start receiving the life-changing truth of grace.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:03) Grace and Destiny* Doing things for God is not the same as receiving from Him.* Influence begins with how we see ourselves—either through shame or through God’s view.(03:16) Humility and Transformation* True humility is trusting what God is doing in you, not minimizing yourself.* God wants to exalt us because we are saints, not sinners trying to perform.(07:54) Strategic Plans vs. Divine Declarations* God’s declaration of who we are is more powerful than incremental improvement.* Our purpose begins with trusting that God's choice of us includes a calling.(16:22) Influence That Earns Trust* Our destiny includes earning people’s trust so they can receive our love.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

For you, what creates a safe place, a place where you're not afraid to be known? This episode explores how grace is not just a theological concept but a lived experience—especially within a community. Bill and Scott reflect on what it means to belong to an “environment of grace” and how mutual dependence leads to maturity, unity, and purpose. They challenge listeners to trust others, embrace their own needs, and believe that grace is meant to shape every relationship around them.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:03) What Is an Environment of Grace?* Grace allows people to live beyond their circumstances and meet others’ needs.* Communities shaped by grace express love as their defining characteristic.(04:45) The Difference Between True and Pseudo Community* A true grace-based community meets needs and cultivates joy and purpose.(08:52) Spiritual Gifts Are for the Community* Believers are gifted by God for the benefit of others, not self-expression.* Without a grace environment, spiritual gifts remain unused.(12:31) Maturity Requires Community* Hiding weaknesses blocks the maturing process and isolates believers.* Grace invites vulnerability and leads to growth.(14:53) Mutual Dependence Is Leadership* Submitting to one another’s strengths is an act of grace and trust.* Experiencing grace means learning to give and receive it—including with yourself.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

As yourself: Am I experiencing grace and love in my life? And if I'm not, how can I do that?Grace is not just a theological concept—it’s the foundation for every meaningful relationship of love. In this episode, Bill and Scott unpack how trust unlocks the experience of love and how grace enables us to lay down our masks and let our needs be seen. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (04:09) The Connection Between Trust and Love* Love is the process of meeting needs.* How God meets our deepest need for security.(08:05) Designed to Be Loved* Bill shares how his insecurity made it difficult to believe he mattered.* God’s love is given, not earned—because He is love.(12:14) Choosing to Be Loved* Bill reads from Revelation 3 and reflects on Laodicea’s self-sufficiency.* Jesus doesn’t fix people—He loves them into healing.(15:18) The Healing Power of Love* Grace leads to healing through safe, consistent love.* Love shifts our focus outward and helps us live transformed lives.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4hUd9pM Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/