
Stewart Ruch
- Sermons
- Bio
The Holy Spirit and Revival
78028:35RevivalHAB 3:17In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck shares a personal experience from nearly 30 years ago when he hitchhiked through Ireland. Despite a challenging day of hitchhiking, he felt drawn to an abandoned stone church. He describes this experience as a prophetic encounter. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of crying out to God for revival and references the biblical story of the Hebrides islands experiencing a powerful move of God in 1949.
Coming Free From the Darkness of Anger
61133:26AngerEXO 20:13MAT 5:21MAT 6:33EPH 4:26JAS 1:19JAS 1:26In this sermon, the speaker delves into the topic of sinful anger and its profound impact on our lives. He emphasizes that understanding the cruelty and depth of sinful anger is crucial for those who want to follow Jesus and live in the life of God. The speaker acknowledges his own struggles with sinful anger and how it affects his relationships with his wife and children. He highlights that anger is often the door through which other sins enter, and that receiving a deeper work from the Lord is necessary to address and overcome anger. The sermon also references the teaching of James on receiving the implanted word, which has the power to save our souls.
Fully Alive & Same-Sex Attraction: The Call to the First Identity
57148:56HomosexualityROM 1:18In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck shares a personal story about his son breaking his wrist during a soccer match. He emphasizes the deep love he has for his children and how he would fiercely protect his relationship with them. Bishop Ruck then discusses the invisible attributes of God, specifically his eternal power and divine nature, which are clearly perceived through creation. He highlights the tension between serving ourselves and serving the Creator, and how choosing sin can momentarily evaporate our connection with God.
A Changed View on Possessions
46131:14PossessionsMAT 6:19LUK 12:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich fool and his possessions. Jesus gives a guideline before telling the story, urging his listeners to guard against covetousness and being possessed by possessions. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical teaching on saving and the proper mindset towards money and possessions. The sermon also highlights the preacher's emphasis on teaching generosity, as seen in the teaching ministry of Jesus and the numerous biblical references to money and generosity.
A Changed View on Security
45138:30SecurityLUK 12:30In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a breakout session he attended at a church conference led by Pastor Randy Pope. The breakout focused on God's power to provide, and Pastor Randy shared stories of how God had provided for him and his family. One memorable story was about moving to Atlanta to plant a church and not having the means to pay the rent. Despite this, Pastor Randy believed that God would provide, and indeed, God did provide the $400 rent. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having personal stories of God's provision and challenges the listeners to share their own "Father knows" stories.
A Heart to Sacrifice
44227:46Sacrifice1CH 21:1In this sermon, the speaker shares the journey of their church in raising funds for a building project. They started with a goal of $7 million and began raising money two years ago. They called their campaign "reach" because they wanted to worship, be in mission, and serve something greater than themselves. However, they soon realized that the initial purchase of the building was not enough, and they needed more funds to make it suitable for their needs. They hired a firm to appraise the building and determine the additional costs.
Fully Alive Celibacy: The Call to Kingdom Marriage
42733:22CelibacyMAT 6:331CO 7:29In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck discusses the concept of fully living out one's sexuality in the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that there are two ways to live out our sexuality: through marriage or through celibacy. Ruck explains that both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God, and each comes with its own rigors and demands. He references biblical passages, such as Matthew 19, where Jesus sets a rigorous vision for marriage and explains that not everyone is called to this vision. Ruck encourages his listeners to understand the temporary nature of this world and to live in light of the kingdom of God.
Confirmation Ministers the Power of Jesus
42623:38ConfirmationMAT 6:33ROM 6:4EPH 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of becoming a force for Jesus in one's generation. He shares personal experiences of facing challenges and changes in his life, such as moving to a new high school and his parents' divorce, and how he remained faithful to Jesus through those situations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in God's will. He uses the analogy of getting drunk with wine to explain how being filled with the Holy Spirit can transform a person's behavior and thought patterns. The sermon concludes with a personal story of receiving a cassette tape with a Christian song that had a profound impact on the speaker's life.
Pro Love
42424:11God's LoveAbortionCompassion for the UnbornJHN 15:12Stewart Ruch emphasizes the profound love of God and the importance of recognizing ourselves as cherished by Him, particularly in the context of the abortion debate. He shares a personal experience of feeling Jesus' closeness and how it transformed his understanding of being a beloved son of God. Ruch calls for compassion towards the unborn and those affected by abortion, urging the congregation to pray and act against this social injustice while also emphasizing the power of confession and the need for love in all relationships. He highlights that the church's response should be rooted in love, prayer, and active engagement in fostering and adopting children in need.
Jesus Disrupts Demonic Plans
42128:28DemonsMRK 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reality of demons and unclean spirits as depicted in the Bible. He emphasizes that these entities are real and have a menacing and destructive presence. The preacher shares a personal experience of feeling a menacing presence in his room, which he believes was an encounter with an evil entity. He highlights the importance of understanding the reality of the demonic and unclean spirits in order to fully grasp the way of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
Holy Community
41623:55Community1PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a child named William who lived in an unsafe place but finds safety and a home with Mr. Tom. The preacher emphasizes the beauty of William's transformation as he decompresses and becomes a person, discovering his love for art and experiencing friendship for the first time. The preacher also discusses the metaphorical significance of the church as a living stone, chosen and precious in the sight of God. Peter's call to live differently and abstain from sinful urges is highlighted, with the reminder that the power of the resurrection gives believers hope and victory over their sinful nature.
Imitating Christ in Celibacy
40234:15Celibacy1CO 7:29In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a poetic interlude found in the Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of living for the Lord above all else. The speaker explains that this does not mean neglecting one's responsibilities, such as loving one's spouse, but rather prioritizing the Lord in all aspects of life. He also discusses the gift of celibacy, highlighting its three facets: singular devotion for the Lord, singular mission for the kingdom, and iconic ministry for the church. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about giving a book as a gift and the unexpected response he received, illustrating the importance of recognizing and accepting the gifts and callings God has given us.
Waking Up From the Fear of Insignificance
39525:01InsecurityISA 40:3MAT 6:33MAT 11:6MAT 11:11MAT 11:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fear of living a life of insignificance. He uses the example of the character Salieri from the movie Amadeus, who feels his own life is insignificant compared to the brilliance of Mozart. The speaker then explores the two elements that fuel the fear of insignificance: suffering and a lack of purpose. However, Jesus offers a different perspective by painting a picture of a significant life through the example of John the Baptist.
Approval: God's Design for Growth
39224:00Spiritual GrowthLUK 3:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a meeting that didn't go well and acknowledges his failure to care for and bless the people involved. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and gentleness towards others, as everyone is engaged in their own battles and seeking approval. The speaker then highlights the image of God as a community of love, with the father loving the son and pouring out His love upon humanity. He compares this love to a spring of water that is always available, but often goes unnoticed due to our own spiritual disorientation.
Planting Churches in an Unchurched World
39235:35Church PlantingMAT 5:14MAT 9:37In this sermon, the speaker explores the theme of living as Christians in an un-Christian world. He emphasizes the importance of living supernaturally and full of hope, contrasting it with the despair and smallness strategy of the soldiers on the eve of a great battle. The speaker references the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges as an example of someone who lived with desire for God and hope. He also acknowledges the radical cultural changes that have occurred in the last 50 years and the influence of the devil in stealing, killing, and destroying what God has made.
Imitating God as the Image of Christ
39229:39Imitating GodGEN 1:27MAT 6:33MAT 19:8In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners who may be feeling stressed or pressured to take hope and not panic. The purpose of life, according to the speaker, is to learn to love like Christ. The main exhortation from Paul's scripture is to imitate God, which the speaker acknowledges may seem bold or even blasphemous. However, the speaker clarifies that imitating God means walking in love, just as Jesus loved and sacrificed himself for us. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling reluctant to give and serve more in their marriage, but ultimately realizes that this is their destiny in Christ and that with Jesus, they can live a holy married life.
Trusting the Bible
38331:40BibleMAT 6:33JHN 14:152TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making the Bible the foundation of the household of God. They highlight the significance of reading and praying with the Bible constantly, as it is the embodiment of divine revelation. The speaker encourages a childlike faith in the Bible, acknowledging its complexities but asserting that it can be understood and received. They also warn against false teachers who claim to follow Jesus but teach false things, emphasizing the need to trust the Bible and be equipped for every good work.
Walk Together: Relieving Our Loneliness
37926:32LonelinessMAT 6:33EPH 4:1EPH 4:17EPH 4:22EPH 4:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relationships in the Christian faith. He highlights that the Bible is a book about relationship, including our relationship with God and with other believers. The focus of the sermon is on the need for close relationships with fellow Christians. The speaker refers to Ephesians 4, where Paul teaches that we can have close relationships with other believers by bearing with one another in love and maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Reading the Bible With the Church
37835:18BibleJHN 14:6EPH 2:16EPH 2:192TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:17In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck discusses the concept of tradition and its relationship to the Bible. He shares a story about his wife teaching developmentally disabled students and emphasizes the importance of discerning between true and false statements. Bishop Ruck simplifies the church's historical views on tradition and the Bible into two categories: tradition as spiritual grandparents and tradition as a vehicle for the gospel. He highlights the need for scholars to help navigate the overwhelming amount of information and misinformation in today's age, and emphasizes the importance of starting our understanding of the Bible with a doctrine of who God is and His desire for us to have access to Him.
Homily (Maundy Thursday)
37631:06HomilyMAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 20:26MRK 6:31LUK 22:15LUK 22:27JHN 13:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of bonding with the Lord in order to serve others effectively. He shares his personal experience of gathering friends to pray and bond with the Lord on Saturday nights, even when he feels tired. The speaker emphasizes that before we can serve, we need to first bond with Jesus and other followers of Him. He also highlights the example of Jesus, who was slow to self-protect and refused to self-position, showing us the true heart of service.
Anointed and Appointed
37127:08Calling1SA 16:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Samuel in 1 Samuel chapter 16. He emphasizes that God has an appointment and a work for each person, just as He did for David. The speaker also highlights the importance of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling this work. He gives an example of a woman named Susie who, despite not having positional authority, is appointed by God and anointed with the Holy Spirit to do a powerful work of the gospel in Cambodia. Through her and her team's efforts, 50 Cambodians were converted to Christianity in just one year.
Intimacy: Strive to Enter His Rest
37022:28IntimacyGEN 1:1GEN 2:2EXO 3:14EXO 20:8PSA 121:4HEB 3:14HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Eric Little, a Scottish runner in the 1920s. The focus is not on Little's athletic achievements, but on what he sacrificed for his faith. Little, a devout Scottish Presbyterian, refused to run in the Olympics on a Sunday, which was considered the Lord's day. Despite facing criticism and pressure from the International Olympic Committee and his own country, Little stood firm in his decision to prioritize his faith over his athletic pursuits. The sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring faith and the need to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly achievements.
The God Who Keeps Promises (Hosea)
36435:58PromisesIn this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck encourages the congregation to study the challenging books of the Bible, particularly the Minor Prophets. He emphasizes that despite the digital revolution and the decline in reading skills, the members of Church of the Resurrection are capable of understanding these books due to their education and familiarity with the Bible. The sermon focuses on the book of Hosea, highlighting God's promise of a rescue marriage to Israel. Bishop Ruck emphasizes that God initiates and fulfills his promises, and urges the congregation to engage in hard work and study of the Bible together.
Jesus Chose You
36320:43ElectionMAT 22:14JHN 15:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker uses the metaphor of a soccer game to explain the work of Jesus in the kingdom of God. The purpose of the kingdom of God is to restore the earth and human beings to their original state of union and fruitfulness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit and being restored to God's original plan. The sermon also highlights the concept of Jesus choosing and bonding with individuals before they choose Him, emphasizing the theological and biblical significance of this bond.
Moved to Generosity
35826:14GenerosityMRK 12:41In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of a widow who gave all she had to Jesus. The widow is portrayed as a simple person, without even a name, but she becomes a universal symbol of what it means to give one's life to Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that widows are often heroes in the Bible, despite their lack of power or success. The sermon encourages the audience to take steps in their own giving lives, from initial to consistent, intentional, sacrificial, and ultimately a lifetime commitment to giving to Jesus and his church.