5 Minutes with Pastor Lutzer
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days 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
Is God The Same In Both Testaments? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #6
February 13, 2023 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBThe 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?
Can God Change? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #5
February 06, 2023 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.92 MBIn 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?
What Idols Do We Elevate Today? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #4
January 30, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.14 MBWe 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.
What Attracts Us Away From God? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #3
January 23, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MBNo 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.
Is God Dead? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #2
January 16, 2023 06:00 - 7 minutes - 7.18 MBThe 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?
Is God More Tolerant Today? | The Eclipse of God in American Culture #1
January 09, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.44 MBGod 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?
Seek The Lord In 2023
January 02, 2023 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MBThe 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?
The Name That Compels A Choice | The Baby That Changed The World #2
December 26, 2022 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MBThere 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?
The Birth That Confronts Our Rights | The Baby That Changed The World #1
December 19, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MBHow 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.
How Christians Confidently Prepare To Die | Welcomed By Jesus #3
December 12, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.74 MBWe 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?
How Christians See God’s Glory At Death | Welcomed by Jesus #2
December 05, 2022 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBDeath 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?
How Christians Face Unexpected Death | Welcomed By Jesus #1
November 28, 2022 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBEveryone 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.
Should Christians Expect To Suffer? | No Reason To Hide #13
November 21, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.79 MBChristians 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?
What’s Involved In A Global Reset? | No Reason To Hide #12
November 14, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBThe 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.
Who's Responsible For Our Children's Education? | No Reason To Hide #11
November 07, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.31 MBChildren 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.
Do Children Belong To Public Schools? | No Reason To Hide #11
November 07, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.31 MBChildren 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.
Should Christians Oppose A Gender-Neutral Society? | No Reason To Hide #10
October 31, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.64 MBSelf-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.
How Do We Sift Through Propaganda? | No Reason To Hide #9
October 24, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MBOur 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?
How Can We Pray For Our Nation? | No Reason To Hide #8
October 17, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.05 MBOur 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.
Is “Lived Experience” The Basis For Truth? | No Reason To Hide #7
October 10, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.16 MBThese 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?
Have We Lost Our Christian Unity? | No Reason To Hide #6
October 03, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.61 MBDiversity, 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.
Why Is The “Religion Of Self” A Delusion? | No Reason To Hide #5
September 26, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBMany 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?
What’s Our Culture’s Most Cherished Lie? | No Reason To Hide #4
September 19, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBMany 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.
How Can We Stand For Christ In Good Conscience? | No Reason To Hide #3
September 12, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.21 MBChristian 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.
Why Is Cancel Culture So Dangerous? | No Reason To Hide #2
September 05, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.6 MBEveryone 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?
Should The Church Be Involved In Politics? | No Reason To Hide #1
August 29, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6 MBChristians 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.
Will Heaven Truly Be A Better Place? | The King Is Coming #22
August 22, 2022 05:00 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBWhat 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.
What Makes Our Eternal Home Heavenly? | The King Is Coming #21
August 15, 2022 05:00 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBWe 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?
What’s The Bible’s Most Terrifying Teaching? | The King Is Coming #20
August 08, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBWhere 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.
What Will Life In Christ’s Kingdom Be Like? | The King Is Coming #19
August 01, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBChrist’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!
What Will We See At Jesus’ Return? | The King Is Coming #18
July 25, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBImagine 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?
What Will Jesus’ Return Accomplish? | The King Is Coming #17
July 18, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.37 MBEverything 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?
Where Are Believers In The Tribulation? | The King Is Coming #16
July 11, 2022 05:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MBAre 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.
Who Can Stand Against The Antichrist? | The King Is Coming #15
July 04, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 9.26 MBEvil 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!
Who Will Gain Global Power? | The King Is Coming #14
June 27, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.93 MBThe 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?
Are We Ready For Heaven’s Wedding? | The King Is Coming #14
June 20, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.69 MBAnticipating 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?
Are We Ready For Heaven’s Wedding? | The King Is Coming #13
June 20, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.69 MBAnticipating 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’s Invited To Jesus’ Wedding? | The King Is Coming #12
June 13, 2022 05:00 - 9 minutes - 8.34 MBWho 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.
Why Will The Church Rejoice In Heaven? | The King Is Coming #11
June 06, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.33 MBHeaven 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?
What Roles Will We Have In Heaven? | The King Is Coming #10
May 30, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MBAt 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?
What Good Are Good Deeds? | The King Is Coming #9
May 23, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.44 MBIf Christians aren’t noticed or saved by our good deeds, why should we do them? When the King returns, everyone will receive what’s due for their deeds done in the body. Pastor Lutzer focuses on what Jesus looks for at the judgment seat. Even deeds done in obscurity can be an investment for eternity.
What Good Are Good Deeds? | The King Is Coming #9 | Pastor Lutzer
May 23, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.44 MBIf Christians aren’t noticed or saved by our good deeds, why should we do them? When the King returns, everyone will receive what’s due for their deeds done in the body. Pastor Lutzer focuses on what Jesus looks for at the judgment seat. Even deeds done in obscurity can be an investment for eternity.
What Deeds Will Survive Judgment? | The King Is Coming #8
May 16, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBForgiven Christians will be judged for their deeds—whether good or evil. As we stand before Jesus’ Bema seat, what will last? Pastor Lutzer shows five types of deeds that survive, depicted as “gold, silver, and precious stones.” Our eternal rewards are all meant for Jesus.
Will Jesus Evaluate Christians’ Sins? | The King Is Coming #7
May 09, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.68 MBChristians are forgiven people. But are believers going to see their sins at the judgment seat of Christ? Because Jesus will be thorough, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes the magnitude of grace as well as the fear of the Lord. With eternity in mind, we can be ready for our first one-on-one with Jesus.
Will Jesus Evaluate Christians’ Sins? | The King Is Coming #7 | Pastor Lutzer
May 09, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.68 MBChristians are forgiven people. But are believers going to see their sins at the judgment seat of Christ? Because Jesus will be thorough, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes the magnitude of grace as well as the fear of the Lord. With eternity in mind, we can be ready for our first one-on-one with Jesus.
How Will Jesus Judge Christians? | The King Is Coming #6 | Pastor Lutzer
May 02, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MBComparing our life events with someone else’s often keeps us from facing our own reality. At the judgment seat, will Jesus grade our lives on a curve? Pastor Lutzer articulates key characteristics of Jesus’ judgment and reward for each believer. Nothing else matters except what Jesus thinks.
How Will Jesus Judge Christians? | The King Is Coming #6
May 02, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MBComparing our life events with someone else’s often keeps us from facing our own reality. At the judgment seat, will Jesus grade our lives on a curve? Pastor Lutzer articulates key characteristics of Jesus’ judgment and reward for each believer. Nothing else matters except what Jesus thinks.
What Will Jesus Judge? | The King Is Coming #5
April 25, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.76 MBAll believers will be held accountable for our works, even if it leads to tears of regret. We are saved by grace, not by good works, but we will stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Pastor Lutzer poses the question: “Is it selfish to live for rewards in heaven?” Imagine stepping into heaven knowing you’ve faithfully laid up treasures where it matters.
What Will Jesus Judge? | The King Is Coming #5 | Pastor Lutzer
April 25, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.76 MBAll believers will be held accountable for our works, even if it leads to tears of regret. We are saved by grace, not by good works, but we will stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Pastor Lutzer poses the question: “Is it selfish to live for rewards in heaven?” Imagine stepping into heaven knowing you’ve faithfully laid up treasures where it matters.
Is Jesus’ Return Soon? | The King Is Coming #4 | Pastor Lutzer
April 18, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBMost apocalyptic accounts are dreadful. Yet for believers, Jesus’ appearing at any moment is our “blessed hope.” Pastor Lutzer reflects on the wonders of that day, both physically and metaphysically. It’s impossible to fully imagine our transformation. But in the twinkling of the eye, it will be glorious!