Matthew Ruttan

Tag: sermon

  • Disordered loves

    Disordered loves

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
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    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…

  • Mesus, McJesus and the Rise of Fear [Sermon]

    Mesus, McJesus and the Rise of Fear [Sermon]

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
    in

    “Mesus” is a temptation for all of us; it’s self-projection. “McJesus” is consumerism gone bad, even with our faith–picking and choosing beliefs, even drawing from other religions. When these things happen, fear and anxiety can increase. They love a vacuum. This sermon is on Colossians 2:6-23 and unpacks the Lordship of Jesus; because of him,…

  • What People on the Narrow Path Need [Sermon]

    What People on the Narrow Path Need [Sermon]

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
    in

    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…

  • Pride Goes Before Destruction – Esther, Part 3 [Sermon]

    Pride Goes Before Destruction – Esther, Part 3 [Sermon]

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
    in

    “Pride goes before destruction…” This proverb is illustrated perfectly (and bloodily) in the rise and fall of Haman. This sermon explores Esther 5-7 and also asks how we can avoid pride and destruction in our own lives today.

  • Ordinary Missionary [Sermon]

    Ordinary Missionary [Sermon]

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
    in

    When we think of a missionary we usually think of someone going to serve in another country. But we all have a commission, even here in our own neighbourhoods. This sermon explores a lesser-known commission in John 20:19-31 and also looks at the story of ‘doubting Thomas.’

  • Tradition or Traditionalism [Sermon]

    Tradition or Traditionalism [Sermon]

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    by

    Matthew Ruttan
    in

    Healthy traditions give life. Unhealthy traditionalism doesn’t. One is the “living faith of the dead,” the other is the “dead faith of the living.” This sermon from Palm Sunday on Psalm 118 explores the difference and how God-honouring traditions can stabilize us in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.