About a dozen years ago I was speaking to a World War Two veteran after a church service. I asked for his advice. What is
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.
Better understanding the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ and how it works in Christians
What if there were nine virtues that all Christians inevitably show in their lives? I think there is. Let me explain. Karpos In the New
Your Legacy [Podcast]
Have you ever thought about your legacy? About what you will leave behind after your time on earth is done? When Jesus talks about people
Does it choke it or stoke it? [Video]
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus warns us about three “thorns” that can choke our faith and lives, making them unfruitful. Yikes! They are (a) the worries
Expect to be different—and persecuted [Video]
The word ‘persecution’ as it relates to #faith usually makes you think of elsewhere. But we increasingly can’t make that assumption. Here’s why, and how to prepare.
More than just one or two “faith issues” at the polls
In an election, there are more ‘faith issues’ than you might think. How will the 20+ million Canadians who somehow identify with Christianity respond?
Greater Contentment: 4 Insights for Christians
Do you struggle with contentment? This post highlights 4 biblical insights and practical suggestions to put them into practice.
Cherishing the seed [Podcast]
What will your legacy be? Part 1 in the ‘Crop’ series explores the famous Parable of the Sower. 3 responses to God’s message lead to nothing, 1 to everything. Which should be choose?
The opposite of worry [Podcast]
If you’ve never worried about anything, then you don’t need this. But if you want to know what Jesus’ says about worry, this might be just for you.
Who stole my purpose? [Video]
A lot of people struggle with their purpose in life. This message explores 2 biblical texts for an answer in a down-to-earth and applicable way. Oh, and it will make you more content too!
A Dummies Guide to the bazillion translations of the Bible
Wonder what to make of the bazillion Bible translations? This blog explains the 4 main types, and gives some advice. Enjoy!
The Thief of Comparison and Criticism [Video]
There are invisible thieves who can rob you of your contentment. One of them does so by convincing you to put too much stock in
Spiritual Billionaires [Video]
We live in a highly individualistic, consumeristic society. People have more stuff, disposable income, and free time than ever before. Most people should be on
Asking God For a Sign [Video]
Have you ever asked God for a sign? Have you ever wanted to? Wondered what the Bible says about doing that? After all, some clarity for life’s confusion would be great. Let’s explore it in this message together.
When does human life begin?
To explore this controversial question, I’ll look at the background in Canada and some biblical texts. What I say puts me in the minority, but I feel its the most loving approach for the most amount of people.
Three-Legged Pace: The Holy Spirit, Part 2 of 2 [Podcast]
Talk about The Holy Spirit can confuse people. I remember a school dance in grade seven. A teacher told me that we needed to “leave
The Advocate: The Holy Spirit, Part 1 of 2 [Podcast]
A lot of people have questions about the Holy Spirit: Is the Holy Spirit an “it” or a “who”? Is the Holy Spirit the same
Help When It Hurts (summary video, links)
Here’s a video that summarizes my 3-part teaching series called “Help When It Hurts.” It includes the rationale for the series (hint: hurt is a
What Christian parents are told to teach their children?
God wants the best for his children. Shouldn’t we want the same for ours? This post reminds Christian parents what matters most and why it matters.
Emerging from the ashes of what you’ve been through: “Help When It Hurts” – Part 3 [Podcast]
Hurts and hardship changes us. But in a good way, or a bad way? Who you are and who you can be emerges from the ashes of what you’ve been through. Listen in.
Matthew Ruttan 