Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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1 Corinthians

Marriage: From Surviving to Thriving

Marriage is hard—there’s no doubt about that. So, is it possible for a marriage to move beyond mere survival into a thriving union? Absolutely!

God designed this ancient institution to bless His people, to reflect His character, and to work out His purposes—despite all the difficulties.

In this series on marriage, Pastor Chuck Swindoll reveals the biblical design, dynamic, and destination of healthy marriage, so you can move into a vibrant, deep, Christ-centered relationship with your spouse.

Marriage is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but it was never intended to be a mere dutiful contract to be endured. God designed this ancient institution to be a source of blessing, a reflection of His character, and a vital part of His redemptive purpose. In this series, Chuck Swindoll addresses the unprecedented challenges facing the modern family and provides practical, scriptural guidance to help couples move from “survival mode” to a thriving partnership. By examining the biblical design for the home, you can rediscover the excitement and depth that God intended for your marriage.

Message 1: This Is Not Your Grandfather’s Family

Message Overview: This message addresses the rapid cultural shifts that have transformed the modern landscape of family life. It acknowledges the unique pressures today’s couples face—ranging from digital distractions to changing social norms—and emphasizes the urgent need to return to a firm, biblical foundation that transcends generational trends.

Key Facts:

  • Cultural Context: The “traditional” family structure is under more pressure today than in previous generations.
  • The Foundation: When the foundations are destroyed, the righteous must look to God’s unchanging Word.
  • The Goal: Building a family that is counter-cultural in its commitment to Christ.

Scripture References: Psalm 11:3; 127:1–2

Message 2: Getting Back on Target

Message Overview: Using the metaphor of an archer, this message focuses on God’s original “bullseye” for marriage. It revisits the foundational blueprint found in Genesis, emphasizing the three pillars of a healthy union: leaving the priority of parents, cleaving to one’s spouse, and becoming “one flesh” in every sense of the word.

Key Facts:

  • The Blueprint: Marriage was God’s idea, and He has provided the specific instructions for its success.
  • Prioritization: A thriving marriage requires the couple to prioritize their relationship over all other human connections.
  • Unity: Oneness is a process of physical, emotional, and spiritual integration.

Scripture References: Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–6

Message 3: Symphony of Survival in the Key of C

Message Overview: Successful marriages aren’t characterized by a lack of conflict, but by the ability to harmonize through it. This message explores the “Key of C”—essential qualities like Communication, Commitment, Compromise, and Christ-centeredness—that allow a couple to turn the noise of daily life into a beautiful symphony.

Key Facts:

  • Communication: Honest, grace-filled speech is the lifeblood of a healthy relationship.
  • Commitment: A “no-exit” mentality provides the security needed for vulnerability.
  • Compromise: Thriving requires the death of selfishness and the birth of mutual cooperation.

Scripture References: Ephesians 4:25–32; Colossians 4:6

Message 4: Practical Advice on Making a Marriage Stick

Message Overview: This message offers “nuts and bolts” advice for the daily grind of marriage. It focuses on the importance of shared values, the power of small acts of kindness, and the necessity of maintaining a sense of humor and perspective when things get difficult.

Key Facts:

  • Tenacity: “Sticking” together is a choice made daily, especially when the initial spark feels dim.
  • Shared Vision: Couples who move in the same direction spiritually are more likely to stay together.
  • Loyalty: Protecting the reputation of your spouse in public and private.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:4–8; Proverbs 24:3–4

Message 5: Essential Glue for Every Couple to Apply

Message Overview: What keeps a marriage together when life tries to pull it apart? This message identifies the “essential glue” of the Christian life: grace and forgiveness. It explains how to apply the gospel to our spouse’s failures, ensuring that bitterness never has a chance to take root.

Key Facts:

  • Forgiveness: The act of releasing a debt so that intimacy can be restored.
  • Grace: Giving your spouse what they need (kindness/patience) rather than what they deserve.
  • Maintenance: Love is not just a feeling; it is a “binding” force that must be intentionally applied.

Scripture References: Colossians 3:12–14; Ephesians 4:32

Message 6: What Families Need to Thrive

Message Overview: A thriving marriage provides the “soil” in which a healthy family grows. This message outlines the environment necessary for a family to flourish, including clear boundaries, consistent modeling of faith, and an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance.

Key Facts:

  • Modeling: Children learn more from what parents are than from what they say.
  • Atmosphere: A home should be a safe haven of encouragement, not a courtroom of judgment.
  • Intentionality: Thriving families don’t happen by accident; they are the result of deliberate choices.

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 128

Message 7: Danger Signs of Marital Erosion

Message Overview: Marriages rarely collapse overnight; they usually erode slowly over time. This message identifies the “little foxes” that spoil the vine—silent resentment, lack of physical intimacy, and the “busyness” that leads to emotional distance—and how to stop the slide before it’s too late.

Key Facts:

  • Warning Signs: Identifying drift and apathy before they become divorce.
  • Vigilance: Protecting the marriage from external intrusions (work, hobbies, or even children) that take priority over the spouse.
  • Restoration: It is never too late to turn around if both parties are willing to humble themselves.

Scripture References: Song of Solomon 2:15; Ephesians 4:26–27

Message 8: Staying Young as Your Family Grows Older

Message Overview: In the final message of the series, Chuck Swindoll discusses how to keep the “romance” and “youthfulness” in a marriage through the various stages of life. From the empty nest to the golden years, it encourages couples to keep playing, keep learning, and keep adventuring together.

Key Facts:

  • Perspective: Seeing aging as an opportunity for deeper intimacy rather than a loss of vitality.
  • Playfulness: Cultivating joy and laughter as a defense against the seriousness of life’s burdens.
  • Lifelong Love: Committing to be “students” of one another for a lifetime.

Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 9:9; Proverbs 5:18–19

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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.

Message 1 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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Straight Talk for Seminary Students

Saying YES! to God’s call to ministry often feels like entering a send-off rally filled with clapping and hoorays. A new adventure awaits, and you eagerly anticipate seeing lives transformed by the living God.

Yet, if you’re not careful, that awe can easily fade as the spiritual journey turns into a day-after-day, thankless grind.

Spirit-driven virtues must abide for a lifetime of ministry. Grit and humility. Contentment and faithfulness. Gratitude and holiness.

That’s why Chuck Swindoll exhorts Christian servants toward these qualities, and more, in this series of straight talks for seminary students. Receive the wisdom and encouragement you need to persevere in the spiritual harvest.


Accepting a call to ministry often begins with a season of excitement and high expectations. However, without the right foundation, the awe of that calling can quickly fade into a thankless, daily grind. In this series, Chuck Swindoll offers “straight talk” to those in the thick of theological training. He emphasizes that a lifetime of ministry requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands Spirit-driven virtues like grit, humility, contentment, and holiness. These messages provide the wisdom and encouragement needed to transform a few years of study into a stable foundation for decades of faithful service in God’s harvest.

The Subtle Temptation of Greed

Sermon Summary One of the most dangerous obstacles to a healthy ministry is the “subtle temptation of greed.” This message warns seminary students that the desire for more—whether it be money, influence, or prestige—can quietly erode a servant’s heart. Chuck discusses the necessity of cultivating a spirit of contentment and focusing on the true riches of Christ. We learn that greed often masquerades as “ambition,” making it essential for a leader to constantly examine their motives before the Lord.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Motives of Ministry: Distinguishing between godly ambition and fleshly greed.
  • The Heart of Contentment: Finding sufficiency in Christ’s call rather than external rewards.

Accurately Handling the Word

Sermon Summary The primary tool of the minister is the Word of God, and handling it accurately is a sacred responsibility. This message emphasizes the discipline of hermeneutics and the commitment to sound doctrine. Chuck encourages students to resist the urge to be “novel” or “clever” at the expense of being true to the text. We learn that accurately handling the Word involves deep study, prayerful reflection, and a humble submission to the authority of Scripture.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Discipline of Study: Why academic rigor is essential for spiritual integrity.
  • Sound Doctrine: Protecting the flock by being a faithful steward of biblical truth.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Seminaries

Sermon Summary What makes a seminary experience truly effective in producing world-changing leaders? This message outlines seven “habits” or priorities that characterize a healthy training environment. Chuck discusses the importance of a faculty that models integrity, a curriculum centered on the Bible, and an atmosphere that fosters spiritual formation alongside intellectual growth. Students are encouraged to look for and cultivate these habits during their time of preparation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Formation: The integration of the mind and the heart in ministry training.
  • Integrity in Education: Why the character of the teacher is as important as the content of the lesson.

Sustaining an Attitude of Gratitude

Sermon Summary The grind of ministry can easily produce a spirit of cynicism or entitlement. This message addresses the vital need for a sustained “attitude of gratitude.” Chuck explores how a thankful heart acts as a safeguard against bitterness and burnout. We learn that gratitude is not just an emotion but a discipline—a choice to focus on God’s grace and the privilege of being used by Him, regardless of the difficulty of the assignment.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Gratitude as a Safeguard: How thankfulness protects the leader from cynicism.
  • The Privilege of Service: Re-centering the heart on the mercy of being called into ministry.

The Value of Knowing the Scoop

Sermon Summary A successful ministry requires a realistic understanding of the world and the “scoop” on the challenges that await. This message, based on 1 Peter 3, encourages students to be prepared for opposition and to always be ready to give a reason for their hope. Chuck discusses the importance of being “street-smart” in a spiritual sense—understanding the culture while remaining uncompromised in character. We learn that a foundation of immersed study in the Word is what gives a leader the stability to handle the “scoop” of real-world ministry.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Readiness: Preparing for the inevitable challenges and questions of a secular society.
  • Grounded in Truth: Why the years of study are the bedrock for future stability.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 1 Peter 3:8–16

Ministry Is a Four-Letter Word

Sermon Summary The series concludes with a sobering and encouraging reminder: ministry is work. While it is a high calling, it is often grueling and demands significant grit. Chuck de-glamorizes the role of the minister to emphasize the reality of service. We are reminded that the “four-letter word” of ministry is essentially love in action—a persistent, faithful, and often unseen effort to care for God’s people. The reward is not found in ease, but in the faithfulness of the One who called us.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Reality of Work: Understanding the grit and perseverance required for service.
  • Faithful Endurance: Why the “work” of ministry is a high and holy privilege.

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Cultivating a Dynamic Ministry

God designed His church to be a reliable refuge . . . a steadfast pocket of resilience and charm . . . a welcoming place where people can rebuild broken relationships, share their grief, discover godly wisdom, and weather life’s fiercest storms.

Do you long to be a part of such a place?

God’s Word holds the key to believers’ becoming the light He intends us to be as we journey through life together!

In this two-message set, Chuck Swindoll looks to Scripture to help you diagnose problems and cultivate the essentials of worship, fellowship, and time in the Word. First, drawing warnings from Ezekiel, Chuck alerts us to the dangers of spiritual decay. Then he takes us to 1 Corinthians to discover the vital characteristics of a thriving church.

And the most important characteristic? “Do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).


The church was designed by God to be a reliable refuge—a place of resilience, charm, and wisdom where broken people can find healing and community. In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how to move away from spiritual decay toward a thriving, vibrant ministry. By diagnosing the signs of a “dying” ministry and highlighting the essentials of a “dynamic” one, this series provides a roadmap for any believer or church leader who longs for their spiritual community to be the light God intended.

Message 1. Discouraging Signs of a Dying Ministry (Ezekiel 8)

  • Overview: Drawing sobering warnings from the book of Ezekiel, Chuck identifies the internal symptoms of spiritual rot. Just as the temple in Ezekiel’s day became corrupted by secret idolatry and spiritual apathy, modern ministries can lose their life when they prioritize image over integrity.
  • Key Fact: A dying ministry often looks successful on the outside, but is defined by a lack of genuine worship and the presence of “hidden” idols in the hearts of its people.
  • Scripture: Ezekiel 8:12 – “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are practicing in the dark, each man in his room of carved images?'”

Message 2. Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry (1 Corinthians 16)

  • Overview: Shifts from warning to inspiration, using Paul’s closing instructions to the Corinthians to define a healthy church. A dynamic ministry is characterized by alertness, strength, and above all, a commitment to love.
  • Key Fact: The “secret sauce” of a thriving ministry is not a better program or a bigger building, but the quality of love that permeates every action.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

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Things to Stop and Start

Many of us spend our days saying, “I don’t have enough time!” Meanwhile, our cluttered closet stays cluttered, the thought of our estranged family member still stirs up resentment in our heart, and our time with God remains on the back burner.

Is it really true that we don’t have enough time? Or do we just need help prioritizing what truly matters?

Join Chuck Swindoll for this vital message series and learn:

  • Why to say no to procrastination, blaming, drifting, and other negative traits
  • How to say yes to following through, forgiving, digging into our faith, and more

Let’s start making the most of the time God has given us.


We often complain about not having enough time, yet we allow our lives to be cluttered with habits and attitudes that drain our spiritual energy. In this series, Chuck Swindoll challenges us to take an honest inventory of our lives. Following the biblical principle of “putting off” the old and “putting on” the new, we examine the practical shifts necessary for spiritual maturity. From stopping the blame game to starting a life of vulnerability, these messages offer a roadmap for making the most of the time God has given us.

Message 1: Stop Drifting Along and Start Digging In

Sermon Summary Getting older happens automatically, but growing up spiritually requires intentionality. Too many believers find themselves years into their faith but still shallow in their understanding of God’s Word. This message explores how to stop the passive drift of “easy” Christianity and start the disciplined work of digging deep into the scriptures.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Intentional Growth: Why spiritual maturity is never accidental.
  • The Danger of Shallow Faith: Moving beyond basic knowledge to a life-changing understanding of God.

Primary Scripture References

  • Hebrews 5:11–6:1: The call to move past the elementary teachings and go on to maturity.
  • 2 Peter 3:18: The command to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

Message 2: Stop Procrastinating and Start Following Through

Sermon Summary Procrastination is often a mask for fear or a lack of discipline. It leaves us with a life full of “half-finished” projects and unkept promises to God. Chuck provides biblical motivation for honoring our commitments and the spiritual benefits of consistent follow-through.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Cost of Delay: How putting things off hinders our witness and spiritual effectiveness.
  • Faithful Stewardship: Treating our time and tasks as a sacred trust from God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4–5: The importance of fulfilling the vows we make to God.

Message 3: Stop Shaming and Start Honoring

Sermon Summary Shame is a destructive tool that isolates and devalues people. In contrast, the biblical call is to honor one another. This message looks at how we can stop using shame as a weapon—whether against ourselves or others—and start reflecting the dignity that God places on every human being.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Grace Alternative: Moving from a culture of condemnation to one of restoration.
  • Building Up vs. Tearing Down: The power of our words to reflect God’s heart.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Romans 12:10: The command to “outdo one another in showing honor.”

Message 4: Stop Blaming and Start Forgiving

Sermon Summary Blame is the enemy of growth because it refuses to take responsibility. By shifting the focus to others’ faults, we remain stuck in bitterness. Chuck explores how to break the cycle of blame by embracing the radical, freeing power of forgiveness—both for ourselves and those who have wronged us.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Ownership: The necessity of taking responsibility for our own reactions and choices.
  • The Freedom of Forgiveness: Why letting go of the “debt” is the only path to healing.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Colossians 3:13: Bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us.

Message 5: Stop Worrying and Start Trusting

Sermon Summary Worry is a heavy burden that God never intended us to carry. It assumes that God is not in control or not concerned. This message contrasts the paralysis of anxiety with the peace that comes from actively trusting in the character and promises of our Heavenly Father.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Anxiety vs. Assurance: Shifting focus from our problems to God’s power.
  • Daily Dependence: The practice of “casting cares” on the One who cares for us.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Message 6: Stop Resisting and Start Submitting

Sermon Summary Our natural inclination is to fight for our own way, often resisting God’s leading and authority. Chuck examines the beauty and strength found in submission—recognizing that when we stop resisting God’s plan, we find the very protection and guidance we’ve been seeking.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Strength of Surrender: Why submission is a sign of spiritual power, not weakness.
  • Trusting Authority: Finding peace in God’s sovereign direction for our lives.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Message 7: Stop Acting Perfect and Start Being Vulnerable

Sermon Summary Many Christians feel the pressure to “have it all together,” which leads to hypocrisy and isolation. This message encourages us to drop the mask of perfection. When we are honest about our struggles and weaknesses, we create space for God’s power to work and for genuine community to flourish.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Authenticity: The spiritual relief of being real about our needs.
  • Grace in Weakness: How vulnerability invites God’s strength into our lives.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9: God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

Message 8: Stop Lying and Start Acknowledging

Sermon Summary Deception, even in “small” ways, erodes character and destroys trust. Chuck addresses the importance of total honesty, starting with acknowledging the truth about our own hearts before God. This message is a call to live a life of integrity where our outside matches our inside.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Integrity: The foundational role of truth in the life of a believer.
  • The Power of Confession: The healing that comes from bringing truth into the light.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Proverbs 28:13: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

Message 9: Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven

Sermon Summary It is easy to become cynical and hyper-critical of the world around us. In this series finale, Chuck encourages us to lift our gaze. By focusing on the reality and beauty of our eternal home, we find the perspective and hope needed to live faithfully and joyfully in the present.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Eternal Perspective: How the hope of Heaven changes our priorities on Earth.
  • Joyful Endurance: Moving from a critical spirit to a heart filled with anticipation.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Colossians 3:1–2: Setting our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

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Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry

No effort we make to achieve something great for God is promised perpetual success. Why? It’s all too easy for the slow, silent slip toward spiritual erosion to cool our love for God and diminish our effectiveness for the kingdom.

Thankfully, the Bible explains several essential ingredients that can give our lives and our ministries significance that outlives us.

Join Chuck Swindoll for this special message and learn not only how to prevent erosion in your life but also how to deepen your intimacy with God in a way that will overflow to others.


No effort made for God is promised perpetual success without intentionality. This series addresses the “slow, silent slip toward spiritual erosion” that can cool a believer’s love for God and diminish the effectiveness of a ministry. Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the essential biblical ingredients required to maintain vitality and ensure a ministry’s significance outlives its leaders.

Message 1: Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry

  • Overview: Once a ministry is launched—whether it is a church, an evangelistic outreach, or a mission to the vulnerable—the challenge becomes maintaining its momentum. This message provides practical and biblical guidance on how to stay on mission and prevent the spiritual drift that leads to organizational and personal stagnation.
  • Key Fact: Maintaining a dynamic ministry is directly linked to the leader’s intimacy with God; vitality in public service is an overflow of a private, deepening relationship with the Lord.
  • Scripture: Acts 20:17–38 – “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…”

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Growing Up in God’s Family

God’s Word describes the body of believers as “brothers and sisters” and “co-heirs” with Jesus, and when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began by saying, “Our Father.” Why?

We’re a family in Christ. And like any family, God’s family is filled with people in all stages of spiritual development: newborn believers, those still adolescent in their walk, and the spiritually mature.

Join Chuck Swindoll as he takes an in-depth look at the stages of growth that characterize the Christian walk.

Spiritual maturity is not an automatic result of time; it is a process of intentional growth. In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the “ages and stages” of the Christian life. By comparing spiritual development to human physical growth—from infancy to adulthood—Chuck provides a roadmap for identifying immaturity and pursuing the “solid food” of a deep, seasoned relationship with Christ.

Message 1: Analysis of a Crop Failure

  • Overview: Why do some Christians stop growing? Using the Parable of the Soils, Chuck analyzes the internal and external “choke points” that prevent the Word of God from producing a harvest in a believer’s life.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual “crop failure” is rarely a seed problem; it is almost always a soil problem involving the distractions of the world or a lack of depth in the heart.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:1–23

Message 2: Growing Up in God’s Family

  • Overview: An introduction to the family dynamics of the Kingdom. Chuck establishes that every believer enters God’s family as a “newborn” and outlines the biblical expectation for consistent maturation.
  • Key Fact: Just as physical growth is the natural result of health, spiritual growth is the natural result of a healthy connection to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:12–14

Message 3: Ages and Stages of Growing Up

  • Overview: Chuck explores the distinct phases of spiritual life mentioned by the Apostle John: little children, young men, and fathers.
  • Key Fact: Each stage of spiritual growth has its own unique strengths (such as the energy of “young men”) and its own unique vulnerabilities.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:12–14

Message 4: Birth and Infancy: Survival Basics

  • Overview: Every believer starts at the same place: spiritual infancy. This message focuses on the “survival basics” of the new life in Christ, primarily the craving for the “pure milk of the word.”
  • Key Fact: Spiritual infants are characterized by a total dependence on others for “feeding” and a high need for protection and basic nurture.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:1–3

Message 5: Look . . . I’m Walking!

  • Overview: The transition from being a passive recipient of the Word to an active doer. Chuck discusses the first steps of spiritual obedience and the “wobbles” that often accompany early growth.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual “walking” begins when a believer moves from merely hearing the Truth to applying it in daily, practical decisions.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:11–14

Message 6: The Delights of Childhood

  • Overview: Childhood is a season of wonder and simple trust. Chuck encourages believers to maintain a “childlike” faith—characterized by curiosity and dependence—without becoming “childish.”
  • Key Fact: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who approach Him with the humility and openness of a child.
  • Scripture Reference: Mark 10:13–16

Message 7: Adult Talk about “Childish Things”

  • Overview: There is a point where a believer must “put away childish things.” Chuck identifies the behaviors that are appropriate for a child but indicate a lack of growth in an adult believer.
  • Key Fact: “Childishness” in the church is often manifested through divisiveness, jealousy, and a focus on self-interest rather than the needs of the Body.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 3:1–3

Message 8: Three Proofs of Growth

  • Overview: How do you measure spiritual maturity? Chuck provides three objective benchmarks: a growing knowledge of Christ, an increasing discernment of truth, and a deepening stability in character.
  • Key Fact: Maturity is not measured by how much you know, but by how much your knowledge has transformed your character.
  • Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:13–15

Message 9: Adolescents in Adult Bodies

  • Overview: A challenging message regarding spiritual “arrested development.” Chuck describes the frustration of being chronologically old in the faith but spiritually immature.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual adolescence is marked by a “know-it-all” attitude combined with a lack of consistent, sacrificial responsibility.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:12; 1 Corinthians 3:1–4

Message 10: When Peter Pan Comes to Church

  • Overview: Drawing on the literary figure who refused to grow up, Chuck addresses the “Peter Pan syndrome” in the church—believers who want the benefits of the family without the responsibilities of adulthood.
  • Key Fact: A healthy church requires “fathers and mothers” in the faith who are willing to mentor the next generation rather than remaining perpetual consumers.
  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:12–16

Message 11: What’s Right about Adolescence?

  • Overview: While adolescence can be a time of turmoil, it also brings passion and strength. Chuck explores how the zeal of “young men” in the faith is vital for spiritual warfare and church health.
  • Key Fact: Spiritual adolescents often possess the “word of God abiding in them” and the strength to overcome the evil one in ways that more passive believers do not.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:14

Message 12: Reasons We Resist Becoming Mature

  • Overview: Why do we stay small? Chuck identifies the common hurdles to growth: the comfort of the familiar, a fear of what God might ask of us, and a lack of spiritual discipline.
  • Key Fact: Resistance to growth is often a subtle form of self-protection that keeps us from the “abundant life” Christ promised.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 6:1–3; Galatians 5:1

Message 13: The Church: Who Needs It?

  • Overview: Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Chuck makes a compelling case for the necessity of the local church as the “greenhouse” where spiritual maturity is cultivated through fellowship and accountability.
  • Key Fact: Isolation is the enemy of maturity; we are commanded to “provoke one another to love and good works” through regular gathering.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24–25

Message 14: A Story for Adults to Remember

  • Overview: Using a narrative approach, Chuck shares a powerful “story of growth” that illustrates the shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.
  • Key Fact: Biblical stories and parables serve as “mirrors” that allow us to see our own spiritual standing more clearly than abstract lists.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 15:11–32

Message 15: A Song for Adults to Sing

  • Overview: A message on the role of worship and gratitude in the life of a mature believer. Chuck explores how our “song” changes as we grow deeper in the Lord.
  • Key Fact: The mature believer’s worship is rooted in the “theology of the soul” rather than just the emotions of the moment.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 40:1–3; Colossians 3:16

Message 16: Growing Up in God’s Family

  • Overview: The series finale. Chuck synthesizes the lessons learned into a final call to pursue Christ with everything we have, moving toward the goal of “fullness in Christ.”
  • Key Fact: The ultimate goal of growing up in God’s family is to reflect the character of the Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, to a watching world.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:11–16

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Easter 2015

On the first Easter morning, when the stone was rolled away from Christ’s tomb, hope dawned and grace shone brighter than it ever had. For us, though, the monotony and troubles of daily life seem far removed from the miraculous impact of that glorious morning two thousand years ago.

But we don’t have to feel that way!

In this Easter message, Chuck Swindoll will help you to live with hope and joy no matter how dark your days may get.


On the first Easter morning, when the stone was rolled away from Christ’s tomb, hope dawned and grace shone brighter than it ever had. While the troubles and monotony of daily life can often make the miraculous events of two thousand years ago feel distant, the resurrection remains the most relevant truth for our modern world. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores how the victory of Jesus Christ over the grave provides a foundation for unshakeable joy, regardless of how dark our circumstances may become.

Message 1: No Morning Was Ever Brighter

Sermon Summary Is the ancient greeting “Christ is risen!” still significant today? In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the timeless relevance of the resurrection. We look back at the moment when the heavy fog of despair was lifted from the disciples, replaced by the brilliant light of an empty tomb. This message challenges us to move beyond a mere historical acknowledgment of Easter and to embrace the living hope that transforms our perspective on suffering, death, and the future.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Brightness of Grace: How the resurrection serves as the ultimate display of God’s favor toward humanity.
  • Hope Amidst Darkness: The practical power of the resurrection to sustain us through life’s most difficult trials.
  • Timeless Relevance: Why the news of the empty tomb is just as urgent today as it was on that first morning.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • The Resurrection Narrative: Exploring the accounts of the empty tomb and the risen Savior.

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Easter 2014

At some point, everyone encounters the devastating weight of hopelessness—whether through a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or the reality of mortality. This Easter series explores the monumental shift from despair to life that occurred when the presence of hope arose through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Message 1: When the Presence of Hope Arose

  • Overview: This message addresses the universal experience of hopelessness and the profound transformation that occurs when we encounter the risen Christ. Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains how the resurrection serves as the ultimate antidote to the “no hope” scenarios of life.
  • Key Fact: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian hope; without it, faith is empty, but because He lives, believers have a guaranteed hope that transcends the grave.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12–26 – “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.”

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Easter 2012

He Is Risen…He Is Risen Indeed!

Death is one of the greatest fears in life! Many people would do anything to escape death—even if it means denying it all our days. Thankfully, Jesus offers life to those who believe in Him!

In this Easter message, Chuck Swindoll reminds us that Jesus Christ has overcome death—and through faith in Him, we will continue to live after we die. Christ’s resurrection proved that we, too, can have victory over death!


Death remains one of the greatest and most universal fears in human experience. While many seek to escape or deny its reality, the message of Easter provides a definitive answer. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores the triumphant victory of Jesus Christ over the grave. By establishing the historical and spiritual reality of the resurrection, we discover that death has lost its sting. Through faith in the risen Savior, believers are offered the promise of eternal life, proving that Christ’s victory is ultimately our victory as well.

Victory on a Triumphant Morning

Sermon Summary “He is risen… He is risen indeed!” This traditional greeting carries a profound weight for those facing the reality of mortality. This message focuses on the core of the Gospel as presented in 1 Corinthians 15. Chuck discusses the essential nature of the resurrection—that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. We learn that without the resurrection, our faith would be futile; however, because Christ lives, we have a sure foundation for hope that extends beyond the grave.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Overcoming the Fear of Death: How the resurrection provides a spiritual antidote to the fear of the grave.
  • The Essentials of the Gospel: Identifying the death, burial, and resurrection as the non-negotiable pillars of faith.
  • Victory Over the Grave: Recognizing that Christ’s resurrection is the “firstfruits” and a guarantee of our own future resurrection.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3–53

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