Psalm 88 is known for his darkness and desperation. Why is God when it hurts? If you want happy-go-lucky, look elsewhere. But it can still give us guidance when the floodwaters threaten. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 88.
Category: Bible Studies
God is our refuge, strength and fortress (Growing Deeper with Psalm 46)
Psalm 46 is often read during times of crises — both national and personal. It was also the inspiration for the hymn “A mighty fortress.” This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 46.
Growing Deeper with the Twenty-Third Psalm
It is said at funerals, tattooed on arms, and underlined. Psalm 23 is the most famous of all the psalms. It is eternally comforting — but this is no naive optimism. It is about the shepherding God in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 23.
Like a tree planted by streams of water (Growing Deeper with Psalm 1)
Psalm 1 is the “gateway to the psalms.” It is a wisdom psalm which outlines the path of righteousness vs the path of righteousness. This podcast is a Bible Study on Psalm 1.
Peter’s redemption, past mistakes, and 153 fish (Growing Deeper with John 21)
Do you love me? That’s the question the resurrected Jesus asked Peter. It was not insignificant, especially in light of Peter’s past denials. This episode is a Bible study on John 21, our final chapter in the Gospel.
Put your finger in my side, receive the Holy Spirit, and go! (Growing Deeper with John 20:19-31)
Jesus’ followers were locked in a room, afraid. He appeared… alive with nail marks in his hands! This episode is a Bible study on John 20:19-31 and includes the story of doubting (believing) Thomas, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and a lesser-known commission.
His steadfast love endures forever (Growing Deeper with Psalm 118)
Psalm 118 was on people’s minds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They had sung it’s words and now quote its verses. This episode is a Bible study which explores why, and also the central theme that God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Jesus’ trial and the parallels between Caesar’s coronation and Christ’s crucifixion (Growing Deeper with John 19:1-16a)
Jesus is innocent, and yet he is treated with brutality. What happens in his trial, torture and crucifixion has some striking parallels to the coronation of a new roman ruler. What does it all mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 19:1-16a.
Betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane (Growing Deeper with John 18:1-18)
The time has come. Soldiers arrive (with Judas). Where is Jesus? Tempers flare. Peter grabs his sword. This episode is a Bible study on John 18:1-18 and takes us through the first part of the passion story.
Scattered disciples and a suffering Saviour who triumphs (Growing Deeper with John 16:25-33)
They’ve given up so much to follow Jesus. And yet, the will be scattered. They will abandon him. Despite this, they will receive peace from a suffering Messiah who has “overcome the world.” This podcast is a Bible study on John 16:25-33.
The advantage of Jesus’ departure, three ways the Spirit works, and sorrowful joy (Growing Deeper with John 16:4b-24)
How in the world can it be to the disciples “advantage” for Jesus to leave? But it is. Otherwise, he will not send the Holy Spirit to them. This episode looks is a Bible Study on John 16:4b-24 and looks at this question and also 3 ways the Spirit works in the world.
Persecution, being hated, and falling away according to Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 15:18-6:4)
Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands — oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
Abiding in Jesus the true vine, and bearing his fruit (Growing Deeper with John 15:1-17)
Jesus tells us he is the true vine, his Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. We are to “abide” in Jesus and bear fruit. What does he mean and how does this give us “joy”? That’s what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 15:1-17.
What Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit and how that helps you (Growing Deeper with John 14:15-31)
God will send a special Helper to live within Jesus’ people: The “Parakletos.” Who is this Holy Spirit and what does he do? This episode is a Bible Study on John 14:15-31.
Jesus prepares a place for us, is the (only) Way, and calls us to bold prayer (Growing Deeper with John 14:1-14)
This teaching by Jesus includes comfort, controversy, and a call. First, he tells his disciples that he goes ahead to prepare a place for them
Love one another as I have loved you: the meaning of Jesus’ new commandment (Growing Deeper with John 13:31-38)
Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command to
When Jesus washed Judas’ feet and set us an example (Growing Deeper with John 13:1-30)
It was the lead-up to his torture, crucifixion and death. The disciples were there, including Judas. He was preparing to betray Jesus to the authorities,
Sir, we wish to see Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 12:20-26)
They had a different culture and customs. But they just needed to see him. “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” In response, Jesus lays on something pretty heavy. This episode is a Bible Study on John 12:20-26.
At Jesus’ feet with shocking extravagance (Growing Deeper with John 12:1-11)
Imagine spending $30,000 in a single moment of extravagance. Oh, and you’re not rich. You spent it honouring Jesus. This episode is a Bible Study on Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet in John 12:1-11.
Dead man walking and the tears of Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 11:28-57)
A dead man breathing and the tears of God incarnate. The episode is a Bible study on John 11:28-57, the raising of Lazarus.
MatthewRuttan.com 