The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan

It is perhaps the most personal and introspective of the psalms. In it we learn that we are known intimately by the God who is all-powerful, everywhere present, and all-knowing. This episode is a Bible study in the much-cherished Psalm 139.Continue reading

If God is God, why do we look elsewhere for so much help? Is it because the mirror, social media, money or "success" can give us more? Of course not. This episode is a Bible study in Psalm 121.Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about our purpose on earth if we can just glorify God in heaven.Continue reading

We easily forget the good that has happened to us and cling to the bad. Psalm 103 helps us remember the good and encourages us to bless God as a result. But what does that mean? This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 103.Continue reading

The end of the world. It's a popular (and much debated) topic. This podcast (and video) introduces you to a new book which I think is helpful, thoughtful and biblical. It's by Brian Irwin (with Tim Perry): "After Dispensationalism: Reading the Bible for the end of the world."Continue reading

It is a psalm for when trouble is near, for battle, and therefore, for protection. We dwell in the shelter of the Most High, our fortress, who covers us with his wings. But is this a guarantee of total safety? It's quoted often, even by Satan. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 91.Continue reading

Psalm 88 is known for his darkness and desperation. Why is God when it hurts? If you want happy-go-lucky, look elsewhere. But it can still give us guidance when the floodwaters threaten. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 88.Continue reading

He had towering influence but was also down-to-earth. Tim Keller died on May 19, 2023. He had a genuine, biblical faith undergirded by a robust intelligence. Here are 45 of his quotes, presented as both a blog and podcast.Continue reading

Psalm 46 is often read during times of crises -- both national and personal. It was also the inspiration for the hymn "A mighty fortress." This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 46.Continue reading

It is said at funerals, tattooed on arms, and underlined. Psalm 23 is the most famous of all the psalms. It is eternally comforting -- but this is no naive optimism. It is about the shepherding God in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 23.Continue reading

Psalm 1 is the "gateway to the psalms." It is a wisdom psalm which outlines the path of righteousness vs the path of righteousness. This podcast is a Bible Study on Psalm 1.Continue reading

The psalms are much-quoted and much-beloved. Jesus quoted from them more than any other book in the Bible. This short podcast (and video) provides a general introduction to the Psalms as I prepare to teach through 'the most famous psalms.'Continue reading

Do you love me? That's the question the resurrected Jesus asked Peter. It was not insignificant, especially in light of Peter's past denials. This episode is a Bible study on John 21, our final chapter in the Gospel.Continue reading

Jesus' followers were locked in a room, afraid. He appeared... alive with nail marks in his hands! This episode is a Bible study on John 20:19-31 and includes the story of doubting (believing) Thomas, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and a lesser-known commission. Continue reading

Hope. We like it. We could even say we NEED it. But what is it and how do you sustain it over the long haul? This episode is an Easter morning talk with retired pastor and friend, Winston Newman.Continue reading

We are in a covenant relationship with God. But what happens when we don't live up to our end of the relationship? The answer has to do with why Good Friday is called "good." This sermon and episode from Good Friday looks at John 14:15, and two of the life-changing facets of Jesus' saving work. His pain, our gain.Continue reading

Psalm 118 was on people's minds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They had sung it's words and now quote its verses. This episode is a Bible study which explores why, and also the central theme that God's steadfast love endures forever.Continue reading

I was recently interviewed on Life 100.3FM as a part of Sharathon. We talked about the daily devotional that I write, Christian radio, music and God's work at church. Here is our talk in podcast form.Continue reading

Jesus is innocent, and yet he is treated with brutality. What happens in his trial, torture and crucifixion has some striking parallels to the coronation of a new roman ruler. What does it all mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 19:1-16a.Continue reading

If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a "means of grace" (i.e. they can be a channel of God's generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don't you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It's about being proactive, not passive.Continue reading

I was recently asked for book recommendations that would help grow someone's faith. Here are 8 that I believe are accessible-yet-meaty. Continue reading

What's the deal with Lent? Here's a fun trivia session I had with the congregation about the name, 40 days, ashes, and our focus.Continue reading

The time has come. Soldiers arrive (with Judas). Where is Jesus? Tempers flare. Peter grabs his sword. This episode is a Bible study on John 18:1-18 and takes us through the first part of the passion story.Continue reading

Jesus prayed specific things for his future followers. If you believe, that's you! This sermon (and podcast) explores John 17. Let's pray what Jesus prayed for us, and also see what he wants from our lives.Continue reading

They've given up so much to follow Jesus. And yet, the will be scattered. They will abandon him. Despite this, they will receive peace from a suffering Messiah who has "overcome the world." This podcast is a Bible study on John 16:25-33.Continue reading

How in the world can it be to the disciples "advantage" for Jesus to leave? But it is. Otherwise, he will not send the Holy Spirit to them. This episode looks is a Bible Study on John 16:4b-24 and looks at this question and also 3 ways the Spirit works in the world.Continue reading

You want to follow Jesus and even share him with others. But you're so busy. Your "margin" is nil. This podcast is a talk with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, a professor at Tyndale who is writing a book on the importance of creating margin in our lives to be faithful disciples of Jesus.Continue reading

Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands -- oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you."Continue reading

I was recently interviewed by Chris Pullenayegem from the Vancouver School of Theology about looking within, spiritual disciplines, and encouraging an ethos of discipleship in a congregation. This podcast is a recording of our talk.Continue reading

Jesus tells us he is the true vine, his Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. We are to "abide" in Jesus and bear fruit. What does he mean and how does this give us "joy"? That's what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 15:1-17.Continue reading

God will send a special Helper to live within Jesus' people: The "Parakletos." Who is this Holy Spirit and what does he do? This episode is a Bible Study on John 14:15-31.Continue reading

Jesus is the centre of our faith. He came to give us life; but what was his like? What did he look like? What wasContinue reading

Why a census? How far to Bethlehem? Was Jesus born inside or outside? What is something we've forgotten (but previous generations didn't)? This episode shares an informal, interactive time with the congregation on Christmas morning as I answer these questions and more.Continue reading

Jesus said: "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." Is that a blank cheque? This podcast is a short exert from a worship service on December 18, 2022 and provides some explanation.Continue reading

In confusing times Jesus offers a word of clarity, compassion - and controversy. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Is Jesus really the only way? That's what this sermon explores.Continue reading

This teaching by Jesus includes comfort, controversy, and a call. First, he tells his disciples that he goes ahead to prepare a place for themContinue reading

Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command toContinue reading

Is this Jesus' version of "live your best life now"? Yes and No. Think bigger. Think life that is "abundant." This podcast and blog distil Jesus' use of the word "life" in John's Gospel to two main ideas.Continue reading

It was the lead-up to his torture, crucifixion and death. The disciples were there, including Judas. He was preparing to betray Jesus to the authorities,Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if there is a benevolent being?”Continue reading

They had a different culture and customs. But they just needed to see him. "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." In response, Jesus lays on something pretty heavy. This episode is a Bible Study on John 12:20-26.Continue reading

Imagine spending $30,000 in a single moment of extravagance. Oh, and you're not rich. You spent it honouring Jesus. This episode is a Bible Study on Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet in John 12:1-11.Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: "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 explain?"Continue reading

It's a new time - with challenges and opportunities. So we need to be honest about who we are in the body of Christ: consumers or members? This podcast is a talk with Thom Rainer, president of Church Answers and former CEO of LifeWay, and author of "11 signs you are becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member."Continue reading

A dead man breathing and the tears of God incarnate. The episode is a Bible study on John 11:28-57, the raising of Lazarus.Continue reading

This podcast and blog explains the meaning of the sacrament of baptism. It also explains who we baptize and provides a rationale.Continue reading

Her brother died. Jesus used it as an opportunity to glorify God and beat back fear. This episode is a Bible study on John 11:1-27, part 1 of the raising of Lazarus.Continue reading

This episode is a Bible Study on John 10:22-42 and explores the idea of listening to (and following) the Good Shepherd when we can't actually see or hear him.Continue reading

John 10:7-11 read by Ben Ruttan, and my opening prayer in worship based on the same text: The Good Shepherd and abundant life.Continue reading

This episode is a Bible study on John 10:1-21. I explore Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we the sheep, the thief, and share a word study in all occurrences of the word "life" in the Gospel to give us insight into life that is abundant.Continue reading

Does your hardship define you? Not necessarily. Does it limit God? No. This episode is a Bible study on John 9 -- Jesus' healing of the man born blind.Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about temptation from the Lord's Prayer.Continue reading

What provoked them to pick up rocks to stone Jesus? It was these words: “Before Abraham was, I am.” Not only was Jesus telling themContinue reading

Jesus calls the Devil "the father of lies." Not something (or someone) to be taken lightly! But many do. This episode is a biblical study of John 8:39-47.Continue reading

Free from what? For what? Why was this famous statement so controversial and why can we miss it's meaning? This episode is a Bible study on John 8:31-38.Continue reading

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." So said Jesus. What did he mean? What does uncertainty, darkness and danger have to do with it? That's what I explore in this episode which is an in-depth look at John 8:12-30.Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about secular vs. biblical worldviews.Continue reading

"Let he who is without sin be the first to cast a stone…" So said Jesus to those wanting to stone the woman caught in adultery. Why did he say it? Did he condone sin? How are grace and truth balanced? That's what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 7:53-8:11 (a story not in our oldest manuscripts).Continue reading

Jesus said: "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" What did he mean, and how does that shape who we are in the coming era? That's what I explore in this podcast episode which looks in-depth at John 7:25-52.Continue reading

If you think you’re caring for yourself when you’re really just comforting yourself, you may be creating more grief than gain. This episode is the audio version of an article I wrote with therapist Sarah Joy Covey for The Toronto Star.Continue reading

If we don't comprehend the bigness of God, we'll underestimate what he can do (and what he can do through us as well). This episode is a Bible Study of Ephesians 3:14-21.Continue reading

In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about assisted suicide and the quickly changing landscape in Canada.Continue reading

Jesus' statement that "I am the bread of life" was divisive. He then talked about the necessity of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. People argued. Some left. Why? What did he mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 6:25-71 and explores the deepest appetites of our souls.Continue reading

It's one of Jesus' most well-known miracles. But walking on water wasn't a party trick. We can learn from both the disciples' uncertainty and Jesus' sovereignty. The powerful presence of Jesus is greater than the powerful presence of fear. This episode is an in-depth look at John 6:16-24.Continue reading

Evangelism is sharing the good news about Jesus. But it can be challenging (and intimidating). Will Han is a Buddhist monk-turned Christian, church-planter and missionary. He has a serious and self-sacrificial approach which flows from his own experience of Christ's love. This podcast is a talk (and interview) with Rev. Han.Continue reading

While Jesus feeds thousands of people, a small boy stands nearby. He trusted him, and watched to see what would happen. This episode is a Bible study on John 6:1-15, the feeding of the 5000. You can make a difference in more ways than you know.Continue reading

Life can be difficult. Wait, hold on. Life IS difficult! We'd better have the right captain in the storm. This podcast is a Bible study on John 5:30-47. We uncover a world-changing and life-changing Messiah who will see us through.Continue reading

Do the Gospels accurately preserve what Jesus said and did? Haven't they become distorted? How can we know with any confidence? This podcast (audio and text) gives you 5 important points to consider.Continue reading

Can we have confidence that Jesus said what the Bible says he said? In this podcast I explore that question and also dive into John 5:19-29 and Jesus' role as Judge (and why that is good, liberating news).Continue reading

This podcast is a Bible study on John 5:1-18. An invalid is healed, Sabbath-police get angry, Jesus' words invite both fury and joy. The fact that he does God's work no matter what might be a soul-refreshing word you need to hear in this weary chapter.Continue reading

The episode is a conversation with Jennifer Harris and Julie Cunha at Westminster Church in Barrie on Easter. We talk about hope through hardship, and encourage you to also see the ways God works - even when life is hard.Continue reading

Crowds can be funny... and dangerous. What is going on with waving palms, frenzied people, and a Savior on a foal? That's that's I explore in this Bible Study podcast on John 12:12-19 at the start of Holy Week.Continue reading

Do you want to explain (or defend) your faith with greater confidence and clarity? Join the club, and listen to this podcast with Greg Koukl, author of 'Tactics,' president of Stand to Reason, a speaker at over 80 university campuses, and radio host for over 30 years defending 'Christianity worth thinking about.'Continue reading

When Jesus heals a boy from about 27 kms away, not only does he change his life (and his family's life), but he teaches us something about what to expect in the future as God's people. This episode is a Bible study on John 4:43-54.Continue reading

A saviour is one who saves. Pretty obvious, right? Wrong. This episode is a Bible study on John 4:27-42 and explores Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the broader implications of what a Saviour is and does.Continue reading

They call it the information age. But to me, it often feels like we have too much data and too little wisdom. This episode is a talk with Claude Cox who has spent years with the elderly. Here, he shares some wisdom that has been passed on.Continue reading

God cares about HOW we worship. And no, this isn't about style. It's about worshiping him "in spirit and truth." In fact God "seeks" people to do so. This episode is a Bible Study on John 4:1-26 and the Samaritan woman at the well and "living water."Continue reading

What is spiritual warfare? Why do some avoid it? Isn't the Bible just 'out of date'? Who is our enemy? Does possession still happen? How do we win?! I discuss all this and more (put on your seatbelts) with Jon Thompson, author of Deliverance.Continue reading

John the Baptist was a radical, especially when contrasted with the me-first, look-at-me mantras of today. This episode is a Bibles Study on John 3:22-36 and the cardinal virtue: humility.Continue reading

It's the most famous Bible verse in the world. But what does it actually mean? This episode unpacks John 3:16 and takes us into the heart of God, eternity, and everything that matters most.Continue reading

What in the world does it mean to be 'born again.' We've heard the term, maybe even used it. We can't see God's kingdom without it, says Jesus. This episode is a Bible study of Jesus' powerful words to Nicodemus in John 3:1-21.Continue reading

So much for Jesus meek and mild! He's upset, and this Bible study episode on John 2:13-25 explains why. We also discuss his "zeal" and what it might mean for us today.Continue reading

Water into wine. And not just a glass, but over 700 bottles! Why did he do it, and what's REALLY going on? (More than you think.) This episode is a Bible study on John 2:1-12 and one of Jesus' most popular miracles.Continue reading

You learn by doing. Yes, head learning is important, but hand learning makes it real. This episode is a biblical study of John 1:35-51 and what it means to follow Jesus.Continue reading

When Dan Scott was a boy his home burned to the ground. The next morning his father read James 1:2-3 and led them in prayer. In this talk with the national Moderator of the PCC we talk about hardship and it's relationship to joy and perseverance.Continue reading

Who and what is the "Lamb of God"? The piercing herald John the Baptist introduces the Lamb who gives us the Holy Spirit. This episode is a biblical study on John 1:19-34.Continue reading

When God adopts you, you gain a new special status. This gives great assurance in life as you seek to grow in grace and truth. This episode takes us through John 1:6-18 to fill in the details.Continue reading

How can I make rest happen when I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel? I was asked this at a Q & A forum. Here's my response.Continue reading

God incarnate. Eternal life. Wisdom for now. Big topics are on the menu in what may be the most famous and influential document on earth. In this episode I introduce it and look closely at verses 1-5.Continue reading

Although much is uncertain, God is certain. That's why we need to "guard our hearts" in him (with vigilance). In this episode we go to Proverbs 4:20-27 for some wisdom about doing just that.Continue reading

We are living in a time of upheaval, a stampede of fear. In this concise Christmas Eve message I look at Luke 2: 8-14 and explain how fear retreats when Christ advances.Continue reading

We know the Christmas story. Or do we? If it doesn't seem revolutionary or exciting, you're not seeing the whole picture. This podcast and blog is a closer look at Luke 2:1-20.Continue reading

We love our children. We don’t like anxiety. So how can we better understand anxiety in children, and how can we help those we love so dearly? That's what we discuss in this interview with Lyndsey Stevenato.Continue reading

Friendship—with other Christians, and even with Jesus. That’s our topic in this talk with the Rev. Dr. John Vissers, principal of Knox College. We talk about the heighted importance of friendship today, the embrace of Jesus, trust, looking out for one another, the means of grace, the “second self,” and more.Continue reading

What would be your parting words to a child as they headed off to college? Hebrews 13 feels like important parting words which need to be taken to heart to ensure faithfulness. I explore them with and for you in this episode.Continue reading

What if there was actually a point to your hardships? What if you were being disciplined and trained for something else? In this podcast episode I explore these ideas (and others) as we look closely at Hebrews 12:1-13.Continue reading

Douglas Rollwage has over 33 years of experience as a trusted Bible teacher. In this podcast we cover a lot of ground, touching on the vitality of Bible Study, the transformative effect of pilgrimage, common pushbacks, and how knowing God deepens your relationship with him.Continue reading

If you are a follower of Jesus you are "being made holy." Did you realize others have a role to play in that process? In this podcast episode I explore this (and other things) as we look closely at Hebrews 10:1-25.Continue reading