All the ways we attempt to quench our thirst for happiness and satisfaction leave us thirsty in the end. At Calvary, the Creator of the oceans and rivers felt thirst. Pastor Lutzer points to Jesus’ humanity and submission to the will of the Father as the weight of sin rested on Him. How long will we thirst before we are truly satisfied?

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?