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Liberated for greater things

March 2, 2021March 1, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). When Jesus talks about carrying a cross, he’s using bold language to teach us a bold principle: Whoever does not crucify their own self-serving desires and instead pattern their lives on him cannot be his apprentice. This kind of … Continue reading Liberated for greater things

No matter the cost

March 1, 2021February 28, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The cross is central to the Christian faith. After all, Jesus says: “whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). Clearly, it’s not just about what he did, but about what we do. It’s easy to forget how jarring the cross was (and is). We see it on … Continue reading No matter the cost

When Jesus puts on a BBQ

February 26, 2021February 25, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Luke 14:15 we read: “he said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.’” At Westminster Church we’ve started a barbeque in July to celebrate our successful Bible camps.  Picture a couple hundred people, music playing, kids’ in bouncy castles, face-painting, and hamburgers sizzling.  A … Continue reading When Jesus puts on a BBQ

Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11

February 25, 2021March 2, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Luke 14:10-11 Jesus says: “But when you are invited [to a wedding feast], take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves … Continue reading Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11

Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned

February 24, 2021February 23, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

With every passing year here in North America Christians will be increasingly criticized. One of the things you sometimes hear is that our ways are “old fashioned” and out-of-date.  So today I’d like to invite you to think about this idea from a certain perspective—one that will, I hope, give you confidence and some words … Continue reading Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned

Humility: Your first thought of the day

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

You'll find it difficult to grow and develop as a disciple of Jesus if you aren’t intentionally cultivating humility. Augustine says: “If you try to build a tall house of virtues you must first of all lay a deep foundation of humility.”* He’s talking about the castle of your character. Without a “deep foundation of … Continue reading Humility: Your first thought of the day

From mouthpiece to mouth-peace

February 22, 2021February 21, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Technically speaking, a “mouthpiece” is a spokesperson for someone else. But it can also be used derisively. If someone is called a mouthpiece with a certain tone of voice, it means they’re mouthy—that they are using words that are rude, insensitive or arrogant.  Because we’re sinful creatures it can be easy to backslide and start … Continue reading From mouthpiece to mouth-peace

Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan

February 19, 2021February 15, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The story of the Good Samaritan is known for what it teaches about showing mercy to others. Luke 10:36-37 famous reports: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus … Continue reading Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan

Training… for godliness

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

We are now in Lent—the period of preparation leading up to Easter. Some people “give something up” for Lent. Think of it like spiritual training. Just how an athlete might make certain sacrifices to train for a big event, so too is there a tradition of Christians making certain sacrifices at this time of year … Continue reading Training… for godliness

Labourers or loiterers?

February 17, 2021February 16, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Today is Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent—the 40-day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Some Christians attend services where ashes are put on their foreheads. In a pandemic, these services will either be skipped or modified. Ashes symbolize our mourning and regret for sin. They also symbolize our mortality. Recall … Continue reading Labourers or loiterers?

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No matter the cost⠀
When Jesus puts on a BBQ⠀
Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11⠀

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