He had towering influence but was also down-to-earth. Tim Keller died on May 19, 2023. He had a genuine, biblical faith undergirded by a robust intelligence. Here are 45 of his quotes, presented as both a blog and podcast.
Category: Blogs
How to get the most out of a sermon
If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (i.e. they can be a channel of God’s generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive.
Jesus said he came to give us abundant life. What did he mean?
Is this Jesus’ version of “live your best life now”? Yes and No. Think bigger. Think life that is “abundant.” This podcast and blog distil Jesus’ use of the word “life” in John’s Gospel to two main ideas.
Understanding Baptism
This podcast and blog explains the meaning of the sacrament of baptism. It also explains who we baptize and provides a rationale.
The difference between self-comfort and self-care and why it matters
If you think you’re caring for yourself when you’re really just comforting yourself, you may be creating more grief than gain. This episode is the audio version of an article I wrote with therapist Sarah Joy Covey for The Toronto Star.
Can we really trust that Jesus said and did all that, or have the Gospels been distorted?
Do the Gospels accurately preserve what Jesus said and did? Haven’t they become distorted? How can we know with any confidence? This podcast (audio and text) gives you 5 important points to consider.
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.
What did Jesus mean when he said to store up treasures in heaven?
If we’re not supposed to store up “treasures on earth,” what does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven” (while we’re still on earth)? This episode and post looks to Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount for some answers.
Fasting: Powerful, passed-over, and counter-cultural
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.
Your Questions about Easter (and the answers)
Originally posted on MatthewRuttan.com:
How do a magical bunny, eggs, the names “Maundy” and “Good Friday,” and the death of an innocent man all…
Giving up The Frenemy for Lent
A lot of people “give something up” for Lent? What about the Frenemy, whose grip around your heart is probably tighter than you know.
A Troubling Week for the World—Specific things to pray (and work) for from January 17-23
From the Inauguration to forgotten tragedies, enemies and echo chambers, here are 6 ideas. Listening option available.
Proactively preparing for what could be the worst month of your life
January is bad, even in a good year! Maybe 1 of these ideas will help. Maybe it’s reverse inertia, stepping back from the Frenemy, or standing firm. Listening option available.
Did Jesus Say He Was God?
Just a great human teacher, or God-in-the-flesh? This post looks at 2 categories of passages: clear statements by Jesus himself, and things he did that only God could do. Listening option available.
The Nativity You Never Knew? An in-depth, historical look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20
When we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. So here’s an in-depth look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. [Audio version included.] Christmas is different, but still meaningful.
Tradition Vs. Traditionalism
A word for my fellow Jesus-followers. Traditions? Yes. Traditionalism? No. Here’s the difference and some suggestions.
A Motto For A Pandemic
Written alongside Richard Topping, this post suggests a short motto for navigating a pandemic as God’s people.
Coping with our broken illusion of control
We like to be in control. But these days, we don’t have as much of it as we’d like. Here’s why, and some coping strategies for a brand new world.
Suggestions for a more robust prayer life
Prayer is important — and sometimes difficult. Okay, maybe often? Here are 8 practical suggestions to help you with “the sweetest work of the soul.”
The Ingredients of True Happiness—according to Calvin
We want to be happy, right? Let’s look beyond the quick fixes and Band-Aid answers of our society with these four suggested ingredients by John Calvin.
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