In his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders Paul said, “I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 20:27). That phrase could also be translated as the “whole counsel of God.” That’s an important phrase. He hasn’t skipped over the uncomfortable parts or the inconvenient parts; he has been … Continue reading The WHOLE counsel of God
Author: MatthewRuttan
Worrying means you suffer twice
In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?” He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”* Isn’t that great? Worry is a … Continue reading Worrying means you suffer twice
Autumn: the first step back to good
Yesterday was the first day of autumn. There’s something new about a new season. I’m not just talking about cooler temperatures, pumpkins, or pirouetting, multi-coloured leaves. A new season can be a great opportunity for a mental re-set. Have you been consumed by emotional fog? Have you been distracted by lesser distractions? Have you been … Continue reading Autumn: the first step back to good
God resurrected the tree
There was a church by an African village who met under a tree. A local witch doctor put curse on the tree and it died. So what did the church do? They had a prayer meeting. What did they pray for? Did they pray for solace or to find another location? Did they pray that … Continue reading God resurrected the tree
Single-minded fidelity
Hebrews 1:5 says: “For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘None.’ Jesus is greater than angels. Apparently some people had been doubting Jesus. Since they were still seeking the wisdom, strength and blessing of God, … Continue reading Single-minded fidelity
What angels do
Hebrews 1:14 says: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” We can learn at least four things from this. First, angels are ministering spirits—or, put another way—serving spirits. If you wanted to find a verse that furthered the idea of guardian angels this could be one of them. … Continue reading What angels do
The work of the baptized
My colleague and friend Richard Topping has said: “No one who is baptized is without work to do.”* There are times when that work is some sort of official ministry. Maybe you’re a youth group helper, teacher, prayer warrior, behind-the-scener, or another kind of God-honouring volunteer. There are also times when we are already doing … Continue reading The work of the baptized
Sustained by his powerful word
Bible scholar Luke Timothy Johnson says the most important question we need to answer is whether or not Jesus is alive. Not only do we believe in the Jesus of history, but in the Jesus who was raised and continues to be alive—reigning and ruling at God’s right hand. See Hebrews 1:3: “The Son [i.e. … Continue reading Sustained by his powerful word
Looking for something other than Jesus?
Hebrews 1 begins like this: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (verses 1-2). Wow, what … Continue reading Looking for something other than Jesus?
Courage for the battle
Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
