Series Details
It’s one of the darkest and vilest secrets a family or a church can keep tucked away from the healing light of truth. It’s an unspeakable sin; it’s the sexual abuse of a child.
It’s time to break the silence. In this series, Chuck Swindoll and licensed professional counselor Dave Carder help families and churches navigate the dark waters of molestation to find the safe harbor of truth, healing, and forgiveness. Whether you’re a victim of child abuse, the parent of a victim, a church leader who ministers to victims, or even a victimizer, these messages will point you toward a sure source of hope to handle these difficult situations biblically.
Child sexual abuse is one of the darkest and most painful secrets a family or a church can harbor. For too long, silence has allowed this vile sin to remain tucked away from the healing light of truth. In this essential series, Chuck Swindoll and licensed professional counselor Dave Carder break that silence. Together, they provide a biblical framework for families and churches to navigate the trauma of molestation, moving toward a safe harbor of truth, healing, and restoration. Whether you are a survivor, a parent, a church leader, or even a victimizer seeking repentance, these messages offer a sure source of hope grounded in God’s Word.
Message 1: In Defense of the Helpless
Sermon Summary Society often looks away from the hidden sin of child abuse, but God never does. In this foundational message, Chuck Swindoll breaks the silence to address the devastating reality of molestation. We explore God’s heart for the vulnerable and His absolute intolerance for those who harm “these little ones.” By bringing this dark subject into the light, we begin the necessary process of acknowledging the pain and seeking the justice and healing that only a holy and compassionate God can provide.
Key Facts & Themes
- Breaking the Silence: The vital importance of bringing hidden sins into the light of truth.
- God’s Protection of the Vulnerable: Understanding the biblical mandate to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
- The Weight of Sin: Recognizing the severe spiritual and emotional consequences of abuse.
Message 2: How Churches Can Deal with the Issues of Molestation
Sermon Summary The church should be the safest place on earth for a child, yet it is often unequipped to handle reports of abuse. This message provides practical and biblical guidance for church leaders and congregations. Chuck and Dave Carder discuss the necessity of transparent policies, the role of mandatory reporting, and the responsibility of the church to prioritize the safety of the victim over the reputation of the institution. We learn how to become a community that offers genuine sanctuary and support for the broken.
Key Facts & Themes
- Prioritizing Safety: Why the protection of children must be the church’s first concern.
- Policies and Procedures: The practical steps for preventing and responding to abuse within a ministry context.
- Ministry to the Broken: How a church can facilitate long-term healing for survivors and their families.
Message 3: How Families Can Deal with the Issues of Molestation
Sermon Summary When abuse occurs within a family, it shatters trust and creates a wake of devastation. This message offers a roadmap for families struggling through the aftermath of molestation. Chuck explores the difficult journey of protection, confrontation, and eventually, the possibility of healing. We address the complex emotions of guilt, anger, and betrayal, pointing families toward the grace of God which is capable of restoring even the most deeply wounded relationships.
Key Facts & Themes
- Navigating Trauma: Identifying the emotional stages families experience following a disclosure of abuse.
- The Role of Forgiveness: Understanding that biblical forgiveness does not mean the absence of consequences or the immediate restoration of trust.
- A Future of Hope: Trusting God’s power to bring beauty out of the most tragic circumstances.
