The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan

We seem infatuated with death, and are getting more creative at killing (and justifying it). This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores the 6th command to not murder and Jesus' commentary in Matthew 5:21-26. How do we form opinions about right and wrong? Popular opinion, friends, media? Or do we look to the will and wisdom of God?

Sabbath rest is a command. Originally that was on Saturday. Should Christians still do that, or is it now on Sunday, or something else? This episode and blog explores an issue related to the fourth command, to remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Our society tends to dis-honour older people and ideas; we worship youth culture. This is a stain which brings harm. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Exodus 20:12 to honour your father and mother. What does that mean, and how do we apply it today in practical ways?

Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos. Is that statement too strong, or just right? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores the 4th command about keeping the Sabbath day holy.

Attitudes have definitely changed about how we use God's name. But this is about so much more than swearing or thoughtless chatter. Taking (i.e. carrying) God's name with you is related to what is doing around the world. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores the third commandment in Exodus 20:7.

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 a podcast episode) unpacks Exodus 20:1-6.

Their influence can't be overstated. The 10 Commandments. But have we lost a sense of their importance or place in our lives? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) is part 1 in a new teaching series. We lay the groundwork and unpack Exodus 19.

The election has happened. There are a lot of different feelings about it! Here are some thoughts, not just for citizens, but disciples of Christ.

The apocalypse is a hot topic. Some obsess, some dismiss. But what did Jesus say about what will happen and how to prepare? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks the "little apocalypse" of Mark 13.

Yes, he is still the same corpse-raising God. Join in with this urgent resurrection prayer from Easter Sunday.

Just because the prince of darkness whispers 'Checkmate,' that doesn't mean it is. The King has one more move (then... and now). This Easter morning sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores Mark 16:1-8 and invites us to think about our corpse-raising God in the present tense.

Several years ago a child asked me that question at church. Good question! Here's my response.

The word pandemonium literally means “demons everywhere.” That's surely how it must have felt to the disciples when Jesus was “convicted,” tortured and crucified. But when you pull back you discover there is much more happening than first meets the eye. It gives stable hope, then and now. This Good Friday sermon on Mark 14:53 - 15:47 (also released as a podcast episode) reminds us that God is in control, even when we are not.

People focus on success, appearances, wealth, intelligence, "strength." But the Lord looks on the heart. This is liberation and hope. But how and why? This sermon on Mark 12:28-44 (also released as a podcast episode) explores these questions. Listen in.

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 […]

Do you want to be "like Jesus"? Many people say yes--but neglect the formative practices that help get them there. This audio essay is an invitation to become more like Jesus by more closely emulating his own spiritual practices. These reveal something of his "hidden inner life" from which he drew strength.

Let's root ourselves in (and call out to in prayer) our King at the head of the charge, leading us onto the battlefield.

Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple. I'd call it righteous anger. But why did he do it? What might this have to do with your dignity and purpose? And how is it connected to you being a temple of God's Spirit? This sermon on Mark 10:46-11:43 (also released as a podcast episode) explores these very questions.

In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about the rapture, second coming and if dead believers are in limbo.

Alternative lifestyles. What comes to mind? Well, these days a lot of those things are more mainstream than you think. So what if the new alternative lifestyle was Christlikeness? In this sermon on Mark 10:1-45 (also released as a podcast episode) we explore 5 sections of text which highlight Jesus' invitation to be a part of something higher and more beautiful.

It's a word that has been neglected, sometimes avoided, and even dragged through the muck. This podcast episode and blog explains that it is God's word, and we are not authorized to erase it. Let's claim it and live it for the glory of God.

I saw a hat: "Make Canada Great Again." It's a play on the slogan from America. But how do we even define greatness? If we're not deliberate we can succumb to cultural definitions rather than biblical ones. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 9:33-50, Jesus' definition of greatness, and what we might do to take it seriously as disciples today.

People who aren't properly motivated don't tend to change. But when they are, they do. If you don't develop spiritual muscle, not only will you suffer, but people you care about might suffer as well. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores the disciples' failure to help a severely demonized boy in Mark 9:14-32. Spiritual conditioning makes a difference, both then and now.

Controversy and polarity are all around us. It's like a vortex. How do we approach and respond to all of this in a way that is sane and centred on Christ? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) find surprising guidance in Jesus' transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13).

"It's my cross to bear." We use it as an expression. But what did Jesus originally mean when he told his followers to take up their cross? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 8:31-9:1, answers that question, provides a motivating reminder about sacrifice, and suggests a practical application. Take up your electric chair and follow Jesus.

We've devalued words. That's a mistake. Words can hurt, they can inspire -- and they can do even more. They can have actual physical power in certain situations. This sermon on Mark 7:31 - 8:30 (also released as a podcast) centres on Peter's confession and what this has to do with the fight against the powers of darkness.

When you picture someone who is hypocritical, a pretender, who do you see? Is it someone else, or someone in the mirror? This isn't about self-flagellation, but self-evaluation. In this sermon in Mark 7:1-30 I explore the text and take us through practices and perspectives to help address the religious hypocrisy in our own lives.

Being in close proximity to the right people in the right situations makes all the difference, including situations of difficulty and danger. This sermon on Mark 6:45-56 (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Jesus' words: "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." What if these were words specifically for you?

If only. If only I had fewer problems or was a better speaker or had more influence, perhaps then God might use me. Hmm. But God's ability is greater than your inability. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 6:30-44 to discover that Jesus is the new and greater Moses, and that God uses what you have, not what you wish you had.

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.

Think of all the change in the past 100 years... global population, wars, radical advances in technology. If this same rate of change continues, what will the next 100 years be like? We're headed into the great unknown. How might the arrival of Christ speak into our collective and individual future which can seem uncertain or scary? In this Christmas Eve mini-message I offer an answer to that question. This sermon is also released as a podcast episode.

We know the story. But do we, really? This episode is a deep dive into the Nativity story. What was Nazareth like, the political landscape, Mary? "Long-looked for is come at last." Re-release from 2022.

Join in with this honest prayer, lifting up concerns about ugliness, scariness, fracture and monsters. But also metamorphosis, love and standing valiant for truth.

Give me his head on a platter! And so it was that John the Baptist was decapitated. The story of his demise is a contrast between to kingdoms and two kings (Herod Antipas vs. Christ). This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 6:14-29 and invites us to consider our ultimate citizenship from heaven, and how that plays out here on earth.

Rejection is run, right? Wrong. And yet, it's something many of us have to deal with, especially as we follow Jesus. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores Jesus' experience of personal rejection in Mark 6:1-13 and what we can take from it for today.

What "doorways" do we open which give permission to the demonic to function in our lives? What practices help us live freely and victoriously in Christ? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode), explores the confusing and alarming story in Mark 5:1-20, and helps us answer questions about the demonic. It's a much-neglected topic. Oh, and some strange things happened before, during and after the message. I explain in the intro.

Demons. How do they gain access to people? What "doorways" let them in, and how can we demon-proof our lives? This episode is a talk with Steve Dabbs, author of "When Demons Surface" and a retired senior military chaplain with over 35 years of experience. "We're all experiencing spiritual warfare whether we realize it or not."

World peace. How do we get there? Is there any hope? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) examines Philippians 2:4-9 and is about step 1. Your soul will thank you.

Christians agree that we want to be "like Jesus." But if we want to actually be like Jesus, we have to know what Jesus is actually like. Many of us have blind spots. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores Mark 4:35-41 and the stilling of the storm. It's an opportunity to answer the question posed by the disciples: "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

God provides "spiritual disciplines" to help you be more like Jesus. In this talk with Jeff Loach, he explains some of these key practices, how they shape you, and how they help you mature and love others in an age of superficiality. Oh, and they're not just for "spiritual superstars," but for people like you and me who are paying bills and bandaging knees.

Are we here by chance, or is there a greater purpose? This sermon explores Jesus' words in Mark 4:1-20 to provide an answer. As good soil for God, we were born to bless.

Jesus' various titles teach us something about who he is and our relationship with him: Son of God, Saviour, Friend. What about "brother"? This sermon unpacks Mark 3:22-35 and 6 words that teach us about the kind of big brother Jesus is. It might just help you address the imbalance between fear and confidence in your life.

If things are hard or dreary, know that your current chapter isn't your only chapter, and it certainly isn't the last chapter. This short episode encourages you to look for the good (even when life is hard). "Though the fig tree should not blossom... yet I will rejoice in the Lord."

Michael Mangis says: "Faith means stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction." Perhaps that is why Jesus' own family said he was "out of his mind." What motivates what YOU say and do? This sermon (and podcast episode) explores that very question as we unpack Mark 3:1-21.

This topic is significant, sensitive and controversial. In the western world, the landscape has radically changed in recent years (especially in Canada). In this episode I speak to Bryan and Bonnie from The Union. They exist to help people find wholeness by presenting a gospel-centred, holistic approach to the topics of identity, sexuality, and relationships.

This episode is the audio version of an article co-authored with Sarah Joy Covey. It is about finding simple ways to pause, reflect and regroup which can help do away with the lingering disquiet that persists after the pandemic.

When Jesus came to proclaim the Kingdom of God he was not doing so in neutral territory. In Satan's view, Jesus was an intruder trying to encroach on his turf. A clash was inevitable. This sermon (also posted as a podcast episode) addresses demons, the kingdom of darkness, and looks at Jesus' exorcisms in Mark 1:16-39.

Following Jesus means making sacrifices -- and that can be difficult. But we find fresh motivation when we count not only the costs, but the benefits. This podcast is a sermon on Luke 9:57-62.

This is Part 2 of 2. Part 1 was10 popular things Jesus said. In Part 2 I look at 10 un-popular things he said. His words are full of inspiration and hope! -- and also challenge and warning. All of them are true. Let's do some thinking: Do we like following a certain version of Jesus—a photoshopped Jesus who highlights what you like and crops out what you don't? Or the real Jesus of Scripture who is often so much more than we realize.

What gives someone courage? This sermon on Psalm 27 looks at the contrast between fear and the Lord being our light, salvation and stronghold, explores the relationship between "fearing God" and courage, and drives toward application in your own life. Fearing God first puts other fears second.

"Deconstruction" is trending. It's a word that is used when people radically re-think, re-shape, or sometimes even walk away from their faith. Along with Alisa Childers, Tim has written a book called "The Deconstruction of Christianity." It explains what it is, why it's destructive, and how to respond. In this episode we discuss all this and more. Tune in to understand, and to be better prepared to help people you care about.