The Word at Westminster

Do you want to be “like Jesus”? Dallas Willard observes that many Christians want to do Christlike things—whether that be loving their enemies or courageously defending God's truth—yet neglect the formative practices that help get them there. “We cannot behave “on the spot” as [Jesus] did and taught if in the rest of our time we live as everybody else does.” This podcast episode is an invitation to become more like Jesus by more closely emulating his own spiritual practices. When and how did he pray? Was it “in the moment,” did he follow a formula, or was it both? What was the role of Scripture or the synagogue? We don't need to adopt his exact routine, but there is a lot to be learned by what he did on a daily and weekly basis. I think this will open our eyes and provide some fresh motivation and fortification for the task to which God has called us—a task which includes Christlikeness on a narrow and often bumpy path. This episode is in the form of an audio essay. It was originally released on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan‘ and is an article Pastor Ruttan wrote for LivingInTruth.ca called “Live like Jesus, Be like Jesus.” Originally, it was written with Christian leaders in mind. But really, what he says is applicable for all. You can link to the original written version here. That's where you can also find the footnotes the quotes that he is about to share. Also be sure to check out LivinginTruth.ca. It is a website committed to upholding the historic reformed tradition. Here it is. What can we learn from Jesus' personal devotional life?

Join in with this prayer from the service at Westminster on March 23, 2025. “Lord over all, as a king who leads his own people onto the battlefield; as a shepherd who chases away salivating wolves; as a Father who lifts a crying child into his arms saying, ‘It will be okay, I love you’; Lord God the Almighty, the all-loving, we come to you because of you…”

Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers in the Jerusalem Temple. I wouldn’t call it violence, but perhaps righteous anger. But why did he do it? And what might this teach us about the dignity and purpose we have as followers of Christ? To answer these questions we need to look at some big picture biblical themes. That’s just what we do in this sermon on Mark 10:46 – 11:33. We trace the presence of God through the temple, the resurrected Christ, and into his people. Because of this, Jesus’ people have a dignity and purpose which is unique and powerful. Note: During the live-stream recording of this sermon, a few short ‘blackout blips’ occurred. Each lasts for only a few seconds.

This episode is an answer Pastor Ruttan has provided to a question submitted through Westminster’s Q and A Forum. The question (submitted anonymously) is this: “I’ve heard it said that when Christ returns (I believe some people refer to this as “the rapture”?), he will take all those who believed and have already died to heaven first; then he will take all the living believers. It’s a little unsettling to think that our much loved ones who were faithful believers are just hanging out somewhere waiting for that day. Could you also say a clarifying word about the terms ‘purgatory' and ‘the millennium'?” Please note that we’ve slightly condensed the question, but have tried to capture it’s main elements. You can also read the answer in text form in blog format on our website here.

When someone uses the phrase “alternative lifestyles,” what comes to mind? Perhaps rejecting family life, a certain kind of nomadism, embracing sexual promiscuity, creating a belief system out of a mishmash of ideas, or something else “unconventional”? But as more and more of these things become accepted and adopted, perhaps there is a new kind of alternative lifestyle: Christlikeness. This isn't just for kicks. Clearly, things need to change in the world. They need to be different. Christ invites us to participate in his renovating work. “On earth as it is in heaven.” But we can't expect the world to be different if we're the same. This sermon on Mark 10:1-45 unpacks the text to discover a series of invitations—these are ways to live which are higher and more beautiful than what our broken world has to offer. But if we don't pay attention, and if we don't cooperate with God, it's easy to calibrate to culture instead of Christ. What if Christlikeness was the new alternative lifestyle?

As we enter into the season of Lent, many of us might consider fasting from sweets, entertainment or social media. We do this remembering the 40 days when Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness before his ministry began. But why is that so significant for us and what does this tell us about who Jesus is? In this sermon by William Min, we look at that together and how we can hold firmly to our faith in Christ, who is our great high priest.

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. This episode is taken from Pastor Ruttan’s podcast, The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan. You can access a text version at his website here.

Join in with this pastoral prayer from the service at Westminster on February 23, 2025.

The word “great” is used a lot. “Make Canada Great Again” (or America or Europe). It's not only used of nations, but people. “So-and-so is great.” But what do we mean by that? How do we define greatness? If our definition isn't biblical, we tend to absorb the perspective of our surrounding culture (which seems inclined to define it in ways that are, shall we say, not so great). In this sermon on Mark 9:33-50 (also released as a podcast episode), we unpack a story about this very topic. The disciples had been arguing about who was greatest. Jesus responds by providing a biblical definition we are wise to adopt today. Jesus' definition of greatness is something which needs to be rediscovered in every era and which never grows old. “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” [The handout referenced can be accessed by clicking here.]

Join in with this pastoral prayer from our worship service on February 16, 2025.

Motivation matters. For example, people who do better in surgery are people who have a reason to live afterwards. It's a matter of motivation. With that in mind, spiritual muscle matters. Agreed. But we probably won't do anything to make it happen unless we're properly motivated. How's this for motivation? If you do not grow spiritual muscle, not only will you suffer, but there is a risk that people around you will suffer as well. In Mark 9:14-32 the disciples weren't able to help a severely demonized boy because they didn't have the proper spiritual conditioning for the job. In this sermon (also released as a podcast episode), we unpack this fascinating text and apply this same principle to the entirety of our lives. Spiritual muscle makes a difference. What if there was hurt or harm in our lives—or in the lives of the people we care about—that we were simply unable to address because of a lack of spiritual conditioning? All Christians are saved; but not all Christians are at the same level of spiritual maturity. Fortunately, God educates and equips us, not only to be victorious in the realm of spiritual warfare, but to share and show the light of Christ with the people around us and in the world at large. Spiritual muscle makes a difference.

There's a lot happening in the world. Leadership races, controversies, executive orders, tariffs, competing ideologies, and quarrels over the holy land. You can compare it to a vortex which threatens to suck us in and take over our lives. At first glance, Jesus' transfiguration seems unrelated. But it actually provides helpful guidance about how to approach and respond to what is happening around us in a way that is sane and centred on Christ. This sermon explores Mark 9:2-13 and is an invitation not only to marvel at Jesus' radiance, but to resist the modern pressure to oversimplify issues, play political games, and place our hope in lesser political or ideological heroes. There is a better way.

“It's my cross to bear.” When people say that they are usually referring to some sort of burden. But when Jesus said to “take up your cross” what was he actually talking about? He said it before crosses had become sentimentalized. A modern equivalent might be, “take up your electric chair.” This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 8:31-9:1 and zeroes in on that enigmatic expression, and also a few other related statements: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” It explains the context, provides a definition for the meaning of carrying one's cross, a motivating reminder about the joy that lies behind sacrifice, and a suggested application for disciples today. In the words of missionary Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Join with this prayer from worship on January 26, 2025. It focuses on the transforming love of God in a time of noise, stress and controversy.

We've devalued words. We've all heard the playground chant: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It's untrue, of course. Words can bruise, and can often leave an (invisible) mark which is much worse. Words can be used in a positive way as well. They can help and inspire. But this is about something more. It is about the actual spiritual power of certain words in certain situations—especially against the powers of darkness. This sermon on Mark 7:31-8:30 looks at four related sections of text which come to a head with Peter's confession. “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus' continual battle with the kingdom of darkness (and his location during that critical Q and A) teaches us something about the actual power of words in the unseen realm which is very much real. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words… will change the world. So perhaps we should be a bit more deliberate as we battle under the banner of Christ.

Picture someone you think is hypocritical, a pretender. They say they believe in God, but when you look at what they say and do, there’s no way! Honesty calls. When we think of someone who is hypocritical, how often do we think of ourselves? This isn’t about beating ourselves up. It’s about honest self-evaluation. It’s about sincerity. It’s about growing in Christlikeness with God’s help. So in this sermon you’ll learn 3 quick fixes to rid yourself of all hypocrisy instantaneously. Just kidding! This is serious stuff. Think crock pot not microwave. This sermon unpacks Mark 7:1-30. In this text Jesus responds to attack and criticizes the hypocrisy of some Pharisees and scribes. He also speak with, and then casts out, a demon from the daughter of a Gentile woman. It then takes us through a series of practices and perspectives to help us address the hypocrisy in our own lives as we move toward sincerity. With God’s help let’s strive to “win within.”

Proximity. Noun. “nearness in place, time, order, occurrence, or relation; closeness.” Being in close proximity to the right people in the right situations makes all the difference. If you have a guard dog beside you when you walk through the woods at night, it makes a difference. If a mother visits her daughter when she feels alone and needs to talk to someone she can trust, it makes a difference. If a mentor comes alongside a younger friend while navigating tough issues and people at work, it makes a difference. Proximity to Christ is essential as we face difficulty and danger in life. This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks Mark 6:45-56, the dramatic story of Jesus walking on water, and his famous words to the fear-filled disciples: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” What if in the midst of your own difficulties and dangers God had a specific word for you too? “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

If only… If only I had fewer problems in my past… If only I was a better speaker… If only I had more influence… then God might use me for something important. Think kind of thinking neglects that God’s ability is bigger than your inability. This sermon on Mark 6:30-44 by Pastor Ruttan unpacks the miraculous feeding of the 5000. It shows us that Jesus is the new and greater Moses, but also something critical about discipleship, especially when we feel unqualified. What was true then remains true today. God uses what you have, not what you wish you had.

In this episode, Pastor Ruttan shares two tips for personal peace in a new year. One is obvious, the second will need some explanation. You can link to the text version here.

A lot has happened in the past 100 years. In 1924 there were 1.9 billion people in the world. Most household didn’t own cars. Over the next 10 decades there would be the great depression, World War Two, a moon landing and the rise of the internet. It makes you wonder what will happen in the next 100 years. One author speculates that artificial intelligence is like a tsunami just off the shore of our human existence. Another media and technology mogul thinks we’ll all have our own advanced personal robots by 2124. The future is the great unknown. In light of all of this, how might the nativity story speak into our collective and individual future which, for many people, feels uncertain, dangerous or scary. This Christmas Eve mini-message by Pastor Ruttan on Christmas Eve offers an answer to that question.

It's one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus. Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years. But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. This episode is an opportunity for you to slow down and go more in-depth with Luke 2:1-20. It is a re-release from 2022. Learn more about Nazareth, the harsh political landscape, historical ambiguity about the census, ancient prophecies, and what it would have been like for Mary. Oh, and there are no donkeys mentioned in the story — sorry! In the words of Matthew Henry, “Long-looked for is come at last.”

The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins.” What does this mean? Our first thought is often that he will save us from “the consequence of” our sins. And rightly so. He will and he does. On the cross Jesus gets what we deserve, and in turn, we get what he deserves. But Jesus also saves us from “the slavery of” our sins. That’s right. Jesus himself says that whoever practices sin (in an ongoing, repeated and unrepentant way) becomes a slave to it (John 8:34). That Jesus wants good things for us during life (not just in the afterlife) is a much-neglected dimension of the saving work of Christ. This sermon explores Matthew 1:1-25 and unpacks Jesus’ family tree, Mary and Joseph’s engagement, her unexpected pregnancy, the message of the angel to Joseph, and the saving work of Christ.

Join in with this honest prayer during worship by Pastor Ruttan — lifting up to God 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 happened that the holy man, John the Baptist, was decapitated in prison because of a grudge. This twisted and bloody story is a contrast between two kings and two kingdoms, both then and now. Each day we chose a path in one of two kingdoms: the kingdom of the world and darkness, or the kingdom of God and light. This is why Eugene Peterson says that God forms the church to be a colony of heaven in a country of death. This sermon on Mark 6:14-29 unpacks the darkness of this story, and highlights the contrast between our true King, and the lesser kings of the world. Ultimately, since we are “citizens of heaven” (Phil. 3:20), how might we bring heaven home?

Rejection is fun, right? Wrong. And yet, it’s something that many of us have to deal with at some point or another, including those who try to follow Jesus. Anthony was a monk who lived into the fourth century. He said: “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad, you are not like us.'” Do you relate with that? Jesus faced considerable rejection. This sermon on Mark 6:1-13 is an opportunity for us to re-frame how we think about this topic. Being rejected—and being different because of your beliefs or lifestyle—can be so upsetting that we forget that there is something more important than being rejected. When we keep that more important thing in view—and when we hold certain worldly things “loosely”—the arrows of others start to lose their sting.

Faith isn't just about pursuing life after death, but life before death. Or, put another way, it's not just about the after-life, but the during-life. When we think of Jesus as “Saviour” we tend to think about his role after our time on earth. He saves us from the consequence of sin and from being on the wrong side of eternal judgment. As (very!) important as those things are, we can forget certain aspects of his role as Saviour in the here and now. We can miss some of the ways he can be powerfully present, especially in moments of desperation and pain. This sermon explores Mark 5:21-43 and is an invitation to honestly consider Jesus’ role as Saviour in your life before death.

This sermon was originally called “Closing doors to demons” and was delivered on November 17, 2024 at Westminster in Barrie. But Pastor Ruttan has changed the title to this: “Is this the sermon demons don't want you to hear?” He explains why in a short introduction at the start of the message. Some strange things happened on and around it’s delivery. Okay, to the sermon itself. Jon Thompson says: “The demonic hates anything that reminds them of hope.” If you belong to Jesus, that’s you. But be at peace and do not be afraid. This sermon unpacks one of the most intriguing (and confusing) parts of the Bible: Mark 5:1-20. It’s when Jesus casts out a legion of demons from a man. They go into a herd of pigs who quickly drown. People are both afraid and amazed. The sermon presents some big picture ideas about spiritual warfare, takes us through the text, warns against major “doorways” which give the demonic permission to function in our lives, and encourages practices to help us live freely and victoriously in Christ. There is a companion podcast to this sermon which Pastor Ruttan references. It is an interview he has with Steve Dabbs, author of “When Demons Surface.” You can access that here, or by searching on our podcast, The Word at Westminster. In Romans 16:19-21 Paul said: “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” It was a good word then, and it’s a wise word now. Let’s open our eyes, and be not afraid. Is this the sermon demons don’t want you to hear?

Demons are disembodied spirits who have rebelled against God. Yes, demons are real, and their work is alive and well. If you’re human, and especially if you’re a follower of Christ, they hate you. We sometimes hear about about demon “possession,” but mostly in movies or horror stories. A more accurate word is “demonization,” and it can happen to varying degrees. But how do they gain access to people? And how can we demon-proof our lives? This episode is a talk with Steve Dabbs, author of “When Demons Surface: True Stories of Spiritual Warfare and what the Bible Says about Confronting the Darkness.” It is hosted by Pastor Ruttan. They talk about demons and spiritual warfare, the “doorways” people open which give permission for the demonic to function in their lives, and how to live free and victoriously with Christ. Steve is a retired senior military chaplain with over 35 years of expertise in pastoral care and leadership. He talks about his own supernatural experiences, including personal attacks. He also has years of experiencing helping people be delivered from demonization. “We’re all experiencing spiritual warfare whether we realize it or not,” he says. You can listen to the conversation below. You can also watch our talk on Pastor Ruttan’s YouTube channel here. Underneath you can find links to Steve’s book and website. Here are the main questions that guide their talk:-Dealing with demons doesn't seem to be something people eagerly sign up for. Can you explain how you got involved in this?-Some/many of our listeners haven't been taught much about the demonic realm. Many will be quite skeptical. As Christians today, why should we be more open to this?-How do demons gain access to people? Can you explain some of the “doorways”?-If something is going on in your life, how... Read More

World peace. We all want it. But how do we get there? Is there even any hope when we have had so many wars, when nations (and peoples) continue to fight, and when individuals continue to experience so much anger, anxiety and pain? This sermon examines Philippians 4:2-9 and is about Step 1. We explore three practical takeaways. Oh, and they all begin with you. Plus, your soul will thank you.

Let’s pretend that we all get together and decide to imitate someone named Ischyros. Great! Let’s do it! But hold on, there’s a problem. We first need to know what Ischyros is like before we can we imitate him. 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. We emphasis certain parts of him, downplay others, or have a limited understanding. This sermon explores Mark 4:35-41 and the stilling of the storm. It’s an opportunity to answer the question posed by the baffled disciples in the boat: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” It’s a story which is meant to make us ponder who Jesus is on a deeper level. Four specific questions are suggested to help you be honest about where you’re at. Who you think Jesus is influences you are becoming.

What do we do when so much seems broken, uncertain or wrong? When things are not turning out like we want, frazzlement and frustration can take over. They make us doubt our decisions. This was something people faced in Jesus’ day too. In this sermon on Mark 4:21-34, we explore three short parables, and how Jesus clarified the nature of God’s kingdom, and how he encouraged his followers forward in a world where so much seems broken, uncertain or wrong. What he said to them then continues to be instructive for us today as we seek to worship and serve God the unchanging.

Are we here by chance, or is there a greater purpose? Many people have tried to answer this question. Some people aren’t sure, despair, or throw their hands up in resignation. Fortunately, Jesus isn’t one of them. The light of the world has things to say about who we are and why we’re here. This sermon explores the parable of the sower in Mark 4:1-20, what it means to be “good soil,” and how this influences your life. Jesus’ instruction is eternally relevant (whether the apocalypse is near or not). You and I carry forward the goodness of God to a hurting world. We were born to bless.

When I was in elementary school a kid kept pestering me—that is, until my big brother came to my defense. I felt… protected. There are a lot of titles for Jesus — like Son of God, Saviour, and Good Shepherd. Each one tells us something about him and the nature of our relationship. Another (frequently neglected) title is brother. What does it tell us about him and about the nature of our relationship? This sermon unpacks Mark 3:22-35, how you become Jesus’ sibling, and six words that teach us about the kind of big brother he is: Loyalty, love, intercession, guidance, correction, protection. Do you want less fear and more confidence? Listen in.

This short episode is the youth time from the service on October 6, 2024. Pastor Ruttan tells a story from Philip Yancey’s book ‘What’s so amazing about grace?’ It was used to help us appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice that we remember when we celebrate Communion.

Jesus’ own family called him crazy. “He’s out of his mind.” But why? He had gathered and led crowds, assembled twelve apostles, healed suffering people, expelled demons from the oppressed, preached about the kingdom of God, and challenged religious authorities. Even though some of those things sound pretty nice, when compared to expectations of ‘normal' behaviour, he was deviating from norms, possibly bringing shame and embarrassment to the family. Jesus, however, had his eyes set on higher things which were for the good of others. This sermon takes us through Mark 3:1-21 and encourages us to be different for Jesus, putting kingdom priorities before a self-centred infatuation with our own reputation. As Michael Mangis says: “Faith means stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction.”

We live in a time when in North America fewer people identify as Christians. We have the stats to prove it. But people aren’t simply becoming apathetic, many are becoming increasingly hostile and antagonistic towards faith. Do you know what to say when someone challenges you? Jesus experienced challenges and confrontations on multiple occasions. This sermon explores two such challenges in Mark 2:18-28. We look not only at what he said, but his pattern of response. This continues to be instructive for us today. In Ephesians 6 the Scriptures are referred to as the “sword of the Spirit.” With that in mind, William Gurnall wrote: “The sword of the Spirit in another person’s hand will not defend you.”

Most people tend to think of miracles as some sort of break in the natural order. Jurgen Moltmann has a helpful corrective: “Miracles are not an interruption of the natural order but the restoration of the natural order.” In other words, when Jesus performs miracles he is showing us how things are truly meant to be. His power, healings, exorcisms, and jaw-dropping feats point forward to that day when Eden is restored and God wipes every tear from our eyes making all things new. This sermon takes us through Mark 1:40-2:17 and is a part of a series on Mark. We explore the text, consider how Jesus’ actions fit into the larger story of God’s work in the world, and ponder our own role as imitators of the great King of restoration.

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. Some people think there’s a devil under every bush (not true). Others think the devil doesn’t exist (also not true). As Christians we need to see things as they really are. The devil and his demons are not God. Even still, we live in a world where they are actively working against the Lord, his kingdom, and his people. And yet, many of us have not taken the demonic realm seriously. Are we victorious in Christ? Yes. But at the same time, we are often trying to navigate the battlefield of life with one eye shut. This sermon continues a series on Mark and takes us through chapter 1, verses 16 to 39, exorcisms, and offers some suggestions to those for whom all of this is quite unsettling.

We’ve seen it happen in movies and books over and over again. When all seems lost, a hero arrives, hope is rekindled, victory becomes possible, and everything changes for those who belong to the hero. This is a part of the reason why these movies or books are so interesting. We wonder, ‘If only we lived in a world as exciting as that.’ We do. But ours is real and consequential. This sermon is Part 1 in a teaching series through the Gospel of Mark, often considered the earliest full account of Jesus’ life. When all seems lost, a hero arrives, hope is rekindled, victory becomes possible, and everything changes for those who belong to the hero. That hero is King Jesus. Unfortunately, however, we have been trained (or seduced) to think small, whether that be about Jesus, salvation, evil, faith, the purpose of life, or the Kingdom of God. Our exploration of the Gospel of Mark will be an invitation to think bigger and see more.

What do you want to be successful at? It is something to do with your career, family, relationships or a personal goal? There are different understandings of “success.” Make no mistake about it: our society’s definition is certainly different from God’s. But which are you driving toward? This sermon looks at the direct and down-to-earth wisdom of James 4:1-10. It encourages us to consider the cardinal virtue of humility, and how God exalts those who live by humble faithfulness. It includes five practical applications that we find within the text. Mark Batterson writes: “We’re so busy climbing the ladder of success that we fail to realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall.”

In Pastor Ruttan’s absence (he is away on vacation), Claude Cox led us in a message titled ‘Enjoy your streams’. The scripture focus was Psalm 1.

In Pastor Ruttan’s absence (he is away on vacation), Cathy Clark will led us in a message titled ‘R.O.L.A.I.D.S. – Timeless relief from anxiety for our contemporary age’. The scripture focus was Isaiah 43:1-4 & Mark 14:32-36.

In Pastor Ruttan’s absence (for his annual summer vacation), Jeff Walther led us in a message titled ‘The Narrow Path – ‘, with a focus on Matthew 7: 13-14.

In Pastor Ruttan’s absence (for his annual summer vacation), Paul Sakasov led us in a message titled ‘The Gateway to the Kingdom of God’, with a focus on the Beatitudes from Matthew’s Gospel.

Following Jesus means making sacrifices — and that can be difficult, and sometimes painful. That is bound to happen when we make God’s kingdom our number one priority. But to truly understand sacrifice, we need to count not only the costs, but the benefits. When we think through not only what we’re giving up, but what we’re getting (for ourselves but also for others) it can give us a new perspective. This sermon is on Luke 9:57-62. It encourages you to count the cost, the benefit, and to find new refreshing motivation.

This is Part 2 of 2. Part 1 was 10 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. You can also read the full blog post here.

In an era before viral videos and mass communication, Ezekiel did some wild and jaw-dropping things. He laid on his side for over 14 months prophesying against Jerusalem while only eating food rations cooked over dung. He later shared a vision of a valley of bones coming back to life, growing skin, and re-constituting a great army. Um, what? His words and actions served a purpose 2600 years ago. Among other things, Ezekiel continues to teach us today. How do we play the long game successfully, even when we face hardship and are tempted to give up? This sermon explores Ezekiel 4 and 37:1-14. It's easier to play the long game when you know you are going to win.

The Intel Report is a fairly new initiative. Every so often an interview or talk with be featured that presents a big idea from the world. “Intel” means “intelligence.” The “front” is a reference the “front lines” of a battle. These topics will cover a range of ideas but are meant to equip you as a modern disciple to be more informed, and to help you think through what is going on around you.Edition #2 is an interview with Dr Richard Gallagher, a board-certified psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry. Originally a skeptic, he has become the world’s leading psychiatric authority on demonic possession. On the heels of his new book Demonic Foes, he talks with Sean McDowell about how he originally became a consultant in cases of possible possession and exorcism, what those things are (and how they are different from mental illness), and some basics Christians should know about the reality of the demonic (and God’s power) in our world.Belief in evil spirits and possession is prevalent all around the world; this has been the case since the start of recorded history. But in the modern west, we have been increasingly skeptical. To some, this interview with Dr. Gallagher will be unsettling, but it may also start to re-open some eyes on the front.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfunNURoO2w&t=2sApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/exorcisms-the-worlds-leading-psychiatric-authority/id1707613021?i=1000647172796

How do we protect ourselves from threats? How do we stay safe, not only for ourselves but for those we care about? In answering these questions we often think of things like locks on our doors, safety bunkers, surveillance cameras or first-aid kits. In this sermon on Psalm 25 we explore one of the most important ways to protect ourselves. But instead of being something which happens outside of us, it is something that happens inside of each one of us. What could David have meant when he — as a sinful person who experienced guilt, fear and affliction — said, “May integrity and uprightness preserve me”? That’s what we explore along with four applications to our lives today.

It’s a story of intrigue and mystery. The King of Syria wants to hunt down the powerful prophet Elisha. Physically speaking, Elisha is outnumbered. That’s when we get a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm and discover the real numbers: there are horses and chariots of fire all around the mountain ready for action. Even though they can only be seen by faith, they are still there and are very much real. This sermon unpacks 2 Kings 6:8-23, invites us to consider how God has structured reality (both visibly and invisibly), and suggests three applications for living by faith, not just by sight.