Tag: hardship
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Daniel, The Lion’s Den and True Bravery Today (Daniel 6)
It’s one of the Bible’s most famous stories. But this is an invitation to hear it again as if for the first time. It’s not a fairytale; it’s about a real person in real danger — and has real applications for us today. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode), explores Daniel 6. True…
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Being someone’s answered prayer when yours feel unanswered (Daniel 5)
What if you were someone’s answered prayer even as your own felt unanswered — perhaps even in a situation you asked God to change? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Daniel 5 and the infamous “writing on the wall.” Daniel’s ongoing steadfastness, even into his 80’s is instructive for all of us…
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Who are you when absolutely everything is stripped away? (Daniel 1)
Abject calamity. As a youth he was taken, had his named changed, saw his city pillaged, was (probably) castrated, and trained to serve the King who had taken so much from him. What would you do in that situation? This sermon on Daniel 1 is Part 1 in a series on the book of Daniel.
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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?
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Listen For It: Save Your
Faith isn’t just about pursuing life after death, but life before death. This sermon explores a healing and a girl raised back to life from Mark 5:21-43 and invites us to consider Jesus’ role as Saviour in our daily lives, especially in moments of pain and desperation.
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![Crooked Sticks Draw Straight Lines – Esther, Part 5 [Sermon]](https://matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mar10.png?w=1024)
Crooked Sticks Draw Straight Lines – Esther, Part 5 [Sermon]
Things are turning into a bloody mess. And yet, there is joy. The Jews of ancient Persia stand under an annihilation order. But now they are allowed to defend themselves. Through it all, providence. This sermon brings our Esther series to a close with chapters 9-10. “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines” (Ignatius).
