The word encouragement has courage in it. It comes from an old French word corage, meaning heart. Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someones heartwho they are withinso that they can face the battles of life.

Not only is this something we need to receive, but its something we need to give for the living of these days.

This sermon explores 2 John 1:1-13. With a pastoral heart, an elder statesman of the church writes to a local congregation to instruct and warn, but also to encourage. His example is motivation for the rest of us to do the same.

Faithfulness is a team sport, as Paul Carter says. This faithfulness includes encouragementwhen we rejoice on the mountaintops of life, and also when we trudge through the valleys. This message isnt just about giving it, but receiving it too

God tells us to pray. Jesus shows us how. We know it is important. But are our prayers effective? Or are we missing something? Turns out, we might be neglecting some critical details.

This sermon on 1 John 5:13-21 unpacks the text and centres on this statement by the apostle John: And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

It also looks to other biblical passages to uncover the keys to effective prayer as we seek to abide in Christ and move forward with our spiritual growth. At the end, we are presented with eight (actually, nine) guidelines for more effective prayer.

Turns out, alignment matters. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Join in with this prayer led by Pastor Ruttan from the worship service on October 26, 2025.

What if you had to climb a huge mountain. It would take hours and include steep inclines. You probably wouldnt want to do it. But what if you learned that at the top of the mountain there would be an incredible feast. In fact, all of your favourite people would be there. It would be the best day of your life!

With that in mind, something switches in your thinking. It goes from being something you have to do, to something you want to do. Your thinking changes because you learn the reason for climbing the mountain.

Lets be honest. Following Gods commandments can feel burdensome, like climbing a mountain, like something we have to do, but not necessarily something we want to do. But when we remember why we are called to live this way, a change starts to happen in our thinking.

This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) unpacks 1 John 5:1-12. It explores how we need to obey Gods commandments if we truly want to love the people around us, the reasons for doing so, our three enemies, how love is an ongoing conversation between have to and want to, and a few practical suggestions for when Gods commandments feel difficult.

Lord, draw us closer to you, under your yoke, under your strength, that Christs commands become lovely to us as he becomes lovely to us, that our lives will reflect your life-giving character and shine upon the rest of your people, Amen.

This short episode is the youth focus from the service on October 19, 2025. In it, Pastor Ruttan retells a story from author Max Lucado. It centres on how it's easy to get distracted and forget what matters most. In John 6:35 Jesus calls himself the "bread of life."

Four out of five people admit to distracted driving. Its a big problem. In this country it has contributed to 25% of serious injury collisions. But this message isnt about distracted drivingits about distracted living, which is way worse.

The apostle John has some wisdom to help us stay focused. In this sermon (also released as a podcast episode) we explore 1 John 4:7-21 and his unrelenting (and repetitive) call to love one another. We also discuss judgement day, how perfect love casts out fear, and how love has a rival in our lives.

In the sermon for October 12, 2025, Pastor Ruttan referred to six points by Jonathan Edwards about "testing the spirits" (1 John 4:1). Edwards lived in the 18th century and became one of America's most noted theologians.

One of Edwards enduring works was The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God. It was about discernment: How do we know when the Spirit of God is at work, as opposed to something else, like an unclean spirit of demons?

Since our review of Edwards' points was quick, Pastor Ruttan said that he would reproduce some of Edwards insights here so interested parties could ponder them more fully.

You can also find a print version of this episode in the blogs section of our website.

Youve seen the pictures. An angel hovers over one shoulder and a demon hovers over the other. The idea is that there are good and bad forces in the unseen realm trying to influence us. We may not be able to see them, but theyre there. Or are they?

The apostle John warned: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God In our age of spiritual naivete, we need to be discerning. Many of us have adopted a materialistic worldview (instead of a biblical one) and are therefore vulnerable.

This sermon explains 1 John 4:1-6. We cant hide from spiritual warfare. The biblical authors talk about it time and time again. Its important to know. Otherwise, we may be less equipped to be the agents of love God intends us to be.

It also shares six applications from Jonathan Edwards which help us discern the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error.

Join in with this prayer from our Thanksgiving service on October 12, 2025. The title is inspired by the words of Eusebius: "We reap the everlasting fruit of your goodness..."

Christie is the author of "Little Habits, Big Faith." She's also a family discipleship coach and mom. She believes that every Christian parent, including those who feel unsure at first, can nurture deep faith in their kids through little habits that add up over time.

This episode is a conversation between Christie and Pastor Ruttan. It is down-to-earth, fun, and theological at the same time. She speaks to those who feel tentative, nervous, unequipped or supported. She talks about starting small and the main influences in a young person's life. She also discusses the importance of flexibility over time and practical habits.

You can learn more about Christie and find her resources at LittleShootsDeepRoots.com.