Sermons by Jacob Rutledge
Divided and Conquered
Introduction The principle of “Divide and Conquer” is one that has been used in politics for many years—going all the way back to Roman times. The idea is that if you can break up existing power structures, or prevent smaller groups from coming together, they are easier to conquer. Within politics, if you can pit a political party against itself and create internal struggle, it makes it much easier for the outsider/opposition party to conquer them. The power of this…
Always Faithful
Introduction “Call me Ishmael.” One of the most well known openings in American Literature. Those familiar with literature recognize this as a “hook”—something which immediately grabs the attention of the reader and pushes them to continue the book. If you want people to continue to read the story, then they have to be interested in the first place. With that in mind, it how Matthew begins his story seems anything but a hook: “The record of the genealogy of Jesus…
Saints and Sinners
Introduction “You’re a saint!” The idea implied: someone who is a cut above everyone else; moral purity, divine quality—certain amount of truth. Generally: special people, only a handful for stain glassed windows. The process for “Sainthood” within the Catholic Church is a long, meticulous process in which there has to be a great history of philanthropy or even a few miracles. So, the gap between saint and sinners (us common Christians) seems quite wide—but is this Biblical? We discover, in…
The Call of Discipleship
Introduction Recently watching “Blue Planet II.” Incredible documentary done by BBC. When you watch this documentary you begin to realize how absolutely massive the ocean is. 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water; only 5% of the ocean has been explored. Its incredible to think about what new mysteries await us in the depths, and how those discoveries may very well change the way we look at the world. Yet, even more incredible, is how important a small…
Having a Holy Heart
Introduction Holiness—spiritual reorientation; reoriented towards things of God. As we work out our fear and trembling, God works within us (Phil. 2:12-13). Partnership in holiness; can’t occur without intentional action on our part. Part of this intentional efforts towards holiness is what scripture refers to as “renewing your mind” (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22). That is, make your mind new/fresh. Notice the connection, in both verses, to proper conduct (holiness). Particularly within Eph. 4: put off old conduct so that you…
My Lord and My God
Introduction Kiser Kurios—Caesar is Lord. During the height of the 1st and 2nd century persecution of the church, Christians were dragged before Roman courts and called to make this confession under penalty of death—Kiser Kurios. Caesar has total and complete preeminence and authority—essentially that he is God. But they couldn’t. Because they realized to do so would be to betray their true Lord and Savior. So, one of the most ardent, outspoken confessions of the early church became, “Jesus ho’…
Finding Forgiveness in Our Family
Introduction Home. The word that means so much to so many. Nostalgia washes over some when they hear the word. The place where love and acceptance are found; a place of good memories, holidays, and birthdays. A place where you go when things get crazy; A place of fun and family. Yet, it isn’t that way for everyone. Home brings a different wave of emotions: brokenness, pain, betrayal, bitterness, guilt, fear and even hate. Sadly, some of that is due…
