1 Samuel

Mar 31 2025

Strengthening Your Grip: How to Be Grounded in a Chaotic World

Have you ever wondered what is essential for glorifying God in an aimless and confused world?

If so, don’t miss Pastor Chuck Swindoll in this practical series on a variety of topics like money, evangelism, parenting, purity, and more!

Strengthen your grip on walking with God in all areas of your life and experience the blessing that follows!

In an aimless and confused world, it is easy for believers to lose their footing. In this 16-part classic series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll offers a practical “grip” on the essentials of the Christian life. By exploring a wide range of topics—from money and leisure to aging and integrity—Chuck provides changeless truths from God’s Word that offer courage and direction. This series is a call to move past a “slippery” faith and to plant your feet firmly on the biblical values that glorifying God in every area of life.

1. Strengthening Your Grip on Priorities (1 Thessalonians 2)

Overview: Addresses the “priority crisis” in modern life and ministry. Using the example of the Apostle Paul, Chuck outlines how to root our lives in God’s approval rather than human applause.
Key Fact: Ministries and individuals aligned with the Lord prioritize authenticity and eternal impact over immediate results or image.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”

2. Strengthening Your Grip on Involvement (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: Challenges the “spectator” mentality in the church. Chuck encourages believers to find their specific place of service and to invest their lives in others.
Key Fact: Spiritual health is directly linked to our willingness to get “involved” in the work of the kingdom rather than just observing it.

3. Strengthening Your Grip on Encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25)

Overview: A call to become a “hope-bringer” in a critical world. Chuck highlights the power of coming alongside others to stimulate them to love and good deeds.
Key Fact: Encouragement is a vital spiritual discipline that prevents believers from hardening their hearts against God.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

4. Strengthening Your Grip on Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:1–8)

Overview: Addresses the difficult topic of moral purity in a sex-saturated culture. Chuck provides biblical boundaries and motivations for living a life that is “set apart” for God’s purposes.
Key Fact: Purity is not just a list of “don’ts”; it is a positive commitment to honor God with our bodies and minds.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

5. Strengthening Your Grip on Money (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: A practical look at financial stewardship. Chuck warns against the love of money and the “trap” of debt, providing a biblical framework for earning, giving, and saving.
Key Fact: Your checkbook is one of the most accurate indicators of your spiritual priorities.

6. Strengthening Your Grip on Integrity (Psalm 15)

Overview: Explores the definition of integrity—being the same person when no one is watching. Chuck describes the characteristics of the “upright” person who can stand in God’s presence.
Key Fact: Integrity is the “foundation” of a grounded life; without it, every other success is temporary.
Scripture: Psalm 15:2 – “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”

7. Strengthening Your Grip on Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:1–2)

Overview: Focuses on the multiplication of faith. Chuck explores the process of “investing” what we know into “faithful people” who can then teach others.
Key Fact: Discipleship is not a program; it is a relationship that ensures the Gospel is passed to the next generation.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “The things which you have heard from me… entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

8. Strengthening Your Grip on Aging (Psalm 71; 92)

Overview: Provides a biblical perspective on the later years of life. Chuck encourages older believers to finish well and to view aging as an opportunity for increased spiritual influence.
Key Fact: You never retire from the Christian life; “gray hair” is a crown of glory when it is found in the way of righteousness.
Scripture: Psalm 92:14 – “They will still yield fruit in old age; they will be full of sap and very green.”

9. Strengthening Your Grip on Prayer (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: Addresses the “struggle” of prayer. Chuck provides practical tips for developing a consistent, honest prayer life that moves beyond religious formulas.
Key Fact: Prayer is the “umbilical cord” of the spiritual life; it is our primary means of staying connected to the Source of strength.

10. Strengthening Your Grip on Leisure (Mark 6:30–32)

Overview: A unique message on the importance of rest. Chuck argues that “leisure” is not a luxury, but a biblical necessity for spiritual and physical health.
Key Fact: If you don’t “come apart” and rest, you will eventually “fall apart.”
Scripture: Mark 6:31 – “And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.'”

11. Strengthening Your Grip on Missions (Matthew 28:18–20)

Overview: Focuses on the “Great Commission.” Chuck explores our responsibility to take the Gospel to the “ends of the earth,” whether through going, sending, or praying.
Key Fact: A grounded church is a church that looks “outward” toward the world’s needs.

12. Strengthening Your Grip on Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7–10)

Overview: Defines godliness as “God-centeredness.” Chuck explains that godliness is the result of intentional “training” and discipline, similar to an athlete’s preparation.
Key Fact: Godliness is profitable for both the present life and the one to come.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7 – “On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.”

13. Strengthening Your Grip on Attitudes (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: Addresses the power of choice. Chuck argues that while we cannot control our circumstances, we have absolute control over our “attitude” toward them.
Key Fact: Your attitude is more important than your facts, your past, or your education.

14. Strengthening Your Grip on Evangelism (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: Provides a natural, non-threatening approach to sharing your faith. Chuck encourages believers to focus on their personal “testimony” and to rely on the Spirit’s timing.
Key Fact: Evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

15. Strengthening Your Grip on Authority (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: A difficult message on submission. Chuck explores the biblical role of authority in the home, the church, and the government, and how our response to it reflects our response to God.
Key Fact: Authority is God’s “umbrella of protection”; submitting to it brings peace and order to our lives.

16. Strengthening Your Grip on the Family (Selected Scriptures)

Overview: The series concludes with a focus on the home. Chuck offers principles for building a strong, grace-filled family that can withstand the “chaos” of a secular culture.
Key Fact: The family is the “ground zero” of spiritual formation; if we lose our grip here, we lose it everywhere.

Oct 31 2024

The Fruit of the Spirit

Jesus promised a gift to His followers that would stay with them always: the Holy Spirit! The Spirit brings life. The Spirit sets us free. The Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit empowers us.

So what does a life transformed by the Spirit look like? The apostle Paul painted the picture for us in his letter to the churches in Galatia: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in this exploration of each “fruit of the Spirit,” and walk in newness of life!

Every believer experiences a “raging battle” within—a constant struggle between the old nature and the new life in Christ. In this 9-part study of Galatians 5, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how we can win this internal war by yielding to the Holy Spirit. This series provides a deep dive into the ninefold fruit of the Spirit, showing that a life empowered by God is characterized by a supernatural quality of character that the world cannot duplicate.

1. Winning the Raging Battle within Us (Galatians 5:16–21)

Overview: Addresses the “tug-of-war” between the flesh and the Spirit. Chuck explains that the key to victory is not trying harder in our own strength, but “walking by the Spirit” to overcome the desires of the flesh.
Key Fact: Victory is a moment-by-moment choice to yield our will to the Spirit’s control.
Scripture: Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

2. What the World Needs Now (Galatians 5:22a)

Overview: Explores Love—the first and most foundational fruit. This is not a sentimental feeling, but a self-sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others, modeled by Christ.
Key Fact: Biblical love is the “glue” that makes all other spiritual fruit possible.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…”

3. Joy! Joy! Joy! (Galatians 5:22b)

Overview: Focuses on Joy—a deep-seated sense of well-being that remains steady even when circumstances are difficult.
Key Fact: Joy is distinct from happiness; happiness depends on “happenings,” but joy depends on the unchanging character of God.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…joy…”

4. Don’t Miss the Entrance to Peace! (Galatians 5:22c)

Overview: Addresses Peace—the internal tranquility that comes from being reconciled with God and trusting in His sovereignty.
Key Fact: Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God in the midst of it.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…peace…”

5. Your Companion in God’s Waiting Room (Galatians 5:22d)

Overview: Explores Patience (Long-suffering)—the ability to endure difficult people and circumstances without losing one’s temper or hope.
Key Fact: Patience is the “waiting room” of faith; it is developed when we trust God’s timing over our own.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…patience…”

6. Courteous Twins in a Corrupt Culture (Galatians 5:22e)

Overview: A study of Kindness and Goodness. These “twins” involve a gentle disposition (kindness) expressed through helpful, moral actions (goodness).
Key Fact: In a culture of “outrage,” kindness and goodness are the most powerful ways for a believer to stand out.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…kindness, goodness…”

7. The Bond between Close Friends (Galatians 5:22f)

Overview: Focuses on Faithfulness—the quality of being reliable, trustworthy, and steady in one’s commitments to God and others.
Key Fact: Faithfulness is the “bond” that sustains long-term relationships and ministry impact.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…faithfulness…”

8. Extending Grace Ever So Gently (Galatians 5:23a)

Overview: Addresses Gentleness (Meekness). Contrary to cultural definitions, gentleness is not weakness; it is “power under control,” used to restore and comfort others.
Key Fact: Gentleness is the spirit in which we should approach those who have fallen or are struggling.
Scripture: Galatians 5:23 – “gentleness…”

9. When Tapping the Brakes Is Crucial (Galatians 5:23b)

Overview: The series concludes with Self-Control—the internal strength provided by the Spirit to master our appetites, emotions, and tongue.
Key Fact: Self-control is the “brakes” of the Christian life, preventing our old nature from running off the road.
Scripture: Galatians 5:23 – “…self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Jun 30 2023

Clinging to Hope

All of us are in desperate need of strength to endure and hope to carry on. Life is difficult and demanding. It’s often filled with pain, heartaches, setbacks, and detours.

In Clinging to Hope, Pastor Chuck Swindoll reassures us that we can endure disappointments and even those unexpected calamities. How? By taking our stand on the strong foundation of God’s Word.

When trials and tribulations rumble in like a fleet of bulldozers to demolish our lives, we can emerge from the rubble with a strong resolve to recover and rebuild. Not just to survive, but to thrive!

For a limited time, download the first chapter of Clinging to Hope for free.

Life is often filled with pain, heartaches, and unexpected detours. In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll provides the biblical tools needed to endure and even thrive in the midst of adversity. By anchoring ourselves to the strong foundation of God’s Word, we can face “bulldozing” trials with a resolve to recover and rebuild. This series explores how suffering, when handled well, becomes the very thing that fosters spiritual maturity and deepens our reliance on God’s grace.

Message 1: When Troubles Come and Stay

Message Overview: Some trials are not temporary visitors but long-term residents. This message addresses the unique challenge of “staying” troubles—chronic illnesses, difficult relationships, or ongoing financial strain—and how to maintain a perspective of hope when relief seems far away.

Key Facts:

Nature of Trials: Troubles are often uninvited, unexpected, and can be prolonged.
The Response: Shifting from asking “Why?” to asking “How can I honor God in this?”
Divine Presence: God is as present in the long-term struggle as He is in the sudden miracle.

Scripture References: Psalm 34:17–19; 1 Peter 4:12–13

Message 2: When Suffering Leaves Its Mark

Message Overview: Suffering often leaves “scars”—emotional, physical, or spiritual. This message explores how to process the permanent changes that adversity brings, finding beauty and purpose in the marks of our struggles rather than hiding them in shame.

Key Facts:

The Reality of Scars: Life’s battles often leave lasting impacts that change our trajectory.
Redemption: God uses our “woundedness” to make us more compassionate and effective ministers to others.
Focus: Looking at Christ’s scars as the ultimate proof that God understands our pain.

Scripture References: Galatians 6:17; John 20:24–29

Message 3: When God Heals Body and Soul

Message Overview: This message looks at the multifaceted nature of healing. While we often pray for physical restoration, the Spirit frequently works on the “deeper healing” of the soul, addressing bitterness, guilt, and spiritual brokenness.

Key Facts:

Holistic Healing: God is interested in the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Sovereignty in Healing: Recognizing that God heals in His own way and timing, sometimes physically and sometimes through the gift of sufficient grace.
Spiritual Health: A healthy soul can endure a failing body.

Scripture References: Psalm 103:1–5; 3 John 1:2

Message 4: When Unexpected Tests Rattle Our World

Message Overview: Life can change in an instant. This message focuses on the “pop quizzes” of life—sudden crises that test the foundation of our faith—and how to lean on the unchanging nature of God when everything else is shaking.

Key Facts:

The Element of Surprise: Tests often come when we feel most secure.
The Foundation: A life built on the Word of God is the only one that remains standing after the storm.
Stability: Finding our “center of gravity” in the promises of Scripture.

Scripture References: Matthew 7:24–27; James 1:2–4

Message 5: When Calamity Crashes In

Message Overview: Calamity is more than just a trial; it is a overwhelming disaster. This message provides a biblical roadmap for surviving the initial “crash” of tragedy, focusing on immediate reliance on God’s mercy and the support of the Christian community.

Key Facts:

Immediate Response: In moments of calamity, we must “run to the Tower” (God’s Name).
The Role of Lament: It is biblical and healthy to cry out to God in honest grief.
God as Refuge: He is a very present help in times of trouble.

Scripture References: Psalm 46:1–3; Proverbs 18:10

Message 6: When God Gives Grace to Endure

Message Overview: Endurance is not just “gritting your teeth”; it is a supernatural gift. This message explores how God provides the specific strength needed to stay under the weight of a heavy trial without breaking.

Key Facts:

Definition of Endurance: Remaining under pressure with a God-honoring attitude.
Source of Strength: Grace is not just for salvation; it is for daily sustaining.
The Result: Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Scripture References: Romans 5:3–5; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Message 7: When the Giants of Life Attack

Message Overview: Using the metaphor of Goliath, this message addresses the intimidating obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. It encourages believers to face their “giants” not with human bravado, but with the confidence that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Key Facts:

Intimidation Tactics: Giants seek to paralyze us with fear and doubt.
Divine Perspective: Compared to our problems, the giants are huge; compared to God, they are small.
The Weaponry: Faith, prayer, and the Word are more effective than any worldly armor.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 17:45–47; Ephesians 6:10–18

Message 8: When Thorns Rip Our Pride

Message Overview: Sometimes God allows “thorns”—painful, nagging limitations—to keep us humble and dependent. This message teaches how to accept these irritants as tools of divine refinement rather than just nuisances to be removed.

Key Facts:

Purpose of the Thorn: To prevent spiritual pride and foster total dependence on God.
The Answer to Prayer: Sometimes God says “no” to the removal of the thorn but “yes” to more grace.
Power in Weakness: When we are weak, then we are truly strong in Christ.

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

Message 9: When God’s Discipline Strikes

Message Overview: Discipline is a proof of God’s love, not His rejection. This message distinguishes between punishment and training, showing how a believer can respond to God’s correcting hand with a heart of hope and repentance.

Key Facts:

The Motive: God disciplines those He loves as a father does his child.
The Goal: To share in His holiness and produce a harvest of righteousness.
The Response: Do not despise the discipline or lose heart when rebuked.

Scripture References: Hebrews 12:5–11; Psalm 119:67, 71

Message 10: When Doors Slam Shut

Message Overview: Closed doors can be as frustrating as they are confusing. This message explores how to handle rejection and redirected plans, trusting that God’s “no” is often a redirection to a better “yes” in the future.

Key Facts:

Sovereign Redirection: God closes doors to protect us or to lead us to a better path.
The Danger of Forcing Doors: Attempting to manipulate circumstances leads to frustration and failure.
Trusting the Key-Holder: Jesus holds the keys; what He shuts, no one can open.

Scripture References: Revelation 3:7–8; Acts 16:6–10

Message 11: When Solitude Drives Us Deeper

Message Overview: Adversity often brings seasons of isolation. This message looks at the value of “wilderness experiences,” showing how solitude can become a sanctuary where we hear God’s voice more clearly than in the noise of prosperity.

Key Facts:

The Desert School: Many of God’s greatest servants were prepared in solitude (Moses, Elijah, Paul).
Depth over Surface: Solitude strips away distractions and forces us to deal with our inner selves.
The Intimacy: Finding that God is “enough” when everything else is stripped away.

Scripture References: Matthew 4:1–11; Galatians 1:15–18

Message 12: When Adversity Leads to Humility

Message Overview: The final message in the series focuses on the ultimate fruit of a hopeful heart: humility. True hope doesn’t demand its own way; it humbles itself under the mighty hand of God, trusting that He will exalt us in due time.

Key Facts:

The Posture: Humility is the proper response to God’s sovereignty in suffering.
The Promise: God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
Final Hope: Casting all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:6–7; James 4:6, 10

Apr 30 2023

David: A Man of Passion and Destiny

Shepherd, musician, warrior, poet, patriarch, king . . . talk about a wide-ranging life! But perhaps David’s most telling and astonishing description came from none other than God who said David was a man after His own heart.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes a deep look in this 24-part series at the faith journey of King David . . . a journey that proves equally fascinating and instructive for all who walk on the same path of faith today.

David’s life was one of incredible range, spanning from the lonely hills of Bethlehem to the royal palace in Jerusalem. He was a musician who soothed a king, a warrior who toppled a giant, and a poet who articulated the deepest cries of the human soul. Yet, David was also a man of deep passions and significant failures. In this 24-part series, Chuck Swindoll explores the faith journey of the man God chose to lead His people. We see how God takes a “nobody” and refines him through obscurity, cave-dwelling, and even his own moral collapses to fulfill a divine destiny. David’s story proves that God is not looking for perfection, but for a heart that is fully turned toward Him.

Message 1: God’s Heart, God’s Man, God’s Ways

Summary: This opening message explores God’s selection of David over King Saul. While the world prizes external stature, God looks at the heart. We learn that God’s ways are surprising, often choosing the obscure to accomplish His greatest work.
Key Facts: God values character over credentials; spirituality, humility, and integrity are the traits God seeks.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 78:70–72.

Message 2: A Nobody, Nobody Noticed

Summary: Focuses on David’s hidden years in the fields of Bethlehem. Even though his own family overlooked him, God was using solitude and monotony to build the inner strength necessary for his future crown.
Key Facts: Success in significant roles begins with faithfulness in small, uncelebrated tasks.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 139:1–6.

Message 3: Soft Music for a Hard Heart

Summary: David’s skill as a musician brings him into the court of King Saul. This message explores the therapeutic value of music and how David served a predecessor who was becoming increasingly unstable.
Key Facts: David used his talents to serve, even in difficult environments, showing a servant’s heart.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14–23.

Message 4: David and the Dwarf

Summary: Goliath was a giant to the army, but a “dwarf” to David because David viewed him through the lens of God’s greatness. This message highlights the source of giant-killing confidence: the name of the Lord.
Key Facts: Giants lose their power when we stop focusing on our limitations and start focusing on God’s omnipotence.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1–54; Psalm 27:1–3.

Message 5: Aftermath of a Giant-Killing

Summary: Great victories are often followed by great tests. Following the defeat of Goliath, David enters a season of sudden fame and the beginning of his deep, godly friendship with Jonathan.
Key Facts: Success is a greater test of character than failure; godly friendships are essential for surviving the “darkness” of success.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55–18:9.

Message 6: Every Crutch Removed

Summary: As Saul’s jealousy turns lethal, David is forced to flee. One by one, God removes David’s “crutches”—his job, his wife, and his mentor—forcing him into total dependence on the Lord.
Key Facts: God sometimes brings us to nothing to reroute our lives; being stripped of substitutes for God is painful but necessary for growth.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 18–21.

Message 7: For Cave Dwellers Only

Summary: Hiding in the Cave of Adullam, David finds himself leading a band of broken men. This message explores how God does His deepest work in the dark, restricted places of our lives.
Key Facts: The “cave” experience is designed to turn our declarations of independence into declarations of dependence on God.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1–2; Psalms 34, 57, 142.

Message 8: Life’s Most Subtle Temptation

Summary: In the caves of En Gedi, David has the chance to kill Saul but refuses. He identifies the “subtle temptation” as taking personal revenge rather than waiting on God’s timing.
Key Facts: Vengeance belongs to God; true character is shown when we refuse to “fight in the flesh” even when an enemy is vulnerable.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24; Romans 12:17–19.

Message 9: What to Feed an Angry Man

Summary: David loses his temper when a foolish man named Nabal insults him. Wise Abigail intervenes, teaching David (and us) how to handle conflict with restraint and wisdom.
Key Facts: Anger can be “temporary insanity”; waiting on God is often the most effective way to resolve impossible conflicts.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 25.

Message 10: Cloudy Days . . . Dark Nights

Summary: Discouraged by the constant pursuit, David lapses into a “dark night” of faith and moves into enemy Philistine territory. This message warns against making horizontal decisions based on fear rather than vertical trust.
Key Facts: Even believers can operate in the “flesh” when they lose their vertical focus; displacement and deception are signs of a wandering heart.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1–30:6.

Message 11: Two Deaths . . . A Study in Contrast

Summary: Saul’s tragic suicide on Mount Gilboa is contrasted with the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It marks the end of a reign of failure and the beginning of a new era for Israel.
Key Facts: Saul “played the fool” by neglecting God; his death illustrates that a life without God ends in isolation and despair.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 31; 1 Samuel 26:21.

Message 12: New King, New Throne, Same Lord

Summary: David is finally anointed King over all Israel. This message examines the responsibilities of promotion and how David sought to maintain his devotion to God while holding the highest office.
Key Facts: Promotion from a fugitive to a king requires a heart that remains anchored in the same Lord who was with the shepherd.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5; Selected Scriptures.

Message 13: David and the Ark

Summary: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem but does a “right thing in a wrong way,” leading to Uzzah’s death. He eventually learns that God cares about the details of obedience.
Key Facts: Pragmatism and expediency do not excuse us from following God’s specific precepts; true worship brings freedom, while pride brings bondage.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15.

Message 14: When God Says No

Summary: David desires to build a temple for God, but God denies the request, choosing Solomon for the task instead. This message teaches how to handle redirection without bitterness.
Key Facts: A “No” from God is not a rejection; it is often a redirection to a better plan or for a different generation.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; 2 Chronicles 6:7–9.

Message 15: Grace in a Barren Place

Summary: David seeks out Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of Saul, to show him kindness. This is hailed as the greatest illustration of grace in the Old Testament.
Key Facts: Grace is positive acceptance in spite of the person; it seeks out the unworthy and seats them at the King’s table.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 9; 2 Samuel 4:4.

Message 16: The Case of the Open Window Shade

Summary: At the height of his power, David falls into sin with Bathsheba. This message examines the “slippery slope” of compromise that starts with idleness and leads to moral collapse.
Key Facts: Success can lead to spiritual blind spots; idleness is often the breeding ground for temptation.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11.

Message 17: Confrontation!

Summary: For a year, David hides his sin until Nathan the prophet confronts him. This message highlights the beauty of repentance and the courage required to speak truth to power.
Key Facts: God loves us too much to let us stay in our sin; repentance involves a total change of mind and direction.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1–14; Psalm 51.

Message 18: Trouble at Home

Summary: Though forgiven, David must face the consequences of his sin within his own family. The “sword” enters his house through the rebellion of his children.
Key Facts: Forgiveness heals the relationship with God but does not always remove the earthly fallout of our choices.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12–18; Galatians 6:7.

Message 19: Riding Out the Storm

Summary: David navigates the death of his child and the breakdown of his household. This message offers a model for recovery: pray intensely, face reality, and claim biblical truth.
Key Facts: “Riding out the storm” is a humbling but temporary experience; God’s grace provides the strength to keep moving forward.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:15–25; Hosea 8:7.

Message 20: Friends in Need

Summary: During Absalom’s rebellion, David is forced into exile and relies on the loyalty of unexpected friends. It highlights the value of those who stand by us in our lowest moments.
Key Facts: God provides “friends in need” to help carry the burden of consequence and offer emotional refuge.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15–17; Selected Psalms.

Message 21: Being Big Enough to Forgive

Summary: David encounters Shimei, who curses him, yet David refuses to retaliate. This message explores the discipline of total forgiveness and breaking the cycle of revenge.
Key Facts: Unforgiveness leads to a “downward plunge” into resentment and hatred; big people are the ones who release debts.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5–13; 2 Samuel 19:15–23.

Message 22: A Song of Triumph

Summary: Near the end of his life, David pens a magnificent song of praise. Despite his failures and sorrows, he focuses on God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer.
Key Facts: Spiritual strength is often most visible when physical strength is removed; God is our only true security.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18.

Message 23: When the Godly Are Foolish

Summary: In a late-life lapse of judgment, David numbers the people out of pride. The resulting plague teaches the dangers of unaccountability and the cost of “stat-driven” security.
Key Facts: Christians never mature beyond the need for the Holy Spirit; an unaccountable life is a dangerous life.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21.

Message 24: The End of an Era

Summary: The series concludes with David passing the torch to Solomon. David’s legacy is defined not by perfection, but by a persistent pursuit of God’s heart until the very end.
Key Facts: Finishing well isn’t about a perfect track record; it’s about serving God’s purpose in your own generation.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28–29; Acts 13:36.

Dec 31 2022

Walking with Integrity in Times of Adversity

One essential ingredient . . . which is especially overlooked in our day but is required all day each day for those who want to live a godly life in Jesus Christ . . . is a heart integrity.

In this brand-new series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines 12 inspiring examples of integrity in the lives of biblical characters. Each one offers special insight to help us uphold this essential ingredient while navigating times of adversity.

Discover the integrity of enduring obedience, moral purity, a bold vision, true humility, finishing well, and much more.

Integrity is an essential ingredient for a godly life, yet it is often ignored or compromised in our modern world. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores twelve inspiring examples of men and women from Scripture who refused to sacrifice their honor, even when facing significant adversity. From the quiet strength of enduring obedience to the boldness of moral purity and courageous confrontation, these messages provide a blueprint for upholding a heart of integrity. Discover how to navigate life’s most difficult seasons without losing the character that defines a faithful follower of Christ.

Message 1: The Essential Ingredient for a Godly Life

Message Overview: In this introductory message, the focus is on God’s search for a leader whose heart is aligned with His. While humans look at outward appearance, God prioritizes the internal quality of integrity. David’s “essential ingredient” was a heart completely devoted to God, even while performing the mundane tasks of a shepherd.

Key Facts:

The Setting: God rejects Saul as king and sends Samuel to Bethlehem.
The Principle: Integrity is what you are when no one is looking.
The Outcome: David is anointed king in private long before he wears the crown in public.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:1–13

Message 2: The Integrity of Enduring Obedience

Message Overview: David demonstrates that integrity often requires serving in difficult or “lesser” roles before assuming leadership. Despite being the anointed king, David humbles himself to serve as Saul’s musician, proving his obedience to God’s timing rather than his own ambition.

Key Facts:

Contrast: Saul is plagued by an evil spirit; David is filled with the Holy Spirit.
Character Trait: Obedience is measured by how we treat those currently in authority over us.
Key Lesson: Promotion comes from God, not through self-manipulation.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:14–23

Message 3: The Integrity of Moral Purity

Message Overview: While often viewed as a story of physical bravery, the battle with Goliath is a testament to David’s moral and spiritual integrity. He refuses the king’s armor, choosing to rely on the proven power of God. His purity of motive—vindicating God’s name—is what leads to victory.

Key Facts:

The Conflict: Goliath defies the armies of the living God for forty days.
The Tool: Five smooth stones and a sling, representing faith over conventional weapons.
Core Truth: Integrity provides the courage to face giants that terrify others.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 17:1–58

Message 4: The Integrity of a Wise Wife

Message Overview: Abigail is introduced as a woman of profound character married to a “fool” (Nabal). Her integrity shines through her proactive intervention to prevent David from committing a rash act of vengeance. She demonstrates how wisdom can override adversity in a difficult marriage.

Key Facts:

Character Study: Abigail is described as intelligent and beautiful; Nabal as surly and mean.
The Action: Abigail prepares a peace offering without her husband’s knowledge to save her household.
The Role: A wise wife can be a “restraining grace” for others.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 25:1–35

Message 5: The Integrity of a Loyal Husband

Message Overview: This message examines the complexities of David’s relationships and the biblical standard for loyalty. It contrasts the political maneuvering of the day with the spiritual necessity of a husband’s devotion and leadership within his home.

Key Facts:

The Struggle: David’s early years were marked by multiple wives and political marriages.
The Requirement: True integrity in a husband involves spiritual protection and emotional loyalty.
Focus: Navigating family friction with a commitment to God’s design.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 3:12–16; 6:16–23

Message 6: The Integrity of a Courageous Confrontation

Message Overview: Integrity is not just about avoiding sin, but how one handles the confrontation of sin. This message looks at Nathan the prophet’s courage in rebuking King David and David’s subsequent brokenness and repentance.

Key Facts:

The Parable: Nathan uses the story of the ewe lamb to mirror David’s sin with Bathsheba.
The Turning Point: David’s confession: “I have sinned against the Lord.”
The Lesson: Real integrity owns up to failure immediately and completely.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 12:1–15

Message 7: The Integrity of a Bold Vision

Message Overview: David expresses a desire to build a house for God, but God tells him “no.” David’s integrity is seen in his response to this redirection. He accepts God’s better plan—an eternal covenant—showing that bold vision must always be surrendered to God’s sovereignty.

Key Facts:

The Davidic Covenant: God promises David a kingdom that will last forever (pointing to Christ).
The Prayer: David responds with a prayer of profound humility and gratitude.
Vision Principle: Integrity means being more in love with the Giver than the dream.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 7:1–29

Message 8: The Integrity of Waiting . . . Not Worrying

Message Overview: David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and take the throne by force, but he waited on God. This message explores the “integrity of the wait,” teaching believers how to trust God’s timing when being treated unfairly.

Key Facts:

The Cave: David cuts a corner of Saul’s robe but refuses to “stretch out his hand” against the Lord’s anointed.
The Discipline: Waiting is not passive; it is an active exercise of faith.
Key Phrase: “Trust in the Lord and do good.”

Scripture References: Psalm 37; 1 Samuel 24:1–22

Message 9: The Integrity of True Humility

Message Overview: When David’s son Absalom rebels, David leaves Jerusalem in humility rather than fighting for his rights. He even accepts the curses of Shimei, trusting that if God intends to restore him, He will.

Key Facts:

The Crisis: Absalom steals the hearts of the men of Israel.
The Response: David refuses to use the Ark of the Covenant as a “good luck charm.”
The Definition: Humility is recognizing that God is the final judge of our circumstances.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 15:1–37; 16:5–14

Message 10: The Integrity of Righteous Resistance

Message Overview: Integrity sometimes requires saying “no” to those in power. Using the principles seen in David’s life and other biblical examples, this message outlines how to resist evil without becoming evil yourself.

Key Facts:

The Standard: Resistance must be based on biblical conviction, not personal preference.
The Manner: Righteous resistance is done with respect and a willingness to accept the consequences.
Outcome: God is glorified when His people stand firm under pressure.

Scripture References: Daniel 3:1–30; 1 Samuel 24:1–22

Message 11: The Integrity of Pressing On

Message Overview: At Ziklag, David faces total loss—his city is burned and his family taken. His own men speak of stoning him. David’s integrity is found in how he “strengthened himself in the Lord” and pressed on to recover all that was lost.

Key Facts:

The Low Point: David and his men wept until they had no more power to weep.
The Turnaround: David asked for the ephod to seek God’s direction.
The Victory: Persistence rooted in God leads to restoration.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 30:1–20

Message 12: The Integrity of Finishing Well

Message Overview: In his final days, David prepares his son Solomon for the future. He doesn’t fade away in bitterness but spends his last strength ensuring the next generation is equipped to love God. Finishing well is the ultimate proof of a life of integrity.

Key Facts:

The Legacy: David provides the plans and resources for the Temple he would never see.
The Charge: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.”
Conclusion: A life of integrity is a long obedience in the same direction.

Scripture References: 1 Chronicles 28:1–21; 29:1–22

Jun 30 2021

Epochal Events Nobody Expected

Have you ever faced a trial that was so surprising, unprecedented, and intense that you had no idea how God would take you through . . . but He did? Such severe trials don’t happen every day, thankfully. But they are exceedingly significant, epochal, we might say, because they reveal God’s power in ways we otherwise would not have seen.

In this series, Chuck Swindoll examines epochal events in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, David, and Elijah. Each event included an extreme test that stretched the person’s faith and then culminated in an epochal moment—a saving act of God designed to inspire us to trust Him during our own seemingly impossible circumstances.

Aug 31 2018

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.