Series Details
The apostle Paul. Martin Luther. Corrie Ten Boom. Winston Churchill. Each name is instantly recognizable, because each person demonstrated courage in the face of opposition, overcoming evil with good and changing lives.
Can we make a difference?
You don’t need a famous name to make a difference. Through the power of God, anyone can impact neighborhoods, workplaces, and even the world. In this inspiring series by Chuck Swindoll, you’ll hear true stories of brave Christians in church history, learn the fundamental role of the church, and be equipped with the courage and discernment that life in Christ promises.
Can we make a difference? Yes we can.
In this 10-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the profound impact that a single individual can have on the world when they are empowered by God. By weaving together stories from church history—most notably the Protestant Reformation—with biblical mandates for the local church, this series challenges every believer to step out of the shadows and embrace their role in God’s unfolding plan.
1. The Truth That Set Us Free (Romans 1:16–17; 4:5)
- Overview: Sets the theological foundation by revisiting the “spiritual birthright” of the Reformation. It explores how rediscovering the truth of justification by faith alone changed the course of history.
- Key Fact: The date October 31, 1517, is cited as a turning point more significant than many national holidays, marking the beginning of a return to biblical authority.
- Scripture: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
2. A Monk, a Door, a War, a Hymn (Psalm 46)
- Overview: A biographical look at Martin Luther’s stand against the religious establishment of his day. It illustrates how one person’s conviction can ignite a global movement.
- Key Fact: Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” was born out of his meditation on Psalm 46 during a time of intense personal and political crisis.
- Scripture: Psalm 46:1–2 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
3. Being a Church that Makes a Difference (Acts 2:41–47)
- Overview: Analyzes the DNA of the early church to determine what makes a community of faith truly impactful in a pagan culture.
- Key Fact: The early church was characterized by four pillars: apostolic teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
- Scripture: Acts 2:42 – “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
4. Ministry: Movement or Monument? (2 Kings 18:1–8)
- Overview: A warning against “institutionalization.” This message uses King Hezekiah’s reforms to show that true ministry must remain a living movement rather than a static monument to the past.
- Key Fact: Hezekiah broke in pieces the bronze serpent Moses had made because the people had turned a tool of God into an object of worship (Nehushtan).
- Scripture: 2 Kings 18:5 – “He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah.”
5. Thinking Right about the Church (Matthew 16:13–18)
- Overview: Corrects common misconceptions about the nature and purpose of the church, focusing on Christ’s declaration of its invincibility.
- Key Fact: The “rock” upon which Christ builds His church is the confession that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
- Scripture: Matthew 16:18 – “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
6. Flexing with a Future in Flux (1 Chronicles 12:32)
- Overview: Discusses the importance of cultural relevance and discernment, highlighting the “sons of Issachar” who understood their times.
- Key Fact: Impactful people are those who remain biblically grounded but are “flexible” enough to apply eternal truths to a changing world.
- Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32 – Describing men “who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.”
7. How to Help Our Nation Survive (Selected Scriptures)
- Overview: Addresses the believer’s role in civil society, emphasizing that the health of a nation is often tied to the spiritual vitality of its individuals.
- Key Fact: Salt and light are the two metaphors Jesus used to describe the influence Christians should have on a decaying and dark world.
- Scripture: Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
8. A Passion That Stays Balanced (Philippians 4:1–9)
- Overview: Warns against the “zeal without knowledge” that can lead to burnout or legalism, advocating for a balanced Christian life.
- Key Fact: Stability in ministry comes from a mind stayed on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, and lovely.
- Scripture: Philippians 4:8 – The checklist for a balanced mind: “Whatever is true… honorable… right… pure… lovely… dwell on these things.”
9. Can One Person Make a Difference? (Nehemiah 1:1–11)
- Overview: The titular message of the series, focusing on Nehemiah’s broken heart for Jerusalem and his subsequent action.
- Key Fact: Nehemiah’s impact began not with a plan or a budget, but with a season of fasting and prayer over the ruins of his heritage.
- Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4 – “When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
10. This Is No Time for Wimps! (Joshua 1:1–9)
- Overview: A concluding charge to live with courage and strength, following the example of Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
- Key Fact: Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of God; Joshua was commanded three times in one passage to “be strong and courageous.”
- Scripture: Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
