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grace

Giving Grace

September 29, 2020September 28, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Things are crazy right now. Can I get an Amen? Remember when the pandemic started and everyone was very supportive of one another? Fast forward to today and we’re all wearing thin. We are stretched. We are tired. We are weary. We are impatient. We are bombarded by news reports, conspiracy theories, and decisions which … Continue reading Giving Grace

Mountain Goat Grace

February 21, 2020February 20, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

I heard a story about some mountain goats that lived near the top of a rocky mountain. Around one end of the mountain was a narrow ledge. It was only a foot wide. Fortunately, mountain goats can navigate narrow ledges. One goat started to walk around the ledge from one side of the mountain, and … Continue reading Mountain Goat Grace

It’s not You-ianity

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The word ‘religion’ comes from the same Latin root as ‘ligament,’ meaning ‘to bind.’ In this sense, ‘religion’ refers to a system of beliefs and practices that ‘bind’ us to God and other people in a community. That’s obviously a good thing. But there’s another way the word ‘religion’ is used which I think is … Continue reading It’s not You-ianity

Going out of your way for compassion

December 17, 2019December 16, 2019 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Before I tell you about Evan, let me share Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” Okay, back to Evan. He was a boy from St. George, Ontario in Canada. He had an inoperable brain tumor. He was so ill that they worried he wouldn’t live long … Continue reading Going out of your way for compassion

What to do when you’re persecuted

August 22, 2018August 21, 2018 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Millions of Christians face persecution. And it will increase in North America too. So what do you do? (It has something to do with retaliation.)

Hypocrisy (on both ends of the spectrum)

August 2, 2018August 1, 2018 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“You’re a hypocrite.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s a nasty and unpleasant thing!

A hypocrite is a pretender—someone who says they believe certain ideals but doesn’t actually live them out in their own life. Hypocrites were the people Jesus often railed against.

But guess what? Regardless of your theological leanings, it’s easy to become one!

Grace notes

March 7, 2018March 6, 2018 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

You've heard the lie before: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." The idea is that words—because they are invisible—cannot hurt us. But we know it isn't true. The put down, the threat, the lie that cuts deeper than a knife. Words can have a negative power. BUT... they … Continue reading Grace notes

Hurting trumps busyness

December 14, 2017December 13, 2017 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Writer, speaker and scientist Alister McGrath says that “To love God entails loving what God loves.” So who does God love? God loves the emotionally needy. God loves the braggart. God loves the one we overlook. God loves the forgotten. God loves those who are struggling. 1 John 3:18 says, “let us not love with words or … Continue reading Hurting trumps busyness

Generosity you don’t deserve

August 3, 2017August 2, 2017 / MatthewRuttan / 2 Comments

Aren't all religions the same? I get asked that sometimes. The short answer is no. And here's one of the reasons why (and why it matters... eternally)

The Messiah is living amongst you

June 21, 2017June 20, 2017 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

What if the Messiah was living in your midst? As this old legend teaches, it could change everything.

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