The episode is a conversation with Jennifer Harris and Julie Cunha at Westminster Church in Barrie on Easter. We talk about hope through hardship, and encourage you to also see the ways God works – even when life is hard.
Tag: church
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.
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.
Displaced Persons [Sermon]
What if there was a new kind of “displaced person” walking among us but who was outwardly unidentifiable? And what if God’s people could help? That’s what I explore in this sermon on Hebrews 3:1-6.
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.
A healing response to trauma: Connecting to God and others (Growing deeper with Psalm 116)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I take us through Psalm 116, a passionate text about God’s rescue. The psalmist is proactive about connecting with God and others, an approach that is instructive to us today.
Stephen’s martyrdom and the un-killability of faithfulness (Growing Deeper with Acts 6:8 – 7:60)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Christian Gospel (Good News) [Video]
What is the Christian “gospel/good news”, anyway? This short (free) video lets you know.
Tips for worshiping in front of a screen
More of us are worshiping online. But there’s a risk. It can become something we WATCH instead of something we DO. Here are practical ideas to help.
Dear Church, it’s the pastor, don’t come to church this Easter
Every year we meet together to celebrate the resurrection, but not this year. When I say don’t come to church, I’m talking about the building. You ARE the church. Here’s some perspective about an Easter that will be different.
Proactive Partnership [Sermon]
This sermon is Part 1 of 4 in a series called ‘Mature: 4 things mature people do on the path of joy.’ It’s about the much-misunderstood but important role ‘fellowship’ plays.
The Advocate: The Holy Spirit, Part 1 of 2 [Podcast]
A lot of people have questions about the Holy Spirit: Is the Holy Spirit an “it” or a “who”? Is the Holy Spirit the same
What Christian parents are told to teach their children?
God wants the best for his children. Shouldn’t we want the same for ours? This post reminds Christian parents what matters most and why it matters.
Why trust the Bible?
Recently I led a sermon series called “Heaven and Hell: What does the Bible teach about what is true (instead of what we want to
Christmas Q & A
How old was Mary? Is Santa based on a saint? Is society becoming more hostile toward Christmas? This post answers these questions and more.
Matthew Ruttan 