all for one, one for all
We live in a quick-fix culture. Sine we can get some things quickly, we assume we should be able to get all things quickly — even when it comes to joy. But not so fast. Think diet not pill. This sermon is on John 16:4-25 and a joy which overcomes sorrow.
How in the world can it be to the disciples “advantage” for Jesus to leave? But it is. Otherwise, he will not send the Holy Spirit to them. This episode looks is a Bible Study on John 16:4b-24 and looks at this question and also 3 ways the Spirit works in the world.
You want to follow Jesus and even share him with others. But you’re so busy. Your “margin” is nil. This podcast is a talk with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, a professor at Tyndale who is writing a book on the importance of creating margin in our lives to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
Jesus said that the world would hate them. It would also persecute them. That’s serious stuff, both then and now. This sermon explores John 15:18 – 16:4 and offers 5 responses to increasing hostility.
Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands — oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
I was recently interviewed by Chris Pullenayegem from the Vancouver School of Theology about looking within, spiritual disciplines, and encouraging an ethos of discipleship in a congregation. This podcast is a recording of our talk.
It doesn’t make the headlines like the apocalypse or the last social justice issue. But “abiding in Christ” is something we’re told to do, shapes us over the long haul, and gives us joy. But what is it? How do we do it? This sermon on John 15:1-17 answers these questions.
Jesus tells us he is the true vine, his Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. We are to “abide” in Jesus and bear fruit. What does he mean and how does this give us “joy”? That’s what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 15:1-17.
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper” (the Paraklete). He lives within his people. But who exactly is he and what does he do? That’s what this sermon on John 14:15-31 explores.
God will send a special Helper to live within Jesus’ people: The “Parakletos.” Who is this Holy Spirit and what does he do? This episode is a Bible Study on John 14:15-31.
Jesus is the centre of our faith. He came to give us life; but what was his like? What did he look like? What was
Why a census? How far to Bethlehem? Was Jesus born inside or outside? What is something we’ve forgotten (but previous generations didn’t)? This episode shares an informal, interactive time with the congregation on Christmas morning as I answer these questions and more.
Jesus said: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Is that a blank cheque? This podcast is a short exert from a worship service on December 18, 2022 and provides some explanation.
We know the Christmas story. Or do we? If it doesn’t seem revolutionary or exciting, you’re not seeing the whole picture. This podcast and blog is a closer look at Luke 2:1-20.
In confusing times Jesus offers a word of clarity, compassion – and controversy. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Is Jesus really the only way? That’s what this sermon explores.
This teaching by Jesus includes comfort, controversy, and a call. First, he tells his disciples that he goes ahead to prepare a place for them
Jesus lived in desperate times. Life was hard. He was about to be betrayed, tortured and killed. With that in mind he gave a new command. To run for the hills? Nope. This sermon explores John 13:31-38.
Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command to
Is this Jesus’ version of “live your best life now”? Yes and No. Think bigger. Think life that is “abundant.” This podcast and blog distil Jesus’ use of the word “life” in John’s Gospel to two main ideas.
How would you define success? Is it accumulating money, influence, beauty or power? Well, of course not. We wouldn’t admit that — at least not
MatthewRuttan.com 