How to avoid the polarizing effect of the internet

Suffering Like A Saint.

What do we all have in common? Some people say death and taxes. True! But theres more. Generally speaking, we all like to be happy and dont like to be sad. We want to have lives that matter. And, unfortunately, we all experience suffering. This sermon isnt about why we suffer, but about how we should approach suffering. Our perspective about life changes our experience of life. We unpack 1 Peter 4:1-19, discuss what it says about faithful suffering, and then apply eight insights to our own lives. It was Corrie ten Boom who said: When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you dont throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.

How to avoid the polarizing effect of the internet

We live in a digital culture which can be very polarizing. This has to do with algorithms, echo chambers, profit margins (and more). This post and podcast episode includes one suggestion that should help. A blog (written) version of this episode can be found at MatthewRuttan.com.

Lord of all, not Lord of some--a prayer

You are Lord of all (not just some). Join in with this prayer of both praise... and confession. It is from our worship service on May 31, 2026.

A Real Definition of Hope (1 Peter 3:8-22)

When it comes to following Jesus, we need to think proactively about how to define the terms we use. What do we mean by faith or love? If were not careful, our thinking can become shallow or, even worse, unbiblical. The same is true for the word hope. Hugo Gryn remembers a time as a boy when he was in a concentration camp. His father used up their last bit of butter to make a Sabbath candle for a worship service. Without food we can live for weeks. But we cannot live for a minute without hope. This sermon explores 1 Peter 3:8-22. Peter is often called the apostle of hope. He encourages his readers both then and now to be prepared to share the reason for their hope, even in the face of hostility. But if we dont know the reason for our hope, we wont be prepared to share it. These days, hope is like water in the desert. Lets think seriously about what it means.

What Jonathan Haidt just said about A.I. and the next generation

Haidt has earned the right to be heard. He cares about his kids, and yours too. His recent comments deserve more attention. This post (and podcast episode) briefly explores the threat of silicon valley doing another experiment on your kids, to their detriment. Will we live with eyes wide shut, or open? You can find a text version of this episode at MatthewRuttan.com.