The Word at Westminster

Things happen that tempt us to abandon shipmeaning, to turn from God. How could such-and-such happen to me, or my friend, or in the world? When these things happen, they can cause us to doubt (or reject) Gods love, wisdom, or even existence.

In Ecclesiastes 8, the Teacher lays out a series of events or experiences which tempt us to abandon ship. Tim Keller refers to spiritual wintertimes when God doesnt seem close. This sermon takes us through the text, and suggests new ways to think about these challenging experiences in a way that keeps us focused on God and what he may be doing in our lives.

Does God still speak to people today? The answer is Yes. And although some people have dramatic experiences (some of which are real, but not all of which are real), more often than not he speaks through the Scriptures.

This can include the act of preaching, even when the preacher is a sinner who is having an off day. Why? Because when the Word is shared, the Holy Spirit makes things happen.

Charles Spurgeon said: We must sit at Jesus' feet: humble, teachable, and child-like. He was talking about wisdom. And what was true then is also true now. If we want to be wise, its not just about learning, but living.

This sermon takes us through Ecclesiastes 7, and then offers six statements from the text. Space is created to ask if God might be speaking to you personally through one of them.

These days, many people are distracted. Dont be one of them. Lets dial in to the voice of the Lord.

Imagine standing before God. He asks you a question. What do you have? Youre not sure what he means. Your life on earth is over and you are standing before him empty-handed. He asks a follow-up: What did you bring with you? Then it hits you. Hes not talking about things. Hes talking about what you have on the inside of you.

This sermon explores the idea of interior wealth. In Ecclesiastes 5-6, the Teacher continues to express his frustrations about life. Some things are futile and dont last, but other things are valuable and endure. What is the difference, and are you living your life as if that difference matters?

In the 4th century, Paphnutius wrote: I say nothing is ours except what is in our hearts, what belongs to our souls, what cannot be taken away by anyone. What he says is (mostly) true, but his point is well taken. Are we setting priorities based on what society says is valuable, or on what actually is?

The author of Ecclesiastes is often overwhelmed with grief or confusion. All is vanity! is something he says a lot. But do you want to know what he never says is futile? Friendship.

In our day, friendship is on life-support. Sure, you may have a bunch of online friends, but thats not what this is about. We are talking about true, solid, faith-based friendships. Why has friendship become difficult for so many people? Perhaps it has to do with the prevailing spirit of rugged individualism, or perhaps ongoing social isolation, political polarization, busyness, or even the hyper-sexualization of our culture.

Whatever the reason, two are better than one. As he navigates the difficulty of life, the Teacher points to the refreshing reality that our relationships (including friendships) can be a source of help, comfort, and even protection.

This sermon explores Ecclesiastes 3:16 - 4:16. William Ham writes: There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them.

Certain things leave us awestruckthings like gale-force winds, witnessing a baby being born, or young soldiers sacrificing their lives for the freedom of others.

The greatest reason for being awestruck is the Lord God. He spread out the stars, filled the oceans, designed DNA, and leads history forward in hope. Or have we become so used to the idea of God that we have domesticated him? Has our thinking about God become too common, rendering us incapable of standing in awe?

This sermon explores the most famous passage in Ecclesiastes: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven But this poem isnt just prettyit has a purpose. It has to do with (a) who God is (regardless of the season you are experiencing), and (b) who you are (regardless of the season you are experiencing).

Through each and every chapter of lifeeven the hard onesthe Lord God is sovereign and good. Thomas Scott says we should imitate the sailors who, in their ships, have a port in view, a destination. Through calm waters and through harsh storms, the sailors keep their eye on the destination. So it is with us through every season. How can we reverence God come what may? For everything there is a season, and for every season there is a Saviour.

To not believe in the power of prayer is to say, in essence, that God is a liar. Join in with this prayer to the all-mighty God whose throne does not tremble, even when the world yells and threatens and consumes. It was shared by Pastor Ruttan during the worship service on September 27, 2026.

What impression will I leave on the world after Im gone? What mark will I make? What will I leave behind? These are questions about legacyand they are not new. People have been asking them for thousands of years.

Your legacy isnt about you. Well, actually, it is about youbut in a way that isnt about you. And it can be very good, but perhaps not in the ways youd expect.

This sermon explores Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 and also brings in Jesus parable of the rich fool from Luke 12. The stories are not unrelated. There is a time and a place to eat, drink and be merry. But we must also live in a way that is rich toward God. In the end, that is the most significant aspect of our legacy.

So yes, your legacy is about you, but in a way that isnt about you. And that is a gift you give to otherswhen youre here, and even when youre not.

People are searching. Perhaps they are searching for happiness. Perhaps they are searching for peace, or for their purpose in life. And even though we might not always realize it, were also searching for wisdom. We want to make good decisions (not bad ones), and live by the right priorities (not the wrong ones). All of this is a part of our search for wisdom.

In Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11, the Preacher is honest about his search. But he doesnt want to learn by proxy. He doesnt want to read someone elses text book. He wants first hand information. He wants to do the research himself. He tries everything looking for wisdomincluding things he should avoid!

This sermon takes us through the text as the Preacher tries to find wisdom in a variety of places. It lands with the words of Jesus who cautions against shallow thinking, and who gives us a definition that not only helps us to live wisely, but points us in the direction of lasting joy.

Good habits, bad habits. We probably all have both. At first you make your habits, and then your habits make you. That's the part about habits that we often neglectthat they are shaping us and leading us in a certain direction.

Like coordinates.

In this short episode, Pastor Ruttan rovide a definition for habits, explains what is meant by coordinates, and provides some practical suggestions for life and faith, not only for those who are already on a good path, but for those who need a mid-course correction.

Note that in addition to the audio (available below or through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc) you can also watch a video version on Pastor Ruttan's YouTube channel here.

Life is short. Sometimes, its very short. That sobering fact forces us to think about what we do (or dont) spend our time and energy upon. Rick Warren has said: The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking. If we sideline God and eternity, things go sideways. And yet, thats what we often do when we focus exclusively on money, work, sex, fame, success, or even our families.

This sermon is Part 1 in a new teaching series on Ecclesiastes. It provides an introduction, takes us through the first 11 verses, and invites us to ponder this question: How does the fleetingness of life influence how we spend our time and energy while here on this earth?

The Teacher in this book begins by expressing frustrations, not by making conclusions. Maybe thats why we can relate to it so muchits honest. Theres a difference between things you have, and things you treasure. Lets live wisely based on what matters most, not on short-term thinking.