The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan

The vision was appalling. It knocked Daniel down. On top of everything else he had experienced, how would he manage to endure it all? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores Daniel 8 and also his interior life in the midst of chaos. These 4 points are instructive for us today.

In this episode and blog I use a simple illustration to respond to a criticism of Christianity - the presence of hypocrites. Beware, the road is narrow, and the ditch is wide.

Jesus compared the period leading up to his return to labour pains. Are the contractions getting worse? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Daniel 7 and a vision about the end of days. It ends with four take-aways for today.

It's one of the Bible's most famous stories. But this is an invitation to hear it again as if for the first time. It's not a fairytale; it's about a real person in real danger -- and has real applications for us today. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode), explores Daniel 6. True bravery is kneeling before God while facing the lions, both actual and metaphorical. It was true then, and it's true now.

Protestant Christians are sometimes confused (or suspicious) about Lent. Why? In this podcast episode and blog I offer some explanations and then some advice going forward for pilgrims of the Way.

What if you were someone's answered prayer even as your own felt unanswered -- perhaps even in a situation you asked God to change? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Daniel 5 and the infamous "writing on the wall." Daniel's ongoing steadfastness, even into his 80's is instructive for all of us today.

I sometimes hear: "People of different religions all think theirs is best. One isn't better than the other.” When you stop to think about it, the logic just doesn't make sense. Here's my response.

The king was proud. His words dripped with arrogance. So God humbled him. In the end, he learned a great truth: "those who walk in pride he is able to humble." This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Daniel 4 and focuses on a trait that lies at the heart of a better future - not just in general and for world leaders, but for each of us.

Daniel's friends refused to compromise. As a result, the tyrant threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace. But they would rather die faithfully than live falsely. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Daniel 3. It is an invitation to have an "even if" kind of faith today.

If you find January difficult, you're not alone...

After seeing and enduring horrible things, Daniel started to experience a meteoric rise in influence and authority. But it wasn't without serious danger. And darkness. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explains Daniel 2. What do we do, and to whom do we belong, when faced with difficulty or danger?

Join in with this prayer to the sovereign Lord who is above, beside and within, and whose smile brings heaven close. It is taken from the worship service at Westminster Church on January 11, 2026.

Abject calamity. As a youth he was taken, had his named changed, saw his city pillaged, was (probably) castrated, and trained to serve the King who had taken so much from him. What would you do in that situation? This sermon on Daniel 1 is Part 1 in a series on the book of Daniel.

Is "the true meaning of Christmas" up for debate? This short blog (and podcast episode) shares some thoughts.

It's the most famous story ever told. But what do all the details mean? What was Nazareth like? What is a Messiah, anyway? How long was the journey? And what does it all mean? This episode is a replay of a popular episode from a few years back. Enjoy this serious historical deep dive into the nativity story from Luke 2. "Long-looked for is come at last."

Jesus is coming back. This is called the "second advent" or "second coming." There is no shortage of speculation; but what does Jesus himself tell us about what we should be doing while we wait? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explains his instruction in Matthew 25:1-13. What should we be doing when the King arrives at our front door?

You sometimes hear it said that Jesus was "born to die that we might live." An important prophecy told us how over 700 years before Christ was born. God's providential hand was working powerfully, both then and now. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Isaiah 53 and God's loving plan in the incarnation for his people.

This ancient (yet often neglected) way to pray may be just what you need to grow, get unstuck, or simply go deeper with God in prayer. This is released as both a podcast episode and written blog.

Neutrality. We tend to like that. It's, well, non-controversial. But you can't follow Jesus if you're sitting on the fence. His is a radical grace and a radical truth. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) is a summary of my teaching series on 1-3 John called "For the love of God."

We modern people like to think we're “independent thinkers,” but in reality we're very impressionable. If we're not careful that can lead to disaster - and evil. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks 3 John and the role imitation plays in our discipleship.

Isn't prayer simply talking to God? Yes, but the Bible also provides us with guidelines for prayer that is decidedly effective. This episode provides 8 (actually 9) of them. As Martin Luther King Jr said: "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing."

The word ‘encouragement' has ‘courage' in it. It comes from an old French word ‘corage,' meaning heart. Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someone's heart—who they are within—so that they can face the battles of life. Not only is this something we need to receive, but it's something we need to give for the living […]

God tells us to pray. We know it's important. But are our prayers effective? Are we missing something? Maybe. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks 1 John 5:14 and leaves us with several biblical guidelines for effective prayer. Alignment matters.

God's commands can feel difficult -- like something we have to do, not something we want to do. But when we better understand the reasons behind them, it can shift our perspective (and relationship). This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks 1 John 5:1-12.

Distracted driving is a public safety concern. But distracted living is a much bigger threat. The apostle John has some critical words to keep us focused. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores 1 John 4:7-21. It also discusses judgment day, how "perfect loves casts out fear," and how love has a "rival" in our lives.

Have you seen those pictures where there's an angel over someone's shoulder and a demon over the other? Is that accurate, mythology, or something else? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks 1 John 4:1-6, what the apostle means by "testing the spirits," and shares six helps by Jonathan Edwards.

Christie Thomas is the author of "Little Habits, Big Faith." She's also a family discipleship coach and mom. She believes that every Christian parent, including those who feel unsure at first, can nurture deep faith in their kids through little habits that add up over time. This episode is a conversation with Christie that is down-to-earth, fun, and informative.

"Christian" is a noun, yes. Early followers of Jesus were called "disciples" or people of "the Way." Have we lost something of the action-oriented dimension of our faith? In this sermon on 1 John 3:11-24 (also released as a podcast episode) I explain the text, and also John's instruction to love one another, even in the face of pain, problems, and even death.

Self-indulgence is in, self-denial is out. But God gave us fasting for our own good. Athletes go to the gym. Saints fast. This episode is an audio version of an article I wrote for LivingInTruth.ca. Originally geared toward leaders, it's helpful for anyone who wants to know more and build spiritual muscle.

The apostle says we should "purify" ourselves. It will prepare us to meet Jesus, make our lives more pleasing to God, and improve our quality of life. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores 1 John 2:28-3:10, leverages a simple-but-helpful Canadian illustration, and offers practical help.

Hitler, Stalin, Nero, and even the Pope have been accused of being the Antichrist? But who (or what) is it? Is there more than one? When will he come, and what does any of it have to do with you? In this sermon (also released as a podcast episode) we look at 1 John 2:18-27 and John's teaching on the antichrist(s). We should be warned (in more ways than we think).

We're in a new era, that's for sure. Did you know you're supposed to pray for your pastor? Here are 13 ideas to help.

Our culture seems to be of two minds. On one hand it celebrates being different and unique. “You do you!” On the other hand, we want desperately to fit in, to be affirmed, and to be like everybody else. This tension is felt by Christians too. But we need to wrestle with something: Why do […]

It's the 3 A's - accessible, anonymous and affordable. It's also addictive. Many people want out or are filled with shame or guilt. But there is real help and hope. This episode is a talk with Sathiya Sam, a recovery coach, host of The Man Within podcast, creator of a recovery system, and author of The Last Relapse. Wholeness is possible.

God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. So said John the apostle. How do we walk in that "light" and turn from darkness? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores 1 John 1:1-10 and is Part in the series "For the love of God." Let's bear the cross AND wear the crown.

Wisdom is good. But what is it? If fifty million people say something is wise, is it? Not necessarily. In this sermon on Matthew 7:24-29 (also released as a podcast episode), I unpack Jesus' own definition. We also look very clearly at how to live that way.

It's one of Jesus' most famous and inspirational statements. It's also one of the most difficult. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Sounds good in theory, but what about in reality? What about the people who have wronged you personally or who have done something against a loved one? Miroslav Volf […]

You shall honour your father and mother. So says the 10 Commandments. But what about when abuse has been present? This podcast episode and blog shares and answer.

Let's be honest: Do we approach our relationship with God like a vending machine? If I do this, you do that? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Psalm 33 and asks, do we want a relationship with God on his terms and for his purposes, or on our terms and for our purposes?

Join in with this prayer to a muscular Saviour, a King who leads the charge and takes the victory, handing it over to his people...

The King fell in love with (and married) the prostitute! What a scandal! Everything he had now belonged to her. This, Luther says, is at the heart of the Christian gospel. And it's very good news for those who feel like they just don't measure up. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) is the final instalment in our series on the 10 Commandments called "The Royal Family Code."

I write a daily devotional five days a week. It's called The Up Daily Devotional -- and it's celebrating 10 years! Here's a bit more info, and an interview with Todd Gale of Life 100.3FM. What is it? How does it help? How can I sign up?

Words have real power, for good or ill. How can we stay true in a time of cheap words, deception and manipulation? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode), makes 3 practical suggestions. These are based on the 9th command to not bear false witness; Matthew 5:33-37 and James 3:1-12. Bonhoeffer said that a disciple should be a light, even in his words.

Don't steal or covet. So says God. Why not? This sermons explores that answer and relates it directly to the modern lust for bigger, better more. Roy Oswald says: "The truly happy person is the one who wants, more than anything else, what he already has."

Adultery, marriage, pornography, and sexuality. Attitudes have certainly changed. Why was the 7th command "the great sin"? Why did Jesus say even that lust was adultery in the heart? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explores difficult but essential topics including the modern health emergency that no one wants to discuss. One thing is for sure: Thoughts are coordinates.

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.