Jesus prayed specific things for his future followers. If you believe, that’s you! This sermon (and podcast) explores John 17. Let’s pray what Jesus prayed for us, and also see what he wants from our lives.
Tag: priorities
Your soul has an appetite [Sermon]
Your soul has an appetite — fill it with the wrong thing and be eternally corroded; fill it with the right thing and be eternally contented. This sermon on John 6:25-71 explores this idea as Jesus speaks controversial words about being “the bread of life.”
The bread of life, charges of cannibalism, and competing soul appetites (Growing Deeper with John 6:25-71)
Jesus’ statement that “I am the bread of life” was divisive. He then talked about the necessity of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. People argued. Some left. Why? What did he mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 6:25-71 and explores the deepest appetites of our souls.
Being born again, a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus (Growing Deeper with John 3:1-21)
What in the world does it mean to be ‘born again.’ We’ve heard the term, maybe even used it. We can’t see God’s kingdom without it, says Jesus. This episode is a Bible study of Jesus’ powerful words to Nicodemus in John 3:1-21.
Am I headed in the right direction? [Sermon]
Is my life headed in the right direction? It is… if you’re following the right person. In this sermon on John 1:1-5, I give an overview of the book and invite us to look to these 5 verses as an evaluative tool for the questions that matter most.
Guard Your Heart [Sermon]
You’re less likely to get knocked off centre if you’re properly centred. One way to do that is to “guard your heart.” This sermon on Proverbs 4:20-27 is timely for a new year and explains the how and why.
Heart vigilance and staying steadfast on the path (Growing Deeper with Proverbs 4:20-27)
Although much is uncertain, God is certain. That’s why we need to “guard our hearts” in him (with vigilance). In this episode we go to Proverbs 4:20-27 for some wisdom about doing just that.
What did Jesus mean when he said to store up treasures in heaven?
If we’re not supposed to store up “treasures on earth,” what does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven” (while we’re still on earth)? This episode and post looks to Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount for some answers.
Count what truly counts [Sermon]
What is the difference between “the good life” and a great life? That’s what I explore in this sermon on Acts 20:13-38 and Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. Yes, count your blessings; but count what truly counts.
Looking back on life and counting what truly counts (Growing Deeper with acts 20:13-38)
What is the difference between “the good life” and a great life? Paul’s wisdom in his farewell speech to the Ephesians in Acts 20:13-38 give us the answer. What if we were to start living by the right priorities BEFORE we got to our death beds?
Bruises and badges of honour (Growing Deeper with Acts 5:17-42)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 5:17-42, a story about early persecution and how the apostles were honoured to be dishonoured. When you care more about what God thinks than what people think, you have reached a tipping point called joy.
The rope at the end of your rope [Sermon]
You don’t tend to know where “the end of your rope is” until you get there. In this sermon on Luke 18:35-43, I highlight how God can work in and through the desperate situations in our own lives.
An interview with Steve Bradley from Life 100.3FM about The Pulse Podcast
This interview by Steve Bradley from Life 100.3FM serves as a brief introduction to The Pulse Podcast. It’s about living abundantly wholeheartedly.
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.
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!
Does it choke it or stoke it? [Video]
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus warns us about three “thorns” that can choke our faith and lives, making them unfruitful. Yikes! They are (a) the worries
Greater Contentment: 4 Insights for Christians
Do you struggle with contentment? This post highlights 4 biblical insights and practical suggestions to put them into practice.
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.
Something Better Than “Giving Something Up” For Lent?
Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent — the 40-day period leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). During that time, a lot of people “give something up.”
Improving How We Talk To Our Kids About Church
“Time to go to church!” But why? When I was young I remember pretending to sleep in one Sunday morning. Don’t tell! Over time I learned
MatthewRuttan.com 