Someone who has “been there” like you will be there for you. In this episode I explore this idea by looking in-depth at Hebrews 2:5-18, the humanity of Jesus, and help for weary souls.
Author: MatthewRuttan
"A pulse doesn't mean you're alive." I'm a disciple-in-progress, dad, husband & pastor. Homebase: www.MatthewRuttan.com. I write The Up Daily Devotional and host The Pulse Podcast. One day I hope to own a rowboat. Just because it seems awesome.
Spiritual adultery or fidelity (Sermon)
What if we were cheating on God but didn’t know it? What if we DID know it? The opposite of spiritual adultery is single-minded fidelity to Jesus. This is what I explore in this sermon on Hebrews 4:4-14.
Angels, Jesus, and preferring pebbles to pearls (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 1:4-14)
Have you ever thought, ‘Well, maybe Jesus isn’t all he’s cracked up to be. Maybe I should consult a fortune-teller or rub that little Buddha’s belly just to ensure I have all my bases covered.’ In this podcast episode I explore Hebrews 1:4-14 and the things we do which undermine (even subconsciously) our belief in the sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus.
The radiance of Jesus
You can have courage for the battle when you have confidence in your leader. That’s what the book of Hebrews (and this sermon on the 1st 3 verses) does: provide clarity about Jesus.
Courage for the battle behind Christ (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 1:1-3)
Do you face hardship? Do you wonder if Jesus makes a difference? Ever think of turning back? These questions were forefront for the readers of Hebrews. This episode explores the first 3 verses and gets us thinking about timeless wisdom for life’s battles and having confidence in our Leader.
Reading and understanding the Bible when you’re by yourself
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it is another. Study groups and sermons can help. But what about when you’re by yourself and feel confused? In this episode I share 5 principles that will help.
Count what truly counts [Sermon]
What is the difference between “the good life” and a great life? That’s what I explore in this sermon on Acts 20:13-38 and Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. Yes, count your blessings; but count what truly counts.
Looking back on life and counting what truly counts (Growing Deeper with acts 20:13-38)
What is the difference between “the good life” and a great life? Paul’s wisdom in his farewell speech to the Ephesians in Acts 20:13-38 give us the answer. What if we were to start living by the right priorities BEFORE we got to our death beds?
Being different makes a difference [Sermon]
Do you ever feel strange because of your faith? What if (a) that wasn’t so bad, and (b) there was a purpose in it? This sermon on Acts 17:16-34 and Paul among the philosophers at Athens provides some answers and direction.
Being strange for Jesus: Paul among the professors of Athens (Growing Deeper with Acts 17:16-34)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I explore Acts 17:16-34, an account of Paul’s time with the philosophers of Athens, being called “strange,” and friction about the resurrection.
We know who God is, but what is God?
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster Church’s Q & A Forum: “We know who God is, but WHAT is God?”
Singing in the storm [Sermon]
Are you feeling under strain? Would you like to know a little thing that is actually a big thing and which can help you navigate your trials? In this sermon on Acts 16:16-34 I explore Paul and Silas singing in prison and the power of… music!
Paul, Silas, and the power of singing in prison (Growing deeper with Acts 16:16-34)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I explore Acts 16:16-34, the exorcism of a slave-girl, Paul and Silas singing in jail at midnight, conversion, and the power of song to amplify our awareness of the goodness of God.
Avoiding the post-pandemic crash [Sermon]
We have been living through a state of emergency perpetually. But we weren’t built for that. In this sermon on Psalm 116 I explore a faithful response to living in the wake of individual and collective trauma.
A healing response to trauma: Connecting to God and others (Growing deeper with Psalm 116)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I take us through Psalm 116, a passionate text about God’s rescue. The psalmist is proactive about connecting with God and others, an approach that is instructive to us today.
Conscience, the Puritans, and forming our minds today – a talk with Richard Topping
In this podcast episode, I talk with Richard Topping, professor and principal at VST, about conscience, the Puritans, society, and forming our minds today.
God’s Signature [Sermon]
Creation, it’s beauty, evidence for a kind God, and building common ground with people. This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 14:8-20.
Creation and evidence of a kind Creator (Growing deeper with Acts 14:8-20)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Paul & Barnabas’ visit to Lystra, getting treated like gods, and how creation points to a Creator and is a sign of God’s kindness to others, including those who don’t know him yet.
Faithfulness is never wasted [Sermon]
Just because you can’t see the fruit of your labour, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Faithfulness is never wasted. That’s what I explore in this sermon about Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 6:8 – 7:60.
Stephen’s martyrdom and the un-killability of faithfulness (Growing Deeper with Acts 6:8 – 7:60)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at the martyrdom of Stephen, the un-killability of faithfulness, and how this fortifies our faith today.
