The Word at Westminster

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.

A recent survey highlighted that when it comes to some key Christian beliefs confusion still reigns. We often think of Christian as a title, as a noun. And it is. But it is also a verb, a Way of life. Are we at risk of veering off course because we cherry pick our beliefs or short-circuit 50% of the greatest commandment? This sermon on 1 John 3:11-24 unpacks the text, line by line, and invites us to reconsider the critical idea of love flowing from faith. The author, John, walked and talked with Jesus, saw him get crucified, lived through the martyrdom of all his friends, experienced the horrific persecutions under Nero, Vespasian and Domitian, saw the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple as a part of the Roman-Jewish war, and may even have survived being boiled in oil by a Roman Emperor. And yet, despite all this, his message was love one another. What is happening in your life? Something small, medium, or big? Whatever youre facing, John has a word for us that is both challenging and inspiring: And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.

This episode is about fasting. I (Matthew) was invited to write a leadership piece for LivingInTruth.ca, an online publication devoted to upholding the historic Reformed Christian tradition. This episode is an audio version of that same article. You can find the print version (including footnotes and references) by clicking here. Although geared toward leaders, I think it is of interest to anyone interested in learning more about this misunderstood and much-neglected facet of a robust Christian life. So, here it is: Fasting: Spiritual muscle for leaders at war.

At first, it might seem weird (and quintessentially Canadian) to use an illustration about sap and syrup to describe getting ready to meet Jesus, but its an illustration that actually makes a lot of sense. Its about purification. The apostle John writes: we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. What John teaches about purification will: (1) help you be better prepared to meet Jesus; (2) make your life more pleasing to God; and (3) improve the quality of your life. This sermon on 1 John 2:28 - 3:10 explores this topic and provides encouragement forward for those stuck in sinful patterns, and also two practical steps in the process of Christlike purification.

Join in with this prayer from the worship service on September 21, 2025 led by Pastor Ruttan.

What do Nero, Napoleon, Hitler and even the Pope all have in common? Theyve all been accused of being the Antichrist. Throughout history, a lot of people have wondered about the Antichrist. Who is it? What do they do? What makes them an anti-christ? Is this the man of lawlessness Paul talks about who will try to take Gods place? Are there more than one? In this sermon on 1 John 2:18-27, the apostle John comes at this fascinating topic from another angle altogether. And, surprisingly, it has a very practical application for today. It is an occasion not to point at others, but to look in the mirror, especially as the winds around us seem to be blowing harder and harder. When we pursue antichrist instead of Christ, not only do we mislead others, but we miss out on the power of God in our own lives.

Our culture seems to be of two minds. On one hand it celebrates being different and unique. You do you! On the other hand, we want desperately to fit in, to be affirmed, and to be like everybody else.This tension is felt by Christians too. But we need to wrestle with something: Why do we want to fit in with a world which so often consciously rejects our leader and Lord?In this sermon we explore 1 John 2:1-17 where the apostle tells us what it means to have Christ as our righteous advocate. He also warns us against loving the world. What does he mean by the world, and what difference does being different make? (Because it does.)You cant illuminate darkness with darkness. Lets fall out of love with fitting in.

Its the three As accessible, anonymous and affordable. Its also highly addictive and has countless negative health effects. Many people feel trapped by porn, and also full of shame and guilt. It is the public health crisis no one wants to admit. In this episode Pastor Ruttan talks with Sathiya Sam who has come out of 15 years of addiction. He has since become a recovery coach for men around the world. He is the creator of DeepClean (a recovery program), hosts The Man Within podcast, and is the author of very helpful book, The Last Relapse. Perhaps you are listening or watching for yourself. Maybe its for someone you care about. Maybe you just want to know more. This isnt about shame or guilt. Its a very honest conversation about real help and hope for those seeking wholeness. You can listen to our conversation on this page, find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or you can watch our conversation on YouTube. Below you will find the links and resources Sathiya mentions in the episode. Notes: Sathiyas website SathiyaSam.com The Man Within Podcast (learn more and get links) The Last Relapse(book)

The apostle John writes: "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." "Light" can refer to wisdom, purity and clarity. "Darkness" can refer to deception, sin and confusion. How do we choose one and reject the other in the battle for the mind? This sermon is Part 1 in a teaching series on 1-3 John called "For the love of God." When people say that they are usually exasperated for fed up with something. Here we're using it in another way. You are made because of the love of God, and you are called to share and show the love of Christ. This series will help us understand both. In this sermon on 1 John 1:1-10 we unpack the text and make a very practical implication for our lives as we seek to better discern what it means to "walk in the light" (verse 7). Let's learn to "bear the cross" and "wear the crown" at the same time.

We know wisdom is good. We want it. But it can seem elusive. William Somerset Maugham said: If fifty million people say something foolish, it is still foolish. This speaks to our susceptibility to sway. Do we simply go with the flow, even if the flow is powerful and possibly moving in the wrong direction? How do we evaluate ideas and, therefore, our decisions about how to live? Wisdom is more than data. Its more than accumulating information. In a world of instant gratification, it can be challenging to attain, which makes it all the more valuable. Did you realize that Jesus himself taught us the definition of wisdom? Its tucked into the Sermon on the Mount. Not only did he give us the definition, but he told us how to live that way. This sermon unpacks Matthew 7:24-29. [Note: The live version of this sermon was paused due to a medical emergency in the sanctuary during the service. This is an audio recording created following the service. There is no video available.]

Its one of Jesus most famous and inspirational statements. Its also one of the most difficult. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Sounds good in theory, but what about in reality? What about the people who have wronged me personally or who have done something against a loved one? Miroslav Volf had given a talk about love. Someone asked, But can you embrace a cetnik? These were Serbian fighters who had ravished his homeland of Croatia, committing widespread violence and slaughter. Volf said: No, I cannotbut as a follower of Christ I should be able to. This sermon unpacks Matthew 5:43-48 and answers the question, Why are we supposed to love our enemies? It also provides two things to do to move us in the right directionone inch at a time.

You shall honour your father and mother. So says the 10 Commandments. But what about when abuse has been present? This podcast episode shares and answer. To see the blog (written) version, click here.

In this sermon the Rev. Paul Sakasov explains Amos 8:9-14. It serves as a warning today for those who looking to twist Scripture for their own gain.

Dear God, if you do this, Ill do that. If, if, if, if. There are times when we can approach our relationship with God like a vending machine. If we do or say certain things, we expect God to give us exactly what we want. If we dont get it, we can question whether or not God is real, and whether or not he is as good or caring as he says he is. But are we consumers, or disciples? Is it about my kingdom come, or Gods? This sermon is based on Psalm 33 (also released as a podcast episode) and explores the unparalleled and trustworthy character and power of God. Given what we learn about him, do we want a relationship with him on our terms and for our purposes, or do we want a relationship with him on his terms and for his purposes? This is an opportunity for us to think bigger about Godand to trust him more in the daily details that we often dont understand. His purposes are better for us and for the people we care about, even when its hard to see how all the pieces fit together. Are we consumers, or disciples? Is it about my kingdom come, or Gods?

Join in with this prayer from the service on July 13, 2025.

She was a prostitute. Her life was a horrific, painful mess. Piled high with sin, shame, bad choices and public disgrace. But one day everything changedradically. The King fell in love with her, and married her!It was the scandal of all scandals. But from that day forward everything was amazingly different. Everything he had now belonged to her, and she was now royalty.But hold on, lets back up a minute.This sermon is the final instalment in our teaching series on the 10 Commandments called The Royal Family Code. It provides an overview of the commandments, but then zeroes in on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 to provide some very very very very good newsespecially for those who feel overwhelmed because of the commandments, and that they just dont measure up.For some of you this may be the most important sermon you will ever hear.