We can draw some relevant analogies between the ancient Hebrews and our modern-day churches. In the process, we will discover that even though centuries separate us, some of the same struggles, solutions, attitudes, and principles fit our situations perfectly. The people who entered the land of Canaan—the “new generation” of wilderness wanderers—were forced by the sheer determination of survival to pull together, to lock arms and link hearts, as they took on the challenge of invading the land under Joshua’s leadership. Sufficiently prepared by Moses before his death, the people committed themselves to the tough task of conquering Canaan, which they accomplished with the sovereign assistance of Jehovah. Divided, they could never have done it. Unified, they were strong. The same is true for churches today.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes: Searching for the Meaning of Life
The book of Ecclesiastes, as short as it is, is one of the most mysterious works in the Bible. It looms before us as the sphinx of Hebrew literature, with its knotty, unresolved struggles intermingling with its unanswered arguments and cynical observations of life. All this is compounded by the fact that the writer, Solomon, referred to himself throughout the book as “the Preacher.” Its content marks a decided departure from the orthodox, a bold and even imprudent alienation from Jehovah . . . and yet in a few verses, we read strong words in defense of a life devoted to the living Lord. In this study, we’ll attempt to unravel the riddle and understand the message of Ecclesiastes.
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.
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
Dropping Your Guard
Don’t Let Technology Drown Out Deep Relationships!
E-mail. Internet. Video. Texting. Tablets. Smart phones. The list never ends, does it? As technology advances, real human connection becomes harder and harder. If we’re not careful, each new gadget can draw us further away from the family of believers God designed us to be.
If you want to experience a close community with other Christians, the Dropping Your Guard series by Chuck Swindoll will challenge you to escape the trap of superficiality and to develop tight bonds that will feed your soul and mature your spiritual family. Keep your relationships connected . . . by dropping your guard.
In this transformative series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the “hidden” life of the believer. Many Christians live behind high walls of protection, fearing that if they are truly known, they won’t be loved. Dropping Your Guard is a call to biblical authenticity, vulnerability, and the “shared life” that God intended for His people. By moving from isolation to intimacy, we discover the freedom that comes from being real with God and with one another.
Message 1: Digging Deeper, Risking Change (Part One)
Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces the essential need for biblical authenticity in an increasingly superficial world. This message explores the “hidden” life of the believer and the high walls of protection many Christians build to avoid being truly known. It challenges the “Lone Ranger” mentality and invites listeners to embrace the vulnerability required for genuine community.
- Key Fact: Authentic fellowship begins only when we admit we are “cracked pots” in need of God’s grace and others’ support.
- Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:13–16; 1 Corinthians 12:21
Message 2: Digging Deeper, Risking Change (Part Two)
Overview: Continuing the foundation of the series, this message focuses on the “ragged edge” of life and why we were never meant to walk it alone. Chuck discusses the specific risks involved in being real with others and how the rewards of intimacy—being fully known and fully loved—far outweigh the safety of isolation.
- Key Fact: Human connection is the primary tool God uses to mature the spiritual family; without it, spiritual growth stagnates.
- Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Message 3: Getting Closer, Growing Stronger
Overview: This sermon provides the biblical argument for “the other.” Chuck outlines the four essential benefits of community: productivity, support during failure, comfort in cold seasons, and protection during spiritual attacks. As we grow closer to one another, we inherently become stronger in our faith.
- Key Fact: A “threefold cord” is not easily broken; intentional proximity provides a defensive shield against the enemy.
- Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Message 4: Operation Assimilation
Overview: Moving from the “why” to the “how,” Chuck explores the process of integrating into the Body of Christ. This message addresses the fears of rejection that keep us from assimilating and highlights the beauty of a church that functions as a cohesive, supportive unit rather than a collection of strangers.
- Key Fact: Assimilation requires a shift in focus from “What can I get?” to “How can I belong and contribute?”
- Scripture Reference: Romans 12:4–5; Acts 2:42–47
Message 5: United and Invincible
Overview: Drawing from the accounts in Joshua and Psalm 133, this message illustrates that unity is a prerequisite for spiritual victory. Chuck shows that when God’s people pull together in one accord, they become a force the enemy cannot defeat. Unity is described as “precious oil” that soothes and consecrates the church.
- Key Fact: Biblical invincibility is not about being superhuman; it is the result of God’s presence invited into harmony.
- Scripture Reference: Psalm 133:1–2; Joshua 6:1–20; John 17:21–23
Message 6: When the Fellowship Breaks Down
Overview: No community is perfect, and conflicts are inevitable. Chuck addresses what happens when the “guard” is dropped and feelings are hurt. This message provides a roadmap for restoration, focusing on the need for a spirit of gentleness and the humility to admit when we are wrong.
- Key Fact: Broken relationships are worth the “restoration cost”; the longer a breakdown lasts, the deeper the spiritual impact.
- Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1–5; Matthew 5:23–24
Message 7: Authentic Love
Overview: This message defines “authentic love” as a love that does not wear a mask. Chuck examines the “Love Chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) through the lens of transparency, showing how love acts as the “glue” that allows us to stay vulnerable even when relationships get difficult.
- Key Fact: Authentic love is a choice to prioritize the spiritual health and well-being of others over our own personal freedom.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 12:9–10
Message 8: Needed: Shelter for Storm Victims
Overview: Life is filled with “whirlwinds”—job loss, illness, betrayal, and grief. Chuck describes the church’s role as a “shelter” for those picking up the pieces. This message emphasizes being a safe harbor where people can find comfort without judgment while they rebuild their lives.
- Key Fact: Rebuilding after a storm begins with seeing God’s presence in the storm and His plan through it.
- Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Psalm 46:1
Message 9: Some Things Have Gotta Go!
Overview: To build deep relationships, certain “baggage” must be discarded. Chuck identifies the specific attitudes—such as legalism, judgmentalism, and pride—that act as barriers to intimacy and must be removed to create a “roomy” faith.
- Key Fact: Vulnerability is only possible in an atmosphere of grace; legalism is the ultimate “guard” that prevents closeness.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 14:1–13; Ephesians 4:31–32
Message 10: Choose for Yourself
Overview: Authentic community is not automatic; it is a choice. Chuck challenges listeners to decide whether they will remain in the safety of the “lobby” or move into the deeper, riskier, and more rewarding areas of shared life. This message is a call to action for personal commitment.
- Key Fact: Close relationships are the direct result of time, energy, and intentional cultivation.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15; Hebrews 10:24–25
Message 11: The Necessity of Accountability
Overview: Chuck challenges the “live and let live” philosophy of modern society. He argues that Christians are most vulnerable when they live in secrecy. Accountability is presented not as a burden of control, but as a “guardrail” that provides security and reassurance.
- Key Fact: True accountability must be led by the Holy Spirit to remain a source of grace rather than a tool of legalism.
- Scripture Reference: Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 12:4–5
Message 12: A Hope Transplant: The Essential Operation
Overview: In the series finale, Chuck addresses those who have lost hope in relationships or the church. He describes “hope” as the prince and power of motivation. For a church to flourish, it needs an infusion of hope that comes from resting on the strong foundation of God’s Word.
- Key Fact: Hope is to the church what the heart is to the physical body; without it, the community cannot survive.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:4, 13; Lamentations 3:21–24
Strike the Original Match
Of all the hot-button issues of our day, marriage sits near the top of the list. With a gaggle of voices clamoring for an audience, the masses have grown increasingly confused about the most fundamental understanding of marriage. As Christians place a high value on God’s Word, we look to it for clarity on the most significant questions. How does God define marriage? What direction does the Bible offer on making marriage last? What is the nature of commitment, and what does it look like in this day and age? This series from Chuck Swindoll will bring clarity and offer direction as you navigate the views and vices that threaten this most sacred union.
In an era of confusion regarding the definition and purpose of marriage, this series returns to the biblical blueprints. Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the threats to the sacred union and provides direction on how to maintain a vibrant, lifelong commitment. By “striking the original match,” couples can reignite the passion and purpose God intended for marriage from the beginning.
Message 1: Let’s Consult the Architect
- Overview: Before we can fix a marriage, we must understand its design. This message takes us back to the original “Architect” of marriage to see His definition and purpose for the union between a man and a woman.
- Key Fact: Marriage is a divine institution, not a social contract; therefore, its rules and definitions are set by God rather than cultural trends.
- Scripture: Genesis 2:18–25 – “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”
Message 2: The Project: Let’s Consider the Cost
- Overview: Building a lasting marriage requires a realistic assessment of the investment involved. Chuck discusses the emotional, spiritual, and physical “costs” of maintaining a healthy, growing relationship.
- Key Fact: A successful marriage is a lifelong “project” that demands consistent effort, sacrifice, and the counting of the cost before and during the journey.
- Scripture: Luke 14:28–30 – “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost…?”
Message 3: Let’s Repair the Foundation
- Overview: When a marriage begins to lean or crack, the issue is often at the foundation. This message focuses on identifying and repairing spiritual and relational cracks before they lead to structural failure.
- Key Fact: Repairing a marriage starts with a return to the foundational principles of honesty, mutual respect, and a shared spiritual life.
- Scripture: Psalm 11:3 – “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Message 4: In Defense of Monogamy
- Overview: In a culture that often devalues exclusivity, Chuck offers a biblical defense of monogamy. This message explores why total faithfulness is essential for the depth and security of the marital bond.
- Key Fact: Biblical monogamy is the only context in which the “one flesh” union can truly flourish and provide lasting emotional security.
- Scripture: Proverbs 5:15–23 – “Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well.”
Message 5: Bricks that Build a Marriage
- Overview: This message identifies the specific “bricks” of character and habit that build a strong home, such as unselfishness, patience, and a sense of humor.
- Key Fact: A strong marriage is built one small act of service and one kind word at a time, rather than through occasional grand gestures.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 – “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant…”
Message 6: Watch Out for Cheap Substitutes!
- Overview: Couples often look to career, children, or hobbies to provide the fulfillment that only a healthy marriage and relationship with God can give. Chuck warns against these “cheap substitutes.”
- Key Fact: Substituting secondary activities for primary intimacy leads to a hollow marriage that lacks the resilience to face trials.
- Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13 – “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me… to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
Message 7: Who Says the Honeymoon Must End?
- Overview: Romance and passion are not just for the early days. This message encourages couples to intentionally keep the “spark” alive throughout every season of life.
- Key Fact: Sustaining romance in marriage is an act of the will and a matter of priority, not just a spontaneous feeling.
- Scripture: Song of Solomon 4:1–10 – “How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are!”
Message 8: Termites in Your Troth
- Overview: Termites are small, hidden pests that cause massive damage. Chuck identifies the “hidden” sins and habits—like resentment or neglect—that eat away at the strength of a marriage.
- Key Fact: The greatest threats to a marriage are often not the “big” crises, but the small, unaddressed issues that accumulate over time.
- Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:15 – “Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards…”
Message 9: How to Have a Good Fight
- Overview: Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. This message provides biblical “rules of engagement” for resolving disagreements with grace and respect.
- Key Fact: The goal of marital conflict should be resolution and growth, not winning an argument or hurting the other person.
- Scripture: Ephesians 4:26–27 – “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
Message 10: Til Debt Do Us Part
- Overview: Financial pressure is a leading cause of marital stress. Chuck offers practical biblical wisdom for managing money and avoiding the trap of debt that threatens family peace.
- Key Fact: Financial unity requires shared goals, honest communication, and a commitment to living within God’s provided means.
- Scripture: Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.”
Message 11: Commitment Is the Key (Part One)
- Overview: In the first part of this look at commitment, Chuck explores why a solid “covenant” is the essential ingredient that holds a marriage together when feelings fade.
- Key Fact: Biblical commitment is a promise kept regardless of the circumstances, modeled after God’s covenant with His people.
- Scripture: Malachi 2:14–16 – “She is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
Message 12: Commitment Is the Key (Part Two)
- Overview: This message continues the study of commitment, focusing on the practical “how-to” of staying faithful and devoted through the long haul of a lifelong union.
- Key Fact: Staying committed requires a daily decision to choose your spouse and protect your relationship from outside interference.
- Scripture: Matthew 19:6 – “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Message 13: Don’t Just Get Older, Get Better!
- Overview: Addressing the later years of marriage, Chuck encourages couples to view aging as an opportunity to deepen their love and refine their character together.
- Key Fact: A “seasoned” marriage can be the most beautiful phase of the relationship as couples reap the harvest of years of faithfulness.
- Scripture: Psalm 92:14 – “They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green.”
Message 14: What to Do with an Empty Nest
- Overview: The series concludes with advice for the transition after children leave the home. Chuck discusses how to rediscover your spouse and find new purpose in this significant life stage.
- Key Fact: The empty nest is not an end, but a new beginning—a chance to focus on the “original match” that started the family.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:9 – “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life…”
Living on the Ragged Edge
In the never-ending quest for fulfillment, we sometimes convince ourselves that life would be better if we just had a different career . . . more education . . . a new spouse . . . a fresh start in another location. The good life is always just out of reach.
Do you want to know the secret to living the good life—a life of meaning and satisfaction? Solomon discovered that wearing a king’s crown didn’t keep him from the ragged edge of life. He had it all, but apart from God . . . he had nothing. In the Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality Classic Series, Chuck Swindoll explores the personal journal of King Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes. If you struggle to find contentment and joy in life, then join Chuck as he shares wisdom for living at its best.
In this 24-part study of Ecclesiastes, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the raw, honest journal of King Solomon. Writing from the “ragged edge” of a life filled with wealth, power, and pleasure, Solomon concludes that life “under the sun”—when lived apart from God—is ultimately futile. This series provides a sobering look at reality while offering the ultimate secret to finding meaning, contentment, and joy in a world that often feels like it’s gone mad.
1. Journal of a Desperate Journey (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11)
- Overview: Introduces Solomon’s philosophical search for meaning. He observes the repetitive cycles of nature and history, concluding that human effort often feels like “vanity.”
- Key Fact: The term “under the sun” refers to a horizontal perspective of life that excludes God’s vertical involvement.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:2 – “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
2. Chasing the Wind (Ecclesiastes 1:12–18)
- Overview: Solomon applies his great wisdom and education to solve life’s mysteries, only to find that knowledge alone increases grief.
- Key Fact: Human intellect, while valuable, cannot straighten what God has made crooked or fill the “God-shaped vacuum” in the soul.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:18 – “For in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.”
3. Eat, Drink, . . . And Be What? (Ecclesiastes 2:1–11)
- Overview: A record of Solomon’s experiment with hedonism—pleasure, wine, architecture, and extreme wealth. He finds that the “hangover” of pleasure-seeking is a sense of emptiness.
- Key Fact: Solomon denied himself nothing his eyes desired, yet his verdict remained: “all was vanity and striving after wind.”
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:11 – “Thus I considered all my activities… and behold all was vanity and striving after wind.”
4. More Miles of Bad Road (Ecclesiastes 2:12–26)
- Overview: Contrasts wisdom with folly and addresses the frustration of working hard only to leave one’s legacy to a “fool.”
- Key Fact: The turning point in the book occurs when Solomon acknowledges that the ability to enjoy life’s basic gifts is “from the hand of God.”
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:24 – “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.”
5. Do You Know What Time It Is? (Ecclesiastes 3:1–15)
- Overview: The famous poem regarding the seasons of life. Solomon argues that God has an appointed time for everything and has “set eternity” in our hearts.
- Key Fact: Because God is in control of the seasons, we can find peace in His timing rather than fighting against the inevitable changes of life.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.”
6. Interlude of Rare Insight (Ecclesiastes 3:16–22)
- Overview: Addresses the problem of injustice in the world and the reality that both humans and animals eventually face death.
- Key Fact: Solomon encourages us to rejoice in our activities today, as God will eventually judge both the righteous and the wicked.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:17 – “I said in my heart, ‘God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,’ for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.”
7. Confessions of a Cynic (Ecclesiastes 4:1–8)
- Overview: Solomon looks at oppression, envy, and the loneliness that often accompanies the “rat race” for success.
- Key Fact: The “handful of quietness” is far better than “two fists full of labor” that leads to striving after wind.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:6 – “One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.”
8. The Lonely Whine of the Top Dog (Ecclesiastes 4:13–16)
- Overview: Discusses the isolation of power and the fleeting nature of popularity and political success.
- Key Fact: Influence is temporary; a wise but poor youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:13 – “A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king.”
9. One Plus One Equals Survival (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)
- Overview: A classic teaching on the necessity of companionship and community to survive the “ragged edge” of life.
- Key Fact: A “threefold cord” is not easily broken; having others to lift us up, keep us warm, and defend us is a gift of grace.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
10. What Every Worshiper Should Remember (Ecclesiastes 5:1–7)
- Overview: Warns against casual or hypocritical religion. Solomon urges us to “guard our steps” when going to the house of God.
- Key Fact: It is better to listen than to offer the “sacrifice of fools,” and making a vow to God is a serious matter that should not be delayed.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools.”
11. Straight Talk to the Money-Mad (Ecclesiastes 5:8–20)
- Overview: Exposes the “dead end” of materialism. Solomon observes that he who loves money is never satisfied with money.
- Key Fact: Wealth brings “increased consumption” and anxiety, while the “sleep of the working man is sweet.”
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.”
12. The Few Years of a Futile Life (Ecclesiastes 6:1–12)
- Overview: A sobering look at those who have everything—wealth, honor, and long life—but lack the God-given ability to enjoy them.
- Key Fact: Enjoyment is a separate gift from possession; without the former, the latter is “misery.”
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 6:2 – “A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor… yet God has not empowered him to eat from them.”
13. Wise Words for Busy People (Ecclesiastes 7:1–14)
- Overview: A series of proverbs that challenge our usual perspectives, suggesting that the “day of death” can be better than the “day of birth” because of the wisdom it brings.
- Key Fact: Wisdom is a protection, just as money is a protection, but wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:1 – “A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.”
14. Putting Wisdom to Work (Ecclesiastes 7:15–29)
- Overview: Addresses the complexity of life, including why the righteous sometimes perish and the wicked sometimes prosper.
- Key Fact: While there is not a single righteous man on earth who only does good, the fear of God allows one to avoid extremes.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”
15. The Qualities of a Good Boss (Ecclesiastes 8:1–9)
- Overview: Principles for handling authority and working under leadership with a “bright face” and a discerning heart.
- Key Fact: Wisdom makes a person’s face shine and softens their “stern face” in the workplace.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:1 – “A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.”
16. Mysteries That Defy Explanations (Ecclesiastes 8:10–9:6)
- Overview: Confronts the unfairness of life and the “common fate” of death that awaits everyone, regardless of their moral standing.
- Key Fact: Because we cannot understand all of God’s work, we must live fully in the present and trust Him with the unknown.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:17 – “Man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun.”
17. Have a Blast While You Last! (Ecclesiastes 9:7–10)
- Overview: An exuberant call to enjoy life’s basic pleasures—food, clothing, and marriage—as a portion from God.
- Key Fact: We are commanded to work with all our might today, for there is no activity or planning in the grave.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
18. An Objective View of the Rat Race (Ecclesiastes 9:11–18)
- Overview: Solomon observes that “the race is not to the swift” and that time and chance happen to everyone.
- Key Fact: Quiet wisdom is more valuable than the strength of a city, even if the “poor wise man” is often forgotten.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:11 – “The race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors… for time and chance overtake them all.”
19. Be Sensible! (Ecclesiastes 10:1–11)
- Overview: A collection of practical warnings about how “a little foolishness” can ruin a reputation, much like dead flies in perfume.
- Key Fact: Wisdom is useful for “preparing the way” and making work more efficient (sharpening the axe).
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:10 – “If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.”
20. A Fool’s Portrait (Ecclesiastes 10:12–20)
- Overview: A warning against the “vocal” foolishness of those who talk too much without substance or foresight.
- Key Fact: A fool multiplies words and lacks the direction needed to find even a basic “road to the city.”
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:14 – “Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen.”
21. Be Bullish! (Ecclesiastes 11:1–6)
- Overview: Encouragement to take calculated risks and live generously, rather than being paralyzed by watching the “wind and clouds.”
- Key Fact: We are to “cast our bread upon the waters” and be diligent in our sowing, trusting God for the harvest.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1 – “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.”
22. Enjoying Life Now, Not Later (Ecclesiastes 11:7–10)
- Overview: A challenge to young people to rejoice in their youth and follow the “impulses of their hearts” within the boundaries of God’s judgment.
- Key Fact: Joy is a command for the present, not a reward for the future.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:9 – “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood… but know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.”
23. Gray Hairs, Fewer Teeth, Yet a Big Smile (Ecclesiastes 12:1–8)
- Overview: A poetic and symbolic description of the aging process, urging us to “Remember your Creator” before the body breaks down.
- Key Fact: Old age is the “winter” of life; it is best faced when one has spent their “spring and summer” rooted in God.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come.”
24. Wrapping up a Ragged-Edge Journey (Ecclesiastes 12:9–14)
- Overview: The series conclusion, summarizing Solomon’s final verdict on the meaning of life.
- Key Fact: The “whole duty of man” is simplified into two commands: fear God and keep His commandments.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”
God’s Masterwork, Volume Three
Have you ever needed wisdom? Ever longed for a calming word during trying times? Have you ever worried about the future?
When issues like these arise, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the best place to turn—God’s Word. In this informative and practical series, covering the books of Job through Daniel, Chuck guides us through the Wisdom Books, the Psalms, and the Major Prophets to help us answer the pressing questions of our day.
In this third volume of the God’s Masterwork survey, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the Wisdom Books and the Major Prophets (Job through Daniel). This section of the Old Testament provides a deep dive into the human experience—wrestling with suffering, expressing profound worship, seeking practical wisdom, and understanding God’s sovereign control over history. Through these books, we find that God is not only the Architect of the universe but the intimate Companion of those who walk through the dark valleys of life.
Message 1. Job: Magnificent Man of Misery
- Overview: Addresses the universal question of human suffering. Through the story of Job, we learn that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, yet He remains completely trustworthy.
- Key Fact: The book of Job teaches that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin; sometimes it is a platform for God to display His sovereignty and glory.
- Scripture: Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Message 2. Psalms: Inspired Anthology of Praise
- Overview: A survey of the Bible’s “hymnbook,” which provides a vocabulary for every human emotion, from deepest despair to exuberant joy.
- Key Fact: The Psalms are categorized into different types, including laments, thanksgivings, and messianic psalms that point forward to Jesus Christ.
- Scripture: Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”
Message 3. Proverbs: Reliable Counsel for Right Living
- Overview: Practical wisdom for everyday life. This book serves as a manual for navigating relationships, finances, and personal character with a “vertical” perspective.
- Key Fact: Wisdom in Proverbs is not just intellectual knowledge; it is “skill in living” that begins with a healthy reverence for God.
- Scripture: Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Message 4. Ecclesiastes: Searching for the Meaning of Life
- Overview: Solomon’s philosophical exploration of life “under the sun.” He concludes that without God, everything—wealth, pleasure, and work—is ultimately “vanity.”
- Key Fact: The book serves as a powerful apologetic, showing that human fulfillment can only be found when God is at the center of one’s life.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments.”
Message 5. Song of Solomon: Poem of Faithful Love
- Overview: A beautiful, poetic celebration of romantic and marital love. It highlights the sanctity and beauty of the physical and emotional bond between a husband and wife.
- Key Fact: While often interpreted allegorically, the book primarily serves to affirm that God is the author of romantic love and desires it to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage.
- Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it.”
Message 6. Profile of a Prophet
- Overview: An introduction to the role and character of the biblical prophets. These were men called by God to be His “mouthpiece,” often speaking unpopular truths to a rebellious nation.
- Key Fact: A prophet’s primary job was “forthtelling” (speaking God’s word to their current generation) as much as “foretelling” (predicting the future).
- Scripture: 2 Peter 1:21 – “For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
Message 7. Isaiah: Prince among the Prophets
- Overview: A majestic survey of the “Messianic Prophet.” Isaiah’s book mirrors the structure of the entire Bible, moving from judgment to the promise of comfort and a suffering Servant.
- Key Fact: Isaiah contains some of the most vivid prophecies regarding the birth, ministry, and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
- Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 – “For a child will be born to us… and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.”
Message 8. Jeremiah: Weeping, Warning, and Waiting
- Overview: Known as the “Weeping Prophet,” Jeremiah faithfully delivered a message of judgment for forty years without seeing a national revival.
- Key Fact: Jeremiah’s life demonstrates that success in God’s eyes is defined by faithfulness to the message, not by popular response.
- Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'”
Message 9. Lamentations: A Prophet’s Broken Heart
- Overview: A collection of five acrostic poems expressing the deep grief over the destruction of Jerusalem. It shows that God allows and even validates the expression of deep sorrow.
- Key Fact: In the very center of this book of sorrow lies one of the greatest declarations of God’s faithfulness in all of Scripture.
- Scripture: Lamentations 3:22–23 – “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease… They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Message 10. Ezekiel: Strong Man of God
- Overview: Written from the heart of the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel used dramatic visions and symbolic acts to remind the people that God’s glory had not abandoned them.
- Key Fact: Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens,” which was necessary for a prophet ministering to a “stubborn and obstinate” people.
- Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 – “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”
Message 11. Daniel: Man of Integrity, Message of Prophecy
- Overview: A study of a man who maintained absolute integrity in a pagan culture. The book combines personal biography with staggering visions of future world empires.
- Key Fact: Daniel demonstrates that it is possible to be “in the world but not of it,” influencing the highest levels of government without compromising one’s faith.
- Scripture: Daniel 6:10 – Daniel’s consistent character: “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed… he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying.”
Common Questions: God’s Masterwork, Volume Three
1. Why does the Bible include a book as “depressing” as Ecclesiastes? As Pastor Chuck explains in “Searching for the Meaning of Life,” Ecclesiastes is essential because it validates our human frustrations. It shows that if we look for meaning only “under the sun” (in the material world), we will always end up disappointed. It drives us to look “above the sun” to find our purpose in God.
2. Is the “love” in Song of Solomon about Christ and the Church or a man and a woman? While many scholars see an allegorical application to Christ and the Church, the series emphasizes that the primary purpose of Song of Solomon is to celebrate God’s design for human marriage. It teaches that physical and emotional intimacy is a gift from God to be honored and enjoyed.
3. What is the difference between a “Major” and a “Minor” prophet? The distinction is based on the length of the books, not the importance of the message. The “Major Prophets” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) wrote longer, more comprehensive scrolls, whereas the twelve “Minor Prophets” wrote shorter, more focused messages.
4. How could Jeremiah stay faithful when no one listened to his preaching? In “Weeping, Warning, and Waiting,” it is noted that Jeremiah’s strength came from his “fire in the bones”—a divine calling that he could not ignore. He teaches us that we are responsible for our obedience, while God is responsible for the results.
5. How do the prophecies in Daniel apply to us today? Daniel provides a “skeleton of world history.” By showing how precisely God fulfilled Daniel’s prophecies regarding the Greek and Roman empires, it gives us absolute confidence that God is still in control of modern geopolitics and that Christ’s final kingdom will eventually be established.
