Last week I sent a note to the congregation I pastor. It was about being deliberate about our attitude on Sunday mornings.It’s so easy to forget what (and who) worship is all about. All of us are influenced by the prevailing individualism and consumerism of our time. What mindset do we have as we prepare … Continue reading He is not shocked
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Against the powers of chaos
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.That’s a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it’s too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it’s right on the money?Life can get crazy. So can the world. Rest isn’t optional for a warrior preparing … Continue reading Against the powers of chaos
Botching the job
There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus.There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There’s a longer, fascinating story about all of this, but I’m … Continue reading Botching the job
Sundays in arrears
God wants good things for us. One of the evidences of his love is the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).It’s a matter of health and well-being—not just spiritually, but physically and mentally.For a lot of people, dedicating time to find rest is difficult. I understand that. I’m one … Continue reading Sundays in arrears
Your example to the 99
I’ve heard an expression a few different times. Perhaps you have too. Here it is: “Out of one hundred people, one will read the Bible, and ninety-nine will read the person reading the Bible.”It’s a way of saying that the lifestyle of a Christian is on display for everyone to see. That’s how others will … Continue reading Your example to the 99
The hypocritical use of God’s name
When it comes to the Bible, there is often more going on than what first meets the eye. This is certainly true with the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)Another much-neglected dimension of this commandment is what we could call ‘hypocritical use.’ In … Continue reading The hypocritical use of God’s name
Bearing the Name
Let’s take a quick look at a much-neglected aspect of the third commandment which says: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)It has to do with the word “take.” In Hebrew it’s the word “nasa’.” It means to take, to bear, or to carry.It’s telling that … Continue reading Bearing the Name
Taking God’s name in vain
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7, ESV).Let’s be honest. Attitudes have radically changed about how we use God’s name.Up until recently it was actually illegal in England to misuse God’s name. Today … Continue reading Taking God’s name in vain
An ambassador to the King of kings
James H. Taylor was the pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Washington. There was a time when he was at a party with a lot of big wigs, including the British Ambassador.“It is an honour,” he said, “to meet the ambassador of so great a king.” Knowing Taylor was a pastor, the ambassador replied, “Ah, … Continue reading An ambassador to the King of kings
God is jealous?
“You shall not bow down to [idols] or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5)Some people are surprised when they learn that God can be “jealous.” However, it makes perfect sense.God chooses to use words that we can understand. “Jealous” is certainly one of those words. We can … Continue reading God is jealous?
