Tag: priorities
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Forget about distracted driving. What about distracted living?
Distracted driving is a public safety concern. But distracted living is a much bigger threat. The apostle John has some critical words to keep us focused. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores 1 John 4:7-21. It also discusses judgment day, how “perfect loves casts out fear,” and how love has a “rival”…
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What is the biblical definition of wisdom, and how do I live that way?
Wisdom is good. But what is it? If fifty million people say something is wise, is it? Not necessarily. In this sermon on Matthew 7:24-29 (also released as a podcast episode), I unpack Jesus’ own definition. We also look very clearly at how to live that way.
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How do I know what my idols and gods are?
Pascal said there is a God-shaped hole within us. If we try to fill it with anything else. That’s at the heart of the first two commandments. Put God first, yes. But there’s also a not-so-common application to do with spiritual war — mostly because we misunderstand the word “gods.” This sermon (also released as…
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Disordered loves
There are a lot of good things in life. But if we put good things in a bad order, good things can leave us in a bad way. Augustine said: “The essence of sin is disordered love.” We love different things. We love family and friends, we love music and certain foods, we love work…
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2 Tips for Personal Peace in a New Year
You probably like the idea of personal peace. Here are 2 tips to help with just that. The first is obvious. The second might need some explanation.
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![What People on the Narrow Path Need [Sermon]](https://matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/apr-21.png?w=1024)
What People on the Narrow Path Need [Sermon]
They knew Jesus, but were swerving from the narrow path. That’s when a more mature Christian stepped in to help. If the path was wide, they wouldn’t have needed help. But they did. (And so do we.) John Climacus said, “Demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs.” Ah yes. Clarity is the enemy of the…
