5 Minutes with Pastor Lutzer

Many of us know the pain of abandonment and rejection. Yet Jesus Himself faced the silence of God in a way we cannot fully understand. Pastor Lutzer contemplates the amazing love of God at the most excruciating moment in all of time. How could Jesus' death in our place accomplish God's plan of reconciliation?

All the members of the Trinity were involved in the death of Christ on the cross. When Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?," it revealed a dramatic mystery. Pastor Lutzer reflects on the wonder of the darkness and the question itself. What happened when the Father turned His back on the Son?

Last words are important, especially from loved ones. When Jesus looked upon His mother, Mary, in compassion He gave instructions about her future. Pastor Lutzer pictures that poignant moment between the Son of God and the mother of Jesus. What if our proximity to the cross clarified our God-given assignment?

When we face death, and we all will, we want to be assured that we've placed our confidence in something durable. Jesus was crucified between two thieves, one who cursed Him and one who cried out for help. Pastor Lutzer reflects on the nature of Jesus' promises to this man in the last hours of his life. Did the thief doubt that Jesus' promise would be made good?

Jesus' executioners didn't know the enormity of their crime against Him. But Jesus offered up a prayer of forgiveness for them to the Father. Pastor Lutzer discusses the extent to which Jesus' prayer was answered. Since Jesus didn't revile in return, how should we forgive those who commit outrageous sins against us?

Some people believe there are many ways to God. The cross stands alone because of the One who died on it. Pastor Lutzer points to three new realities because of Jesus' death on the cross: our standing before God, our personal value, and our worship. Throughout all of eternity, we will be reminded of the cross.

In today's culture, we are often tempted to choose between our personal pleasure and holiness. Has God changed His holy nature to become more approachable? Pastor Lutzer reflects on holiness throughout Scripture. Imagine the difference Christians would make in our world if we had a fresh vision of God.

America is on a disastrous search for a more inclusive deity. The downward slide of culture into immorality begins when we turn our back against God. Pastor Lutzer shares one of the most important messages ever preached on a most difficult doctrine. If we want a truly balanced view of God, how are we accounting for the wrath of God?

Many today avoid the question of whether truth is universal. We live in an age where everyone has a view of "truthiness"—we all believe in our own truth. Pastor Lutzer reflects on his interactions with many world religions, listing three characteristics of exclusive truth. On what basis do Christians know and find truth?

Many evolutionists avoid the possibility of God's existence. Though Charles Darwin did not necessarily deny God's existence, his theory of evolution has affected many peoples' view of God. Pastor Lutzer suggests two negative implications if we deny the Creator. If life came from a single organism, what reason do we have for morality?

Is God more gracious in the New Testament than the Old? Some would say God has changed since we live in a new era, no longer under the law. Pastor Lutzer distinguishes three changes from the Hebrew Testament to the New Testament. Even today, we must turn to Jesus—the One who saves us from the wrath to come.

Some might perceive God's wrath on entire people groups, or specific sin, as an overreach of His justice. How does God's anger at sin pair with His mercy? Pastor Lutzer expounds on many examples in the Old Testament of God's consistent character and promises. Because God hates sin, we must take Him seriously.

The God of the Old Testament seems too harsh for our sensibilities today. Critiques against God's intolerable actions come from both atheists and self-identified evangelicals. Pastor Lutzer examines three terrible events in the Hebrew Scriptures which reveal God's true character. Is the God of the Old and New Testaments fair and just?

In a world that's lost its way, we long to be rooted. While many religions point out their shared ground, the Scriptures reveal the everlasting God, who existed from all eternity. Pastor Lutzer emphasizes the unchanging nature of God, in whom our faith is firmly planted. If God doesn't change, is He still relevant for today?

We live in an idolatrous culture, fashioning gods within our own minds. What do the idols we create reveal about the state of our hearts? Pastor Lutzer identifies two deceptive idols which allow us to live the way we want, without restrictions. Anything that takes the place of God is an idol, however prevalent in the culture.

No one knows what God looks like, but many people prefer to follow a god they can accept. What happens when we reimagine God to be safer or more manageable? Pastor Lutzer warns against treating God trivially. If we worship a god who never disagrees with us, we are turning away from the only worthy One.

The ideas of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche are pervasive throughout our culture. While critics of Christianity say, "God is dead," history tells the tale of a diminishing view of God. Pastor Lutzer draws our eyes upward to God's incomparable power. As the West turns its back on God, where does this leave North American culture?

God is over the nations of the world, but people still rebel against Him, especially His revelation in Scripture. Today's culture would like God to be more inclusive and progressive. Pastor Lutzer expresses how our view of God is what's most important about us. What happens when God Himself is eclipsed in our culture?

The division in our world, or even family, can be overwhelming. But we cannot lose our focus on the Lord. Pastor Lutzer consecrates the start of each year with a word that brings focus to what really matters. As you open your life before God, seeking His wisdom and guidance, what's your word for this year?

There is no neutrality with Jesus. We mustn't wait until it's too late to make the choice we all face—whatever our religion or background. Pastor Lutzer highlights what distinguishes Jesus, the baby born in a lowly manger, from all other world religions. Who will be among those who ultimately bow down before Him?

How do we respond when our rights are repressed, or we're mistreated? Jesus' own birth in a humble manger offers a resounding example of giving up one's rights for others. Pastor Lutzer notices Jesus' unique posture towards His divine attributes. This innocent, vulnerable baby was on an unstoppable mission—for us.

We all wonder what it will be like to die. The martyr, Stephen, embodied the Christian hope as he was welcomed by Jesus into heaven. Pastor Lutzer ponders God's will in death, as we commit our souls to the Lord. Although we can't know how our death will take place, can we know with certainty that we are in God's hands?

Death is not the way it was supposed to be. Yet at death's door, the first Christian martyr, Stephen, gave us a glimpse into the heavenly realm. Pastor Lutzer contemplates seeing God's unfathomable glory, both in this life and the next. Could it be that death, and even the sorrow it brings, helps us see what life's all about?

Everyone will die but no one knows when or how their time will come. Is there more to death than meets the eye? Pastor Lutzer indicates three truths from the death of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. Whether grieving a sudden loss or considering our own death, Christians possess an enduring assurance.

Christians have always been an island of righteousness in a sea of paganism. Amid today's cultural pressure points, we must rethink our view of suffering for the sake of Christ. Pastor Lutzer offers three incentives for Christians to suffer well. What if Christians don't have a sympathetic government or the freedom to worship?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed globalism as we know it. Christians face issues related to national borders, citizenship, cryptocurrency, contact tracing, and more. Pastor Lutzer perceives six marks of increasing globalism which correspond to the end times. No matter our future, Christians have a blessed hope.

Children are a parent's most precious possession. As our culture collapses in moral destruction, how will we pass the baton to the next generation? Pastor Lutzer examines the relationship between the education system and parental responsibility. God is going to hold us responsible for how we raise our children.

Self-perception alone is not a reliable guide for who we are. How can Christians balance civic involvement as well as extending love to those who identify as transgender? Pastor Lutzer distinguishes listening well from confusing reality. If Christians do not speak about these issues, all that is left is the secular morality of the state.

Our world is filled with conflict and biased voices. We're inundated with information through the 24-hour news cycle and our podcasts. Pastor Lutzer conveys the effect today's speech codes are having on public discourse, particularly in universities. With all the ways words are used and misused, how do we peel back the labels?

Our nation is not only divided but also often vilified for acquiring land immorally from native peoples. What can we learn from our history of war and atrocities without falling into the pitfalls of collective guilt? Pastor Lutzer shares from his heart, offering a bold prayer for our nation. Imagine the difference Christians can make as active citizens, living for our eternal home.

These days, truth is often defined by what's within us instead of what's objectively outside of us. Relative truth results in critical theories which interpret academics and documents, even the Bible, from a lens of oppression and power. Pastor Lutzer addresses the need for an ultimate standard for objective truth. Can we know the meaning of truth in a day of misinformation and propaganda?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are high values in our culture today. Although many are concerned about what's been done against people of color, what prevents us from espousing a victim versus oppressor mentality? Pastor Lutzer articulates a biblical view of race, ethnicity, and unity. Christians have more in common than we realize.

Many people are into spirituality today—but only on their terms. If the "god" we follow doesn't have any disagreement with us, then we must evaluate whether we might be fashioning a deity in our own image. Pastor Lutzer cuts to the heart of the "religion of self." What can save us from our deluded ideas of greatness?

Many live with a dangerous delusion. It's a lie which creeps throughout world history in various ways. Pastor Lutzer evaluates Marx's and Freud's thought to see their influence on our culture and politics today. In our day of critical theories, deconstruction, and relativized truth, the Christian worldview is built on a more durable, sure foundation.

Christian convictions are being challenged by the prevailing cultural narrative. We might say nothing or even go along with the dominant cultural ideas. Pastor Lutzer defines the courage it takes to speak carefully, according to our conscience, in a day when freedom of speech is being uniquely censored. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe.

Everyone is supposed to clap for what's culturally acceptable. What happens when an entire group is collectively demonized? Pastor Lutzer tells the story of Alexander Solzhenitsyn and the reasons why he stood against the political repression of the Soviet Union in his day. When Christian convictions are canceled in the workplace, schools, or social media platforms, to whom do we turn?

Christians can no longer live in the cultural "mushy middle." The moral pressure points of our culture—abortion, sexualization, or the freedom of religion—are all political issues. Pastor Lutzer offers compelling comparisons between Jesus' fearful disciples and the complacent, or complicit, church of today. We need heroes, however reluctant, who are willing to stand for Christ.

What can we expect in the life to come? The book of Revelation speaks of an indescribable city. Pastor Lutzer anticipates our dwelling place, occupations, health, and even our neighbors. The future is coming and for believers it is glorious.

We long for the day when sin, suffering, and death will be no more. Yet to consider eternity is beyond anything we can fully grasp or express. Pastor Lutzer responds to common questions about heaven, highlighting the wonder of God's presence. What if the glories of heaven could bring hope to our troubled souls?

Where will we end up after the end-times? God created all of us as immortal beings, but the future is dreadful for every sinner who doesn't have the righteousness that God requires. Pastor Lutzer answers three burning questions about the Bible's most chilling doctrine: hell. Throughout history, preachers have either avoided or dreaded this critical reality.

Christ's return on the Mount of Olives will unleash a series of events that reverses the curse. He will reign for a thousand years over all the earth as well as into eternity. Pastor Lutzer anticipates the second advent of Christ through a song. What wonders we will behold in that day!

Imagine the heavens opening at the second coming of Christ. It's almost impossible to visualize the extent of His judgment upon the nations and Satan's throes. Pastor Lutzer celebrates a breathtaking glimpse of Christ in all His glory. Will we be there with Him?

Everything we've ever seen will pale in comparison with the glorious return of Christ. When Jesus descends from heaven, He will fight for us. Pastor Lutzer highlights believers' eyewitness involvement in the coming of the Son of Man. How will the nations and the earth itself respond?

Are we alarmed when we hear about wars or pandemics? With destruction intensifying even more as the return of Christ draws near, Pastor Lutzer reflects on the role of believers during the Great Tribulation. The evil all around us echoes the evil within all our hearts.

Evil seems to be winning in all spheres around the world. During the tribulation, an unholy trinity will ascend to power. Amid chilling prophesies ahead, Pastor Lutzer provides hope for those who worship the Risen Christ. Circumstances are not always what they appear to be!

The power of Christ will be mimicked by a global leader in the future tribulation. Much like the euphoria around Hitler, he will amass worldwide adoration. While Pastor Lutzer describes the dark side of prophesy, he also offers hope. What could possibly overcome a leader empowered by Satan himself?

Anticipating the coming kingdom transforms how we live today. Pastor Lutzer paints a picture of heaven's wedding so we can center on what it's all about. As the redeemed, we await Christ's return. Are we being faithful to our True Lover?

Who is invited to heaven's wedding? All the saints will gather to give praise to the One deserving all the praise. In a touching reflection, Pastor Lutzer wonders at Jesus' presence at the marriage supper of the Lamb. We'll be surprised where we'll find the Groom at His own marriage celebration.

Heaven staggers the imagination, a feast of eternal joy which all points to Jesus' glory. Having focused on believers at the rapture and the judgment seat of Christ, Pastor Lutzer now describes the context for a third event: the marriage supper of the Lamb. Are we dressed and ready to make our home with the True Bridegroom?

At Christ's eternal reign, what does it mean for believers to reign with Him? Christ has different responsibilities for those who have endured to the end. Pastor Lutzer warns against missed opportunities to be faithful today. Are we going for the gold?