“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). People who volunteer to teach Sunday School are special. Some churches called it “Youth Zone” or “Kids’ Club” or something else. No matter what you call it, it is a valuable ministry to our young … Continue reading Sunday School Teachers
Author: Matthew Ruttan
The prayer life of Jesus
Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ prayer life was like? We know what he taught about prayer because those teachings are preserved in the New Testament. But what was his actual personal practice? Theologian Joachim Jeremias explains the daily habits of devout Jews in the first century. First, he would have said the Shema in … Continue reading The prayer life of Jesus
Always. Even if it’s getting dark
Jesus is coming back. He said so. But before that happens he said there will be wars and rumours of war, increased Christian persecution, false Messiahs, more lawlessness, and less love. Wow. The church in Thessalonica wanted to know how to live in light of these realities. They knew Jesus would be coming back, and … Continue reading Always. Even if it’s getting dark
Inner health made audible
I like to be healthy. I’m sure you like to be healthy as well. When we hear the word ‘health,’ the first thing many of us think about is physical health. A cold or a broken bone disrupts our physical health. There is also mental health. Fortunately, more people are talking about mental well-being, and … Continue reading Inner health made audible
Pray (always) and don’t give up (always)
Bob Goff really wanted to be a lawyer. He applied to law school, but got rejected. Undeterred, he went to the dean’s office. Goff said that the dean had the power to let him into the school. If he said four words--"Go buy your books"--he would change his life forever for the better. But the … Continue reading Pray (always) and don’t give up (always)
Virtue and adversity
In the 14th century Henry Suso wrote: “Where is virtue preserved except in adversity?”* That’s intense. Let’s take a closer look. First, what is virtue? It’s not a word we use very much anymore. But it’s a good one. It comes up in 2 Peter 1. It means ‘moral excellence.’ Second, where is it used … Continue reading Virtue and adversity
Waiting is made possible by hope
Hope often requires waiting, but waiting is made possible by hope. Let me explain. Hope often requires waiting. Makes sense. There is a future dimension to hope. If I hope that my best friend comes to visit, it requires some waiting. But waiting is made possible by hope. In other words, when we are confident … Continue reading Waiting is made possible by hope
Studying the insights of others
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out” (Proverbs 18:15). John Chrysostom was an early church father who had a considerable influence on the faith of others. He said that there were four things Christians can’t help doing: praying, praising, being generous, and reading Scripture and studying … Continue reading Studying the insights of others
Discomfort, pain and youth
Chris Colquitt is a campus minister for the Reformed University Fellowship at Northwestern University. In a recent talk he was speaking about faith and Gen Z. That’s the generation born roughly between 1996 and 2010. One of the things he talked about was how kids were (and are) raised, and the influence this has on … Continue reading Discomfort, pain and youth
God’s unparalleled renovation of the world
Wallace Alston wrote: “To be a member of a church… is to be an active participant in God’s unparalleled renovation of the world.”* That’s a big statement. Perhaps you don’t think about your church in that way. Perhaps you only think about your church as a place to sing songs or chat with nice people. … Continue reading God’s unparalleled renovation of the world
