What if a current trial was God training or teaching you to become more holy? What if God didn’t want lesser things for you, but greater? That’s what I explore in this sermon on Hebrews 12:1-13.
Tag: Sermons
Spiritual adultery or fidelity (Sermon)
What if we were cheating on God but didn’t know it? What if we DID know it? The opposite of spiritual adultery is single-minded fidelity to Jesus. This is what I explore in this sermon on Hebrews 1:4-14.
God’s Signature [Sermon]
Creation, it’s beauty, evidence for a kind God, and building common ground with people. This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 14:8-20.
Faithfulness is never wasted [Sermon]
Just because you can’t see the fruit of your labour, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Faithfulness is never wasted. That’s what I explore in this sermon about Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 6:8 – 7:60.
Honoured to be dishonoured [Sermon]
When you care more about what God thinks than what people think you have reached a tipping point called joy. This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 5:17-42.
Despite Our Circumstances [Sermon]
What does it look like to obey God no matter what, and to trust God’s control no matter what? And what kinds of things should we pray for in threatening circumstances? This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 4:1-31.
Load-bearing walls—for your life [Sermon]
What if we were like houses, and what if we needed to safeguard certain load-bearing walls to avoid collapse? In this sermon on Acts 2:42-47 I explore 4 critical and sustaining practices for disciples (then and now).
Paradise is a Person [Sermon]
A lot of people are searching, they are dis-content. In this sermon about the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) I reflect on the implications of the risen Jesus and our longing for contentment.
In good hands [Sermon]
Many people are “barely hanging on.” Is there a word from God to us on Palm Sunday, especially at a time like this? Yes. This sermon from March 29, 2021 provides one from Luke 19:28​-44.
Be prepared, not surprised [Sermon]
What do we know about the end times? What don’t we? This sermon from on Luke 21:5-38 explores these questions and more. One thing is for sure: We should be prepared, not surprised.
Not just what to believe—but how [Sermon]
After death, the rich man went to Hades and the poor man went to heaven. This sermon explores Luke 16:19-31 and wealth, mercy, and the eternal consequences of certain choices.
The way of the cross, no matter the cost [Sermon]
The cross was a humiliation and torture ritual. So what does it mean when Jesus says we cannot be his disciple unless we carry one? And what does he mean by “hating” our families? Is he being literal? This sermon explores all this by looking at Luke 14:25-35.
The Lord of the Party [Sermon]
He sets the scene, sets the table, and sets the guest list. Our job is not to rearrange the scene, the table, or his guest
Falling, failing and faith in the footsteps of Jesus [Sermon]
Jesus calls us to a high ethnical standard. But what about when we fail? Along with the very serious “blessings and woes,” that’s what this sermon explores. It is based on Luke 6:17-36.
Not Limited By Your Limitations [Sermon]
This message is a high-level review of James and the Down-to-Earth series. We consider God’s wisdom we grow in Christlikeness, and find encouragement that God still God (no matter how much we fail) and is not limited by our limitations.
Do The Word [Sermon]
Invisible beliefs make a visible difference in your life — or, at least, they should. This message is Part 2 in the Down-To-Earth teaching series and is based on James 1:19-27.
Soul Fatigue—A Response [Sermon]
Soul fatigue is a deep, inner exhaustion many people are feeling in the midst of COVID-19. This sermon explores what is going on, and some relief from Jesus.
Responding to an age of polarization [Sermon]
How did everything get so polarized? It’s complicated. But here are 3 observations and 1 suggestion for how to respond as God’s people based on Matt. 7:1-5.
Good out of evil [Sermon]
We live in a world with lots of evil. Will it win? Here I explore the story of Joseph. A more accurate view of who God is and what God does provides comfort, confidence and courage, even in the face of evil.
Heaven’s Expats [Sermon]
As we approach Canada Day, how does our eternal citizenship (in heaven) impact our Canadian citizenship? Because it should. In this sermon I try to answer that question through the lens of Psalm 85.
Matthew Ruttan 