In this episode of The Pulse Podcast, I discuss the much-neglected (but powerful) practice of fasting. Our society is more into self-indulgence than self-control. But Jesus assumed his disciples would do it. So here is some background and help.
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.
Open lips open doors. Sometimes. [Sermon]
Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent. In this sermon on Luke 24:36-49 I explore what it means to be a witness of Jesus today even when that puts us at odds with majority culture.
Martyrs and witnesses—then and now (Growing Deeper with Luke 24:36-49)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at Jesus’ resurrection appearance in Luke 24:36-49 and focus on the idea of being a witness (which is sometimes dangerous). Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent.
God’s dirt, word and work [Sermon]
How does God work in and through our lives (even when we’re imperfect)? That’s what Jesus answers in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) and is the theme of this message.
Kingdom secrets and the unstoppable word in the soil of your soul (Growing deeper with Luke 8:4-15)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at Jesus’ parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15, and how we can be ‘good soil’ producing a crop of God’s work through our (imperfect) lives.
Keeping composure under strain – a talk with Christine O’Reilly
In this podcast episode, I talk with Christine O’Reilly about keeping our composure under strain. She defines composure, discusses the fraying nature of our times, and offers suggestions to grow our capacity to maintain composure under strain.
The rope at the end of your rope [Sermon]
You don’t tend to know where “the end of your rope is” until you get there. In this sermon on Luke 18:35-43, I highlight how God can work in and through the desperate situations in our own lives.
Desperation, soul surgery, and gaining true vision (Growing Deeper with Luke 18:35-43)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at Jesus’ healing of the blind man in Luke 18:35-43, desperation, neediness, and the vision God can give when we feel we’re at the end of our rope.
Paradise is a Person [Sermon]
A lot of people are searching, they are dis-content. In this sermon about the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) I reflect on the implications of the risen Jesus and our longing for contentment.
Eden restored, paradise in a person, and finding contentment on the road to Emmaus (Growing Deeper with Luke 24:13-35)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at the risen Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and connect it to our own quests for contentment.
An Army Chaplain reflects on the pandemic, resiliency, and becoming stronger as a country—a talk with Rev. the Capt. Andrew Cameron
In this podcast episode, I talk with Army Chaplain Andrew Cameron about resilience, the pandemic, and if it’s a fair comparison to say that living through pandemic times is like living through war times.
Graveside dangers, renovation-by-resurrection, and the birthday of God’s new world (Growing Deeper with Luke 24:1-12)
This podcast episode is a more in-depth look at the resurrection story in Luke 24:1-12. As always there is more than what meets the eye, and hope for the living of difficult days.
The Game Plan [Sermon]
Easter is good, not because of how we’re feeling, but because of what God is doing. This Easter sermon on Luke 24:-12 explores the most significant event ever: the resurrection of Jesus.
Your Questions about Easter (and the answers)
Originally posted on Matthew Ruttan:
How do a magical bunny, eggs, the names “Maundy” and “Good Friday,” and the death of an innocent man all…
In good hands [Sermon]
Many people are “barely hanging on.” Is there a word from God to us on Palm Sunday, especially at a time like this? Yes. This sermon from March 29, 2021 provides one from Luke 19:28-44.
Palms, revolution, and the almighty weeping King (Growing Deeper with Luke 19:28-44)
This podcast episode is an in-depth look at this Palm Sunday text: Luke 19:28-44. It’s called palms, revolution, and the almighty weeping King. There is good news for those who are barely hanging on.
An interview with Steve Bradley from Life 100.3FM about The Pulse Podcast
This interview by Steve Bradley from Life 100.3FM serves as a brief introduction to The Pulse Podcast. It’s about living abundantly wholeheartedly.
Be prepared, not surprised [Sermon]
What do we know about the end times? What don’t we? This sermon from on Luke 21:5-38 explores these questions and more. One thing is for sure: We should be prepared, not surprised.
End Times, a temple in ruins, persecution and being ready (Growing Deeper with Luke 21:5-38)
This podcast is an in-depth look at Luke 21:5-38. I discuss Jesus’ words about the end times, a temple in ruins, persecution and being ready.
Anchor of the Soul – A talk by (and with) the Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine
In uncertain times (and in choppy waters) we need an anchor. This is the topic of this insightful talk by (and Q & A with) the Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine on The Pulse Podcast.
