5 Minutes with Pastor Lutzer

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?