In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at the martyrdom of Stephen, the un-killability of faithfulness, and how this fortifies our faith today.
Human Trafficking: Evil, online risks & how to help – a talk with Mikhaela Gray-Beerman
In this podcast episode, I talk with anti-trafficking advocate and educator Mikhaela Gray-Beerman about the problem, trends, serious online risks (especially for youth), and how to help.
Honoured to be dishonoured [Sermon]
When you care more about what God thinks than what people think you have reached a tipping point called joy. This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 5:17-42.
Bruises and badges of honour (Growing Deeper with Acts 5:17-42)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 5:17-42, a story about early persecution and how the apostles were honoured to be dishonoured. When you care more about what God thinks than what people think, you have reached a tipping point called joy.
Is the world getting more argumentative? (and how to respond)
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster Church’s Q & A Forum: “Is the world getting more argumentative? Thoughts from a biblical perspective?”
Is the persecution of Christians coming to Canada? – A talk with Paul Carter
In this podcast episode, I talk with Paul Carter about the prospect of Christian persecution in Canada. Is it coming? What is it? How is it different from losing influence? What advice might the apostle Peter have for us today?
Despite Our Circumstances [Sermon]
What does it look like to obey God no matter what, and to trust God’s control no matter what? And what kinds of things should we pray for in threatening circumstances? This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 4:1-31.
Courage and holy boldness no matter what (Growing Deeper with Acts 4:1-31)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 4:1-31, a story about the disciples faith in the face of threat as a part of the young church; I stress 3 takeaways for our situation today.
Load-bearing walls—for your life [Sermon]
What if we were like houses, and what if we needed to safeguard certain load-bearing walls to avoid collapse? In this sermon on Acts 2:42-47 I explore 4 critical and sustaining practices for disciples (then and now).
Four indispensable priorities, radical generosity, and singular sincerity (Growing Deeper with Acts 2:42-47)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:42-47, an inspiring text about the on-fire life of those first disciples devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer… practices that continue to sustain us today.
Carriers of the Holy Spirit [Sermon]
The Holy Spirit can be neglected. That’s a mistake. This Pentecost sermon on Acts 2:1-41 explains who the Holy Spirit is, the significance for believers then (and now), our basis for church unity and how low-drama spirituality can have a highly dramatic impact.
Pentecost, godly contagion, and carriers of the Holy Spirit (Growing deeper with Acts 2:1-41)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:1-41, the powerful outpouring of God’s Spirit at Pentecost, and share 3 insights for our lives (and the church) today.
Christ is in the Control Room [Sermon]
The one who needs to be in control is. (And it’s not you.) In this sermon on Luke 24:50-03 about the ascension of Jesus, I discuss how his cosmic coronation is very good news for his people today whether in Tokyo, Rio or Oro.
What Jesus’ ascension, coronation and control room can mean for you (Growing deeper with Luke 24:50-53)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Luke 24:50-53 and how Jesus’ ascension, coronation and control room can offer you more peace and confidence for the living of stumblesome days.
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.
Open lips open doors. Sometimes. [Sermon]
Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent. In this sermon on Luke 24:36-49 I explore what it means to be a witness of Jesus today even when that puts us at odds with majority culture.
Martyrs and witnesses—then and now (Growing Deeper with Luke 24:36-49)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at Jesus’ resurrection appearance in Luke 24:36-49 and focus on the idea of being a witness (which is sometimes dangerous). Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent.
God’s dirt, word and work [Sermon]
How does God work in and through our lives (even when we’re imperfect)? That’s what Jesus answers in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) and is the theme of this message.
Kingdom secrets and the unstoppable word in the soil of your soul (Growing deeper with Luke 8:4-15)
In this episode I offer an in-depth look at Jesus’ parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15, and how we can be ‘good soil’ producing a crop of God’s work through our (imperfect) lives.
Keeping composure under strain – a talk with Christine O’Reilly
In this podcast episode, I talk with Christine O’Reilly about keeping our composure under strain. She defines composure, discusses the fraying nature of our times, and offers suggestions to grow our capacity to maintain composure under strain.
Matthew Ruttan 