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sermon on the mount

Enter by the narrow gate

May 4, 2023May 1, 2023 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

We’ve been discussing the “way of the righteous” from Psalm 1. It stands in contrast to the “way of the wicked.” Hebrew scholar Robert Alter points out that taking a certain “way” (or “road” or “path”) is a metaphor for a “set of moral choices.”* When I first tried to visualize these two ways, I … Continue reading Enter by the narrow gate

Doesn’t God expect us to be perfect?

May 3, 2023May 1, 2023 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In the previous devotional I explained how pursuing “the way of the righteous” as articulated in Psalm 1 is about a direction, not perfection. Some of you will have wondered, but what about Matthew 5:48? “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Ah yes, that statement by Jesus has really been a source … Continue reading Doesn’t God expect us to be perfect?

Don’t let your eyes deceive you

March 27, 2023March 23, 2023 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In the movie Poseidon, there is a dramatic scene where fancy people are in a ship which flips on the water.  Inside the ship those who go ‘up’ the stairs are actually going deeper down. It is only the people who realize what is happening and who go against conventional logic who do the right … Continue reading Don’t let your eyes deceive you

The other-worldly kingdom

March 9, 2023March 7, 2023 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In John 18:36 when standing before the Roman governor, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Let me note a few things. First, his kingdom isn’t just about heaven. It includes heaven but is not limited to heaven. He teaches us to pray that God’s kingdom comes and his will is done “on … Continue reading The other-worldly kingdom

Can we earn heaven?

October 26, 2022October 25, 2022 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

I was recently asked this question: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I'm also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you … Continue reading Can we earn heaven?

When nice things become ultimate things

June 27, 2022June 20, 2022 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Last week we spent time talking about your soul and about how your soul has an appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing … Continue reading When nice things become ultimate things

Criticized for faith? Rejoice!

April 13, 2022April 13, 2022 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

William Lane Craig is a well-known defender of the faith. He writes books, speaks at conferences, and debates atheists in front of thousands upon thousands of people. This makes him a frequent target. He is yelled at, ridiculed, and criticized—over and over and over. Someone asked him how he responded to all of this. He … Continue reading Criticized for faith? Rejoice!

Making the best of bad situations

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Things are often less than ideal. Even bad. As a result, we encounter imperfect and troubling situations every day—situations which we cannot instantly fix with the wave of a wand. Darkness lurks. Thomas More said: “what you cannot turn to good, at least make as little bad as possible.”* Those words resonate with those of … Continue reading Making the best of bad situations

Beliefs that change how you live

October 18, 2021October 15, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In the much-quoted Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Brothers and sisters, you don’t actually believe beliefs that don’t change how you live. Notes: … Continue reading Beliefs that change how you live

Jim Carrey’s wish

October 4, 2021September 30, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Recently my wife Laura came across a quote by actor Jim Carrey: “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they dreamed of so they can see that it is not the answer.” Imagine that scenario playing out. Everyone gets rich. Then they get famous. They do whatever they want. They assume … Continue reading Jim Carrey’s wish

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