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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?

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.

Christians 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?

The 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.

Children 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.

Self-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.

Our 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?

Our 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.

These 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?

Diversity, 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.

Many 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?

Many 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.

Christian 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.