Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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2021

God’s Providence and Sovereignty

As you reflect on this past year, what changes did you make for the better? Improved health, stronger relationships, spiritual growth?

Often, nothing benefits us more than a perspective change—especially gaining a sharper view of God and His ways. In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll encourages us to make such a shift our goal as we switch out the calendar.

He examines a treasure and a truth to which each of us should cling as we prepare for a new year. The twin realities of God’s providence and God’s sovereignty may be difficult to grasp and acknowledge but embracing them results in great blessing.


Few things benefit the believer more than a perspective change—especially gaining a sharper view of God’s ways. In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the twin realities of God’s providence and sovereignty. While these concepts can be difficult to grasp, embracing them provides an unshakeable foundation for facing the uncertainties of life and the transitions of a new year.

Message 1: A Treasure You Must Not Miss

  • Overview: Almost every Christian wrestles with the question of God’s purpose for their life. This message addresses the “treasure” of God’s providence: His purposeful involvement in the affairs of humanity and the specific details of our individual journeys.
  • Key Fact: God’s providence is His “see-ahead” care; it is the quiet, behind-the-scenes orchestration of events that ensures His ultimate purposes are accomplished in our lives.
  • Scripture: Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result…”

Message 2: A Truth You Dare Not Dismiss

  • Overview: If providence is God’s involvement, sovereignty is His right to rule. This message explores the “truth” of God’s absolute authority over all creation, emphasizing that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or control.
  • Key Fact: Acknowledging God’s sovereignty is the key to personal peace; it allows us to rest in the fact that a wise and loving King is seated on the throne of the universe.
  • Scripture: Psalm 115:3 – “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

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Thanking Our God

During Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude for the many gifts around us. Our greatest cause for thankfulness, however, lies not in what’s around us but in the One above us.

King David’s theologically rich hymn, Psalm 139, focuses on God Himself more so than the gifts He gives—making this psalm the perfect text to reflect upon during this special season.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s two-part series encourages us to turn our hearts to the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God who is worth infinitely more than the gifts He gives.


During the Thanksgiving season, our focus often lands on the many gifts and blessings surrounding us. However, our greatest cause for gratitude is found not in what is around us, but in the One above us. In this two-part series, Chuck Swindoll explores King David’s theologically rich hymn, Psalm 139. By focusing on God Himself rather than just His gifts, we discover a deeper level of thankfulness. We are encouraged to turn our hearts toward an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God whose very nature is worth infinitely more than any earthly blessing.

For These Reasons, Lord, We Thank You! (Part One)

Sermon Summary What was King David most thankful for? It wasn’t his military success, his royal reign, or his immense riches. In the opening verses of Psalm 139, David makes it clear: he was most thankful for God. This message focuses on God’s omniscience—His perfect knowledge of everything about us. Chuck discusses the comfort of being intimately known by our Creator. We learn that because God knows our thoughts, our words, and our ways before we even act, we can live with the security of being fully understood and still deeply loved.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Omniscience of God: Recognizing that the Lord knows us intimately and completely.
  • Intimate Knowledge: The comfort of being understood by God in a way no human can match.
  • Gratitude for Character: Shifting our Thanksgiving focus from material gifts to the nature of God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Psalm 139:1–6

For These Reasons, Lord, We Thank You! (Part Two)

Sermon Summary The exploration of Psalm 139 continues with a focus on God’s omnipresence. David asks the rhetorical question, “Where can I go from Your Spirit?” The answer is nowhere. In this message, Chuck explores the reality that God is always present—in the highest heavens, the deepest depths, and even in our darkest moments. We learn that we are never alone, and this ever-present companionship is a primary reason for our thanksgiving. When we realize that God’s hand is always there to guide and hold us, our hearts naturally overflow with gratitude for His constant presence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Omnipresence of God: The truth that there is no place where God is not present.
  • Constant Companionship: Finding hope in the fact that we are never abandoned.
  • Guidance in the Darkness: Trusting that God’s presence remains steady even when our circumstances seem dim.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Psalm 139:7–12

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The King’s Commission: A Study of Matthew 21–28

The epic nature of Jesus—who He is and why He came—comes into full focus during the last week of His earthly life, recounted for us in Matthew chapters 21–28.

Jesus also reveals to us where history is headed and how we all fit into it as He teaches throughout Jerusalem, shares a final meal with His apostles, endures a criminal’s crucifixion, and is then resurrected from the grave.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes us back to walk with Jesus, step by step, during this final part of his sermon series on Matthew, culminating in our risen Lord’s Great Commission. Get ready to go and make disciples of all nations!

This series by Chuck Swindoll examines the climactic final chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. It follows Jesus from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem through the intense confrontations with religious leaders, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, His sacrificial death, and His world-changing resurrection. The series concludes with the “Great Commission,” the marching orders for every believer.

Message 1: That’s Who? Riding on a What? Why?

  • Summary: Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a conquering military general, but as a humble King on a donkey. This message explores the fulfillment of prophecy and the paradoxical nature of Christ’s kingdom, which often contradicts human expectations of power.
  • Key Facts: The Triumphal Entry was a deliberate act of messianic claim; the donkey symbolized peace rather than war; the crowd’s “Hosanna” meant “Save us now.”
  • Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11; Zechariah 9:9; Psalm 118:25–26.

Message 2: When Jesus Lowered the Boom

  • Summary: Upon entering the temple, Jesus drives out the moneychangers. This message addresses “holy anger” and the necessity of keeping the house of God as a place of prayer and worship rather than a den of thieves or a place of religious commercialism.
  • Key Facts: Jesus prioritized spiritual integrity over institutional tradition; the fig tree’s cursing served as a living parable of Israel’s spiritual fruitlessness.
  • Scripture: Matthew 21:12–22; Jeremiah 7:11; Isaiah 56:7.

Message 3: Slugging It Out with Caustic Critics

  • Summary: The religious elite challenge Jesus’ authority. Through parables like the two sons and the wicked tenants, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and warns that the kingdom will be taken from them and given to those who produce fruit.
  • Key Facts: Religious leaders often value their own authority more than God’s truth; the “Cornerstone” rejected by builders becomes the foundation of the new community.
  • Scripture: Matthew 21:23–46; Psalm 118:22–23.

Message 4: A Dialogue with Deceivers

  • Summary: Enemies of Jesus unite to trap Him with questions about taxes and religious loyalty. Jesus’ brilliant response—”Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”—establishes the believer’s dual responsibility to the state and to God.
  • Key Facts: God’s wisdom transcends political traps; humans bear the “image of God” just as coins bear the image of the ruler.
  • Scripture: Matthew 22:15–22.

Message 5: Will We Be Married in Heaven?

  • Summary: The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, attempt to mock the afterlife with a hypothetical marriage riddle. Jesus corrects their theology by explaining that the resurrection involves a completely different order of existence.
  • Key Facts: Errors in theology often stem from not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God; in heaven, human relationships are transformed and superseded by our relationship with God.
  • Scripture: Matthew 22:23–33; Exodus 3:6.

Message 6: The Two Ultimate Questions

  • Summary: A lawyer asks Jesus for the “greatest commandment.” Jesus summarizes the entire Law into two vertical and horizontal imperatives: Love God wholeheartedly and love your neighbor as yourself.
  • Key Facts: All of Scripture “hangs” on these two commands; love is the fulfillment of the Law, not an excuse to ignore it.
  • Scripture: Matthew 22:34–40; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18.

Message 7: Exposing Religious Phonies

  • Summary: Jesus delivers a scathing critique of the Scribes and Pharisees. This message warns against “performative” religion—doing spiritual acts only to be seen by others while neglecting the weightier matters of the heart.
  • Key Facts: External religious rituals cannot mask internal spiritual decay; true leadership is found in servanthood, not titles or honorifics.
  • Scripture: Matthew 23:1–12.

Message 8: Seven Woes and a Wail

  • Summary: Jesus pronounces “woes” upon the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. The message ends with a “wail”—a heartbreaking lament over Jerusalem, showing that God’s judgment is always accompanied by His grief over the lost.
  • Key Facts: Hypocrisy is “play-acting” in spiritual matters; God’s desire is always to gather His people like a hen gathers her chicks, yet He respects human will.
  • Scripture: Matthew 23:13–39.

Message 9: First Glimpses of the Last Days

  • Summary: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus responds to questions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age. This message encourages believers to live with discernment rather than fear regarding future events.
  • Key Facts: Signs of the end include deception, wars, and famines; the “abomination of desolation” is a key prophetic milestone.
  • Scripture: Matthew 24:1–28; Daniel 9:27.

Message 10: More Misery Than We Can Imagine

  • Summary: This overview focuses on the “Great Tribulation” described by Jesus. It highlights the unparalleled distress of those days while emphasizing God’s sovereignty and His promise to shorten those days for the sake of the elect.
  • Key Facts: The Tribulation is a period of divine judgment and purification; God’s Word is more permanent than the heavens and the earth.
  • Scripture: Matthew 24:15–35.

Message 11: Here He Comes, Ready or Not

  • Summary: Using parables like the ten virgins and the talents, Jesus emphasizes readiness and faithfulness. Since no one knows the hour of His return, the priority is to be found “watching” and “working.”
  • Key Facts: Readiness is a personal responsibility that cannot be borrowed; faithfulness involves using God-given resources to expand His kingdom.
  • Scripture: Matthew 24:36–25:30.

Message 12: Countdown to Betrayal

  • Summary: As the Passover approaches, the plot to kill Jesus thickens. This message contrasts the beautiful, extravagant worship of the woman who anointed Jesus with the ugly, calculated betrayal of Judas Iscariot.
  • Key Facts: Worship is never a “waste” in God’s eyes; greed is a primary doorway for the enemy to enter a person’s life.
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:1–16.

Message 13: Soul-Searching during Supper

  • Summary: During the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the New Covenant. The message explores the significance of the bread and the cup, and the painful revelation that one of the Twelve would betray Him.
  • Key Facts: The Lord’s Supper is a “remembrance” of Christ’s sacrifice; the “blood of the covenant” is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:17–30.

Message 14: Denial, Distress, Deception, Desertion

  • Summary: From the Garden of Gethsemane to the arrest, this message follows the crushing weight of Christ’s suffering and the failure of His closest friends to stand by Him in His hour of need.
  • Key Facts: Jesus’ prayer “Not as I will, but as You will” is the ultimate model of submission; human strength is insufficient for spiritual testing.
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:31–56.

Message 15: Who’s Really on Trial?

  • Summary: Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin in an illegal night trial. While the high priest seeks to condemn Jesus, the message argues that the world is actually on trial before the Truth.
  • Key Facts: The Sanhedrin sought false testimony to achieve a predetermined verdict; Jesus’ claim to be the Son of Man was the definitive turning point of the trial.
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:57–68; Daniel 7:13.

Message 16: Thoroughly Innocent . . . Totally Guilty

  • Summary: Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate. Despite Pilate’s recognition of Jesus’ innocence, he yields to the pressure of the mob. This message explores the substitutionary nature of the cross—the innocent dying for the guilty.
  • Key Facts: Pilate tried to remain neutral but found it impossible; Barabbas represents all humanity—the guilty freed while the Innocent dies.
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:1–26.

Message 17: The Strangest of Foursomes

  • Summary: This message looks at the diverse group around the cross: the Roman soldiers, the mocking passersby, the religious leaders, and the two thieves. It examines the varying responses to the suffering King.
  • Key Facts: The cross reveals the heart of every person who encounters it; even in His dying moments, Jesus’ identity as the King was proclaimed (the titulus).
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:27–44.

Message 18: Those Final, Dreadful Hours

  • Summary: From high noon to 3:00 PM, darkness covers the land. This message explores the “Seven Last Words” and the theological weight of Christ bearing the sin of the world and the temporary separation from the Father.
  • Key Facts: The cry of dereliction (“My God, My God…”) shows the reality of Christ’s sacrifice; the tearing of the temple veil signifies direct access to God.
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:45–56; Psalm 22:1.

Message 19: . . . And Then, What Happened?

  • Summary: Focuses on the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea and the sealing of the tomb. This message discusses the “silent Saturday” and the efforts of the religious leaders to prevent a “stolen body” narrative.
  • Key Facts: Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple who went public at the most dangerous time; the seal on the tomb proved the reality of the later resurrection.
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:57–66.

Message 20: Resurrection: What Happened . . . What Didn’t?

  • Summary: The stone is rolled away—not to let Jesus out, but to let the witnesses in. This overview details the historical reality of the empty tomb and debunks the theories used to explain away the miracle.
  • Key Facts: The first witnesses were women, which lends historical credibility to the Gospel accounts; the resurrection is the “Amen” to everything Jesus taught.
  • Scripture: Matthew 28:1–15.

Message 21: What Now?

  • Summary: The series concludes with the Great Commission on a mountain in Galilee. Jesus, possessing all authority, commands His followers to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach, promising His presence until the end.
  • Key Facts: The “Commission” is for all believers, not just professionals; “making disciples” involves more than just conversion—it involves life-long teaching.
  • Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20.

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The King’s Ministry: A Study of Matthew 14–20

Iconic scenes fill Matthew 14–20, like Jesus miraculously feeding thousands of people from a basket of fish and bread, walking upon the stormy Sea of Galilee, and healing the blind men.

But as Jesus’ public ministry grew, so did those who opposed Him. The increasing hostility, however, only brought added clarity to the whole purpose of His ministry—to serve rather than be served.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll carefully explores these vital chapters to strengthen our faith in God’s Son, Jesus the Christ, a King like no other.

Speaker: Chuck Swindoll Series Description: The middle chapters of Matthew’s Gospel contain the most iconic scenes in the life of Christ—from the feeding of the thousands to the Transfiguration. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores the deepening ministry of the King as He moves toward the cross. While Jesus’ power is displayed through miraculous healings and authority over nature, we also see a rising tide of hostility from religious leaders. These chapters emphasize the core mission of Jesus: a King who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Message 1: The Strangest of All Gifts: A Beheading

Overview: Matthew 14 opens with the shocking account of the execution of John the Baptist. This message addresses the grim reality of treachery, peer pressure, and the power of a guilty conscience. Chuck explores how the death of the King’s forerunner serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of truth in a hostile world.

Key Facts: Herod Antipas’ fear of John and his foolish oath at a birthday party illustrate the destructive nature of secular power when confronted with spiritual truth. John’s martyrdom serves as a dark foreshadowing of the rejection and death Jesus Himself would eventually face.

Scripture References: Matthew 14:1–13

Message 2: Eating a Miracle for Dinner

Overview: Faced with a massive, hungry crowd and meager resources, the disciples saw an impossibility; Jesus saw an opportunity. This message focuses on the feeding of the five thousand. We learn that when we bring our small offerings to the King, His compassion and power are more than enough to satisfy the deepest needs of the multitude.

Key Facts: Jesus’ requirement for the disciples to participate in the distribution shows how God uses human hands to deliver divine provision. This miracle is the only one recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its supreme importance in Christ’s ministry.

Scripture References: Matthew 14:13–21

Message 3: What Brings Us to Our Knees?

Overview: Life’s storms have a way of revealing our true dependence. This message explores Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s attempt to do the same. We learn that it is often the “waves” of life that bring us to a posture of worship, recognizing that Jesus is truly the Son of God who holds authority over the elements and our fears.

Key Facts: The miracle was intended to shift the disciples’ perspective from human limitations to divine reality. Peter’s sinking serves as a lesson that our stability is found in the object of our faith, not the strength of our own resolve.

Scripture References: Matthew 14:22–33

Message 4: Spiritual Blind Spots

Overview: Jesus confronts the Pharisees over their obsession with external traditions while their hearts remain distant from God. This message examines the “blind spots” that occur when religious ritual replaces internal transformation and authentic obedience to God’s Word.

Key Facts: Jesus teaches that defilement comes from within the heart, not from failing to follow man-made ceremonial washings. He highlights that tradition becomes dangerous when it is used to circumvent the actual commandments of God.

Scripture References: Matthew 15:1–20

Message 5: Feeding Scraps to a “Dog”

Overview: In a surprising encounter, a Gentile woman demonstrates extraordinary faith. This message focuses on the Canaanite woman who pleaded for her daughter’s healing. Despite being initially rebuffed, her persistence and humility reveal a heart that understands the King’s universal compassion.

Key Facts: This interaction foreshadows the expansion of the Gospel beyond the borders of Israel to the Gentile world. The “scraps” she requested represent the overflow of God’s grace that is available even to those considered outcasts.

Scripture References: Matthew 15:21–28

Message 6: Touches of Compassion on Tons of Needs

Overview: Returning to the Sea of Galilee, Jesus continues His ministry of healing and feeding. This message explores the feeding of the four thousand, emphasizing that Jesus’ compassion is not a one-time event but a consistent attribute of His character.

Key Facts: The variety of healings performed—the lame, the blind, and the mute—demonstrates Jesus’ absolute authority over all physical ailments. The feeding of the four thousand confirms that Jesus’ provision is available to all, regardless of location or background.

Scripture References: Matthew 15:29–39

Message 7: Testy Critics and Dull Disciples

Overview: While the religious leaders demand signs, the disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ warnings. This message addresses the “leaven” of the Pharisees—their legalism and hypocrisy—and the danger of spiritual dullness in the lives of those closest to Christ.

Key Facts: Jesus uses the metaphor of leaven to show how a small amount of false teaching can permeate and corrupt an entire community. He reproves the disciples for worrying about physical bread when they had recently witnessed two miraculous feedings.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:1–12

Message 8: Answering Life’s Ultimate Question

Overview: At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked the question that every person must eventually answer: “Who do you say that I am?” This message focuses on Peter’s confession of Christ and the foundation of the Church built upon the reality of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of the Living God.

Key Facts: Peter’s confession was not a result of human logic but divine revelation from the Father. Jesus’ response establishes that the gates of Hades will not prevail against the Church founded on this truth.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:13–20

Message 9: Three Nevers We Must Never Forget

Overview: Following His identity reveal, Jesus discloses His impending death. This message explores Peter’s rebuke of Jesus and the subsequent lesson on the cost of discipleship: denying oneself, taking up the cross, and following the King.

Key Facts: To “save” one’s life in a worldly sense is to lose it eternally; to “lose” one’s life for Christ is to find it. This represents a fundamental shift from a “me-centered” life to a “Christ-centered” life.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:21–26

Message 10: A Terrifying Glimpse of Glory

Overview: On a high mountain, the “veil” of Jesus’ humanity was briefly pulled back to reveal His divine glory. This message explores the Transfiguration, where Jesus stands with Moses and Elijah, receiving the Father’s ultimate affirmation and command to “Listen to Him!”

Key Facts: The presence of Moses and Elijah signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. This glimpse of glory was intended to sustain the disciples through the dark days of the crucifixion.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:27–17:13

Message 11: Micro-Faith and Mountainous Obstacles

Overview: After coming down the mountain, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed boy the disciples could not heal. This message teaches that even “mustard seed” faith, when placed in an omnipotent God, can move mountainous obstacles.

Key Facts: The disciples’ failure was due to a lack of prayer and total dependence on God’s power. Jesus emphasizes that it is not the size of the faith that matters, but the Object of the faith.

Scripture References: Matthew 17:14–21

Message 12: Death and Taxes

Overview: Jesus once again predicts His death, yet also performs a miracle to pay the temple tax. This message examines Jesus’ submission to earthly authority while maintaining His heavenly status as the Son of the King.

Key Facts: The coin found in the fish’s mouth demonstrates that even the smallest details of life are under Christ’s sovereign control. This miracle teaches believers how to navigate citizenship in both the earthly and heavenly kingdoms.

Scripture References: Matthew 17:22–27

Message 13: Life Lessons We Learn from Children

Overview: When the disciples argue about greatness, Jesus places a child in their midst. This message emphasizes that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles themselves like a child, characterized by trust and lack of social status.

Key Facts: Jesus warns that causing a “little one” to stumble is a grave offense with severe eternal consequences. He presents the “upside-down” nature of the Kingdom where humility is the path to greatness.

Scripture References: Matthew 18:1–14

Message 14: Caring Enough to Confront

Overview: Conflict is inevitable, but Christ provides a blueprint for resolution. This message outlines the biblical steps for church discipline and restoration, emphasizing the goal of winning back a brother or sister through grace and truth.

Key Facts: The presence of Christ is promised even in small gatherings of two or three who meet in His name for reconciliation. The process is designed for restoration, not retribution or public shaming.

Scripture References: Matthew 18:15–20

Message 15: How Often Should We Forgive?

Overview: Through the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be limitless. Because we have been forgiven an unpayable debt by God, we are mandated to extend mercy to others, regardless of the frequency or magnitude of the offense.

Key Facts: Biblical forgiveness is based on the believer’s gratitude for God’s grace, not the offender’s worthiness. The parable warns that a heart that refuses to forgive proves it has not truly understood God’s forgiveness.

Scripture References: Matthew 18:21–35

Message 16: E-Harmony vs. Disharmony

Overview: Jesus addresses the difficult topics of divorce and remarriage. This message looks at God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong covenant and Jesus’ heart for the children who are often the most affected by relational brokenness.

Key Facts: Jesus points back to “the beginning” (Creation) to establish the permanence and sanctity of the marriage bond. He clarifies that Moses’ provision for divorce was a concession to human “hardness of heart,” not God’s ideal.

Scripture References: Matthew 19:1–15

Message 17: Who Has the Most Toys?

Overview: The encounter with the Rich Young Ruler reveals the heart’s true idols. This message examines the tragedy of choosing earthly wealth over eternal life and the “sadness” that follows when we hold too tightly to our possessions.

Key Facts: The young man’s refusal to sell his goods proved that his wealth was his actual master. His story serves as a warning that any “good” thing can become a “bad” thing if it keeps us from following Christ.

Scripture References: Matthew 19:16–22

Message 18: Lessons Learned from a Fat Camel

Overview: Elaborating on the rich man’s departure, Jesus teaches that it is nearly impossible for the self-sufficient to enter the kingdom. This message addresses the necessity of total surrender and the promise of eternal rewards for those who leave all to follow Him.

Key Facts: The “eye of a needle” illustrates that salvation is a miracle of God, not a feat of human effort. Jesus promises that those who sacrifice for the Kingdom will receive a hundredfold in return along with eternal life.

Scripture References: Matthew 19:23–30

Message 19: Let’s Let God Be God

Overview: The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard challenges our human sense of fairness. This message explores God’s sovereign grace, reminding us that His rewards are based on His generosity, not our merit or longevity of service.

Key Facts: The “last being first” is a reminder that grace is never earned; it is always a gift from a generous Landowner. This parable rebukes the spirit of comparison and envy among believers.

Scripture References: Matthew 20:1–16

Message 20: A Roadside Reminder and Reproof

Overview: As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, James and John ask for positions of power. This message focuses on Jesus’ definition of greatness: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

Key Facts: The King Himself came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom. This message redefines leadership as an act of service rather than an exercise of authority.

Scripture References: Matthew 20:17–28

Message 21: Seeing Ourselves through Blind Eyes

Overview: The healing of two blind men near Jericho serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual sight. This message explores how their persistence and recognition of Jesus as the “Son of David” led to their restoration and their decision to follow Him immediately.

Key Facts: These men had better “spiritual vision” than the religious elite who physically saw but remained spiritually dark. Their immediate following of Jesus models the proper response of a true disciple.

Scripture References: Matthew 20:29–34

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No Morning Was Ever Brighter

Year after year, century after century, Christians have greeted one another on Easter with the same expression: Christ is risen! . . . He is risen indeed! Shouldn’t we move on to an updated greeting more relevant for our day?

In his Easter sermon, Pastor Chuck Swindoll answers this question with a resounding NO! because there is nothing fresher or more relevant for our world than Christ dying and resurrecting on our behalf. Listen in and embrace the reality of the world to come so that you might experience the innumerable ways it alters life today.


For centuries, the global church has greeted the arrival of Easter with the same triumphant declaration: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Some might wonder if such an ancient greeting needs an “updated” or more “relevant” replacement for the modern world. In this message, Chuck Swindoll argues that there is nothing more fresh or relevant for our day than the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf. By looking at the morning that changed everything, we discover how the victory of the empty tomb beckons our participation and fundamentally alters the way we live in the present.

No Morning Was Ever Brighter

Sermon Summary What is the “big deal” about Easter and the resurrection of Jesus? Chuck answers this question with a single, profound word: hope. In this message, we explore how the resurrection of Christ provides a hope that mends what is broken and offers a newfound freedom. Because death has been defeated and sin has lost its power, we are invited into a whole new world of participation with God. We learn that the resurrection is not just a historical event to be commemorated, but a current reality that provides the strength to face today and the confidence to embrace the world to come.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Power of Hope: Understanding why the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian optimism.
  • The Defeat of Death: Celebrating the victory that renders our greatest fear powerless.
  • Life-Altering Reality: Recognizing the innumerable ways the truth of Easter should change our daily perspective.

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The King’s Kingdom: A Study of Matthew 8–13

On the heels of His iconic sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus immediately began demonstrating His kingly compassion by exercising His restorative and reconciling power.

Amid Jesus’ miracle working and disputes with the Pharisees, He addressed pertinent topics such as the hostility His followers will face, the mysterious nature of God’s kingdom, and the priceless treasure of our faith in Him.

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll for his sermons on Matthew 8–13 to gain a deeper understanding of the divine King who walked among us.

A Study of Matthew 8–13 In this second volume of his study on Matthew, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the transition from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount to His miraculous ministry. This series highlights the King’s authority over disease, demons, and nature, while detailing the rising opposition from religious leaders and the specific requirements of true discipleship.

1. Out of the Crowd . . . a Leper!

  • Overview: Jesus breaks social and ceremonial barriers by touching and healing a man with leprosy. This message emphasizes that the King’s compassion extends to those deemed “untouchable” by society.
  • Key Fact: In the first century, lepers were required to remain at a distance; Jesus’ physical touch was a radical act of restoration that proved His authority over the Mosaic Law.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 8:1–4

2. Snapshots of Power, Far and Near

  • Overview: A look at two distinct miracles: the healing of a Gentile centurion’s servant from a distance and Peter’s mother-in-law at home. It demonstrates that the King’s power is not limited by geography or ethnicity.
  • Key Fact: The Centurion’s faith is the first instance in Matthew where a Gentile’s belief surpasses that of Israel, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 8:5–17

3. How Not to Follow Jesus

  • Overview: Jesus addresses two potential followers—one who is overly impulsive and another who is overly hesitant. Chuck explores the “hidden costs” of following the King.
  • Key Fact: Discipleship requires a “no-turning-back” commitment that prioritizes the Kingdom of God over personal comfort and even traditional family obligations.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 8:18–22

4. Dealing with Demons

  • Overview: After calming a physical storm on the sea, Jesus confronts a spiritual storm in the region of the Gadarenes by casting out a “Legion” of demons.
  • Key Fact: This passage proves Jesus’ absolute sovereignty over the supernatural realm; even the demonic world must submit to the King’s command.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 8:23–34

5. A Soul-Searching Walk Alongside Jesus

  • Overview: Through the healing of a paralytic and the calling of Matthew the tax collector, Jesus shows that His primary mission is the spiritual healing of “sin-sick” souls.
  • Key Fact: Jesus’ association with tax collectors and “sinners” redefined holiness from ritual purity to mercy-driven engagement with the lost.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:1–13

6. A Nonstop Day of Miracles

  • Overview: A rapid-fire account of Jesus raising a girl from the dead, healing a woman with a chronic hemorrhage, and restoring sight to the blind.
  • Key Fact: This “day in the life” of Jesus illustrates that the King is never too busy to respond to desperate, persistent faith.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:18–34

7. Listen Well, Think Right, Talk Straight, Travel Light

  • Overview: Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, giving them specific instructions on how to represent the King. Chuck highlights the importance of simplicity and urgency in ministry.
  • Key Fact: The transition from “disciples” (learners) to “apostles” (sent ones) marks a pivotal shift in the expansion of the King’s message.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:35–10:15

8. Sheep among Wolves: What to Expect

  • Overview: Jesus warns His followers that representing Him will lead to persecution and misunderstanding. This message offers a realistic view of the spiritual warfare inherent in Christian witness.
  • Key Fact: The “fear of God” is presented as the biblical antidote to the “fear of man” when facing opposition for the sake of the Gospel.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:16–33

9. A Severe Checklist for Disciples

  • Overview: Jesus speaks of the “sword” He brings—not for military conquest, but as a byproduct of the division that truth causes within families and societies.
  • Key Fact: Taking up one’s cross is not about enduring minor irritations, but about a daily death to self-will in favor of the King’s will.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:34–11:1

10. When Disappointment Leads to Doubt

  • Overview: John the Baptist, sitting in prison, begins to wonder if Jesus is truly the Messiah. Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with evidence of His works.
  • Key Fact: Even the greatest figures of faith can experience doubt when God’s timing doesn’t align with their expectations.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:2–19

11. When Jesus Turned Up the Heat

  • Overview: Jesus denounces the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance despite witnessing His miracles.
  • Key Fact: To whom much is given, much is required; witnessing the light of Christ brings a greater responsibility to respond in faith.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:20–24

12. Get Some Rest

  • Overview: One of the most beloved invitations in Scripture. Jesus invites the “weary and heavy-laden” to find spiritual rest by taking His yoke.
  • Key Fact: Jesus’ “yoke” is an invitation to partnership and apprenticeship, providing a rhythm of grace that stands in contrast to religious legalism.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:25–30

13. Sabbath Lord vs. Religious Nitpickers

  • Overview: Conflict arises when Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. Jesus declares Himself “Lord of the Sabbath,” prioritizing human need over man-made traditions.
  • Key Fact: Legalism focuses on the letter of the law to exclude, while Jesus focuses on the heart of the law to heal and provide.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 12:1–14

14. God’s Servant or Satan’s Pawn?

  • Overview: When the Pharisees attribute Jesus’ power to Beelzebul (Satan), Jesus warns them about the “unpardonable sin”—the deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work.
  • Key Fact: A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand; Jesus’ miracles were the definitive proof that the Kingdom of God had arrived.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 12:22–37

15. Severe Warnings Everyone Must Remember

  • Overview: Jesus refuses to give a “sign” to the scribes and Pharisees, pointing instead to the “Sign of Jonah” as a prophecy of His own death and resurrection.
  • Key Fact: Seeking external signs can often be a mask for an internal refusal to believe the truth already revealed.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 12:38–45

16. Miraculous Signs, Evil Spirits, Startling Statement

  • Overview: While teaching, Jesus is told His mother and brothers are outside. He uses the moment to define His true family as those who do the will of God.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual kinship in the Kingdom of Christ transcends biological and earthly ties.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 12:46–50

17. A Story for the Hard of Listening

  • Overview: The Parable of the Sower (or the Soils). Jesus explains why the same message produces different results in different people.
  • Key Fact: The condition of the “soil” (the human heart) determines the fruitfulness of the “seed” (the Word of God).
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:1–23

18. A World Full of Wheat and Weeds

  • Overview: Through the Parable of the Tares, Jesus explains why evil is allowed to exist alongside good in the present age until the final judgment.
  • Key Fact: It is God’s job, not ours, to perform the final “sorting” of the righteous and the unrighteous at the end of the age.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

19. Get It? Got It? Good!

  • Overview: A collection of short parables (Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl) that describe the small beginnings and immense value of the Kingdom.
  • Key Fact: The Kingdom of Heaven may start small and invisible, but its ultimate value is worth sacrificing everything to obtain.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:31–35, 44–52

20. Home, Cynical Home

  • Overview: Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth but is rejected by those who think they “know” Him. Because of their unbelief, He does few miracles there.
  • Key Fact: Familiarity can breed a cynicism that blinds us to the miraculous work of God in our own lives.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:53–58

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The King’s Arrival: A Study of Matthew 1-7

In the first seven chapters of the gospel of Matthew, we immediately perceive how Jesus is no normal king from the annals of history. From His messianic genealogy and the miraculous conception to His commissioning baptism, victory over Satan’s temptations, and authoritative teaching—everything about the beginning of Jesus’ earthly life shouts, “God has arrived!” Jesus’ arrival teaches us that God does not forget His promises.

Spark a fire in your faith with this first of four volumes of Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s series on Matthew’s gospel. Get ready to meet your King!

A Study of Matthew 1–7 In this first volume of his study on the Gospel of Matthew, Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces us to the long-awaited King. This series moves from the royal genealogy and miraculous birth of Jesus to His preparation for ministry and the groundbreaking ethical teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. It provides a foundational look at what it means to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Message 1: Let’s Meet the King

Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll begins a comprehensive journey through the first seven chapters of Matthew. This message introduces Jesus not merely as a teacher or a prophet, but as the long-awaited King of the Jews. It sets the stage for understanding the Kingdom of Heaven and the authority Jesus carries as He begins His earthly ministry.

  • Key Fact: Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily to a Jewish audience to prove that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecies.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:1

Message 2: The Genesis of Jesus

Overview: This sermon dives into the genealogy of Christ, often a neglected part of the Christmas story. Chuck highlights the “skeletons in the closet” found in Jesus’ family tree—including Rahab and Bathsheba—to demonstrate that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past or heritage.

  • Key Fact: By including marginalized and sinful individuals in the lineage of the Messiah, God signals that His Kingdom is built on grace, not human perfection.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:1–17

Message 3: Try Standing in Joseph’s Sandals

Overview: Chuck explores the often-overlooked perspective of Joseph. This message examines the integrity, obedience, and quiet strength required of Joseph when he discovered Mary’s pregnancy. It serves as a study in how to respond when God’s plan interrupts our personal expectations.

  • Key Fact: Joseph’s “righteousness” was demonstrated by his desire to protect Mary’s dignity even before he understood the divine nature of her pregnancy.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18–25

Message 4: Wise Men, Wicked Men . . . and Us

Overview: This message contrasts the responses of the Magi and King Herod to the birth of Jesus. Chuck analyzes the “seeking heart” versus the “threatened heart,” challenging listeners to evaluate their own response to the authority of the King in their lives today.

  • Key Fact: The Magi’s journey was a testament to “general revelation”—God using the stars to lead those far away to the Light of the World.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1–12

Message 5: Destination-Driven Dreams

Overview: Following the visit of the Wise Men, the holy family becomes refugees. Chuck discusses the divine protection of Jesus through dreams and the move to Egypt. This sermon focuses on God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers and His ability to guide His people through dark and dangerous seasons.

  • Key Fact: Every move Joseph made was in direct fulfillment of specific Old Testament prophecies, proving the meticulous nature of God’s plan.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:13–23

Message 6: Strange Preacher . . . Strong Proclamation

Overview: The narrative jumps forward to the ministry of John the Baptist. Chuck describes John’s “strange” appearance and his “strong” message of repentance. This sermon explains that the path to the King must always be paved with a change of mind and heart.

  • Key Fact: Repentance (metanoia) is not just feeling sorry; it is a radical change of direction that results in “fruit” consistent with that change.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:1–12

Message 7: Surprised by Jesus

Overview: Jesus’ baptism by John seems counterintuitive—why would the sinless Son of God need a baptism of repentance? Chuck explains that this act was about “identifying” with sinful humanity and marked the official inauguration of Christ’s public ministry.

  • Key Fact: The audible voice of the Father and the descent of the Spirit provided a rare, trinitarian confirmation of Jesus’ identity.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:13–17

Message 8: Acing the Devil’s Tests

Overview: Before the King can lead, He must be tested. Chuck breaks down the three temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, showing how the Devil attacks our physical needs, our desire for recognition, and our thirst for power. The sermon provides a blueprint for using Scripture as a shield.

  • Key Fact: Jesus defeated every temptation not through divine power unavailable to us, but by quoting and relying on the written Word of God.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:1–11

Message 9: Where and How It All Began

Overview: This message covers the beginning of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the calling of the first disciples. Chuck highlights the simplicity and urgency of the call to “Follow Me,” and what it means to become “fishers of men” in a modern context.

  • Key Fact: Jesus chose ordinary fishermen to change the world, demonstrating that availability is often more important to God than professional ability.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:12–25

Message 10: The Sermon of All Sermons

Overview: Chuck introduces the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), the greatest discourse ever delivered. This sermon provides an overview of the “Kingdom Manifesto,” explaining that Jesus isn’t giving a new set of rules, but describing the internal character of those who belong to Him.

  • Key Fact: The Sermon on the Mount is not a way to earn salvation, but a description of how those who are already saved should live.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:1–2

Message 11: Checklist for Lasting Joy

Overview: This message dives into the Beatitudes. Chuck reinterprets the word “Blessed” as “Deeply Happy” or “To be Congratulated.” He walks through the eight characteristics of a Kingdom citizen, showing how they run counter to the world’s definition of success.

  • Key Fact: To be “poor in spirit” is the essential first step of the Christian life—acknowledging our total spiritual bankruptcy before God.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:3–12

Message 12: Shake and Shine!

Overview: Jesus calls His followers the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Chuck discusses the preservative power of salt and the revealing power of light, challenging the church to be an active, visible influence in a decaying and dark culture.

  • Key Fact: Salt is only useful if it leaves the shaker; Christians must engage with the world to have a preserving effect on society.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13–16

Message 13: Crucial Truths, Rarely Understood

Overview: Jesus addresses His relationship to the Law. Chuck clarifies that Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament, but to “fulfill” it. This message helps believers understand the continuity between the Old and New Testaments through the person of Christ.

  • Key Fact: Jesus raised the bar of righteousness, moving from external compliance to the internal “intent” of the heart.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:17–20

Message 14: Steering Clear of Murder

Overview: Examining the “You have heard it said… but I say” statements, Chuck looks at Jesus’ teaching on anger. This sermon shows that in God’s eyes, nursing a grudge or harboring contempt is a violation of the spirit of the commandment against murder.

  • Key Fact: Reconciliation with a brother or sister is so important that Jesus instructs us to prioritize it even over acts of worship.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:21–26

Message 15: Whatever Happened to Fidelity and Honesty?

Overview: This hard-hitting message covers Jesus’ teachings on adultery, divorce, and the integrity of our speech. Chuck emphasizes that the King demands absolute honesty and sexual purity, starting with the “eye” and the “heart.”

  • Key Fact: God’s standards for marriage and truth-telling are designed to protect the “glue” of society: trust.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:27–37

Message 16: Shocking Advice to the Selfish and Strong-Willed

Overview: Jesus gives the famous command to “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies.” Chuck admits this is perhaps the most difficult teaching in the Bible, explaining how we can respond to personal slights with grace while still maintaining biblical boundaries.

  • Key Fact: Loving your enemies is a “supernatural” act that serves as the ultimate proof that we are children of our Heavenly Father.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:38–48

Message 17: Beware! Religious Performance Now Showing

Overview: Moving into Matthew chapter 6, Chuck warns against “theatrical Christianity”—doing good deeds just to be seen by others. Whether it’s giving to the poor or helping the needy, the King values the “secret” motive over the “public” applause.

  • Key Fact: If you receive your “reward” from the praise of people on earth, you forfeit the reward from your Father in heaven.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:1–4

Message 18: Prayer and Fasting Minus All the Pizzazz

Overview: This sermon focuses on the “Lord’s Prayer” and the practice of fasting. Chuck teaches that prayer is a conversation, not a performance. He breaks down the structure of the model prayer to help believers align their requests with God’s will.

  • Key Fact: Fasting is a private discipline intended to heighten spiritual sensitivity, not a “hunger strike” to coerce God into acting.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:5–18

Message 19: The Lure of a Lesser Loyalty

Overview: Where is your treasure? Chuck addresses the heart’s tendency to trust in material wealth. This message explores the “eye” as the lamp of the body and the impossibility of serving two masters: God and Money.

  • Key Fact: You cannot “own” things that you aren’t willing to give away; eventually, your possessions will own you.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:19–24

Message 20: Our Favorite Sin

Overview: Worry is often the “respectable” sin Christians struggle with most. Chuck unpacks Jesus’ command to “Stop worrying.” By looking at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, he shows why anxiety is a lack of trust in God’s provision.

  • Key Fact: Seeking first the Kingdom of God is the “cure” for worry; when we focus on God’s priorities, He manages our needs.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:25–34

Message 21: Attention, All Speck Inspectors!

Overview: Jesus begins chapter 7 with the famous command: “Judge not.” Chuck clarifies that this isn’t a ban on discernment, but a warning against a “critical, censorious spirit.” He explains how to remove the “log” from our own eye before helping others with their “speck.”

  • Key Fact: We tend to judge others by their actions while judging ourselves by our intentions.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:1–5

Message 22: Pearls, Pigs, Prayers, and People

Overview: This message covers a variety of Kingdom principles: discerning who is ready for the truth, the persistence of prayer (Ask, Seek, Knock), and the “Golden Rule.” Chuck shows how these varied topics all relate to treating others with Christ-like wisdom and love.

  • Key Fact: The “Golden Rule” is a summary of the entire Law and the Prophets; it is the proactive application of love.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:6–12

Message 23: Three Non-Politically Correct Warnings

Overview: As the Sermon on the Mount nears its conclusion, Jesus offers three warnings: the Two Gates (Narrow and Wide), the Two Trees (Fruitful and Barren), and the Two Claims (True and False). Chuck emphasizes that sincerity is not enough; one must be on the right path.

  • Key Fact: The “narrow gate” is unpopular because it requires leaving our “baggage” (pride, self-reliance) behind.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:13–23

Message 24: The Secret of an Unsinkable Life

Overview: The series concludes with the parable of the two builders. Chuck shows that the difference between the house that stood and the house that fell wasn’t the storm, but the foundation. This message is a final call to not just hear the King’s words, but to do them.

  • Key Fact: The “rock” foundation represents consistent obedience to the teachings of Jesus, which provides stability when the inevitable storms of life hit.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:24–29

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Holiday Messages 2020

Such intriguing scenes fill the biblical pages recounting the Christmas miracle! That’s why we have a season every year to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this year’s holiday series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey to visit some of those scenes—from peeking behind the curtain into the divine council of eternity past to traveling 90 miles with Mary and Joseph to listening in on God’s voice in the cry of a baby. We’ll linger at each one and simply let in all the wonder.

Chuck Swindoll’s 2020 holiday messages are not available for sale but you may listen to them through streaming in our Broadcast Library or on the Insight app.


The biblical account of the Christmas miracle is filled with intriguing scenes that invite us to slow down and wonder. In this series, Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey through these moments—from the divine council in eternity past to the long road to Bethlehem. We witness the troubled romance of Mary and Joseph, listen for God’s voice in the cry of a newborn baby, and reflect on what is worth forgetting and remembering as we face a new year. These messages are designed to help us linger in the wonder of the Savior’s arrival and the plan of salvation.

Let’s Start Before the Beginning

Sermon Summary Christmas did not begin with an angel in Nazareth; it began in the heart of God before the world was created. This message peeks behind the curtain into the “divine council” of eternity past, where the Triune God planned creation and the salvation of humanity. We learn that the Son’s mission to become human was an intentional, preordained act of love, ensuring that our redemption was settled before time even began.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Eternal Plan: Understanding that Christ’s birth was part of a sovereign, ancient design.
  • Pre-existence of Christ: Recognizing Jesus’ role in the Godhead before the Incarnation.
  • Sovereign Love: How God’s plan for salvation preceded human history.

Let’s Witness a Troubled Romance in Nazareth

Sermon Summary Behind the serene images of our Nativity sets lies a story of real-life tension and “troubled romance.” This message explores the emotional and social upheaval Mary and Joseph faced. We see a young couple navigating the scandal of an unexplained pregnancy with quiet integrity and remarkable faith. Their story reminds us that God often works through difficult and confusing circumstances to accomplish His greatest miracles.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Faith in Scandal: The courage required to trust God when reputations are at stake.
  • Mary and Joseph’s Integrity: How obedience overshadowed their personal fears.
  • The Ordinary and the Extraordinary: God using common people for His divine purposes.

Let’s Hear God’s Voice in a Baby’s Cry

Sermon Summary In the most humble and unlikely of places—a manger—God spoke. This message invites us to listen for the voice of the Almighty in the cry of the infant Jesus. Chuck discusses the profound paradox of the “Word made flesh,” arriving as a vulnerable baby to reconcile the world to Himself. We learn that God’s greatest message was not delivered in thunder, but in the soft, human sounds of a newborn.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Incarnation: Reflecting on the “Word made flesh” dwelling among us.
  • The Paradox of Power: How God used vulnerability to conquer sin.
  • Divine Communication: Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s love.

Christ Is Born to Save

Sermon Summary The purpose of the manger was always the cross. This message focuses on the core mission of Christmas: salvation. Chuck explores the angelic announcement to the shepherds, emphasizing that the “Good News of great joy” is centered on the birth of a Savior. We see that Christ was born specifically to address the deepest human need—the forgiveness of sins and restoration to the Father.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Mission of the Manger: Connecting the birth of Christ to His sacrificial death.
  • Good News for All: Why the message of salvation is universal in its reach.
  • Personal Savior: Understanding what it means to accept the gift of Christ.

Here’s Something Worth Forgetting

Sermon Summary As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is vital to identify what we should leave behind. This message addresses the weight of past failures, grudges, and regrets that hinder our spiritual progress. Chuck encourages us to exercise the “grace of forgetting,” letting go of the things that God has already forgiven so we can press forward with a light heart and a renewed focus on the future.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Releasing the Past: The spiritual benefit of letting go of regrets and grievances.
  • Forgiving as God Forgives: Applying the “grace of forgetting” to ourselves and others.
  • New Year Focus: Preparing for the future by unburdening ourselves of the past.

Here’s Something Worth Remembering

Sermon Summary While some things should be forgotten, others are too precious to lose. The series concludes with a focus on the essential truths we must carry into the new year. Chuck discusses the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, His promises, and His constant presence. By anchoring our memories in the character of God, we find the stability and courage needed to face whatever the upcoming year may bring.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Stones of Remembrance: Practical ways to keep God’s faithfulness at the forefront of our minds.
  • Anchoring in Truth: Using biblical memories to stabilize our current emotions.
  • Spiritual Continuity: Why remembering the past is key to navigating the future.

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The Great Commission: A Vision 195 Series

During Jesus’ final days with His disciples, He left them with an objective—what we now call “The Great Commission.” Jesus told His closest followers to “make disciples of all nations.”

Initially, this parting command left the disciples scratching their heads. We too might wonder how we can participate in this seemingly impossible task today.

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in this vital series as he presents God’s plan for fulfilling the Great Commission and shares his own heart for reaching the lost.


Final words are often a person’s most significant, and the final earthly words of the Son of God are no exception. Before His ascension, Jesus left His disciples with a clear objective: to “make disciples of all nations.” While this parting command initially left the disciples—and often leaves us today—wondering how such a monumental task could be accomplished, this series provides clarity. Chuck Swindoll explores God’s strategic plan for reaching the world, emphasizing that the Great Commission is not just for a few, but is a vital mission for every believer.

Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World

Sermon Summary The mission to reach the world did not begin with human ingenuity but with a divine “kick-start.” This message focuses on the remarkable moment recorded in Acts 1, where Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure. Chuck discusses the transition from Jesus’ physical presence to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We learn that the plan to reach the world is fueled by God’s power and directed by His sovereign timing, moving us from passive waiting to active witnessing.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Importance of Final Words: Recognizing the Great Commission as Christ’s primary directive for the Church.
  • Divine Empowerment: Understanding that the mission is impossible without the Holy Spirit.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Acts 1:6–11

Essential Fuel for Fulfilling the Mission

Sermon Summary Fulfilling a global mission requires “essential fuel” to prevent burnout and discouragement. This message explores the spiritual resources necessary for the long-term work of discipleship. Chuck emphasizes the roles of fervent prayer, deep reliance on the Spirit, and a clear understanding of the Gospel. Without this fuel, the Great Commission becomes a heavy burden; with it, it becomes a joyous privilege empowered by the grace of God.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Sustenance: The necessity of prayer and the Word in sustaining a missional heart.
  • The Role of the Spirit: How the Holy Spirit provides the courage and wisdom needed for outreach.

An Original Snapshot of the First Church

Sermon Summary How did the very first followers of Jesus live out the Great Commission? This message provides an “original snapshot” of the early church in Acts. We see a community characterized by devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and a radical generosity that drew others to Christ. Chuck shows that the most effective tool for reaching the lost is a healthy, loving, and Christ-centered church body that lives out the truth it proclaims.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Authentic Community: How the lifestyle of the church serves as a witness to the world.
  • The Growth of the Kingdom: Seeing how God “added to their number daily” as they lived in unity.

An E-Ticket for Reaching the Lost

Sermon Summary Reaching the lost should be viewed as a thrilling adventure rather than a daunting chore. Using the “E-Ticket” metaphor for life’s most exciting experiences, Chuck provides practical encouragement for personal evangelism. We learn how to share the Good News with a sense of joy and anticipation, trusting that God is already at work in the hearts of those around us. This message helps remove the fear of “witnessing” by focusing on the beauty of the message we carry.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Thrill of Evangelism: Finding personal joy in sharing the Gospel.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Practical tips for starting spiritual conversations.

Needed: A Few Good Neighbors

Sermon Summary The Great Commission often begins in our own neighborhoods. This message focuses on the power of “neighboring”—living out the love of Christ to those who live right next door. Chuck discusses the importance of building authentic, kind, and present relationships with those in our immediate community. By being “good neighbors,” we earn the right to be heard and create natural bridges for the Gospel to cross into the lives of others.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Local Impact: Recognizing your neighborhood as your primary mission field.
  • Relational Bridge-Building: The importance of kindness and integrity in outreach.

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Becoming a People of Grace

From head to heart, separation to unification, and Christ to humanity, the book of Ephesians runs the theological gamut. It begins with God in the heavens, takes us to the humble descent and loving sacrifice of Christ, and ultimately leads us upward in His glorious resurrection that, together, we might live well in His grace.

As Chuck Swindoll preaches his way through this letter, allow God’s Word to reaffirm your faith in His sovereign will and to encourage you to live submissively and humbly in light of His Son’s gracious sacrifice.


In this 26-part exposition of Ephesians, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores what it means to be a “people of grace.” The series transitions from the deep theological foundations of our identity in Christ to the practical, daily walk of a believer in the home, the workplace, and the spiritual battlefield.

1. Ephesians: A Life-Changing Letter (Overview)

  • Overview: Introduces Ephesus as a bustling commercial and religious hub. Paul writes not to correct a specific error, but to expand the believers’ understanding of God’s eternal purpose.
  • Key Fact: Ephesus was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making the message of Christ’s supremacy culturally radical.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:1–2 – Paul emphasizes that grace and peace come only from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Unloading the Theological Truck (Ephesians 1:3–6)

  • Overview: A deep dive into the “wealth” of the believer, focusing on election and adoption.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:3 – Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is already ours in Christ.
  • Key Fact: Election is a sovereign act of God done “before the foundation of the world.”

3. Ten Reasons to Give God Praise (Ephesians 1:7–14)

  • Overview: Paul lists the specific benefits of being in Christ, including redemption, forgiveness, and the sealing of the Spirit.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:7 – Redemption is through His blood, according to the “riches of His grace.”
  • Key Fact: The Holy Spirit is described as a “pledge” or “down payment” (earnest money) guaranteeing our future inheritance.

4. Praying Like We Mean It (Ephesians 1:15–19)

  • Overview: Paul’s first prayer for the Ephesians focuses on spiritual enlightenment rather than physical needs.
  • Key Fact: True knowledge of God requires the “eyes of your heart” to be enlightened.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:18–19 – Paul prays that believers would know the hope of His calling and the surpassing greatness of His power.

5. What Is Christ Doing Now . . . and Why? (Ephesians 1:20–23)

  • Overview: Explores the current session of Christ at the right hand of God and His headship over the Church.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:21 – Christ is far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion.
  • Key Fact: The Church is described as “His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

6. You Were Dead . . . But God! (Ephesians 2:1–7)

  • Overview: Contrasts the hopeless state of spiritual death with the vibrant life found in Christ.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:1–3 – Humanity’s natural state is being “dead in trespasses and sins.”
  • Key Fact: The two most important words in the Gospel: “But God” (v. 4), signifying His intervention in our helpless state.

7. God’s Artwork on Display (Ephesians 2:8–10)

  • Overview: The classic passage on salvation by grace through faith and the purpose of good works.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is a gift, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.
  • Key Fact: We are God’s “workmanship” (Greek: poiēma), created for good works which God prepared beforehand.

8. Breaking Down the Barrier (Ephesians 2:11–18)

  • Overview: How Christ abolished the “wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles to create one new man.
  • Key Fact: The “middle wall” refers to the physical barrier in the Temple that excluded Gentiles.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:14 – Christ Himself is our peace, having broken down the barrier of hostility.

9. God’s Household (Ephesians 2:19–22)

  • Overview: The Church is depicted as a building, a temple, and a family.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:20 – The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.
  • Key Fact: Believers are no longer strangers but fellow citizens and members of God’s household.

10. The Mystery, the Ministry, and Me (Ephesians 3:1–13)

  • Overview: Paul explains the “mystery” hidden for ages—that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 3:6 – The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow members of the body.
  • Key Fact: Paul considers himself the “least of all saints,” yet entrusted with preaching the “unfathomable riches of Christ.”

11. Paul on His Knees . . . Again (Ephesians 3:14–21)

  • Overview: Paul’s second prayer, focusing on spiritual strength and being filled with the fullness of God.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 3:17–19 – A prayer to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love.
  • Key Fact: The doxology in v. 20 reminds us that God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”

12. A Worthy Walk (Ephesians 4:1–6)

  • Overview: The transition from doctrine (chapters 1–3) to duty (chapters 4–6).
  • Key Fact: A “worthy walk” is one that balances our high calling with our daily conduct.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:4–6 – The “Seven Unities”: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God.

13. His Gift and Our Gifts (Ephesians 4:7–11)

  • Overview: How Christ distributes spiritual gifts to the church following His ascension.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:11 – Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers to the church.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual gifts are given “according to the measure of Christ’s gift” to every individual believer.

14. Body Life at Its Best (Ephesians 4:12–16)

  • Overview: The purpose of the gifted leaders is to equip the saints for the work of service.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:15 – Believers are to “speak the truth in love” to grow up into Christ.
  • Key Fact: Maturity is reached when the church is no longer “tossed here and there by waves” of false doctrine.

15. Here’s How to Get Dressed (Ephesians 4:17–24)

  • Overview: The metaphor of “laying aside” the old self and “putting on” the new self.
  • Key Fact: Renewal begins in the “spirit of your mind” (v. 23).
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:24 – Put on the new self, created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.

16. Steps That Lead to Freedom (Ephesians 4:25–32)

  • Overview: Practical applications of the “new self,” including honesty, anger management, and speech.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:26 – “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
  • Key Fact: Bitterness and wrath “grieve” the Holy Spirit of God (v. 30).

17. A Stirring Summons to Purity (Ephesians 5:1–7)

  • Overview: The call to be “imitators of God” and to walk in love and purity.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:3 – Immorality and impurity should not even be named among saints.
  • Key Fact: “Coarse jesting” is identified as conduct that is out of place for a believer.

18. This Little Light: Is It Really Mine? (Ephesians 5:8–14)

  • Overview: The contrast between the “fruit of light” and the “unfruitful deeds of darkness.”
  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:8 – “You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”
  • Key Fact: Light exposes and reproves darkness, bringing everything into the open.

19. The Christian Life 101 (Ephesians 5:15–21)

  • Overview: Wisdom, time management, and the command to be “filled with the Spirit.”
  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:16 – “Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
  • Key Fact: Being “filled with the Spirit” is a command to be under the Spirit’s continuous control, contrasted with the control of alcohol (v. 18).

20 & 21. The Most Challenging of All Relationships (Ephesians 5:22–33)

  • Overview: A two-part look at marriage, focusing on mutual submission, the wife’s respect, and the husband’s sacrificial love.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
  • Key Fact: Marriage is a profound mystery that ultimately points to the relationship between Christ and the Church.

22. Secrets of a Nurturing Home (Ephesians 6:1–4)

  • Overview: The roles of children and parents (specifically fathers) in a grace-filled home.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
  • Key Fact: Fathers are commanded not to “provoke” their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

23. Honoring God in Our Occupations (Ephesians 6:5–9)

  • Overview: How the Gospel transforms the relationship between “slaves and masters” (applicable to employees and employers).
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:7 – Service should be rendered “with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men.”
  • Key Fact: God is the ultimate “Master in heaven” to whom both employee and employer are accountable.

24. Standing Firm against Satanic Schemes (Ephesians 6:10–13)

  • Overview: Recognizing that our primary struggle is not against “flesh and blood” but against spiritual forces.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
  • Key Fact: The word “schemes” (Greek: methodeia) implies a calculated, deceptive strategy used by the enemy.

25. Strong Armor for Weak Sheep (Ephesians 6:14–17)

  • Overview: A detailed look at the six pieces of spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:17 – The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon, identified as the “word of God” (rhēma).
  • Key Fact: The “shield of faith” is able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

26. Here’s How to Finish Well (Ephesians 6:18–24)

  • Overview: The importance of prayer in the believer’s life and Paul’s final greetings.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 – “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit.”
  • Key Fact: Even from prison, Paul asks for prayer that he may speak “boldly,” showing his focus remained on the mission.

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