In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if there is a benevolent being?”
Author: MatthewRuttan
All for one, one for all. Soul, home & church for King Jesus. I write The Up Daily Devotional (theupdevo.com), host The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan, and pastor Westminster Church. Pancakes, hockey, campfires & song. VDM. Online homebase: MatthewRuttan.com
Light Locations [Sermon]
Jesus warns that the darkness can “overtake you.” Fortunately, God has provided light locations to keep us on the right path. This sermon explores John 12:27-50.
Seeking serious answers to serious questions [Sermon]
People are seeking serious answers to serious questions. There’s a temptation to downplay or trivialize these questions. But Jesus didn’t. This sermon explores John 12:20-26.
Sir, we wish to see Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 12:20-26)
They had a different culture and customs. But they just needed to see him. “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” In response, Jesus lays on something pretty heavy. This episode is a Bible Study on John 12:20-26.
Costly, whole-hearted devotion [Sermon]
If you follow Jesus you are different. In 1961, 96% of people in our country identified as Christian. No longer. “No Religion” is now the
At Jesus’ feet with shocking extravagance (Growing Deeper with John 12:1-11)
Imagine spending $30,000 in a single moment of extravagance. Oh, and you’re not rich. You spent it honouring Jesus. This episode is a Bible Study on Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet in John 12:1-11.
Can we earn heaven? Matthew 7:21 unsettles me, please explain
In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I’m also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you explain?”
Thom Rainer on the difference between church consumers and church members
It’s a new time – with challenges and opportunities. So we need to be honest about who we are in the body of Christ: consumers or members? This podcast is a talk with Thom Rainer, president of Church Answers and former CEO of LifeWay, and author of “11 signs you are becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member.”
Crying like Jesus [Sermon]
What does it mean to be “like Jesus”? Should we be loving, humble and sacrificial? Yes. What about crying like Jesus? This sermon on John 11:28-57 explores this idea and suggests three takeaways outside Lazarus’ empty tomb.
Dead man walking and the tears of Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 11:28-57)
A dead man breathing and the tears of God incarnate. The episode is a Bible study on John 11:28-57, the raising of Lazarus.
Understanding Baptism
This podcast and blog explains the meaning of the sacrament of baptism. It also explains who we baptize and provides a rationale.
Afraid no more [Sermon]
Fear may fill the world but it doesn’t have to fill your heart. This sermon unpacks John 11:1-27 — it’s part 1 of the raising of Lazarus.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and the antidote to fear (Growing Deeper with John 11:1-27)
Her brother died. Jesus used it as an opportunity to glorify God and beat back fear. This episode is a Bible study on John 11:1-27, part 1 of the raising of Lazarus.
Listening to and walking with The Good Shepherd (Growing Deeper with John 10:22-42)
This episode is a Bible Study on John 10:22-42 and explores the idea of listening to (and following) the Good Shepherd when we can’t actually see or hear him.
How to hear Jesus’ voice when you can’t actually hear his voice [Sermon]
Throughout history, many people have claimed to hear God’s voice. Prophets certainly did. Madmen with Messiah complexes leading people into the desert to die did
The Shepherd’s Voice – a Bible reading and prayer
John 10:7-11 read by Ben Ruttan, and my opening prayer in worship based on the same text: The Good Shepherd and abundant life.
The Good Shepherd, the sheep, and the thief (Growing Deeper with John 10:1-21)
This episode is a Bible study on John 10:1-21. I explore Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we the sheep, the thief, and share a word study in all occurrences of the word “life” in the Gospel to give us insight into life that is abundant.
Living an abundant life [Sermon]
“Live your best life now!” But what is your best life? Jesus said he came that we might have “abundant” life (John 10:10). This sermon explores that text and invites us to use our limited time on earth well.
What God can do through you is greater [Sermon]
A national poll asked: “If you could ask God only one question and you knew he would give you an answer, what would you ask?”
The God who works wonders through suffering and pain: the healing of the man born blind (Growing Deeper with John 9)
Does your hardship define you? Not necessarily. Does it limit God? No. This episode is a Bible study on John 9 — Jesus’ healing of the man born blind.
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