What If . . . ?

Life is full of unexpected “what ifs”—moments that leave us feeling helpless, confused, or blindsided. In this 12-part series (plus a concluding conversation), Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores biblical answers to some of life’s most difficult scenarios. By diving into the lives of biblical figures and the wisdom of the Epistles, this series provides a practical roadmap for navigating the unknown with faith and resilience.

Message 1: What If God Chooses You to Do Something Great?

Sermon Overview God frequently chooses the least likely candidates to accomplish His greatest purposes. In this message, Charles R. Swindoll explores the calling of Moses at the burning bush. At 80 years old, carrying the baggage of a criminal past and decades of obscurity as a shepherd, Moses felt completely disqualified. When God called him to lead the Exodus, Moses offered multiple excuses—fearing he lacked the ability, the answers, and the influence to succeed. Yet, God countered every excuse with His own divine sufficiency, proving that He doesn’t call people based on their natural abilities, but rather equips them with His power. This message challenges believers to stop retreating in insecurity, stop resisting God’s call, and step out in faith when He asks them to do the unexpected.

Key Facts

• Running Ahead vs. Retreating: Many believers make the mistake of running ahead in their own strength (as Moses did when he murdered the Egyptian in his 40s), which often leads to failure, insecurity, and retreating from God’s plan.
• The “I AM” Answer: When Moses worried that he wouldn’t have all the answers for the people, God told him simply to say, “I AM has sent me to you,” proving that God’s presence is the only answer we truly need.
• God Uses Our Weaknesses: When Moses cited his speech impediment as a disqualification, God reminded him that He is the Creator of the human mouth and provides all the ability that is needed.
• Never Say Never: Believers must never conclude that God is done doing great things, nor should they ever believe He is finished using them, regardless of their age or past failures.

Scripture References

• Exodus 3:1–10
• Exodus 4:1–13

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Message 2: What If You Suddenly Lose Everything?

Sermon Overview Tragedy frequently strikes without warning, collapsing our sense of security. Turning to the ancient book of Job, Swindoll provides a profound, biblical perspective on enduring sudden, catastrophic loss. Job, a man of complete integrity, lost his immense wealth, his servants, and all ten of his children in a single day. Yet, he did not respond with denial or bitterness; instead, he tore his robe in grief and fell to the ground to worship God. This message dismantles the shallow theology that expects constant earthly comfort, emphasizing instead that God is sovereign, life is not just about our personal happiness, and true faith is anchored in the unseen, eternal reality.

Key Facts

• The Heavenly Contest: Job’s suffering was not a punishment for secret sin. The reader is given a “sneak preview” of the heavenly court, revealing that Job was selected as the principal player in a cosmic test of faith to prove that he loved God, not just God’s blessings.
• Grieving with Faith: Job’s initial response to his devastating loss was worship. He acknowledged that he came into the world with nothing and would leave with nothing, saying, “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away”.
• Sovereignty Over Suffering: God is not cruel; He is sovereign. Believers must learn to accept both the good and the bad from God’s hand without accusing Him of wrongdoing.
• The Master’s Tools: Swindoll uses the analogy of a hammer, file, and furnace. While these tools cause the metal pain, the metal must remember that it is in the hands of a loving, sovereign Workman shaping it for a purpose.

Scripture References

• Job 1:1–22
• Job 2:1–10
• James 4:13–16

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Message 3: What If You Are Being Stalked?

Sermon Overview Stalking, harassment, and intense personal attacks are terrifying realities in a fallen world. Swindoll looks at the life of the prophet Elijah, who, fresh off a massive spiritual victory at Mount Carmel, fled in panic after receiving a death threat from Queen Jezebel. Despite his incredible faith just days prior, Elijah succumbed to fear, isolated himself in the wilderness, and prayed to die. God responded not with shame or a harsh lecture, but by graciously providing sleep and nourishment, followed by a gentle whisper to correct Elijah’s perspective. The message offers practical guidance for handling physical threats and reminds believers that Satan is the ultimate stalker, constantly prowling to devour us.

Key Facts

• The Deceitful Heart: Because the human heart is incurably diseased and deceitful, people are capable of stalking and terrorizing others to gain power and control.
• The “Elijah Complex”: In his depression and exhaustion, Elijah miscalculated his situation, believing he was the only faithful person left. God gently corrected him by revealing there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to idols.
• Physical Needs Matter: When Elijah was emotionally spent and suicidal, the angel of the Lord’s first instruction was simply to “get up and eat.” Sometimes a good night’s sleep and proper nourishment are the most spiritual things a person can do.
• Our Ultimate Enemy: We are all constantly being stalked. First Peter 5:8 warns that the devil prowls around like a lion, looking for vulnerable believers to swallow up and devour.

Scripture References

• 1 Kings 18:17-40
• 1 Kings 19:1–18
• Jeremiah 17:9–10
• Hebrews 4:12–13
• 1 Peter 5:8

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Message 4: What If a Longtime Friend Deceives You?

Sermon Overview Betrayal by a trusted friend or ministry partner leaves a deep, painful wound. Swindoll examines the tragic story of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha. After Elisha miraculously cleansed Naaman of leprosy, he firmly refused Naaman’s offer of massive wealth, wanting God to receive all the glory. However, Gehazi, acting as a deceitful “under-rower,” rationalized a way to enrich himself. He secretly chased Naaman down, lied to secure the silver and clothing, and then lied directly to Elisha to cover his tracks. This sobering message serves as a strong warning against the rationalization of sin, reminding all who serve the Lord that true ministry requires uncompromising integrity and pure motives.

Key Facts

• Servants and Stewards: Believers are described in 1 Corinthians 4 as “under-rowers” and “stewards” (housekeepers). Our primary responsibility is simply to be faithful, not to steer the ship or seek the spotlight.
• The Trap of Rationalization: Gehazi devised self-satisfying but incorrect reasons for his behavior, convincing himself it was foolish to let Naaman leave with his money, even invoking the Lord’s name to justify his greed.
• The Cost of Deception: Gehazi’s betrayal was met with swift and severe discipline. Because he prioritized wealth over the integrity of God’s message, he and his descendants were struck with Naaman’s leprosy forever.
• Two Crucial Questions: To guard against deception and rationalization, every believer must regularly ask themselves: “Am I doing the right thing?” and “What is my motive?”.

Scripture References

• 2 Kings 5:15–27
• 1 Corinthians 4:1–2

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Message 5: What If You Should Confront Someone in Sin?

Sermon Overview Confronting a brother or sister in sin is a daunting, unenviable task, but it is an essential act of biblical love. Swindoll explores one of the most famous confrontations in Scripture: the prophet Nathan confronting King David. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the murder of her husband Uriah, David lived in a state of hypocritical denial. Nathan bravely stepped into the throne room, using a carefully crafted story about a stolen lamb to pierce the king’s hardened conscience. The message outlines practical guidelines for confronting others, emphasizing that true confrontation is never about shaming or controlling, but about rescuing a believer from the destructive consequences of hidden sin.

Key Facts

• Confrontation is Love in Action: Leaving someone to drown in their sin is not love. We confront because we care about the individual’s welfare and want to restore them to fellowship, doing so with a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1).
• Invincible Messengers: When believers are led by God to speak the truth in love, they act as His messengers. Nathan did not cower before David’s royal authority; he spoke boldly because he represented the King of Kings.
• The Power of a Story: Nathan’s parable functioned first as a picture to give David objective sight, then became a mirror showing David his own sin, and finally opened as a window of hope when Nathan announced God’s forgiveness.
• Guidelines for Confrontation: When confronting sin, believers should let God lead, choose the timing carefully, speak only the truth (avoiding hearsay), use wise words, always offer hope, and ultimately leave the results with God.

Scripture References

• 2 Samuel 11
• 2 Samuel 12:1–14
• Proverbs 27:6
• Galatians 6:1

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Message 6: What If Someone Kicks You When You’re Down?

Sermon Overview Experiencing an attack when you are already suffering a season of personal failure is one of life’s most bitter pills to swallow. Swindoll looks at the life of King David, who, while fleeing barefoot from his son Absalom’s rebellion, was violently accosted by a man named Shimei. Shimei threw stones, tossed dust, and screamed false accusations at the broken king. Instead of allowing his general, Abishai, to retaliate and silence the abuser, David humbly accepted the insults. He refused to defend himself, choosing instead to trust that God was sovereignly aware of the situation. The message teaches believers how to silence the carnal urge for revenge, endure unfair criticism, and find healing at the mercy seat of God.

Key Facts

• Success and Humility: Success can either make you proud or keep you humble. Despite being a legendary warrior and king, David demonstrated profound humility by refusing to leverage his power to destroy his critic.
• Carnal Counsel: When you are attacked, friends like Abishai will often emerge, offering carnal, vengeance-driven advice. Believers must be careful not to heed counsel that escalates the conflict.
• God is in Control: David did not view Shimei’s attack as an accident; he recognized that God had permitted it. Even in the midst of unfair treatment, we must not misinterpret God’s silence as His absence.
• Refusing to be Paralyzed: Though weary and harassed, David and his men continued walking down the road toward their destination. We must not allow the attacks of others to paralyze us or force us to abandon our responsibilities.

Scripture References

• 2 Samuel 16:5–14
• Romans 12:19–21

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Message 7: What If You Need a Second Chance?

Sermon Overview Because human beings are deeply flawed, the Christian life is largely a journey of needing and granting second chances. This message explores the intense, historic disagreement between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas over their young assistant, John Mark. John Mark had deserted the team during their first missionary journey, returning home when the work became difficult. When preparing for a second journey, Barnabas—the “son of encouragement”—wanted to give John Mark another chance, while Paul strongly refused to rely on a deserter. The disagreement became so sharp that the two great leaders separated. Swindoll uses this narrative to teach practical guidelines on how to navigate relational breakdowns, seek wise compromise, and understand when a second chance is—and isn’t—appropriate.

Key Facts

• Two Valid Viewpoints: In their argument, Paul operated objectively on principles (needing a reliable partner for dangerous work), while Barnabas operated subjectively on compassion (desiring to restore a failed relative).
• The Reality of Conflict: Even deeply godly, spirit-filled leaders can experience “paroxysms” (sudden outbursts of emotion and severe disagreements).
• Sometimes Consequences are Best: Giving a quick second chance isn’t always the most loving action. Sometimes facing the hard consequences of a failure (like being fired for theft) is necessary for true character growth.
• Agree to Disagree: When a conflict cannot be resolved, believers should agree to disagree without becoming disagreeable or holding lifelong grudges, remembering that God can still bless both separate paths.

Scripture References

• Acts 13:1–5, 13
• Acts 15:36–41

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Message 8: What If You Struggle with a Permanent Disability?

Sermon Overview Every person grapples with some form of disability, limitation, or chronic pain that breaks their pride and renders them dependent. Swindoll examines the Apostle Paul’s intimate confession regarding his “thorn in the flesh.” Despite receiving unsurpassed revelations in the third heaven, Paul was given a painful, physical affliction to keep him from becoming arrogant. Paul begged God three times to remove it, but God answered “No,” teaching Paul that divine power is perfected in human weakness. This message challenges believers to view their permanent disabilities not as enemies, but as God-ordained tools that level self-sufficiency, cultivate humility, and provide a unique platform for His grace to shine.

Key Facts

• The Danger of Self-Sufficiency: Highly intelligent, uniquely gifted, and deeply religious people are especially prone to pride. God frequently uses crushing pain and physical limitations to replace their arrogance with dependency.
• The Stake in the Flesh: The Greek word Paul used for “thorn” (skolops) actually means a sharp, pointed stake. It represents an excruciating, physical malady that felt like a constant beating from a demonic messenger.
• Paradoxical Power: God frequently answers our pleas for healing with a “No,” because His grace is sufficient. The Christian life operates on a paradox: when we are weak, then we are strong.
• A Change in Perspective: Believers can handle disabilities by looking up (accepting God’s sovereign plan without blame), looking within (viewing the disability as a friend that produces joy), and looking beyond (focusing on the eternal hope and fragrance of heaven).

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 12:1–10

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Message 9: What If a Person Is an Unrepentant Troublemaker?

Sermon Overview While the church is called to be a place of grace, it must also be protected from those who actively seek to divide and destroy it. Drawing from Paul’s instructions in Romans 16 and Titus 3, Swindoll addresses the painful reality of chronic, unrepentant troublemakers—individuals who “stir the pot,” teach contrary doctrines, and manipulate the flock. Because leaders are big targets, they must be “as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove,” willing to stand firm against spiritual wolves. This message provides a clear, biblical protocol for confronting divisive people: warn them twice, and if they refuse to repent, the church must separate from them to preserve the health and unity of the body.

Key Facts

• The Threat of Deception: Divisive individuals rarely appear as obvious threats; they use “smooth talk and glowing words” to deceive innocent, unsuspecting believers.
• The Role of Elders: Setting a church in order requires appointing qualified elders who are faithful, blameless, and committed to sound doctrine, ensuring the flock is protected from toxic leadership.
• The Protocol for Discipline: According to Titus 3:10, if a person is causing divisions, the biblical response is to issue a first and second warning. If they remain obstinate, the church is to “have nothing more to do with them”.
• The Maxim of Unity: A healthy church maintains balance by adhering to the ancient principle: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (love)”.

Scripture References

• Romans 16:17–18
• Titus 1:5-9
• Titus 3:8–11

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Message 10: What If You Talk Too Much?

Sermon Overview The human tongue is a small but incredibly volatile organ, capable of delivering immense good or unleashing incalculable harm. Using the stark imagery of James 3, Swindoll examines the devastating impact of an untamed tongue. Because Jesus taught that words flow directly from the “treasury of the heart,” a toxic tongue is merely the bucket splashing out the polluted water of an evil well. James compares the tongue to a small bit that steers a horse, a small rudder that turns a ship, and a tiny spark that sets a massive forest ablaze. The message warns that no human can tame the tongue on their own; true restraint and consistent, uplifting speech only come by yielding control to the Holy Spirit.

Key Facts

• A Stricter Judgment: Those who speak publicly and teach the Word of God face a stricter judgment, as they are responsible for accuracy, their influence over many lives, and modeling what they teach.
• Small but Powerful: The tongue is small but exercises disproportionate control over our lives. An uncontrolled tongue can destroy relationships, divide churches, and leave lasting “verbal shrapnel” in the minds of others.
• Untamable by Human Effort: While humanity has tamed wild beasts, birds, and reptiles, the tongue is a “restless evil, full of deadly poison” that can only be controlled by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
• The Four Gates of Speech: Before speaking, believers should filter their words by asking: Is it true? Is it confidential? Is it necessary? Is it kind?.

Scripture References

• Matthew 15:10–20
• Luke 6:45
• James 3:1–12

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Message 11: What If Your Boss Is Unfair and Disrespectful?

Sermon Overview Many Christians spend the vast majority of their waking hours at secular jobs without ever developing a biblical theology of work. Swindoll begins in the book of Genesis to establish that work itself was ordained by God before the fall and possesses intrinsic dignity; it is the ground—the workplace environment—that was cursed with thorns and tension. Turning to the New Testament, Swindoll addresses how believers should conduct themselves under the authority of secular employers. Christians are commanded to work willingly and enthusiastically as representatives of Christ, even when their bosses are unreasonable or cruel. This message challenges believers to stop dividing their lives into “secular” and “sacred” categories, and to start viewing their daily employment as a platform for the Gospel.

Key Facts

• Work is Inherently Good: God evaluated His own work of creation as “very good” and gave Adam the job of tending the garden before sin entered the world. God never cursed work itself.
• Working for the Lord: Believers are instructed to work at whatever they do as though they are working directly for the Lord Jesus rather than for people, which revolutionizes their attitude and effort.
• Respecting Authority: Even under corrupt leaders (like the Emperor Nero in Peter’s day), Christians are called to respect the position of authority and patiently endure unfair treatment as a testimony of their faith.
• When to Resist: A Christian must only resist an employer when commanded to do something inherently evil, when their conscience is directly violated, or when innocent people will be harmed by the action.

Scripture References

• Genesis 1:27–31
• Genesis 2:1–3, 15
• Genesis 3:1–19
• Colossians 3:17, 22–24
• Ephesians 6:5–8
• 1 Peter 2:13–21

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Message 12: What If You Were to Die Tonight?

Sermon Overview In one of the most sobering messages of the series, Swindoll tackles the inescapable reality of death and eternal destiny. Using Jesus’ teaching on the Rich Man and Lazarus, he unpacks exactly what happens the moment a person dies. Death permanently separates the soul/spirit from the physical body, sealing a person’s decision to either accept or reject Christ. While the believing beggar, Lazarus, was comforted in paradise, the unrepentant Rich Man found himself in a state of conscious, inescapable torment. The message dismantles common cynical rationalizations about the afterlife, asserting that the written Word of God is the most compelling evidence available to mankind, and issues a passionate plea to trust in Christ before time runs out.

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 (paradise/heaven) or a place of conscious torment (Hades/hell).
• Consciousness in Eternity: The unrepentant Rich Man did not cease to exist; he retained his sight, feeling, hearing, speech, taste, and—most painfully—his memory of the life he squandered.
• The Great Chasm: There is a fixed, impassable chasm in eternity. There is no purgatory, no reincarnation, and no post-mortem opportunity to change one’s eternal destiny; the decision 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 Scriptures (“Moses and the prophets”), they wouldn’t be persuaded even if someone rose from the dead.

Scripture References

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

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Message 13: Conversations with Chuck: A Candid Discussion on Special Needs and Suffering (Bonus)

Sermon Overview In this special conversational message, Charles R. Swindoll sits down with his daughter, Colleen Swindoll Thompson (Director of Special Needs Ministry), and Pastor Steve Fisher. Together, they share candidly about the intense crushing weight and eventual hope found in navigating severe personal trials. Steve discusses the heart-wrenching journey of losing his severely disabled daughter, Payton, while Colleen shares her ongoing experiences raising a son with autism. Moving past theological platitudes, this interview explores the raw realities of grief, the vital importance of the “ministry of presence,” and the profound peace that comes when we finally surrender our expectations and accept God’s sovereign plan.

Key Facts

• The Ministry of Presence: When ministering to those in deep despair, attempting to “fix” them, offering formulaic answers, or using shame-based statements is unhelpful. The greatest comfort is often just sitting silently with them in their pain.
• The Purpose of Crushing: God frequently uses the crushing weight of tragedy to tear away our masks, break down our self-sufficiency, and replace our personal expectations with a deeper reliance on His sovereignty.
• Acceptance with Hope: True acceptance of a difficult reality (such as a permanent disability) does not mean resigning to a grim, bitter life. Rather, it is finding peace and joy in a new “recomposition” of life under God’s guidance.
• The Next Right Thing: When overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, or the “dwarfs of despair,” the most profound act of faith is often to stop looking at the massive, overwhelming picture and simply ask, “What is the next right thing?”—even if it is just getting out of bed.

Scripture References

• John 5:6
• Psalm 139