The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan

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.

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).