Power, independence and control are in. Humility is out. But why? It’s endangered. It’s also the recipe for true greatness in God’s eyes. This sermon explores John 3:22-36 and offers three applications for our lives.
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.
“He must become greater; I must become less”—The Humility of John the Baptist (Growing Deeper with John 3:22-36)
John the Baptist was a radical, especially when contrasted with the me-first, look-at-me mantras of today. This episode is a Bibles Study on John 3:22-36 and the cardinal virtue: humility.
John 3:16—If I should wake before I die [Sermon]
John 3:16. It’s a world-famous summary verse of what matters most. Heaven, hell, belief, condemnation, rescue, love, faith, Jesus. This sermon mines this text and provides 6 ideas to go deeper and higher.
John 3:16—unpacking the world’s most famous verse and peering into the heart of God (Growing Deeper with John 3:16-21)
It’s the most famous Bible verse in the world. But what does it actually mean? This episode unpacks John 3:16 and takes us into the heart of God, eternity, and everything that matters most.
What does it mean to be born again? (Sermon)
It’s a crazy time, like living through an emotional earthquake. What does Jesus means when he says to be ‘born again,’ and how can this radical re-orientation of our lives stabilize and equip us for the living of these days?
Being born again, a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus (Growing Deeper with John 3:1-21)
What in the world does it mean to be ‘born again.’ We’ve heard the term, maybe even used it. We can’t see God’s kingdom without it, says Jesus. This episode is a Bible study of Jesus’ powerful words to Nicodemus in John 3:1-21.
Who was Valentine? And how the grass is greener where you water it
Who was Valentine, anyway? Why February 14th? And some advice for a stronger love.
Ritual or Relationship [Sermon]
While cleansing the Temple Jesus was full of “zeal.” What is it? (Because we too should have it.) This sermon on John 2:13-25 explores this idea and encourages us to move from ritual to relationship in our faith.
Cleansing the Temple with zeal, and our hearts from apathy (Growing Deeper with John 2:13-25)
So much for Jesus meek and mild! He’s upset, and this Bible study episode on John 2:13-25 explains why. We also discuss his “zeal” and what it might mean for us today.
The source and security of our dignity [Sermon]
It’s one of his most popular sermons. Turning water into wine — and over 700 bottles! But why? And how does this influence how we think about our dignity and honour? That’s what this sermon on John 2:1-12 explores.
Water into wine, and disgrace into dignity (Growing Deeper with John 2:1-12)
Water into wine. And not just a glass, but over 700 bottles! Why did he do it, and what’s REALLY going on? (More than you think.) This episode is a Bible study on John 2:1-12 and one of Jesus’ most popular miracles.
The difference between a 2D and 3D disciple [Sermon]
A round orange piece of paper may look like a basketball from a distance, but you can’t shoot hoops with it. Following Jesus is a 3D (not a 2D experience); it involves learning but also doing. This sermon on John 1:35-41 explains why and how.
Follow me: Jesus enlists disciples (Growing Deeper with John 1:35-51)
You learn by doing. Yes, head learning is important, but hand learning makes it real. This episode is a biblical study of John 1:35-51 and what it means to follow Jesus.
Trials, joy & perseverance – a talk with Dan Scott
When Dan Scott was a boy his home burned to the ground. The next morning his father read James 1:2-3 and led them in prayer. In this talk with the national Moderator of the PCC we talk about hardship and it’s relationship to joy and perseverance.
The Holy Spirit makes your spirit whole [Sermon]
We want to be whole-hearted, balanced and refreshed. And yet, many are feeling half-hearted, off-centred and tired! Good news: The Holy Spirit makes your spirit whole. That’s what I explore in this sermon on John 1:19-34.
John the Baptist introduces the Lamb of God (Growing Deeper with John 1:19-34)
Who and what is the “Lamb of God”? The piercing herald John the Baptist introduces the Lamb who gives us the Holy Spirit. This episode is a biblical study on John 1:19-34.
Your Divine D.N.A. [Sermon]
Do you misunderstand (or undervalue) what it means to be deliberately adopted by God and deprive yourself of that knowledge and assurance? Do you know what it means to grow in both grace and truth? That’s what I explore in this sermon on John 1:6-18.
Adoption, incarnation, and growing in grace and truth (Growing Deeper with John 1:6-18)
When God adopts you, you gain a new special status. This gives great assurance in life as you seek to grow in grace and truth. This episode takes us through John 1:6-18 to fill in the details.
How can I make rest happen when I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel?
How can I make rest happen when I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel? I was asked this at a Q & A forum. Here’s my response.
Am I headed in the right direction? [Sermon]
Is my life headed in the right direction? It is… if you’re following the right person. In this sermon on John 1:1-5, I give an overview of the book and invite us to look to these 5 verses as an evaluative tool for the questions that matter most.
Matthew Ruttan 