society – Page 3 – Matthew Ruttan

Gasoline or Love in a Tinderbox [Sermon]

Jun 7, 2020

—

by

In many ways, our world feels like a tinderbox right now—and easily flammable. The COVID-19 pandemic—and all of it’s accompanying stress and stain—has pushed many people to the edge of what they can normally handle. We have witnessed the horrible death of George Floyd and have become increasingly aware of the pain of racial discrimination.…

Armageddon, Part 3: Are there ‘signs’ that the end is coming?

Dec 2, 2019

—

by

Matthew Ruttan

in Sermons

The question I probably get asked the most when it comes to speculation about the end of the world is this: Do you think that the increasing environmental problems we’re experiencing and the general moral collapse in society are signs that the end is near? One of the biblical texts people sometimes cite is Matthew…

The Thief of Comparison and Criticism [Video]

Sep 15, 2019

—

by

Matthew Ruttan

in Sermons

There are invisible thieves who can rob you of your contentment. One of them does so by convincing you to put too much stock in (a) comparing yourself to others (in person or online) and (b) the judgments, criticisms, or negative opinions of others. Is it me, or did you just nod your head in…

Big Hope in The Age of Melancholy [Podcast]

Jun 2, 2019

—

by

Matthew Ruttan

in Sermons

Psychologist Daniel Goleman describes our time as Age of Melancholy. He chronicles how depression, sadness, paralyzing listlessness, dejection, self-pity and overwhelming hopelessness plague more and more people. In 2016, a New York Times article highlighted how suicide rates are going up. Various people tried to explain it. Some said it must be due to economic…