Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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2018

Transformed by Grace

When life falls apart, how do you pick up the pieces and move forward? The answer is REFRAME.  To reframe is to see your losses, struggles, and burdens through God’s lens of grace and to let Him reshape your pain into new purpose. Paul describes this process: “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2).

With God’s power, you can become a new person as God guides your thoughts, heals your heart, and energizes new habits. Reframing is not easy; it is an ongoing process of growth as God transforms you by His grace. Join Chuck Swindoll and his daughter Colleen Swindoll Thompson as they transparently share their reframing journeys.


When life falls apart due to prolonged seasons of calamity or heartache, how do you pick up the pieces? In this transparent series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll and his daughter, Colleen Swindoll Thompson, explore the concept of Reframing. Reframing is the spiritual discipline of seeing your losses and burdens through God’s lens of grace rather than your own pain. By allowing God to change the way you think, you can emerge from the “crucible of His will” with a new personhood and a reshaped purpose.

1. Transformed by Grace (Message & Interview)

  • Overview: Introduces the process of “reframing” life’s struggles. Through a combination of teaching and personal testimony, Chuck and Colleen discuss what it means to be a “new person” as God heals the heart and energizes new habits.
  • Key Fact: Transformation is an ongoing process of growth, not a one-time event, requiring us to continually surrender our thoughts to God’s perspective.
  • Scripture: Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Common Questions: Transformed by Grace

1. What does it mean to “reframe” my pain? In this series, “reframing” is defined as looking at your circumstances through a different “lens”—God’s lens. Instead of seeing a loss as purely a disaster, reframing allows you to see how God might be using that very struggle to reshape your character and reveal a new purpose for your life.

2. Is this series just for people going through major tragedies? While it addresses “prolonged seasons of calamity,” the principles of reframing apply to anyone carrying burdens or feeling “stuck” in a negative mindset. It is for anyone who needs to “renew their mind” to experience the freedom and healing found in God’s grace.

3. How does God “energize new habits” in my life? The series suggests that as our thinking changes (the reframe), our actions naturally follow. When we stop viewing ourselves as “victims of circumstance” and start seeing ourselves as “recipients of grace,” God provides the spiritual energy to replace old, destructive patterns with new, healthy ones.

4. Why is transparency emphasized in this series? Pastor Chuck and Colleen share their own “reframing journeys” to show that even those in ministry face seasons where life falls apart. Their transparency serves as a powerful confirmation that God’s grace is sufficient for everyone, regardless of their position or the depth of their heartache.

5. How long does the “reframing” process take? The series emphasizes that this is an ongoing process. It is a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, commitment to let God transform you. There is no “quick fix,” but there is the constant, sustaining presence of God’s power as He guides your thoughts and heals your heart over time.

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Following Christ . . . The Man of God

Jesus was the Son of God and the Man of God. He walked the earth as any other person, but, through every word and action, He expressed the nature of God. The scenes recorded in John 6–14 portray a beautiful balance of Jesus’ humanity and divinity. He heals the lame man, feeds the hungry masses, stills the stormy sea, gives sight to the blind, and raises Lazarus from the dead. Such divine power, such human compassion!

John invites us to walk by Jesus’ side as He models love, grace, and humility. Place yourself in each scene. Grasp every detail. It’s impossible to closely follow Jesus and remain unchanged.


Jesus was the Son of God, yet He was also truly the Man of God. He walked the earth as any other person, but through every word and action, He perfectly expressed the nature of the Father. In this 14-part series covering John chapters 6 through 14, Chuck Swindoll explores the scenes where Jesus’ divine power and human compassion meet. From feeding the hungry masses and stilling the sea to washing the feet of His disciples, we see a Savior who models love, grace, and humility in their highest forms. This study is an invitation to walk by Jesus’ side and be forever changed by His example.

Message 1: God’s Specialty: Impossibilities

Sermon Summary We often limit God by our own finite understanding of what is possible. In the opening of John 6, we encounter a situation that was humanly impossible: feeding a massive crowd with a few loaves and fish. This message explores how God specializes in the impossible, using our meager resources to perform miraculous works. It challenges us to stop looking at our limitations and start looking at the limitless power of the Man of God.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Feeding of the Five Thousand: Observing how Jesus uses a small gift to satisfy a large need.
  • Testing Faith: Understanding how God uses “impossible” situations to reveal His character.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 6:1–15

Message 2: Bread Delivered from Heaven

Sermon Summary Following the miracle of the loaves, the crowds sought Jesus for more physical food. Jesus redirected their focus to a deeper, spiritual need, declaring Himself to be the “Bread of Life.” This message examines the necessity of spiritual nourishment and the truth that only Christ can truly satisfy the hunger of the human soul.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Bread of Life: Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance.
  • Eternal Satisfaction: Why physical resources can never fill the spiritual void.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 6:22–59

Message 3: Jesus in the Lions’ Den

Sermon Summary As Jesus’ popularity grew, so did the hostility of the religious leaders. In John 7, we see Jesus navigating a “lions’ den” of opposition during the Feast of Booths. Chuck discusses how Jesus maintained His mission and His composure even when surrounded by those who sought to destroy Him, providing a model for how we should handle opposition today.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Navigating Hostility: The courage and wisdom of Jesus in the face of threats.
  • Divine Timing: Why Jesus refused to be rushed by the agendas of others.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 7

Message 4: Letters in the Sand

Sermon Summary The account of the woman caught in adultery is one of the most tender and powerful displays of grace in the New Testament. As the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with the Law, He responded with a display of mercy that silenced the accusers. This message explores the balance of truth and grace as Jesus refused to condemn but also called for transformation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Grace vs. Legalism: How Jesus prioritizes the soul over the system.
  • Restoration: The power of a non-condemning Savior to bring life out of shame.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 8:1–11

Message 5: Reasons for Rejection

Sermon Summary Despite His miracles and words of life, many rejected Jesus. This message explores the “reasons for rejection” found in John 8, where Jesus engages in a sharp dialogue about identity and truth. We learn that rejection often stems from a heart that is closed to the light and a mind that is tethered to a false spiritual heritage.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Light of the World: Jesus as the only source of spiritual sight.
  • The Source of Rejection: Identifying the pride and blindness that keep people from the Gospel.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 8:12–59

Message 6: Blind Men’s Bluff

Sermon Summary The healing of the man born blind in John 9 is a dramatic study in contrasts. While the formerly blind man began to see spiritually, the religious leaders who claimed to see became increasingly blind. Chuck discusses the irony of spiritual blindness and the simple, courageous faith of a man who was willing to testify to what Jesus had done.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual vs. Physical Sight: The irony of those who see but are blind.
  • The Power of Testimony: A simple “one thing I know” in the face of complex legalism.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 9

Message 7: The Living Door

Sermon Summary Jesus described Himself as the “Good Shepherd” and the “Door of the Sheep.” This message looks at the security and intimacy found in Christ’s care. We learn that Jesus is the only legitimate entrance into God’s sheepfold and that He is the One who protects, leads, and eventually lays down His life for His own.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Good Shepherd: The intimate, protective nature of Christ’s leadership.
  • Exclusive Access: Why Jesus is the only “Door” to salvation and security.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 10:1–21

Message 8: Back from Beyond

Sermon Summary The raising of Lazarus is the climactic sign of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This message explores the profound declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Chuck discusses how Jesus moved into a situation of total despair and death to demonstrate His authority over the grave, giving us a preview of our own future resurrection.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Victory over Death: The ultimate demonstration of Christ’s divine power.
  • Divine Compassion: Jesus weeping with those in sorrow even as He prepares to act.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 11

Message 9: Seeking before Hiding

Sermon Summary As the shadows of the cross begin to fall, Jesus enters Jerusalem for the final time. This message addresses the tension of the Passion Week—the public “seeking” of the crowds and the private “hiding” of the religious leaders. We are challenged to seek Christ while He may be found and to recognize the significance of His final public appeals.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Triumphal Entry: Recognizing the King who comes in humility.
  • The Final Appeal: Jesus’ urgent call to the light before the darkness falls.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 12

Message 10: Humility Personified

Sermon Summary In the Upper Room, Jesus performed the lowliest task of a servant: washing the disciples’ feet. This message is a study in “humility personified.” Chuck explores how the King of glory took the form of a slave to teach us that true greatness in His kingdom is found in sacrificial service to others.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Servant-Leader: Christ’s model for biblical leadership.
  • Sacrificial Service: The practical application of humility in our relationships.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 13:1–17

Message 11: How High Is Your A.Q.?

Sermon Summary The “Acceptance Quotient” (A.Q.) is our ability to accept others as Christ has accepted us. Following the betrayal by Judas and the announcement of Peter’s denial, Jesus gave a new commandment: “Love one another.” This message discusses the challenge of loving the “unlovable” and the importance of maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The New Commandment: Love as the primary mark of a disciple.
  • Acceptance: Learning to extend grace to those who fail.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 13:18–38

Message 12: Agape . . . Authentic Love

Sermon Summary What does agape love actually look like in practice? This message takes a deeper look at the authentic, sacrificial love modeled by Jesus. We learn that this love is not a feeling we manufacture, but a fruit of the Spirit that puts the needs of others above our own, even at great personal cost.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Nature of Agape: Distinguishing biblical love from cultural imitations.
  • Sacrifice: The defining characteristic of authentic Christian love.

Message 13: Tranquil Words for Troubled Hearts

Sermon Summary “Let not your heart be troubled.” These are some of the most comforting words in all of Scripture. As Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure, He provided a foundation for peace: the promise of a home in heaven and the assurance of His return. This message offers a cure for the anxiety that often grips our hearts.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus as the only path to the Father.
  • Eternal Perspective: How the hope of heaven calms our earthly fears.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 14:1–14

Message 14: Overcoming Fear

Sermon Summary In the series finale, we look at the gift of the Holy Spirit—the “Helper” who allows us to live without fear. Jesus promised a peace that the world cannot give. Chuck discusses how we can overcome the paralyzing power of fear by relying on the indwelling presence of the Spirit and the triumphant words of our Savior.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Gift of Peace: A supernatural calm in the midst of a storm.
  • The Role of the Helper: How the Holy Spirit empowers us to follow the Man of God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 14:15–31

Common Questions about the Life of Jesus in John (FAQ)

What is the difference between Jesus as the “Son of God” and the “Man of God”? The term “Son of God” emphasizes His divinity—that He is truly God. The “Man of God” emphasizes His perfect humanity—that He lived a sinless life as a man, experiencing our struggles and modeling for us what it looks like to be perfectly yielded to the Father.

Why did Jesus use metaphors like “Bread” and “Door” to describe Himself? Jesus used familiar, everyday objects to explain profound spiritual truths. These metaphors helped people understand that He is essential for life (Bread), the only way to security (Door), and the One who guides and protects us (Shepherd).

Is the “peace” Jesus promised the absence of problems? No. Jesus was honest that in this world we would have trouble. The peace He gives is an internal tranquility and a confidence in God’s sovereignty that remains steady even when our external circumstances are chaotic.

How can I know the Holy Spirit is helping me? The Holy Spirit often works through the Word of God to bring comfort, convict us of sin, and guide our decisions. One of the primary ways we know He is at work is when we experience a “peace that surpasses understanding” and a growing desire to be more like Christ.

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A Vision 195 Conversation with Chuck: Insight for Living Arabic

In this special one-day broadcast, Chuck Swindoll talks with Charlie Costa, pastor of Insight for Living Arabic, who visited us recently from Beirut, Lebanon. Along with pastoring a church and overseeing outreach ministries, Charlie voices Insight for Living in Arabic (Nafitha Ala l’Hayat). Through technology, 420 million Arabic-speaking people can access Charlie’s translations of Chuck’s messages and hear the life-changing good news of Christ.

Let this special broadcast stir your heart with inspiring stories of God’s grace transforming lives among Arabic-speaking people.

Learn more about our Arabic-speaking ministry.

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Miracle Announced from a Tomb: "He Is Risen!"

He is risen. He is risen, indeed!

Declare the news far and wide! Our Lord Jesus has risen from the grave! His resurrection assures us that our sins are forgiven and our future resurrection is certain. Because Jesus is alive, He is with us through each dark night and difficult day.

Listen to Chuck Swindoll’s Easter message and relive the moment of discovery when an earthquake shook the ground and a shining angel rolled aside the stone, announcing, “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:5–6). 

What a glorious moment . . . what a wonderful Savior!

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Beholding Christ . . . The Son of God

Wouldn’t it be fascinating to meet someone who actually walked and talked with Jesus? John the apostle knew Jesus firsthand, and in his gospel he opens our hearts to the Master he loved and followed.

This first part of a three-part series reveals Jesus as the Son of God who existed before time began. As Jesus launched His public ministry and interacted with people, we can see ourselves in each person Jesus met—the religious seeker Nicodemus, the shunned woman at the well, the lame man waiting his entire life for a healing touch from God. And with each word Jesus spoke, we can feel His compassion and power.

As you read John’s gospel, you’re right there with the Master. That’s why even a most hardened skeptic can find John’s account of Jesus’ invitation to believe in Him impossible to resist.


The Gospel of John is a firsthand account from an apostle who walked and talked with Jesus. In this first part of a three-volume study, Chuck Swindoll introduces us to the Master through the eyes of the disciple He loved. We move from the eternal “Prelude to Deity” into the start of Jesus’ public ministry, observing His interactions with outcasts, religious seekers, and the broken. This series invites us to behold Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the Son of God, presenting a compelling case for faith that is impossible to ignore.

Message 1: “That You May Believe”

Sermon Summary Every book has a purpose, and John explicitly states his at the end of his Gospel. This opening message explores why John wrote his account: so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in His name. We set the stage for a comprehensive study that moves past mere information to life-changing transformation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Purpose of John: Understanding the difference between a biography and a testimony of faith.
  • The Call to Believe: Moving from skepticism to a personal relationship with Christ.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 20:30–31 (The Series Key)

Message 2: Prelude to Deity

Sermon Summary The story of Jesus did not begin in Bethlehem; it began in eternity past. This message explores the profound opening verses of John, where Jesus is identified as “the Word” who was with God and was God. Chuck discusses the significance of the Incarnation—the Word becoming flesh—and what it means for a holy God to dwell among His fallen creation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Pre-existence of Christ: Jesus as the eternal Creator.
  • The Word Made Flesh: The mystery and majesty of the Incarnation.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 1:1–18

Message 3: A Man Sent from God

Sermon Summary Before Jesus entered the spotlight, John the Baptist prepared the way. This message focuses on the “man sent from God” who pointed others away from himself and toward the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” We learn about the humility and clarity of mission required to be an effective witness for Christ.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Forerunner: John the Baptist’s role in prophetic history.
  • Beholding the Lamb: The first public identification of Jesus’ redemptive mission.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 1:19–34

Message 4: Five Who Followed in Faith

Sermon Summary The first disciples of Jesus were a diverse group of ordinary men. This message examines the calling of Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael, and an unnamed disciple. We see how a simple “Come and see” invitation led to a radical shift in their lives, teaching us that faith often begins with a personal encounter rather than a complex argument.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The First Followers: Analyzing the varied ways people are drawn to Christ.
  • The Invitation to Discovery: The power of “Come and see” in personal evangelism.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 1:35–51

Message 5: Wine . . . Coins . . . and Signs

Sermon Summary Jesus’ public ministry was marked by “signs” that pointed to His divine authority. This message looks at the first of these signs: turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, and the subsequent cleansing of the Temple. We see Jesus as the Lord of both the celebration and the sanctuary, revealing His power over nature and His zeal for the purity of worship.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Lord of Celebration: Why Jesus’ first miracle occurred at a wedding.
  • The Zeal of the Lord: The significance of the Temple cleansing as a sign of authority.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 2

Message 6: Brainstorming the New Birth

Sermon Summary Nicodemus, a religious leader, came to Jesus by night with deep questions. This message explores the famous dialogue on the “New Birth.” Chuck explains what it means to be “born again”—not through religious effort, but through the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. We learn that even the most “moral” person needs a radical spiritual transformation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The New Birth: Understanding the spiritual necessity of regeneration.
  • The Wind of the Spirit: The mysterious and sovereign nature of God’s work in the heart.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 3:1–21

Message 7: The Preacher Who Lost His Congregation

Sermon Summary As Jesus’ popularity grew, John the Baptist’s ministry began to fade. This message highlights John’s remarkable reaction: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” We learn the secret to true spiritual success—finding joy in the exaltation of Christ rather than the expansion of our own influence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Humility: The mark of a true servant of God.
  • Christ-Centered Joy: Why seeing others follow Jesus is the greatest reward.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 3:22–36

Message 8: Water for a Thirsty Woman

Sermon Summary At a well in Samaria, Jesus engaged a shunned woman in a life-changing conversation. This message explores the “living water” that Jesus offers to the thirsty soul. We see how Jesus broke through cultural, racial, and moral barriers to offer grace to those whom society had discarded.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Living Water: Identifying the internal thirst that only Christ can satisfy.
  • Breaking Barriers: How the Gospel transcends social and moral boundaries.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 4:1–42

Message 9: Healing at a Distance

Sermon Summary A royal official sought Jesus to heal his dying son. This message focuses on the miracle of healing “at a distance.” We see a father’s growing faith—moving from a desperate plea to a quiet trust in Jesus’ word. It serves as a reminder that Christ’s power is not limited by physical proximity.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Growth of Faith: Moving from seeing miracles to trusting the Word.
  • Authority Over Sickness: The supernatural reach of Christ’s command.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 4:43–54

Message 10: An Exposé of Legalism

Sermon Summary Healing a lame man on the Sabbath sparked a firestorm of controversy. This message exposes the heart of legalism—prioritizing religious rules over human mercy. We learn how Jesus challenged the rigid systems of His day to demonstrate that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Bondage of Legalism: How religious tradition can blind people to God’s grace.
  • The Lord of the Sabbath: Christ’s authority to define true rest and worship.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 5:1–16

Message 11: The Claims of the Christ

Sermon Summary In response to His critics, Jesus made some of the most radical claims in history, essentially declaring Himself equal with God. This message examines Christ’s claims regarding His relationship with the Father, His authority to give life, and His role as the final Judge of all humanity.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Deity of Christ: Analyzing Jesus’ own words about His divine identity.
  • The Giver of Life: Why the Son has the authority to raise the dead.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 5:17–30

Message 12: Witnesses for the Defense

Sermon Summary Jesus did not ask people to believe Him on His word alone; He provided a “defense” consisting of multiple witnesses. This message looks at the testimony of John the Baptist, the miracles of Jesus, the Father’s own voice, and the witness of the Scriptures. We are left with a compelling body of evidence that demands a verdict.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Historical Evidence: The multifaceted witnesses that support Christ’s claims.
  • The Witness of Scripture: How the Old Testament points directly to Jesus.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • John 5:31–47

Common Questions about the Gospel of John (FAQ)

How is the Gospel of John different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke? While the first three Gospels (the Synoptics) focus on a chronological and historical narrative, John is more thematic and theological. He focuses on long discourses of Jesus and specifically selects seven “signs” to prove that Jesus is the Son of God.

What does it mean that Jesus is “The Word”? In the Greek culture (Logos), the “Word” was the rational principle governing the universe. For the Jews, “The Word of the Lord” was God’s creative power. By calling Jesus “The Word,” John is saying that the Creator and the meaning of the universe has become a person we can know.

Is it really possible to be “born again”? Jesus describes the new birth as a spiritual transformation from above. Just as we did not cause our physical birth, we cannot cause our spiritual birth; it is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, where the Holy Spirit gives us a new nature and a new life.

Why did Jesus’ miracles cause so much trouble with religious leaders? The miracles weren’t the problem; it was the authority they represented. By healing on the Sabbath or forgiving sins, Jesus was claiming to be God. To the religious establishment, this was either a glorious truth or a dangerous blasphemy.

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Loving One Another

Romans 12:6–21

Enthusiasm! Every church should overflow with enthusiasm as it fulfills Christ’s mission. Chuck Swindoll certainly is enthusiastic about the church, and in this two-part series, he lights a torch and sets our hearts ablaze with an eagerness to truly love one another.

The first message explores the central question, “What do we do as members of Christ’s church?” The answer: use our gifts. The second message addresses the “how” question. How are we to carry out our gifts? By living in harmony despite our differences.

Don’t let your church involvement sink into a lifeless, predictable, and passionless routine. And don’t settle for a mentality of divisiveness between groups. Instead, grasp the exciting vision of the church as Christ intended! No other institution on earth is as appealing and inspiring as a church where members express their God-given gifts and open their hearts with Christ’s love.

Let Chuck’s enthusiasm for the church spark a fire in you!


Every church should overflow with enthusiasm as it fulfills Christ’s mission. In this two-part study of Romans 12, Pastor Chuck Swindoll invites us into a more intimate conversation about the vision of the church. By exploring both what we are called to do as members of the body and how we are called to do it, these messages aim to move us away from lifeless routines and divisive mentalities toward the exciting, inspiring community Christ intended.

Message 1. Let’s Think about Our Church (Romans 12:6–13)

  • Overview: Addresses the “what” of church life. Chuck explores the diversity of spiritual gifts—such as prophecy, service, teaching, and exhortation—and emphasizes that a healthy church is one where every member is actively contributing their God-given grace.
  • Key Fact: Love in the church is not a passive feeling but an active deployment of spiritual gifts for the benefit of others.
  • Scripture: Romans 12:6 – “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.”

Message 2. Looking Deeper into Our Church (Romans 12:14–21)

  • Overview: Addresses the “how” of church life. This message looks at the practical outworking of love in difficult situations, including how to handle enemies, how to live in harmony, and how to overcome evil with good.
  • Key Fact: A dynamic church is characterized by its ability to maintain unity and grace even in the face of conflict and personal differences.
  • Scripture: Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Common Questions: Loving One Another

1. How do I know what my spiritual gift is? As Pastor Chuck explains in “Let’s Think about Our Church,” your gift is often linked to where you see a need and feel a grace-filled desire to meet it. Whether it is teaching, giving, or showing mercy, the key is to start exercising that grace within the community of faith.

2. What should I do if my church involvement feels like a “passionless routine”? The series suggests that a lack of passion often stems from a lack of “active” love. By shifting from a consumer mentality to a contributor mentality—actually using your gifts to serve others—the enthusiasm for the church is naturally rekindled.

3. Is it really possible to “live in harmony” with people who are so different from me? Drawing from Romans 12:16, Chuck emphasizes that harmony does not mean uniformity. It means being “haughty” in mind is replaced by a willingness to “associate with the lowly.” Harmony is the result of shared humility and a common focus on Christ’s love.

4. How does “overcoming evil with good” apply to my relationships in the church? In the second message, this is presented as the ultimate test of love. Instead of seeking revenge or allowing bitterness to take root when you are wronged, you choose to respond with “burning coals” of kindness. This stops the cycle of evil and displays the supernatural power of the Gospel.

5. Why is the church considered the “most appealing institution on earth”? When a church functions as described in Romans 12—where gifts are used, needs are met, and love is sincere—it becomes a magnet for a hurting world. It offers a level of community, resilience, and genuine care that cannot be found anywhere else.

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Listener Favorites, Volume 4

Some messages settle into our souls like a salve, providing healing where our deepest hurts and fears reside. Others remind us, through the fiercest storms, that we CAN be secured by a hope that won’t disappoint.

Hear two of Chuck Swindoll’s most-requested messages, from the What If . . .? series, which are also included in Listener Favorites, Volume 4: Our Best for His Highest. These messages cover challenges like dealing with unrepentant people and facing that terrifying fear: death.

This collection features some of Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s most requested and impactful messages. From practical advice on breaking the habit of worry to profound theological explorations of suffering and mortality, these sermons provide a spiritual “salve” for deep hurts and a firm anchor for life’s fiercest storms. This volume addresses the difficult “what if” questions of life, offering biblical clarity and hope for believers facing relentless challenges.

Message 1: Stop Worrying and Start Trusting

Sermon Overview Worry is described as a self-made prison and the number one addiction among believers today. When Jesus announced His ministry, He declared He had come to set captives free—including those held captive by anxiety and oppression. Looking at Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 and Paul’s commands in Philippians 4, Swindoll provides a divine antidote for panic. Worry confuses our value system, makes us self-centered, blurs our distinctives, and empties today of its strength. To break this addiction, believers must train themselves to rejoice daily, release their burdens through specific prayer, relax in God’s guarding peace, and intentionally respond by focusing their minds on things that are true, honorable, and pure.

Key Facts

  • The Captivity of Worry: Anxiety acts as an addiction that divides the mind, blurs the distinctives between believers and unbelievers, and turns tomorrow’s fears into today’s dread.
  • Worry About Nothing, Pray About Everything: The biblical remedy for anxiety is to turn every worry into a specific prayer list, accompanied by thanksgiving for God’s past faithfulness.
  • The Hammock of Peace: When believers release their burdens to God, He promises to surround their hearts and minds with an unexplainable, military-like guard of peace.
  • The Secret of Contentment: Ultimate freedom from worry is found by teaching oneself to be contented with whatever one has, and training oneself to rely entirely on Christ’s strength.

Scripture References

  • Philippians 4:4–9
  • Luke 4:14–20
  • Matthew 6:24–34
  • Isaiah 26:3–4
  • Proverbs 17:22

 Message 2: Stop Shaming and Start Honoring

Sermon Overview Many believers live under a dark, thick cloud of shame, believing they are fundamentally flawed and unworthy of love. Swindoll uses the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son to contrast the toxic habit of shaming with the life-giving habit of honoring. While guilt appropriately admits a wrong action, shame destructively declares, “I am bad”. When the younger son returned home broken and starving, his father refused to listen to his shame-filled speech; instead, he honored him with repeated kisses, a fine robe, a family ring, and a celebratory feast. Conversely, the older brother models the judgmental, compassionless attitude that plagues many modern relationships. This message challenges believers to stop giving shame any respect, share their hurts with understanding friends, and cultivate genuine empathy.

Key Facts

  • Guilt vs. Shame: Guilt says “I did something bad,” which leads to healthy repentance, while shame says “I am bad,” which leads to destructive behaviors and hiding.
  • The Father’s Compassion: The father did not demand a probation period or use the opportunity to lecture his son; he met him as an equal and immediately restored his dignity.
  • The Older Brother’s Trap: The older brother represents those who operate on legalism and judgment, refusing to celebrate the restoration of a fallen believer.
  • Empathy Defeats Shame: Empathy acts as the “ladder out of the shame hole,” requiring believers to refuse to be another’s judge and instead share in their pain.

Scripture References

  • Luke 15:11–32

Message 3: When Troubles Won’t Go Away

Sermon Overview The Apostle James wrote to remind struggling Christians that trials come to strengthen faith, foster character, and quicken attentiveness to the Lord’s voice. Life’s troubles are both inevitable and purposeful, much like taxes or death. Using James 1, Charles R. Swindoll explains that testing acts like a servant to stretch our faith, producing endurance and ultimately maturity. Instead of asking “Why me?”, believers should adopt a mindset of joy, comprehending God’s sovereign plan, and cooperating with His squeezing, pinching hand rather than fighting it. The message also explores the concept of being “double-minded”—wanting our own will while simultaneously asking for God’s will—and promises real happiness and a crown of life to those who persevere.

Key Facts

  • Troubles are Inevitable and Purposeful: Trials are not accidental; they are deliberately designed by God to test faith, produce endurance, and build deep character.
  • Consider, Comprehend, Cooperate: The biblical response to trials is to consider them with joy, comprehend that they are for our good, and cooperate by humbly yielding to God’s mighty hand.
  • The Trap of Double-Mindedness: A double-minded person is like a monkey holding onto rice in a gourd, unwilling to let go of their own will to receive God’s deliverance and freedom.

Scripture References

  • James 1:1–12
  • 1 Peter 5:6–7
  • James 5:13–14

Message 4: Suffering, Sickness, Sin, and Healing

Sermon Overview Grappling with chronic illness and physical suffering raises complex questions for believers, such as the roles of faith healers, modern medicine, and unconfessed sin. Swindoll clarifies that while divine healing is real, professional “faith healers” are not. Drawing from James 5, the message unpacks the biblical protocol for the sick: individuals must take the initiative to summon the church elders, who then apply consecrated medicine (represented by the first-century practice of anointing with oil) and pray in the name of the Lord. The message also establishes that while sickness entered the world through original sin, personal sickness is not always the direct result of personal sin, nor is it God’s will for every person to be healed in this lifetime.

Key Facts

  • Healing vs. Healers: God sovereignly heals people today, but He does so without the need for charismatic “faith healers”.
  • Medicine and Prayer Together: In the first century, “anointing with oil” referred to the best medical practices of the day, meaning believers should use consecrated medicine alongside earnest prayer.
  • Not Always God’s Will: It is not God’s will that every person be physically healed, as seen in the lives of Paul, Trophimus, and Epaphroditus.
  • Confession Within the Body: Believers are encouraged to confess their sins within trusted, close discipleship relationships rather than in unhelpful public settings.

Scripture References

  • James 5:13–16
  • Romans 5:12
  • 1 Corinthians 11:30
  • John 9:1–4
  • Acts 3:2–8

Message 5: What If You Were to Die Tonight?

Sermon Overview In this sobering, eternity-focused message, Swindoll tackles the inescapable reality of death using Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus. Death is defined as the separation of the intangible soul and spirit from the physical body. Upon death, a person’s eternal destiny is permanently sealed based on decisions made during their lifetime; there is no reincarnation, purgatory, or second chance. The unrepentant rich man went to a place of conscious, inescapable torment in Hades, retaining his sight, feeling, hearing, and painful memory. Swindoll dismantles cynical rationalizations about the afterlife and urgently pleads with listeners to trust in the written Word of God, which is more powerful to save than any miraculous sign.

Key Facts

  • The Destination of the Soul: At death, the physical body goes to the grave, while the soul/spirit immediately enters either the presence of God or a place of conscious torment (Hades).
  • Consciousness in Eternity: The rich man did not cease to exist; he retained his senses and—most agonizingly—his memory of the life and opportunities he squandered.
  • The Great Chasm: There is a fixed, impassable chasm in eternity, meaning it is impossible to cross over or pray someone out of torment; the decision to accept Christ must be made in this life.
  • The Power of Scripture: When the rich man begged for a miraculous sign to warn his brothers, Abraham replied that if they wouldn’t listen to the written Scriptures (“Moses and the prophets”), even a resurrection from the dead would not persuade them.

Scripture References

  • Luke 16:19–31
  • Hebrews 9:27
  • Romans 5:12

Message 6: What If a Person Is an Unrepentant Troublemaker?

Sermon Overview While the church is a place of grace, it must also be protected from wolves in sheep’s clothing—individuals who chronically stir up division and manipulate the flock. Swindoll draws on Romans 16 and Titus 3 to outline the difficult but necessary protocol for handling unrepentant troublemakers. Leaders are warned to be “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove,” meaning they must be discerning enough to recognize deception hidden behind smooth talk and flattering words. The biblical response to a divisive person involves clear steps: observe their actions, issue a first and second private warning, and if they refuse to repent, isolate them by having nothing more to do with them.

Key Facts

  • Wolves in the Flock: Since the beginning of biblical history, leaders have had to deal with stubborn, rebellious individuals who find delight in stirring up unrest and division.
  • The Danger of Deception: Divisive people often use “smooth talk and glowing words” (flattery and eulogy-like praise) to deceive innocent, gullible believers.
  • The Protocol for Discipline: According to Titus 3:10, if a person causes divisions, church leaders must gently but firmly confront them with a first and second warning; if they remain obstinate, the church must separate from them.
  • The Maxim of a Healthy Church: A wholesome church operates on the ancient principle: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”.

Scripture References

  • Romans 16:17–18
  • Titus 1:1–6
  • Titus 3:8–11

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God Knows What He’s About

When we consider the vastness of the universe, much less the seven billion souls inhabiting our planet, we can struggle to believe that God cares about our circumstances.

We can trust that God knows us, and His plans are woven in the fabric of our everyday lives. By studying the prophet Jonah and Saul of Tarsus,  we will learn that even when we doubt, rebel, and display our weakness of pride, God knows what He’s about. His plans will not be thwarted.


In this five-part holiday series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the unshakable certainty of God’s sovereignty. Whether through the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecies or the dramatic transformation of a stubborn heart, these messages demonstrate that God is never surprised and never sidelined. By looking at the lives of Mary, Jonah, and Saul of Tarsus, we see that God’s plans are woven into the fabric of history and our individual lives, reminding us that even in chaos, He knows exactly what He is about.

Message 1. God Keeps His Promises (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Micah 5:2)

  • Overview: Examines the staggering accuracy of Messianic prophecies. It establishes that if God kept His word regarding the first coming of Christ, we can be certain He will keep every other promise in Scripture.
  • Key Fact: Prophecies about Christ’s birth were given hundreds of years in advance, pinpointing the lineage, the nature of the birth, and the specific location (Bethlehem).
  • Scripture: Micah 5:2 – “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.”

Message 2. God Chooses His Servants (Luke 1:26–38)

  • Overview: Focuses on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. It highlights God’s tendency to choose the obscure and the humble to fulfill His greatest purposes.
  • Key Fact: Mary’s response (“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord”) is the ultimate model of availability and trust in God’s sovereign plan.
  • Scripture: Luke 1:38 – “And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.'”

Message 3. God Sends His Son (Luke 2:1–20)

  • Overview: A Christmas message detailing the “quiet entry” of the Savior. It explores how God used a Roman census and a pagan emperor to ensure the Messiah was born exactly where prophecy predicted.
  • Key Fact: The “fullness of time” included the perfect political and social conditions for the arrival of the King of kings.
  • Scripture: Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger.”

Message 4. God Bends a Stubborn Will (Jonah 1–4)

  • Overview: Traces the reluctant journey of Jonah. It illustrates that while we can run from God’s call, we cannot outrun His reach or His determination to accomplish His mission.
  • Key Fact: God is more interested in the transformation of His servant than just the delivery of a message to Nineveh.
  • Scripture: Jonah 2:9 – “Salvation is from the Lord.”

Message 5. God Humbles a Proud Heart (Acts 9:1–19)

  • Overview: The dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. This message proves that no heart is too hard for God to break and no past is too dark for God to redeem.
  • Key Fact: Saul went from “breathing threats and murder” to being a “chosen instrument” to carry God’s name before kings and Gentiles.
  • Scripture: Acts 9:15 – “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings.”

Common Questions: God Knows What He’s About

1. How can I trust God’s plan when my life feels out of control? As Pastor Chuck explains in “God Keeps His Promises,” our trust is based on God’s track record. When we see how He managed the complex details of Christ’s birth through multiple world empires and centuries of time, we can rest knowing He is equally capable of managing the details of our lives today.

2. Why does God often choose “ordinary” people for extraordinary tasks? In “God Chooses His Servants,” it is noted that God chooses the humble so that His power—not human talent—gets the glory. Like Mary, our greatest “qualification” is our willingness to be available for whatever He asks.

3. Does God still “bend” wills like He did with Jonah? Yes. In “God Bends a Stubborn Will,” the series teaches that God’s “severe mercy” often involves allowing us to reach the end of ourselves (the “belly of the whale”) so that we finally look to Him. His “bending” is always an act of love to bring us back to His purpose.

4. What can the conversion of Saul teach us about difficult people in our lives? The message “God Humbles a Proud Heart” reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. If God could transform the church’s greatest persecutor into its greatest apostle, He can reach the most “impossible” person in your life.

5. How does the “sovereignty of God” help with New Year’s anxiety? The series conclusion emphasizes that because “God knows what He’s about,” we don’t have to know every detail of the future. We can enter a new year with confidence, not because we know what the year holds, but because we know who holds the year.

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Abraham: One Nomad’s Amazing Journey of Faith

What does it mean to be “the friend of God”? Though he lived in a world at enmity with God, Abraham modeled an enviable walk of faith. When told to go, he went. When promised, he believed. When commanded, he obeyed—even when it seemed to make no sense at all.

Abraham wasn’t “the friend of God” (James 2:23) because of his intellect, his pedigree, or his fortune. Abraham was God’s friend because of his faith. Follow the great Patriarch on his epic adventure, and be challenged to answer life-changing questions. As you witness an imperfect man’s transformation into a hero of the faith, you’ll be warned by his failures and inspired by his trust . . . and you’ll learn what it really means to be a “friend of God.”


What does it take to be called the “friend of God”? In this 22-part epic study of Genesis, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the life of the great patriarch, Abraham. From his initial call to leave Ur to the ultimate test of faith on Mount Moriah, Abraham’s journey serves as a masterclass in trusting God’s promises when they seem impossible. By looking at his remarkable victories and his human failures, Chuck reveals that a life of faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about a persistent, adventurous walk with the living God.

1. A Patriarch in Panorama (Genesis 11:27–32; Acts 7:2–4)

  • Overview: Introduces Abram in the context of his family and his roots in Ur of the Chaldeans. It sets the stage for a man chosen from a pagan culture to become the father of a new nation.
  • Key Fact: Being a friend of God starts with hearing His voice in the middle of a world that has forgotten Him.

2. Going . . . Not Knowing (Genesis 12:1–9)

  • Overview: Explores the radical nature of Abraham’s call: to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house for a destination God had not yet revealed.
  • Key Fact: True faith is often characterized by obedience without a map; it is going where God says while trusting Him with the “how” and the “where.”
  • Scripture: Hebrews 11:8 – “By faith Abraham, when he was called… went out, not knowing where he was going.”

3. Never-to-Be-Forgotten Promises (Genesis 12:1–3)

  • Overview: A deep dive into the Abrahamic Covenant. God promises to make him a great nation, to bless him, and to make him a blessing to all the families of the earth.
  • Key Fact: God’s promises are the “unshakeable foundation” of the believer’s life; they provide security in a shifting world.

4. When the Faithful Fail (Genesis 12:10–20)

  • Overview: Addresses Abraham’s detour into Egypt during a famine. To protect himself, he lies about Sarah being his wife, showing that even heroes of the faith struggle with fear and self-preservation.
  • Key Fact: Failure is part of the journey of faith; God’s grace is big enough to recover us when we take matters into our own hands.

5. A Decision That Led to a Disaster (Genesis 13)

  • Overview: The conflict between Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen. Abraham chooses the path of peace, but Lot chooses the “well-watered plain” of Sodom, leading to future tragedy.
  • Key Fact: Decisions based solely on outward appearance and personal gain often lead to spiritual disaster.

6. Abram, the Greathearted (Genesis 14)

  • Overview: Abraham rescues Lot from captivity and meets the mysterious Melchizedek. He demonstrates a “greathearted” spirit by refusing to take the spoils of war for himself.
  • Key Fact: A person who trusts in God’s provision doesn’t need to grab for worldly wealth.

7. Can We Talk? (Genesis 15)

  • Overview: Abraham expresses his doubts and questions to God regarding his lack of an heir. God responds by showing him the stars and formalizing His covenant through a smoking oven and a flaming torch.
  • Key Fact: Honest questions and doubts do not disqualify you from faith; God welcomes “big-hearted” conversations with His friends.
  • Scripture: Genesis 15:6 – “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

8. Running Ahead of God (Genesis 16)

  • Overview: The story of Hagar and Ishmael. Impatient for God’s promise, Abraham and Sarah try to “help” God out, resulting in centuries of family and international conflict.
  • Key Fact: Running ahead of God’s timing always creates more problems than it solves.

9. Deepening Our Roots with God (Genesis 17)

  • Overview: God reaffirms His covenant, changes Abram’s name to Abraham (“Father of a Multitude”), and institutes the sign of circumcision.
  • Key Fact: Deeper levels of faith require a “cutting away” of the old life and a formal commitment to the new identity God provides.

10. One of Those Upper-Downer Days (Genesis 18:1–15)

  • Overview: The visit of the three heavenly guests. They promise Sarah will have a son within a year, leading to her famous laugh of disbelief.
  • Key Fact: Nothing is too difficult for the Lord, even when our circumstances and biology say otherwise.

11. What Happens When We Pray? (Genesis 18:16–33)

  • Overview: Abraham’s bold intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. It reveals the heart of a “friend of God” who cares about the judgment facing others.
  • Key Fact: Intercession is the privilege of standing in the gap for others based on the character of a righteous God.

12. When the Cesspool Overflows (Genesis 19:1–11)

  • Overview: A graphic look at the depravity of Sodom. It serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when a culture completely abandons God’s standards.
  • Key Fact: God’s judgment is eventually triggered when the “cup of iniquity” is full.

13. A Wail of Two Cities (Genesis 19:12–29)

  • Overview: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot’s family. Lot’s wife “looks back,” illustrating the danger of a heart still tethered to a sinful culture.
  • Key Fact: To be rescued by God, we must be willing to leave our old “cities” behind completely.

14. Overcoming Depravity’s Dangerous Undertow (Genesis 19:30–38)

  • Overview: The tragic aftermath of Lot’s life in the cave with his daughters. It shows how the influence of a corrupt culture can linger even after the city is gone.
  • Key Fact: You cannot flirt with depravity without it leaving a permanent mark on your legacy.

15. Disobedience Déjà Vu (Genesis 20)

  • Overview: Abraham makes the exact same mistake again with Abimelech that he made years earlier in Egypt, proving that old habits of fear die hard.
  • Key Fact: We are never so mature that we are beyond the reach of our old temptations; we need God’s grace every single day.

16. It’s a Boy! (Genesis 21:1–7)

  • Overview: The birth of Isaac. After 25 years of waiting, the promise is finally fulfilled, turning Sarah’s laugh of doubt into a laugh of joy.
  • Key Fact: God is never late; His promises are always worth the wait.

17. Forgiven Sin . . . Lingering Consequences (Genesis 21:8–21)

  • Overview: The painful departure of Hagar and Ishmael. It highlights the reality that while God forgives our sins, we often have to live with the consequences of our past mistakes.
  • Key Fact: Grace provides a future, but it doesn’t always erase the friction caused by past disobedience.

18. When God Says, “Let Go!” (Genesis 22:1–14)

  • Overview: The ultimate test—God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham demonstrates complete surrender, and God provides a ram in the thicket.
  • Key Fact: The greatest blessings of faith often lie on the other side of our most difficult acts of surrender.
  • Scripture: Genesis 22:14 – “Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide (Jehovah-Jireh).”

19. The Pleasures of Passing God’s Exams (Genesis 22:15–24)

  • Overview: After passing the test of Moriah, God reaffirms the blessing with even greater intensity. Chuck explores the “pleasure” and peace that follow total obedience.
  • Key Fact: Passing God’s “exams” leads to a level of spiritual intimacy and security that nothing else can provide.

20. On Finding Your Lifelong Companion (Genesis 24)

  • Overview: Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. It provides a beautiful blueprint for seeking God’s guidance in major life decisions like marriage.
  • Key Fact: God is actively involved in the details of our lives, directing our steps through prayer and providential circumstances.

21. What a Way to Go! (Genesis 23; 25:1–11)

  • Overview: The death of Sarah and the final days of Abraham. He dies “at a good old age, an old man and satisfied,” leaving a legacy that still impacts the world.
  • Key Fact: A life of faith ends not in despair, but in the satisfaction of having walked with the King.

22. Portrait of a Hero . . . Warts and Everything (Summary)

  • Overview: The series conclusion, summarizing the “warts and all” life of Abraham. He was a hero not because he was perfect, but because he was a “friend of God” who never stopped trusting.
  • Key Fact: God uses ordinary, imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary, eternal purposes.

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