Life can be difficult. Wait, hold on. Life IS difficult! We’d better have the right captain in the storm. This podcast is a Bible study on John 5:30-47. We uncover a world-changing and life-changing Messiah who will see us through.
Category: Bible Studies
‘How do we know he said that?’, and the liberating good news of Judge Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 5:19-29)
Can we have confidence that Jesus said what the Bible says he said? In this podcast I explore that question and also dive into John 5:19-29 and Jesus’ role as Judge (and why that is good, liberating news).
The invalid, the Sabbath, and what it means that God is always working (Growing Deeper with John 5:1-18)
This podcast is a Bible study on John 5:1-18. An invalid is healed, Sabbath-police get angry, Jesus’ words invite both fury and joy. The fact that he does God’s work no matter what might be a soul-refreshing word you need to hear in this weary chapter.
Palms, frenzied crowds, and a King of sovereignty and humility (Growing Deeper with John 12:12-19)
Crowds can be funny… and dangerous. What is going on with waving palms, frenzied people, and a Savior on a foal? That’s that’s I explore in this Bible Study podcast on John 12:12-19 at the start of Holy Week.
Jesus’ healing power (even from a distance) and what that tells us about the future and hope (Growing Deeper with John 4:43-54)
When Jesus heals a boy from about 27 kms away, not only does he change his life (and his family’s life), but he teaches us something about what to expect in the future as God’s people. This episode is a Bible study on John 4:43-54.
A Saviour for the world, the Samaritans, and our individualistic selves (Growing Deeper with John 4:27-42)
A saviour is one who saves. Pretty obvious, right? Wrong. This episode is a Bible study on John 4:27-42 and explores Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the broader implications of what a Saviour is and does.
What God wants: people who worship him in spirit and truth (Growing Deeper with John 4:1-26)
God cares about HOW we worship. And no, this isn’t about style. It’s about worshiping him “in spirit and truth.” In fact God “seeks” people to do so. This episode is a Bible Study on John 4:1-26 and the Samaritan woman at the well and “living water.”
“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—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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John’s Gospel and the Word made flesh (Growing Deeper with John 1:1-5)
God incarnate. Eternal life. Wisdom for now. Big topics are on the menu in what may be the most famous and influential document on earth. In this episode I introduce it and look closely at verses 1-5.
Heart vigilance and staying steadfast on the path (Growing Deeper with Proverbs 4:20-27)
Although much is uncertain, God is certain. That’s why we need to “guard our hearts” in him (with vigilance). In this episode we go to Proverbs 4:20-27 for some wisdom about doing just that.
The Christmas Story Re-Examined
What if you’ve never truly heard the story you’ve heard a hundred times? In this episode (and post) I go in-depth with Luke 2:1-20 and explore these ancient towns, the threat of scandal, political contexts, shadowy shepherds, and the meaning of a Saviour, Messiah and Lord.
Parting heartfelt instructions, and ethics that never die (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 13)
What would be your parting words to a child as they headed off to college? Hebrews 13 feels like important parting words which need to be taken to heart to ensure faithfulness. I explore them with and for you in this episode.
Hardship as discipline and training as we fix our eyes on Jesus in the race of life (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 12:1-13)
What if there was actually a point to your hardships? What if you were being disciplined and trained for something else? In this podcast episode I explore these ideas (and others) as we look closely at Hebrews 12:1-13.
Matthew Ruttan 