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?”
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.
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.
Human Trafficking: Evil, online risks & how to help – a talk with Mikhaela Gray-Beerman
In this podcast episode, I talk with anti-trafficking advocate and educator Mikhaela Gray-Beerman about the problem, trends, serious online risks (especially for youth), and how to help.
Honoured to be dishonoured [Sermon]
When you care more about what God thinks than what people think you have reached a tipping point called joy. This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 5:17-42.
Bruises and badges of honour (Growing Deeper with Acts 5:17-42)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 5:17-42, a story about early persecution and how the apostles were honoured to be dishonoured. When you care more about what God thinks than what people think, you have reached a tipping point called joy.
Is the world getting more argumentative? (and how to respond)
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster Church’s Q & A Forum: “Is the world getting more argumentative? Thoughts from a biblical perspective?”
Is the persecution of Christians coming to Canada? – A talk with Paul Carter
In this podcast episode, I talk with Paul Carter about the prospect of Christian persecution in Canada. Is it coming? What is it? How is it different from losing influence? What advice might the apostle Peter have for us today?
Despite Our Circumstances [Sermon]
What does it look like to obey God no matter what, and to trust God’s control no matter what? And what kinds of things should we pray for in threatening circumstances? This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 4:1-31.
Courage and holy boldness no matter what (Growing Deeper with Acts 4:1-31)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 4:1-31, a story about the disciples faith in the face of threat as a part of the young church; I stress 3 takeaways for our situation today.
Load-bearing walls—for your life [Sermon]
What if we were like houses, and what if we needed to safeguard certain load-bearing walls to avoid collapse? In this sermon on Acts 2:42-47 I explore 4 critical and sustaining practices for disciples (then and now).
Four indispensable priorities, radical generosity, and singular sincerity (Growing Deeper with Acts 2:42-47)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:42-47, an inspiring text about the on-fire life of those first disciples devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer… practices that continue to sustain us today.
Carriers of the Holy Spirit [Sermon]
The Holy Spirit can be neglected. That’s a mistake. This Pentecost sermon on Acts 2:1-41 explains who the Holy Spirit is, the significance for believers then (and now), our basis for church unity and how low-drama spirituality can have a highly dramatic impact.
