Tag: discipleship
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How did Jesus define greatness?
I saw a hat: “Make Canada Great Again.” It’s a play on the slogan from America. But how do we even define greatness? If we’re not deliberate we can succumb to cultural definitions rather than biblical ones. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 9:33-50, Jesus’ definition of greatness, and what we…
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Why are some Christians spiritually stronger than others?
People who aren’t properly motivated don’t tend to change. But when they are, they do. If you don’t develop spiritual muscle, not only will you suffer, but people you care about might suffer as well. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores the disciples’ failure to help a severely demonized boy in Mark…
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Christians risk getting sucked into a vortex. Here’s what to do.
Controversy and polarity are all around us. It’s like a vortex. How do we approach and respond to all of this in a way that is sane and centred on Christ? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) find surprising guidance in Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13).
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What does it mean to carry your cross?
“It’s my cross to bear.” We use it as an expression. But what did Jesus originally mean when he told his followers to take up their cross? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 8:31-9:1, answers that question, provides a motivating reminder about sacrifice, and suggests a practical application. Take up your…
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How can I stop my own hypocrisy?
When you picture someone who is hypocritical, a pretender, who do you see? Is it someone else, or someone in the mirror? This isn’t about self-flagellation, but self-evaluation. In this sermon in Mark 7:1-30 I explore the text and take us through practices and perspectives to help address the religious hypocrisy in our own lives.
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![Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. [Proximity]](https://matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/water-walking.png?w=1024)
Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. [Proximity]
Being in close proximity to the right people in the right situations makes all the difference, including situations of difficulty and danger. This sermon on Mark 6:45-56 (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Jesus’ words: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” What if these were words specifically for you?
