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.