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.
Tag: discipleship
The difference between a 2D and 3D disciple [Sermon]
A round orange piece of paper may look like a basketball from a distance, but you can’t shoot hoops with it. Following Jesus is a 3D (not a 2D experience); it involves learning but also doing. This sermon on John 1:35-41 explains why and how.
Follow me: Jesus enlists disciples (Growing Deeper with John 1:35-51)
You learn by doing. Yes, head learning is important, but hand learning makes it real. This episode is a biblical study of John 1:35-51 and what it means to follow Jesus.
Hit the Light [Sermon]
What does it mean that Jesus is the “radiance of God’s glory,” and how do we bask in it? The right kind of light makes you see things you didn’t see before. This sermon is a high-level summary of our series on Hebrews.
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.
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.
The way of the cross, no matter the cost [Sermon]
The cross was a humiliation and torture ritual. So what does it mean when Jesus says we cannot be his disciple unless we carry one? And what does he mean by “hating” our families? Is he being literal? This sermon explores all this by looking at Luke 14:25-35.
Renouncement, torture, true freedom, and apprenticeship under Jesus (Growing deeper with Luke 14:25-35)
This podcast goes in-depth with Jesus’ words about hating family and cross-carrying as disciples (Luke 14:25-35). Did he mean it? What is going on? I also discuss torture, renouncement and true freedom.
Should we say ‘If it’s your will’ when praying for someone to recover from illness?
When praying for someone to recover from illness, some people say, “If it’s your will.” Why? And isn’t that always his will? That’s was a question from a Q & A Forum that I answer here.
The Lord of the Party [Sermon]
He sets the scene, sets the table, and sets the guest list. Our job is not to rearrange the scene, the table, or his guest
Defining our neighbours and showing mercy broadly (Growing deeper with Luke 10:25-37)
Sure, love your neighbour. But who is my neighbour, and how? That’s what Jesus teaches us about in this in-depth look at the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
Radical gratitude and love from the soil of forgiven sin (Growing Deeper with Luke 7:36-50)
An in-depth look at this text and the intersection of Jesus, sin, gratitude, love and deleting words from dictionaries.
Falling, failing and faith in the footsteps of Jesus [Sermon]
Jesus calls us to a high ethnical standard. But what about when we fail? Along with the very serious “blessings and woes,” that’s what this sermon explores. It is based on Luke 6:17-36.
Warnings, woes, favours, and doing unto others (Growing Deeper with Luke 6:17-36)
This episode is an in-depth look at Luke 6:17-36, Jesus’ “woes and blessings” and his call to love enemies and do to others “as you would have them do to you.”
Redefining L.S.D. [Sermon]
“L.S.D.” usually makes people think of the hallucinogenic drug. But this message based on Luke 5:1-11 redefines those three letters into an acronym for discipleship and “fishing for people.”
You don’t have to be Jesus, just follow him (Growing Deeper with Luke 5:1-11)
This podcast is an opportunity to go deeper with Luke 5:1-11. Peter’s example teaches us that perfection is not a necessary qualification to be a part of God’s work.
God’s People, God’s Priorities [Sermon PLUS extra content]
We need to focus on the voice of God if we are to be found faithful. But it’s hard in a world of distraction. This look at the boy Jesus helps us. PLUS, new bonus audio feature!
Washing your mouth out with hope [Sermon]
Words have the power to bring hurt, help, hope, or healing. This message on James 3:1-12 explains why and how.
The Christian Gospel (Good News) [Video]
What is the Christian “gospel/good news”, anyway? This short (free) video lets you know.
Be the [counter-cultural] change [Sermon]
Have you heard it? “Be the change you want to see in the world.” But what KIND of change are we talking about as followers of Jesus?
Matthew Ruttan 