5 Minutes with Pastor Lutzer
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsEach week, join Pastor Erwin Lutzer, from The Moody Church, for a brief conversational teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. With over 40 years of ministry experience, Pastor Lutzer offers solid biblical truths that both instruction and transform as we apply God's Word together.
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Episodes
Why Doesn't A Loving God Stop Suffering? | God Is Love #4
April 22, 2024 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MBIf God is so loving, why doesn't He intervene in human suffering? Yet God loves us in ways we do not understand. Pastor Lutzer confronts our expectations of love from Romans 8, giving hope in our suffering. As children of God, we are loved eternally, even as Jesus is loved. This episode was originally published April 22, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 16: Love.”
Does God Love The Whole World? | God Is Love #3
April 15, 2024 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MBWhat does it mean that God loves the "world"? The love is God is a difficult teaching, especially when we consider His hatred for sin and evil. Pastor Lutzer explores the deeper questions related to John 3:16. Each of us is invited to love God in return and be loved eternally. This episode was originally published April 15, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 15: Love.”
Does God Love Everyone Unconditionally? | God Is Love #2
April 08, 2024 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIf we are saved, there is nothing we can do to convince God to love us more or less. The redeemed are loved with the same love as Jesus. Pastor Lutzer ponders the implications for believers because of God's unconditional love. Is such a love fair? This episode was originally published April 8, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 14: Love.”
When Did God Begin To Love? | God Is Love #1
April 01, 2024 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.13 MBSociety wants to believe any kind of "love" is God. But the true nature of God's love is actually difficult when we try to reconcile it with what's happening in the world. Pastor Lutzer explores the origin of the love of God to define it biblically. Can we really understand the complex love of God? This episode was originally published April 1, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 13: Love.”
Can We Approach God In Our Time Of Need? | God Is Merciful #4
March 25, 2024 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBMany people come to God thinking they deserve something from Him. But all our efforts and achievements do not make us more deserving. Pastor Lutzer reflects on how we can have the unique privilege of accessing God’s throne from the book of Hebrews. Our confidence in approaching God must rest in His character. This episode was originally published March 25, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 12: Merciful.”
What Causes Us To Be Born Again? | God Is Merciful #3
March 18, 2024 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.63 MBMost Christians believe God provided salvation at the cross but our contribution is to believe. In fact, Jesus was crucified within the providence and the predetermined plan of God. Pastor Lutzer shares insights into how God’s mercy is displayed in our salvation. What does it take for people to be redeemed? This episode was originally published March 18, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 10: Merciful.”
How Does God’s Mercy Fit With His Judgment? | God Is Merciful #2
March 11, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBMany wonder how God's mercy can be compatible with His strong penalties for sin. In the Old Testament and the New, God is never changing in His character—always merciful and longsuffering. Pastor Lutzer explores the hope of God's mercy from Leviticus to Lamentations. Where is God’s mercy in the middle of judgment, despair, or grief? This episode was originally published March 11, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 9: Merciful.”
Is Salvation Earned Or Received? | God Is Merciful #1
March 04, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.61 MBNone of us will enter heaven unless we’re as perfect as God. The moment we realize we have nothing to offer God is the moment we receive God’s mercy and grace. Pastor Lutzer observes the basis for God’s mercy and the posture of any sinner who receives mercy. What’s the difference between mercy and grace? This episode was originally published February 25, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 9: Merciful.”
Is This Really The Best Off All Possible Worlds? | God Is Wise #4
February 26, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MBIn such a broken world, many question why God chose the means He did to achieve His purposes. We may even praise God for who He is, but we wonder if all the evil in the world was truly necessary. Pastor Lutzer considers whether evil could eventually contribute to God’s glory. What if we could see from the standpoint of eternity? This episode was originally published February 25, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 8: Wise.”
Do We Trust God’s Wisdom? | God Is Wise #3
February 19, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.35 MBWe often depend on our own wisdom, or even the world’s, in making everyday decisions. God’s purposes flow from His wisdom, so we should seek His wisdom. Pastor Lutzer reflects on God’s multi-faceted wisdom to create His church and how we can depend on God’s wisdom in our everyday decisions. Do we consult God’s wisdom? This episode was originally published February 18, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 7: Wise."
Can The Cross Display God's Wisdom? | God Is Wise #2
February 12, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBThough some wear a cross as a pendant around their necks, others see it as a foolish, primitive symbol. How can God's plan for the cross defy the world's wisdom? Pastor Lutzer encourages us by the multifaceted wisdom of God seen in the death of Jesus on the cross. We can learn to love the cross. This episode was originally published February 11, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 6: Wise.”
Can God Use Senseless Acts For His Greater Purposes? | God Is Wise #1
February 05, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.15 MBWe need true wisdom, even in the best of circumstances, to avoid foolish decisions. But can the wisdom of God the Creator turn evil or senseless acts for His good purposes? Pastor Lutzer distinguishes God's infinite wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We can entrust ourselves into the arms of God. This episode was originally published February 4, 2019 as “The Attributes of God | Week 5: Wise.”
How Can We Grow To Love Holiness? | God Is Holy #4
January 29, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBThere is no one like God, completely and morally perfect. God will do whatever it takes to ensure his children are progressing towards holiness. Pastor Lutzer examines 1 Peter 1:15-16, uncovering how we can imitate our heavenly Father. How does God intend to lead us to holiness? This episode was originally published January 28, 2019 as "The Attributes of God | Week 4: Holy."
What If Holiness Exposes Our True Selves? | God Is Holy #3
January 22, 2024 16:03 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBIn a culture consumed with finding our authentic self, what if we can't face the true depths of our sin? Face-to-face with God, we are undone. Pastor Lutzer shows two reasons God's holiness shows us our sin. In God’s presence, the real us is unmasked. This episode was originally published January 21, 2019 as "The Attributes of God | Week 3: Holy."
What Kind Of People Attract A Holy God? | God Is Holy #2
January 15, 2024 12:30 - 4 minutes - 3.71 MBIs it a contradiction for a completely holy God to want to be with us? Our holy God dwells not only in the high and holy places, but also among us. Pastor Lutzer contemplates two immense but practical attributes of God. No matter where God is, all of His attributes are. This episode was originally published January 14, 2019.
How Is God Morally Perfect? | God Is Holy #1
January 08, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.19 MBWhat comes to mind when we think about the holiness of God? Moses sang of the holiness of God after crossing the Red Sea. Pastor Lutzer points out two groups in whom God’s holiness is displayed: the wicked and the righteous. God has made a way to approach Him in His moral perfection. This episode was originally published January 7, 2019.
How Is God Morally Perfect? | God Is Holy #1
January 08, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.19 MBPastor Lutzer points out two groups in whom God’s holiness is displayed: the wicked and the righteous. God has made a way to approach Him in His moral perfection.
Going Forward in 2024 | New Year's Blessing
January 03, 2024 06:00 - 1 minute - 2.38 MBAs we go forward into 2024, we have confidence in the power of the Gospel to continue changing lives. Pastor Erwin Lutzer shares a hopeful ministry update.
Merry Christmas from Pastor Lutzer | 2023
December 25, 2023 06:00 - 59 seconds - 1.35 MBThis Christmas, in the midst of political, religious, and racial turmoil, remember why we have peace.
How Is God Glorified In Our Suffering? | Living For The Glory Of God #6
December 18, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.78 MBSuffering often seems pointless. But we, like many of God’s people in Scripture, can glorify the Lord not only by winning but also by losing. Pastor Lutzer explains three responses to suffering from the long-range point of view. What if we prayed for a fresh vision of God in the midst of our greatest wounds and losses?
How Can A Normal Day Bring God Glory? | Living For The Glory Of God #5
December 11, 2023 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.17 MBSome circumstances just don’t seem glorious. Our health is elusive, our work is mundane, and our suffering is relentless. Pastor Lutzer describes four ways God can be glorified in every circumstance of our lives. No matter what comes each day, we can wake up focused on our chief purpose in life: the glory of God.
Can We Behold God’s Glory Today? | Living For The Glory Of God #4
December 04, 2023 06:00 - 8 minutes - 8.13 MBMany of us gaze at our smart phones for hours, without realizing we start to become what we behold. We might wish to see God Himself in person, like Moses saw God’s glory on the holy mountain. Pastor Lutzer draws four contrasts between the Old and New Testaments, showing our unique privileges as Christians. How can we see God's glory today?
Can We Have More Of God’s Glory? | Living For The Glory Of God #3
November 27, 2023 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBWe all want to be treated fairly and get what we deserve. But what we deserve is nothing compared to the praise and worship God deserves. Pastor Lutzer ponders the scope and the significance of beholding God’s glory, like Moses did on the holy mountain. What if the glory of God was our deepest desire—our ultimate objective?
What’s The Real Purpose Of Prayer? | Living For The Glory Of God #2
November 20, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBIf our lives are full of tasks and clutter, what difference does prayer make? When we encounter God, like Moses did on the holy mountain, it changes the way we wake up and live out our days. Pastor Lutzer unveils the heart of intercession through Moses’ three prayers face-to-face with God. Nothing else really matters in life until we experience God.
What Is Life’s Simple Purpose? | Living For The Glory Of God #1
November 13, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.41 MBWe all have distractions and discouragements in life. How do we respond to situations with purpose and clarity of values? Pastor Lutzer redirects our focus to God’s ultimate purpose for our lives revealed in Scripture—nothing else matters. In God’s weighty and majestic presence, we move forward with a simple prayer.
Is It Necessary To Speak In Tongues? | When The Spirit Has His Way #7
November 06, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBOur God can do the miraculous. When Jesus’ followers in the early church spoke “in other tongues,” what was God doing? In a special edition of the program, Pastor Lutzer addresses the Bible passages about speaking in tongues and their controversial interpretations. God can do what God wants to do, so Christians should seek God, not speaking in tongues.
Is It Necessary To Speak In Tongues? | When The Spirit Has His Way #6
November 06, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBOur God can do the miraculous. When Jesus’ followers in the early church spoke “in other tongues,” what was God doing? In a special edition of the program, Pastor Lutzer addresses the Bible passages about speaking in tongues and their controversial interpretations. God can do what God wants to do, so Christians should seek God, not speaking in tongues.
What’s The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit? | When The Spirit Has His Way #6
October 30, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MBMany people struggle to understand the role of the Holy Spirit today and are confused by the biblical texts about the Spirit. What does it mean to be baptized in the Spirit? Pastor Lutzer explains vital implications for individuals and for churches of being in the Spirit. The Spirit of God is for all believers.
How Often Do We Need The Spirit’s Filling? | When The Spirit Has His Way #5
October 23, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.18 MBAll Christians have the Spirit of God dwelling within them. But how do we access the Spirit’s power in our daily, mundane tasks? Pastor Lutzer unpacks the requirements for being filled by the Holy Spirit, resulting in the transformation of our character. Imagine a movement of Christians praying every day for God’s Spirit to renovate our priorities and our lives.
How Do We Experience The Spirit’s Filling? | When The Spirit Has His Way #4
October 16, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.36 MBMany Christians long to experience God beyond empty rituals. We are spiritually thirsty, desiring to encounter God Himself. Pastor Lutzer reflects on the context and meaning of Jesus’ words in John 7 about the living water of the Spirit. What does the Bible say about becoming worthy of the filling of the Holy Spirit?
How Do We Walk With The Spirit? | When The Spirit Has His Way #3
October 09, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.93 MBWhen it seems no one cares, Christians must remember the Holy Spirit is with us. He is not an impersonal force but a person who comforts us, advocates for us, and can be grieved by us. Pastor Lutzer introduces us to the blessed companionship of the Holy Spirit, showing four ways the Spirit helps us. The Holy Spirit is not only with us, but in us.
How Does The Holy Spirit Change Us? | When The Spirit Has His Way #2
October 02, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MBDeep inside our inner being, we need true healing and power. As Christians, the Spirit is already within us, searching our hearts, transforming our desires, and changing our attitude toward others. Pastor Lutzer highlights four word pictures in Scripture which represent the blessed Holy Spirit. What would God find if He looked within us?
Can We Recapture The Wonder Of God Within Us? | When The Spirit Has His Way #1
September 25, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.79 MBFrom the moment of conversion, all true Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. But if many of us are struggling with grievous sin, what’s the Spirit’s role in our process of becoming more like Christ? Pastor Lutzer prepares us to relate to the Holy Spirit as a person. We can experience the filling of the Spirit, walking in his power.
How Do You Overcome Sinful Thoughts? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #6
September 18, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBOur battle against sinful habits starts in the mind, where the devil strikes at our confidence in God. Our behavior cannot be changed unless our minds are renewed. Pastor Lutzer helps us overcome sinful or anxious thoughts through God’s promises in his Word. God is on our side in the transformation of our character.
Do You Believe You Can Win Against Sin? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #5
September 11, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.96 MBMany of us are stuck in a rut by our sinful behavior. But we can say “no” to sin because of the resources we have in Christ. Pastor Lutzer discusses how we can stand firm in the work Jesus accomplished on our behalf. If we have no obligation to follow the sinful desires of the flesh, what keeps drawing us back to the demands of our old life?
Can You Get Out Of Habitual Sin? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #4
September 04, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.77 MBAny sin we commit usually comes in clusters, with one sin enabled by other kinds of sin. After we’ve fallen, can we get out of the pit of persistent sin? Pastor Lutzer strengthens our resolve against temptation by digging down to find the root cause. In the middle of our mess, let's lift our eyes up in worship.
Does Confessing Sin Really Work? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #3
August 28, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.68 MBThough some believe humanity is capable of morality and self-fulfillment without God, we all still have habitual sins. The Christian life is about the transformation of our character and our habits. Pastor Lutzer defines four aspects of what confession means biblically. What if we are truly changed in God's presence?
Why Can’t People Change? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #2
August 21, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBWe all want to see character growth and personal change. But when sin enters the picture, we resent God’s ways and plan, rebelling against him. Pastor Lutzer observes that many issues we face today go back to the Garden of Eden, when the goodness of God was questioned. What does it take for our behavior to change?
Why Is Temptation So Powerful? | How To Break a Stubborn Habit #1
August 14, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.4 MBWe all have conflicting desires about our struggles with temptation. The enemy of our souls wants us to lose the battle against the flesh, giving in to our passions. Pastor Lutzer lays the first brick in a wall against temptation, guiding us to God’s provision for our character development. What is it that we must believe to experience transformation?
Can We Be Eternally Secure? | When The Good Shepherd Holds Your Hand #5
August 07, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.9 MBIf a follower of Christ backslides, does that mean they no longer belong to God? Like rebellious sheep, we can wander away from the fold. Pastor Lutzer provides three compelling reasons why we can make it home to the Good Shepherd. Belonging to the Lord is the greatest privilege imaginable so let’s listen for His voice.
Can We Know We’re Saved? | When The Good Shepherd Holds Your Hand #4
July 31, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.62 MBCan we know for sure that we are one of Christ’s sheep? While the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His own. Pastor Lutzer describes three of Jesus’ purposes as the door to the sheep fold. Imagine what a difference it would make if we lived securely as the object of His love.
Can We Be Comforted? | When The Good Shepherd Holds Your Hand #3
July 24, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MBIn all the risks and fears we face, we are not alone. When Psalm 23 walks us through the valley of the shadow of death, we are invited to call out directly to the Lord. Pastor Lutzer identifies the Good Shepherd’s resources to guide and comfort the likes of us. Whatever we’re going through, He will bring us home.
Can We Be Restored? | When The Good Shepherd Holds Your Hand #2
July 17, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MBEven God’s people are prone to wander away from Him. How can we come back to the Lord after we’ve gone off the path, doctrinally or even morally? Pastor Lutzer reflects on song lyrics for two kinds of people God can restore. Whatever habits, hurts, or hang-ups you have, let the Good Shepherd restore you to Himself.
Can We Find Peace? | When The Good Shepherd Holds Your Hand #1
July 10, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.17 MBWhen we lie down in bed, we are often bombarded with our thoughts: world issues, personal accusations, and more. Peace comes for the believer as we meditate on Psalm 23. Pastor Lutzer discusses two questions: Who is the Shepherd and what does He do for us? He’s the One who sees the whole pasture, looking out for us.
Will God Judge Christians In The End? | God Loves Justice #5
July 03, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.04 MBGod’s judgment is thorough, fair, and gracious. For Christians, we will stand before our Lord Jesus at the Bema Seat to receive what is due us, not according to our eternal destiny but our faithfulness. Pastor Lutzer explains what each one of us can expect at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Will all Christians hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Originally Published: July 29, 2019
Does Eternal Hell Fit The Crime? | God Loves Justice #4
June 26, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.46 MBThe Bible’s teaching about hell is difficult to accept—in fact, it’s terrifying. In the final judgment, God is going to hold each one of us responsible. Pastor Lutzer considers why there’s an eternal hell for eternal beings and where we can flee for rescue. Imagine being judged for our sins, of all kinds, before the glorious throne of an infinite God. Originally Published: July 22, 2019
Are Christians Judged For Their Sins? | God Loves Justice #3
June 19, 2023 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MBGod gives everyone justice—including Christians. God’s mercy and justice were completely satisfied at the cross, but many people struggle to accept it in their confession of sin. Pastor Lutzer considers the fundamental basis of God’s forgiveness. Would God ever demand a believer to pay the penalty for their sin? Originally Published: July 15, 2019
Do Babies Go To Heaven? | God Loves Justice #2
June 12, 2023 14:54 - 7 minutes - 7.16 MBIf all God’s ways are just, what do we make of children who die prematurely? Many wonder how God will rightly judge babies and young children. Pastor Lutzer ponders essential Scriptures on children’s conception, personal accountability, and destiny. As we bring these honest questions to God, we can leave it in His hands. Originally Published: July 8, 2019
How Will God Judge Those Who Never Hear Of Him? | God Loves Justice #1
June 05, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MBIs God fair? In a time when many imagine a more tolerant deity, many wonder how God can rightly judge those who've never heard of Christ. Pastor Lutzer discusses God’s love for justice, found in His revelation throughout creation and within our consciences. God’s justice effects our daily lives and our ultimate destinies. Originally Published: July 1, 2019
Jesus Teaches Us How To Die | Cries From the Cross #9
May 29, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MBDeath appeared to have the last word. But when it looked like He was powerless on the cross, Jesus was still in control, willingly giving himself into the Father’s hands. Pastor Lutzer points to the hand of God in Jesus’ example of death and work of redemption. If we are in God’s hands, we never face death the same way again.