Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

You are here: Home / Archives for 2010

2010

Holiday Message 2010

It’s sad but true—the retelling of the story of the first Christmas is often dull and dusty in its familiarity. Yet the truth in this historical account has the power to ignite your faith and imagination.

Hear the real-life drama behind the well-known narrative unfold in this special four-part series from Chuck Swindoll. You won’t just hear about the first Christmas; you’ll be inspired to jump into the story yourself and stand beside Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and a temple rabbi.

Let your imagination be stirred as you experience the old, old story in all its excitement and wonder. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?


The story of the first Christmas is often tucked away in a corner of our minds, covered in the dust of over-familiarity. However, the historical truth of Christ’s arrival has the power to ignite our faith when we engage our imaginations. In this special four-part series, Chuck Swindoll invites us to step out of the audience and into the real-life drama of the Nativity. By standing beside those who witnessed these events firsthand, we can experience the old, old story with a fresh sense of excitement, wonder, and profound spiritual impact.

What If You Had Been Mary?

Sermon Summary Listening to the Word without imagination can be a dry and pointless exercise. Imagination brings life and color to truth. This message invites us to place ourselves in the position of a young girl in Nazareth named Mary. Chuck explores the shock, the fear, and the ultimate surrender Mary experienced when the angel Gabriel announced she would bear the Son of God. We learn that following God’s call often involves a mix of great mystery and personal sacrifice, requiring a heart that is fully yielded to His sovereign plan.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Power of Imagination: Using our minds to bring “life and color” to the biblical narrative.
  • Yielded Obedience: Recognizing the incredible faith required for Mary to say “Yes” to God.
  • Divine Mystery: Understanding that God’s plans often surpass our human logic.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Luke 1:26–38

Consider How Joseph Must Have Felt

Sermon Summary Joseph is often the “forgotten man” of the Christmas story, yet his role was critical. This message explores the internal conflict Joseph faced when he discovered Mary was pregnant. By imagining Joseph’s thoughts—his initial heartbreak, his sense of betrayal, and his quiet integrity—we gain a deeper appreciation for the man God chose to be the earthly father of Jesus. We learn the importance of listening for God’s guidance in our dreams and our crises, choosing to obey even when it costs us our reputation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Integrity Under Pressure: How Joseph’s character was revealed in his response to Mary’s situation.
  • Quiet Obedience: The significance of Joseph’s willingness to follow God’s lead without a word recorded in Scripture.
  • The Faith of a Father: Recognizing the sacrifices made to protect the Savior.

Imagine Being One of the Shepherds

Sermon Summary On a quiet night outside Bethlehem, the heavens literally opened for a group of outcasts. This message invites us to sit by the fire with the shepherds and experience the overwhelming glory of the angelic announcement. Chuck discusses the significance of God choosing the “lowly” to receive the highest message. We see the shepherds’ immediate response of faith—hurrying to find the Baby—and their subsequent joy as they told everyone what they had seen and heard.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Grace for the Lowly: Why God chose simple shepherds as the first recipients of the Good News.
  • The Glory of God: Picturing the contrast between the darkness of the fields and the light of the heavenly host.
  • Urgent Faith: The shepherds’ example of acting immediately on the message they received.

Think of Yourself as a Temple Rabbi

Sermon Summary The series concludes by imagining the perspective of a religious insider—a temple rabbi. While the “outsiders” like shepherds were celebrating, the religious leaders were often blinded by their own traditions and expectations. This message serves as a warning against the spiritual blindness that can come from religious familiarity. We are challenged to look past our systems and rituals to see the Person of Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Blindness: The danger of missing the Messiah while holding the Scriptures.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: How Jesus’ arrival completed the story the rabbis had taught for centuries.
  • Personal Recognition: The necessity of moving beyond religious academic knowledge to a personal recognition of the Savior.

Written by

Best of 2010

Life is rarely a smooth path. From the weight of past regrets to the tightening grip of modern anxiety, we all face seasons that threaten to steal our joy. The Best of 2010 series is a curated collection of messages designed to meet you in those difficult places. By looking at timeless biblical truths, Chuck Swindoll provides a roadmap for clearing away the “trash” of the past and standing firm when you’ve been mistreated, helping you reclaim the Christlike joy that is your inheritance.


Message 1: Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past

Sermon Summary Many of us live under a shadow cast by things we’ve done or things done to us within our families. Because we cannot choose our family history, we often carry a sense of guilt or shame that isn’t ours to bear—or we struggle to accept God’s forgiveness for our own failures. This message explores how to move from the bondage of “what was” into the freedom of “what is” in Christ, emphasizing that God’s grace is greater than any family quirk or personal mistake.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Breaking Chains: Identifying the “family ghosts” and personal regrets that hinder spiritual growth.
  • The Sufficiency of Grace: Understanding that God’s restoration is complete, not partial.
  • Living in the Present: Learning to stop looking in the rearview mirror of your life.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Isaiah 58:1–12: A call to true spiritual restoration and the promise that God will guide you continually, even in parched places.

Message 2: Looking Back: Clearing Away the Trash We Regret

Sermon Summary Regret is like spiritual clutter; if you don’t clear it out, it eventually takes up all the space in your heart. This message focuses on the practical and spiritual steps of “clearing the trash.” Chuck discusses how to honestly face the things we regret, seek the necessary forgiveness, and then—crucially—leave those things at the foot of the Cross.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Honest Inventory: The necessity of naming our regrets before we can release them.
  • The Process of Disposal: How to practically “trash” the thoughts and memories that produce unproductive shame.
  • Moving Forward: Gaining the light-heartedness that comes from a clean slate.

Message 3: Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety

Sermon Summary Anxiety is one of the most common “tough spots” in the human experience. It can feel like a heavy fog that obscures God’s promises. In this message, we look at the biblical antidote to worry. By shifting our focus from our circumstances to God’s character, we can find a peace that “surpasses all understanding,” even when the situation hasn’t yet changed.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Root of Worry: Recognizing that anxiety often stems from a desire to control what only God can.
  • The Power of Perspective: Training the mind to dwell on the “true, honorable, and right.”
  • Supernatural Peace: Accessing a calm that doesn’t make sense to the world around us.

Message 4: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong

Sermon Summary Nothing tests our faith like being mistreated. When we are wronged, our natural instinct is to retaliate or retreat into bitterness. Chuck Swindoll challenges us to a higher standard: doing right regardless of how we are treated. This message explores the “Jesus way” of responding to injustice, showing how a non-retaliatory spirit can actually lead to personal freedom and a powerful witness.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Trap of Bitterness: How holding onto a grudge hurts the victim more than the offender.
  • The Strength of Softness: Why responding with kindness is a sign of power, not weakness.
  • Trusting the Judge: Leaving vengeance to God while we focus on our own obedience.

Written by

Trusting the God of Impossibilities

“Impossible! This situation is just impossible!”

Have you ever said words like those . . . when your circumstances seemed out of control . . . when they seemed impossible? All of us have found ourselves in holes too deep to get out of on our own—when all hope seemed lost. Thankfully, God specializes in impossibilities. All we need to do is trust Him. If you’re facing an impossible situation in your life today and can find no means of escape, then this series is the encouragement you need to remember that God is the God of impossibilities. And that’s a truth you can trust in.


We often find ourselves in situations that feel entirely out of control—circumstances we describe as “impossible.” Whether it is a financial crisis, a broken relationship, or an overwhelming personal trial, these “deep holes” can leave us feeling helpless. In this series, Chuck Swindoll provides much-needed encouragement by reminding us that God specializes in impossibilities. By exploring pivotal moments in the Gospels, we learn to shift our focus from our limited resources to God’s limitless power, discovering that no escape is too difficult for the One who rules over all.

An Unforgettable Dinner on the Grounds

Sermon Summary We live in an era of specialists, but there is only one specialist for the impossible. This message focuses on the feeding of the five thousand—a situation where the disciples saw only scarcity, but Jesus saw an opportunity for divine provision. Chuck explores how Jesus took a meager offering and multiplied it to satisfy a massive crowd, teaching us that our “impossibilities” are the primary platform for God to reveal His glory.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Specialist for Impossibilities: Recognizing that God is not limited by human resources.
  • Divine Provision: How the Lord uses our small offerings to accomplish great works.
  • Testing Faith: Understanding that “impossible” situations are often designed to stretch our trust.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Mark 6:30–44

Failing to Connect the Dots

Sermon Summary Following the miracle of the loaves, the disciples found themselves in a life-threatening storm on the sea. Despite having just witnessed Jesus feed thousands, they were terrified, failing to “connect the dots” between His past provision and their current crisis. In this message, Chuck discusses the spiritual amnesia that often grips us in the midst of a trial. We learn how to build a consistent faith that remembers God’s track record of faithfulness, allowing us to find peace even when the waves are high.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Amnesia: The tendency to forget God’s past miracles during a current storm.
  • Consistency in Faith: Learning to apply the lessons of previous victories to present challenges.
  • The Presence of Christ: Finding comfort in the fact that Jesus is always watching and interceding, even when He seems absent.

Written by

The Impact of a Faithful Father

A celebration is long overdue!

Now’s the time to thank your dad for the impact he’s made on your life through all the stages and seasons of your family. For the hours he worked to make life easier for you and your family, for the headaches and the heartaches of leading your family, for the endless and quiet sacrifices, and for just doing the best that he knew how to do—thank your father.

In these two encouraging messages, Chuck Swindoll stirs up gratitude both for our fathers and for the men who have been godly examples to us. You’ll also catch a vision for how each of us can leave a lasting legacy of love, affection, affirmation, and security for those who look to us as the leaders of our generation.


Being a father is one of the highest callings a man can answer, yet it is also one of the most demanding. In this series, we pause to honor the men who lead, provide, and sacrifice for their families. Whether you are currently in the thick of parenting or looking back on the legacy of your own father, these messages offer a biblical roadmap for leaving a lasting impact of love, affirmation, and spiritual security.

Message 1: Uplifting Words for Strung-Out Dads

Sermon Summary Fatherhood can be exhausting. Between the pressures of providing and the emotional weight of leading a home, many fathers find themselves feeling “strung out” and depleted. This message serves as a foundational encouragement for the man who feels he is running on empty. We explore how to trade the frantic pace of modern life for the steady strength found in God’s grace, reminding dads that their value isn’t found in perfection, but in faithful presence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Reality of Pressure: Acknowledging the unique stresses, headaches, and heartaches that come with family leadership.
  • A Call to Gratitude: Shifting focus from the burdens of fatherhood to the long-term rewards of a godly legacy.
  • Restoration: Finding the spiritual “second wind” necessary to stay the course when the seasons of life feel overwhelming.

Primary Scripture References

  • Psalm 127: Understanding that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
  • Matthew 11:28–30: An invitation for the weary father to find rest in Christ.

Message 2: Four Qualities in a Great Dad

Sermon Summary What defines a “great” father? It isn’t found in his bank account or his career achievements, but in the character he cultivates within the four walls of his home. In this message, we identify four essential pillars of biblical fatherhood: affection, affirmation, security, and a lasting legacy of love. By focusing on these core qualities, a father can provide a stable foundation that his children will lean on for the rest of their lives.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Affection: The importance of outward expressions of love and tenderness in a man’s home.
  • Affirmation: Using the power of words to build up a child’s confidence and sense of worth.
  • Security: Creating an environment where children feel safe—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Legacy: Understanding that the choices made today are planting seeds for future generations.

Primary Scripture References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12: Modeling the father’s role in encouraging, comforting, and urging children to live lives worthy of God.
  • Proverbs 14:26: The truth that “in the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.”

Common Questions about Biblical Fatherhood (FAQ)

What does the Bible say is the most important role of a father? While a father is called to provide and protect, the Bible emphasizes his role as a spiritual leader who guides his children toward a relationship with God (Ephesians 6:4).

How can a father show affection if he didn’t receive it growing up? Breaking the cycle begins with a conscious choice to be present and expressive. Scripture encourages us that we are “new creations” in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to model the tenderness shown to us by our Heavenly Father.

Why is affirmation so important for children? Affirmation provides the emotional “fuel” a child needs to navigate a critical world. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 2, a father’s encouragement helps a child understand their value in God’s eyes.

How can a “strung-out” dad find balance? Balance begins by prioritizing your own spiritual health. By leaning on the promises in Matthew 11, fathers can find the rest and perspective needed to lead their families without burning out.

Written by

Saying "Yes" to Christ’s Call

Mark 1:14–20

“Do you want your life to count for something?”

This question was as intriguing in the first century as it is today. To a group of ordinary men and women, Jesus first said, “Follow Me.” Those who chose to answer His call were transformed by their experience . . . and they turned the world upside down for Christ!

In this single message from Chuck Swindoll, we look closely at Jesus’s early ministry and at His encounters with the first four men whom He called to be a part of His team. What were their reactions to His invitation? They followed immediately. However, the ultimate question is, “How will you respond to His call?”


“Do you want your life to count for something?” That timeless question lies at the heart of this study. In this message, we step back into the first century to witness the moment Jesus extended a life-altering invitation to a group of ordinary individuals. By exploring the call of the first disciples, we discover that God doesn’t look for the most qualified; He looks for the willing. This series challenges us to move beyond the status quo and experience the transformation that only comes from following Him.

Message 1: Saying “Yes!” to Christ’s Call

Sermon Summary Jesus’ early ministry began not with a grand political movement, but with a simple, personal invitation: “Follow Me.” In this study of Mark 1, we examine the encounters between Jesus and the first four men he called to His team. These were ordinary fishermen, yet their immediate response to Christ’s authority changed the course of history. We dive into the significance of their “immediate” reaction and what it means for us to drop our nets today to pursue a greater purpose.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Power of Immediate Response: Analyzing the significance of the disciples leaving their livelihoods “at once” to follow Jesus.
  • Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose: How Jesus chooses common individuals to perform uncommon work for the Kingdom.
  • Transformation through Experience: Understanding that following Christ is not a one-time decision but a process of being transformed by His presence.

Primary Scripture References

  • Mark 1:14–20: The account of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John by the Sea of Galilee.
  • Matthew 4:18–22: A parallel look at the call to become “fishers of men.”

Written by

Insights on Romans

Romans is Paul’s greatest literary achievement—his magnum opus. It is the constitution of the Christian faith, providing theology and guidance for Christians of all generations.

In this engaging series on Romans, Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches on key Christian doctrines and Christian living. You won’t want to miss his encouragement and exhortation.

Dive deep into Romans and “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2).

Our Doctrinal Constitution The book of Romans is widely considered the greatest theological work ever written. In this extensive study, Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through Paul’s masterpiece, unfolding the “Bad News” of human depravity and the “Good News” of God’s grace. From the foundational doctrine of justification by faith to the practical realities of a Spirit-led life, this series provides a roadmap for understanding the Christian faith.

Message 1: Judgment for the Judgmental

  • Overview: Paul turns the spotlight on the religious person who judges others while practicing the same sins. Chuck explores how God’s judgment is based on truth and reality, not outward appearance.
  • Key Fact: God’s “kindness” is intended to lead us to repentance, but a hard, unrepentant heart “stores up” wrath for the day of judgment.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 2:1–5

Message 2: Sinnerama in Panorama

  • Overview: A broad look at the universal problem of sin. Paul systematically removes every excuse, showing that neither the pagan nor the religious person is righteous before God.
  • Key Fact: The law was never meant to save us; it was given to serve as a mirror that reveals our desperate need for a Savior.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 3:9–20

Message 3: Romans: Our Doctrinal Constitution

  • Overview: An introductory message that frames the entire book. Chuck explains why Romans is the most important book for a Christian to master.
  • Key Fact: Romans provides the definitive explanation of the “Righteousness of God” and how it is credited to the account of a believer.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 1:1–7

Message 4: Getting a Grasp of the Gospel

  • Overview: A deep dive into the thesis of the book. Chuck discusses why Paul was “not ashamed” of the Gospel and why it remains the power of God for salvation.
  • Key Fact: The Gospel is not a suggestion or a philosophy; it is the dunamis (dynamite power) of God that produces a total life transformation.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 1:16–17

Message 5: The Good News for the Whole World

  • Overview: While the world is lost, the reach of the Gospel is universal. This message explores the availability of salvation to anyone who believes.
  • Key Fact: Salvation is “to everyone who believes”—first for the Jew, and then for the Gentile—establishing the global scope of God’s mission.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 1:14–17

Message 6: The Bad News about the Whole World

  • Overview: Paul describes the downward spiral of a society that rejects God, moving from suppressing the truth to being “given over” to depravity.
  • Key Fact: When humans exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for an image, God allows them to experience the full consequences of their choices.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 1:18–32

Message 7: The Dark Side of Being Super-Religious

  • Overview: This message addresses the danger of ritual without reality. Chuck warns that external circumcision or religious activity cannot mask an uncircumcised heart.
  • Key Fact: A “true Jew” (or true believer) is one whose heart is right with God, receiving praise from God rather than from men.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 2:17–29

Message 8: An Autopsy of Depravity

  • Overview: A chilling, point-by-point description of the total depravity of the human race, using a “anatomy” of sin (throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet).
  • Key Fact: “There is none righteous, no, not one”—this total bankruptcy is the necessary starting point for receiving God’s grace.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 3:10–18

Message 9: Unwrapping the Gift of Grace

  • Overview: One of the most important theological messages in the series. Chuck explains “Justification,” “Redemption,” and “Propitiation.”
  • Key Fact: God is both the “Just” and the “Justifier”—He maintains His holiness while legally declaring the sinner righteous through the blood of Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 3:21–26

Message 10: Righteousness Is a Five-Letter Word

  • Overview: Using the example of Abraham, Chuck demonstrates that faith is the only mechanism by which we receive God’s righteousness.
  • Key Fact: Faith is a “five-letter word”—trust. It is not about doing, but about believing the One who justifies the ungodly.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 4:1–8

Message 11: The Man Who Hoped Against Hope

  • Overview: A look at the resilience of Abraham’s faith. Even when it was physically impossible, he believed God’s promise.
  • Key Fact: Abraham did not “waver” in unbelief but was strengthened in faith, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He promised.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 4:18–25

Message 12: Triumphant Joy

  • Overview: Because we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God and can rejoice even in our tribulations.
  • Key Fact: Trials produce endurance, which produces character, which produces hope—a hope that will never disappoint us because of God’s love.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 5:1–11

Message 13: Dying to Live

  • Overview: Chuck explores our identification with Christ. Because we have “died with Him” to sin, we are now free to “walk in newness of life.”
  • Key Fact: We are no longer under the dominion of sin; we must “reckon” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 6:1–11

Message 14: Portrait of a Struggling Christian

  • Overview: A deeply personal look at the internal war between the “old man” and the “new man.” Chuck addresses the frustration of doing the things we hate.
  • Key Fact: The struggle of Romans 7 is the typical experience of a believer trying to live the Christian life in their own strength rather than by the Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 7:14–25

Message 15: From Agony to Ecstasy

  • Overview: The transition from the “O wretched man that I am” of chapter 7 to the “no condemnation” of chapter 8.
  • Key Fact: The Law of the Spirit of Life has set us free from the Law of Sin and Death.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:1–4

Message 16: Let’s Talk About Our Walk

  • Overview: What does it look like to walk after the Spirit? This message clarifies the difference between a fleshly mindset and a spiritual mindset.
  • Key Fact: To be “spiritually minded” is life and peace; the Spirit of God dwells within us to empower our daily decisions.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:5–13

Message 17: Guilt vs. Grace

  • Overview: Chuck contrasts the heavy burden of guilt under the law with the liberating freedom of grace.
  • Key Fact: Grace does not give us a license to sin, but a desire to please the Father because we are fully accepted in Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 5:20–6:2

Message 18: Whose Slave Are You?

  • Overview: Everyone is a slave to something. We are either slaves to sin (leading to death) or slaves to righteousness (leading to holiness).
  • Key Fact: The “wages of sin is death,” but the “gift of God is eternal life.” Our choice of mastery determines our ultimate destiny.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 6:15–23

Message 19: Cultivating a Spirit-Controlled Life

  • Overview: A practical guide to yielding to the Holy Spirit. Chuck emphasizes that the Spirit is a person who desires to lead us into truth and intimacy with God.
  • Key Fact: We have received the “Spirit of adoption,” allowing us to cry out to God as “Abba, Father.”
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:14–17

Message 20: Glorying and Groaning

  • Overview: We live in a “groaning” creation. This message provides hope for those suffering, pointing to the future glory that far outweighs present pain.
  • Key Fact: The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with “groanings too deep for words” when we don’t know how to pray in our weakness.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18–27

Message 21: Providence Made Practical

  • Overview: A study of Romans 8:28. How does God work “all things together for good” for those who love Him?
  • Key Fact: “Good” is defined as being “conformed to the image of His Son,” not necessarily our comfort or immediate happiness.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28–30

Message 22: We Overwhelmingly Conquer

  • Overview: The “grand finale” of Romans 8. Chuck explores the series of rhetorical questions that prove nothing can separate us from the love of God.
  • Key Fact: If God is for us, who can be against us? We are “more than conquerors” through Him who loved us.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:31–39

Message 23: Three Faces of God

  • Overview: An introduction to Romans 9–11, focusing on God’s sovereignty, His righteousness, and His faithfulness to Israel.
  • Key Fact: God is not through with Israel; His “irrevocable gifts and calling” ensure a future for His covenant people.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 9:1–5

Message 24: Straight Talk about Predestination

  • Overview: Chuck handles the difficult doctrine of election with balance, focusing on God’s right as the Potter to shape the clay.
  • Key Fact: God’s sovereignty does not make Him unjust; it makes Him God. We must trust His mercy over our own logic.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 9:14–24

Message 25: Straight Talk about Responsibility

  • Overview: The “other side” of sovereignty: human responsibility. Chuck explains that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
  • Key Fact: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; therefore, the Gospel must be preached to all nations.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 10:8–17

Message 26: The Jews: Forgotten or Set Aside?

  • Overview: Paul explains the temporary hardening of Israel and the “grafting in” of the Gentiles.
  • Key Fact: The salvation of the Gentiles is intended to “make Israel jealous,” ultimately leading to their restoration.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 11:11–24

Message 27: Unsearchable, Unfathomable, and Unmatched!

  • Overview: After 11 chapters of deep theology, Paul breaks into a hymn of praise. Chuck reflects on the majesty and wisdom of God.
  • Key Fact: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” All theology must ultimately lead to doxology (praise).
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 11:33–36

Message 28: A Compelling Commitment

  • Overview: The “Therefore” of Romans. Based on God’s mercies, Chuck discusses what it means to present our bodies as a “living sacrifice.”
  • Key Fact: Transformation begins with the “renewing of the mind,” refusing to be conformed to the pattern of this world.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1–2

Message 29: Christianity 101

  • Overview: A practical look at spiritual gifts and how the Body of Christ functions in humility and unity.
  • Key Fact: We are one body with many members, and each member has a unique, God-given function necessary for the whole.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:3–8

Message 30: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong

  • Overview: How to respond to evil. Chuck teaches on the “hard sayings” of Paul regarding loving enemies and overcoming evil with good.
  • Key Fact: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Relinquishing the right to get even is the path to spiritual victory.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:14–21

Message 31: How to Be a Godly Rebel

  • Overview: A message on the Christian’s relationship with civil government. When should we submit, and what are the limits?
  • Key Fact: Every authority that exists has been established by God for the purpose of maintaining order and restraining evil.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 13:1–7

Message 32: Legal Tender and Loving Care

  • Overview: Paul discusses the “debt of love.” Chuck explores how love fulfills the heart of the law in our daily interactions.
  • Key Fact: To love our neighbor as ourselves is the summary of the commandments regarding our relationships with others.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 13:8–10

Message 33: Wake Up and Get Dressed!

  • Overview: A call to spiritual urgency. Because the “day is at hand,” we must cast off the works of darkness and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • Key Fact: Christian living requires an intentional “dressing” in the character of Christ every single morning.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 13:11–14

Message 34: Putting Grace into Action

  • Overview: How to handle “disputable matters.” Chuck talks about the relationship between the “weak” brother and the “strong” brother.
  • Key Fact: We are not to judge one another on non-essential issues, for each of us will give an account of himself to God.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 14:1–12

Message 35: Liberty on a Tightrope

  • Overview: Christian liberty is not about doing whatever we want; it’s about the freedom to limit our liberty for the sake of another’s conscience.
  • Key Fact: The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 14:13–23

Message 36: We Are One . . . or Are We?

  • Overview: A focus on unity within the church. Chuck encourages believers to “receive one another, just as Christ also received us.”
  • Key Fact: Unity is not uniformity; it is the harmonious blending of different people for the glory of God.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:1–7

Message 37: Encouraging Words of Affirmation

  • Overview: Paul’s personal remarks to the Romans reveal his heart for the church. Chuck discusses the power of a “ministry of encouragement.”
  • Key Fact: Paul was confident in the Romans’ “goodness” and “knowledge,” showing that healthy leaders affirm the growth of their people.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:14–21

Message 38: Preaching and Traveling with Paul

  • Overview: An look at Paul’s missionary strategy and his desire to take the Gospel to Spain. Chuck highlights the importance of vision and planning in ministry.
  • Key Fact: Paul’s ambition was to preach Christ where He had not been named, avoiding building on another man’s foundation.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:22–29

Message 39: Praying with Your Whole Heart

  • Overview: Paul asks the Romans to “strive together” with him in prayer. Chuck explores the labor and intensity of true intercession.
  • Key Fact: Prayer is a form of spiritual warfare and partnership; it “opens doors” that are otherwise locked.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:30–33

Message 40: Love and Kisses

  • Overview: Paul greets dozens of individuals by name in chapter 16. Chuck demonstrates that people matter to God and should matter to us.
  • Key Fact: The list includes women, former slaves, and hard workers, proving the diverse and egalitarian nature of the early church.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 16:1–16

Message 41: Boars in God’s Vineyard

  • Overview: A sudden warning against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine learned.
  • Key Fact: “Smooth talk and flattering speech” are the tools of those who serve their own appetites rather than the Lord Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 16:17–20

Message 42: To God, Alone, Be the Glory Forever

  • Overview: The concluding doxology of Romans. Chuck reflects on the “mystery” that was kept secret but has now been revealed to all nations.
  • Key Fact: God is able to “establish” us according to the Gospel—He is the source of our stability and our ultimate glory.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 16:25–27

Message 43: Putting Down Evil, Lifting Up Friends

  • Overview: A practical summary of how to navigate relationships within the church—balancing protection from false teachers with affection for true friends.
  • Key Fact: A healthy church is discerning about doctrine but warm and hospitable in its fellowship.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 16:17–24

Message 44: How a Renewed Mind Thinks

  • Overview: The series concludes by revisiting the “renewed mind.” Chuck synthesizes the whole book into a call for a transformed way of thinking and living.
  • Key Fact: The “Insight for Living” from Romans is this: God’s grace is sufficient to save us, and His Spirit is sufficient to sustain us.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2; Romans 16:27

Written by

The Imprint of a Faithful Mother

It’s impossible to overestimate the imprint a godly mother makes on our lives. In this two-message series, Chuck Swindoll doesn’t hold back praise to God for women who have positively shaped our lives, who have taught us faithfully, and who have enduringly loved us. Soak in the encouragement if you are a mom, or pass it along to someone who has impacted your life.


It is impossible to overestimate the lifelong impact a godly mother makes. In this two-message series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll honors the women who have positively shaped our lives, taught us faithfully, and loved us enduringly. By examining the lives of remarkable women in Scripture, these messages offer deep encouragement for mothers in the trenches of parenting and provide a beautiful perspective for anyone wanting to honor the mother-figures who have left a spiritual imprint on their soul.

1. Portrait of a Remarkable Woman (Proverbs 31:10–31)

  • Overview: A celebration of the qualities that make a woman truly remarkable. Moving beyond superficial cultural standards, Chuck explores the industrious, wise, and God-fearing character of the woman described in Proverbs 31.
  • Key Fact: A remarkable woman is defined not by her perfection, but by her reverence for the Lord, which serves as the foundation for her influence and her “smile at the future.”
  • Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

2. Let’s Meet the Mother of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10; Hebrews 11:23)

  • Overview: Explores the courage and faith of Jochebed, the mother of Moses. In a time of extreme danger and cultural hostility, her trust in God allowed her to protect her son and ultimately change the course of a nation.
  • Key Fact: Jochebed’s “imprint” on Moses during his early years provided him with the spiritual identity he needed to resist the lures of Egypt later in life.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 11:23 – “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents… and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Written by

Easter 2010

John 20:6–8

Did Jesus really die? Could He, in fact, just have been in a coma? Before you can celebrate a resurrection, you must first establish that Jesus really died. Sceptics will argue different theories that deny the miracle, but a look at the facts and the testimonies will prove that Jesus Christ, Son of God, rose from the dead. After hope itself had died, God had the final say.


Before the celebration of the resurrection can truly begin, the reality of Christ’s death must be firmly established. Skeptics often propose theories to deny the miracle, suggesting Jesus was merely in a coma or never truly died. However, a close examination of the facts and the firsthand testimonies proves that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, truly rose from the dead. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores the dramatic events from Palm Sunday to the empty tomb, showing how God had the final say even after hope itself seemed to have died.

Don’t Miss the Obvious

Sermon Summary In the rush to reach Easter Sunday, it is easy to overlook the significance of the events that took place just one week earlier. This message focuses on “Palm Sunday”—the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Chuck explores the “obvious” signs of Jesus’ identity that were displayed that day and challenges us to slow down and recognize the King who comes in humility. By understanding the intentionality of Jesus’ actions in Matthew 21, we gain a clearer perspective on the sacrifice that was soon to follow.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Triumphal Entry: Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.
  • Intentional Humility: Why the King of Kings chose a path of lowliness rather than earthly military power.
  • The Crowd’s Expectations: Contrasting the people’s desire for a political liberator with Jesus’ mission as a spiritual Savior.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Matthew 21:1–11

Triumph Shouts from a Tomb

Sermon Summary The empty tomb is not just a symbol; it is a shout of triumph that echoes through history. This message addresses the skeptical arguments surrounding the resurrection and presents the evidence for Christ’s victory over death. We look at the details of the burial, the stone, and the discarded grave clothes as silent but powerful witnesses. Chuck emphasizes that the resurrection is the foundation of our hope, proving that no situation is so dead that God cannot bring forth life.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Establishing the Death of Christ: Why the “swoon theory” and other skeptical explanations fail to fit the facts.
  • The Evidence of the Grave Clothes: The significance of the undisturbed linen as a proof of the miracle.
  • The Power of the Resurrection: How the victory of Christ provides a sure foundation for the believer’s faith.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 20:6–8

Written by

Best of 2009

“God . . . in control? Are you kidding? Look around; all you see is chaos and godlessness.”

David wrote in Psalm 12:8 that “the wicked freely strut about / when what is vile is honored among men” (NIV). There certainly seems to be a lot of strutting about these days, making it difficult for some believers to live lives of godliness and causing others to doubt God’s sovereignty. But Chuck Swindoll encourages us to stand fast in the faith and continue to trust in the truth that our God is in control, when he provides a “Survival Strategy for Our Times” and helps us recall “Timely Reminders of Timeless Truths.”


In a world that often feels chaotic and increasingly godless, it is easy for believers to feel “out of joint” or to doubt God’s sovereignty. This two-part collection of the most impactful messages from 2009 provides a spiritual anchor. Pastor Chuck Swindoll offers a clear “survival strategy” for modern times, reminding us that even when the wicked seem to thrive, God remains in absolute control. These messages serve as a vital encouragement to stand fast in the faith and rely on truths that never change.

1. Survival Strategy for Our Times (1 Corinthians 16:13)

  • Overview: Addresses the fundamental spiritual unease that many experience in a shifting culture. Chuck provides four specific commands for survival: be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong.
  • Key Fact: Survival isn’t about hiding; it’s about a proactive, courageous stance rooted in the strength and love of Christ.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

2. Timely Reminders of Timeless Truths (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: A survey of the foundational biblical truths that provide stability during uncertain times. This message acts as a “spiritual reset,” bringing our focus back to God’s character and His promises.
  • Key Fact: When what is “vile” is honored in society, the believer’s best defense is to return to the timeless Word of God.
  • Scripture: Psalm 12:8 (NIV) – “The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”

Written by

Getting Through the Tough Stuff

Wouldn’t it be great if our days came with a “Do Over” button?

Ever had one of those days when nothing, absolutely nothing, goes according to plan? Well, Chuck Swindoll has had his share of days he’d like to do over. But since life doesn’t come with a “Do Over” button, Chuck shares how we can make the best of our days—even if it always seems that it’s one thing or another.

In this practical series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the reality that life doesn’t come with a “do-over” button. By looking at how Jesus and biblical figures handled crises, Chuck provides a roadmap for finding hope and resilience.

1. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Temptation

  • Overview: No one is immune to the pull of temptation. By examining Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness, Chuck demonstrates that temptation is not a sin, but a test of our allegiances.
  • Key Fact: Temptation often strikes at our points of greatest physical or emotional weakness (the “chink in the armor”); the primary defense is a pre-determined reliance on Scripture.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:15

2. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Misunderstanding

  • Overview: Jesus was misunderstood by the religious elite, his townsfolk, and even his own family. This message offers comfort for those who feel isolated or wrongly judged.
  • Key Fact: Being misunderstood is often the price of following God’s unique call on your life. Acceptance from God is more foundational than approval from people.
  • Scripture Reference: Mark 3:21; Mark 3:1–35

3. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety

  • Overview: Anxiety “strangles” our perspective. Using the story of Mary and Martha, Chuck shows how to slow down, simplify, and prioritize our relationship with Christ over “much serving.”
  • Key Fact: The “Mathematics of Worry” involves adding expectations, subtracting God’s presence, multiplying problems through imagination, and dividing life into sacred and secular.
  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6–7; Luke 10:38–42

4. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Shame

  • Overview: Shame is “naked guilt”—a public exposure that whispers “you are worthless.” Chuck looks at the woman caught in adultery to show how Jesus offers grace over condemnation.
  • Key Fact: Jesus was the only person qualified to condemn the woman, yet He chose to defend her, becoming our “shame-bearer” on the cross.
  • Scripture Reference: John 8:1–11; Hebrews 12:2

5. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Doubt

  • Overview: A look at “Doubting Thomas.” Chuck explains that faith does not always come easily and that God is patient with our sincere struggles to believe.
  • Key Fact: Doubt is not the opposite of faith, but an invitation to a deeper, more personal encounter with the risen Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: John 20:24–29

6. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Divorce

  • Overview: Chuck provides a careful biblical analysis of marriage permanence while addressing the painful reality and grace available when a marriage breaks.
  • Key Fact: While divorce was never God’s ideal, Jesus addressed the reality of its occurrence with truth and a call to a necessary acceptance.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:3–12; Mark 10:1–12

7. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Remarriage

  • Overview: This message focuses on the grace-filled possibility of a fresh start. Chuck explores the biblical parameters and the “new creature” reality for those seeking to move forward.
  • Key Fact: It is theologically inconsistent to believe Christ’s death atones for all sins except a failed marriage; God is the God of new beginnings.
  • Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 7:12–15

8. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Confrontation

  • Overview: Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world. This message explores the “Jesus way” of responding to injustice and the importance of healthy, biblical confrontation.
  • Key Fact: A non-retaliatory spirit can lead to personal freedom and a more powerful witness than returning blow for blow.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 2:11–14

9. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Pain

  • Overview: Explores Jesus as the “Man of Sorrows.” When we are in the crucible of physical or emotional pain, we find a Savior who is intimately acquainted with grief.
  • Key Fact: Pain signals unseen trouble and, spiritually, helps us grow into mature people of faith by teaching us daily dependence on God.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 5:7–8

10. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Prejudice

  • Overview: Prejudice is a deep-seated sin problem rooted in the human heart. Chuck identifies the antidote in Christ’s interaction with the Samaritan woman.
  • Key Fact: Prejudice is a learned trait that keeps people in spiritual darkness and binds them to the past, preventing them from seeing others as God does.
  • Scripture Reference: Mark 7:18–23; Matthew 27:27–44

11. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Hypocrisy

  • Overview: Chuck confronts the “disease of the soul” where religious activity becomes a theatrical performance for public applause.
  • Key Fact: A hypocrite is literally “one who speaks from behind a mask.” The remedy is an authentic life characterized by private worship rather than public display.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:1–18; Matthew 23:13–33

12. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Inadequacy

  • Overview: The Great Commission was given to “frightened and incompetent” men. This message shows how God uses our weaknesses to achieve the impossible.
  • Key Fact: Our inadequacy is the “stage” upon which God displays His power through the Holy Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:16–20

13. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Disqualification

  • Overview: For those who feel they have “blown it” beyond repair, Chuck shares how God’s grace is larger than our greatest failures.
  • Key Fact: Restoration is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Failure does not mean the end of one’s usefulness in the Kingdom of God.
  • Scripture Reference: John 21:15–19; Psalm 51

14. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Death

  • Overview: Addressing the final “tough stuff,” Chuck provides hope for those facing the loss of a loved one or their own mortality.
  • Key Fact: Because Christ conquered the grave, death for the believer is not an end but a transition to the presence of God.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; John 11:25–26

Written by

© 2026 Insight for Living. All rights reserved.