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.
Category: Podcast
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.
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.
Do Not Be Afraid [Sermon]
We are living in a time of upheaval, a stampede of fear. In this concise Christmas Eve message I look at Luke 2: 8-14 and explain how fear retreats when Christ advances.
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.
Anxiety in Children – a talk with Lyndsey Stevenato
We love our children. We don’t like anxiety. So how can we better understand anxiety in children, and how can we help those we love so dearly? That’s what we discuss in this interview with Lyndsey Stevenato.
Nurturing friendships with other Christians—and with Jesus – a talk with John Vissers
Friendship—with other Christians, and even with Jesus. That’s our topic in this talk with the Rev. Dr. John Vissers, principal of Knox College. We talk about the heighted importance of friendship today, the embrace of Jesus, trust, looking out for one another, the means of grace, the “second self,” and more.
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.
The vitality of Bible Study – a talk with Douglas Rollwage
Douglas Rollwage has over 33 years of experience as a trusted Bible teacher. In this podcast we cover a lot of ground, touching on the vitality of Bible Study, the transformative effect of pilgrimage, common pushbacks, and how knowing God deepens your relationship with him.
Sanctification, the last sacrifice, and the role other people play in your own holiness (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 10:1-25)
If you are a follower of Jesus you are “being made holy.” Did you realize others have a role to play in that process? In this podcast episode I explore this (and other things) as we look closely at Hebrews 10:1-25.
Storms, anchors, and your horizon of hope (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 6:13-20)
In a world of broken promises, God’s promises remain unbroken. That’s no small thing when it comes to what he says about hope! You have an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. In this episode I explore these topics via Hebrews 6:13-20.
Christian immaturity, apostasy and getting back on track (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 5:11 – 6:12)
Do you need a word of caution, counsel, or encouragement? In this episode I take us through Hebrews 5:11 – 6:12 to see what God might be saying to each of us.
Another Gospel? An interview with author Alisa Childers about “progressive” Christianity
In this episode I interview best-selling author Alisa Childers about her book: “Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity.” You will definitely want to listen in.
Urgent: Approach God’s throne with boldness (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10)
If we don’t know God’s heart, we’re less likely to go to him when times get tough. But if we do, we can find grace and help in our urgent times of need. That’s what this sermon explores on Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10.
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.
Resting in peace… someday, but also today (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 4:1-13)
One day a week for worship and rest is “heaven’s appetizer.” What is that, and why does it help us during tough, tiring times? That’s what I explore in this episode about Hebrews 4:1-13.
The pulse of God’s house, and holding firmly to our confidence and hope (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 3:1-6)
Jesus’ people are the “very house of God.” In this episode on Hebrews 3:1-6 I explore how this house can be a home for others in a time of wandering confusion.
Can you lose your salvation?
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster’s Q & A Forum: Can you lose your salvation?
Matthew Ruttan 