Why loving people isn’t the same as liking them

Bad theology hurts people.

J.I. Packer said: Bad theology hurts people. When we stray from biblical teachings, we become susceptible to misguided beliefs about God and, therefore, misguided ideas about life. These beliefs can cause destruction. In 2 Peter 2, the apostle goes on what we might call a rant. However, his passionate teaching comes from a place of love and concern for his people and is motivated by love! After he is gone, false teachers will try to deceive and mislead the people. Peter wants to ensure that doesnt happen. Today, we need to hear this message more than ever. We live in an age which increasingly tries to make everything that is spiritual or religious subjective. Francis Shaeffer uses the language of a two-tiered approach to truth. He gives us a helpful model by which to evaluate our beliefs. This sermon takes us through the text, introduces Shaeffers idea, and encourages us to see how good theologygrounded in Scripturehelps you, me, and the people we care about more fully flourish under God.

A biblical definition of humility

In the ancient world, humility wasn't really a good thing. But in the Bible, it's massive--and good. Here are some biblical examples and a definition for those seeking to be like Jesus on the narrow path.

When it comes to virtue, roots before fruits.

Alasdair MacIntyre thinks we may be entering a new dark ages when it comes to virtue. That may be so, but not for the people of God. Even when were feeling morally bankrupt and tempted to throw up our hands in defeat, God leads us forward in Christlikenesseven despite ourselves. This sermon explores 2 Peter 1:1-21. It includes a word of encouragement to people who feel like theyre not as far along the path as they want to be, and also some specific help moving forward along the ladder of faith, seven qualities Peter highlights for Christians who are growing in the knowledge of Jesus. Christlikeness through you is overflow from Christ in you. Lets learn together.

Is 2 Peter a forgery, or was it written by the apostle?

This episode (also made available as a blog post) is about the authenticity of 2 Peter in the New Testament. Is is from the apostle himself as the letter claims, or is it a clever forgery? That's what this episode by Pastor Ruttan is about.

An Antidote to the Devil.

Can the Devil use pride and focusing too exclusively on yourself to inflate worry in your life? Yes. He can, he does, he will. Worry loves to make you question the past, fear the future, and doubt God in the present, so that you are forever frantic and mentally somewhere else. However, by focusing on Jesus, and by clothing yourself with humility, you can successfully resist the ways he is prowling around you and trying to sow destruction in your life. This sermon unpacks 1 Peter 5:1-14 and addresses worry and anxiety, humility, and an antidote to the Devil. Instead of giving him an open door, lets be alert, informed, and proactive. A deep heart-rest in the sovereign care of our Good Shepherd is possible.