Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

You are here: Home / Archives for Hebrews

Hebrews

The Mystery of God’s Will

Have you ever wondered if you are living within the will of God? Despite its complexity, Scripture still offers a lot of clarity about knowing and doing God’s will.

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll for an inspiring series on the will of God.

Learn how to think theologically, make wise decisions, and walk obediently. And ultimately remember that God uses all things for your good and His glory!


Understanding the will of God is one of the most complex yet essential pursuits of the Christian life. In this 11-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll moves beyond simple formulas to explore the deep, and often mysterious, nature of how God directs our lives. By distinguishing between God’s sovereign, decreed will and His permissive will, Chuck provides a theological framework that helps believers make wise decisions, handle closed doors, and trust in God’s unchanging character even when His path seems unclear.

1. Foundational Principles about God’s Will

  • Overview: Introduces the three aspects of God’s will: His decreed will (what He makes happen), His perceptive will (what He reveals in Scripture), and His permissive will (what He allows).
  • Key Fact: Understanding these distinctions prevents us from blaming God for human sin while still resting in His ultimate control.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 1:11 – “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance… according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”

2. Moving from Theory to Reality

  • Overview: Addresses the frustration of waiting. Chuck explores how we bridge the gap between knowing God has a plan in theory and experiencing it in the “messy” reality of daily life.
  • Key Fact: God’s will is rarely a straight line; it often involves “holding patterns” designed to develop our character and patience.
  • Scripture: Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”

3. Fleshing Out the Will of God

  • Overview: Focuses on the “revealed” will of God in Scripture. Before seeking “secret” guidance, we must be obedient to what God has already clearly commanded.
  • Key Fact: God is unlikely to reveal the “unknown” parts of His will if we are ignoring the “known” parts found in the Bible.
  • Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

4. Another Deep Mystery: God’s Sovereignty

  • Overview: A deep dive into the absolute authority of God. Chuck explains that because God is sovereign, nothing is an accident, even the events that cause us pain.
  • Key Fact: Sovereignty is the “cushion” for our hearts in times of crisis; it means God has the final word over every circumstance.
  • Scripture: Psalm 115:3 – “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

5. Reading God’s Mysterious Lips

  • Overview: Discusses how to discern God’s leading through circumstances, inner peace, and the counsel of others. It warns against “fleece-setting” and encourages a mature use of wisdom.
  • Key Fact: Discernment is a process of “reading” how God’s Spirit aligns with His Word and our current opportunities.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.”

6. The Magnificent ”Chesed” of God

  • Overview: Explores the Hebrew concept of Chesed—God’s loyal, steadfast, loving-kindness. This attribute is the “safety net” that ensures God’s will is always motivated by love.
  • Key Fact: No matter how difficult God’s will may seem, it is always an expression of His “loyal love” toward His children.
  • Scripture: Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness (Chesed) is everlasting.”

7. God’s Mysterious Immutability

  • Overview: Addresses the “unchanging” nature of God. Because God does not change His mind, His character, or His purposes, His will is a stable foundation.
  • Key Fact: God’s immutability means His promises are just as reliable today as they were when they were first written.
  • Scripture: Malachi 3:6 – “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”

8. Can God’s Will Make Us Holy?

  • Overview: Explains that the primary objective of God’s will is not our comfort, but our sanctification. God uses the “tough stuff” to mold us into the image of Christ.
  • Key Fact: Our holiness is more important to God than our happiness; His will is designed to produce spiritual fruit.
  • Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15 – “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.”

9. Surprised by God

  • Overview: Discusses the “unpredictability” of God’s timing. Just when we think we have Him figured out, He often does something completely unexpected.
  • Key Fact: Being “surprised” by God keeps us from becoming self-sufficient and forces us to stay in a posture of constant dependence.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 55:8 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.”

10. Closed Doors, Open Doors

  • Overview: A practical look at how to interpret opportunities. Chuck provides wisdom for when God says “No” and how to handle the frustration of a closed door.
  • Key Fact: A closed door is just as much a part of God’s will as an open one; it is His way of protecting us from paths that aren’t His best.
  • Scripture: Revelation 3:8 – “I have put before you an open door which no one can shut.”

11. A Better Way to Look at God’s Will

  • Overview: The series concludes by moving from a “dot” mentality (finding the one exact spot) to a “relationship” mentality (walking with the Shepherd).
  • Key Fact: God’s will is less about a destination and more about the Person you are walking with along the journey.
  • Scripture: Psalm 23:3 – “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Common Questions: The Mystery of God’s Will

1. How do I know if I’m in God’s “permissive” will or His “decreed” will? In “Foundational Principles,” Pastor Chuck explains that we often only see this in hindsight. God’s decreed will is what He makes happen (sovereignty), while His permissive will involves the things He allows—including human choices. The key is to stay obedient to His revealed will (the Bible).

2. Why does God close doors that seem “good” for me? The message “Closed Doors, Open Doors” suggests that God sees a much larger picture. A door might be closed because the timing isn’t right, because it would lead to a spiritual detour, or because He has something better prepared that requires you to wait.

3. Is it okay to “lay out a fleece” to find God’s will? Chuck cautions against this in “Reading God’s Mysterious Lips.” While Gideon did it, he did it out of doubt, not faith. A more mature way to find God’s will is through the “triangulation” of Scripture, godly counsel, and the internal peace of the Holy Spirit.

4. If God’s will is for me to be “holy,” why is it so painful? As discussed in “Can God’s Will Make Us Holy?”, holiness often requires the “pruning” of our old habits and selfish desires. The pain is not intended to hurt us, but to “refine” us, like gold in a furnace.

5. How can I find God’s will for my career or marriage? The series conclusion, “A Better Way to Look at God’s Will,” suggests that if you are walking in a close relationship with Christ and obeying His Word, you have a lot of freedom to make choices. God’s will isn’t a “tightrope” where one wrong step ruins everything; it’s a “pathway” where the Shepherd guides those who follow Him.

Written by

Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication

Don’t miss Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s look at the life of Moses, who participated in some of God’s most epic actions ever witnessed on earth!

Moses went from a rescued infant to a prince to a fugitive to God’s chosen deliverer of Israel! This reluctant servant eventually became the leader of God’s chosen people.

Journey with Moses from the Nile, to the burning bush, to the Red Sea, and beyond. Gain new insights into this central figure and learn unforgettable applications for your own journey with God.


Moses participated in some of the most epic actions ever witnessed on earth. He went from a rescued infant to a privileged prince, then to a fugitive in the desert, and finally to God’s chosen deliverer of Israel. In this 20-part biographical study, Chuck Swindoll introduces us to a man whose life mirrors our own highs and lows. Through the Nile, the burning bush, and the Red Sea, we learn how to face impossible situations with selfless dedication. Moses’ story is a powerful reminder that God uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Message 1: Misery, Midwives, and Murder

Sermon Summary The story of Moses begins in a context of intense suffering. Despite brutal captivity and cruel conditions, the Israelites grew into a large nation, triggering a murderous decree from Pharaoh. This message recaps Israel’s difficult start in Egypt and the “God-sized” dilemma that set the stage for a deliverer. We see that even in the darkest seasons of misery, God is preparing a plan for rescue.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Providence of God: How the Lord protects His people even under the shadow of death.
  • Resilience Under Pressure: The faithfulness of the Hebrew midwives in the face of evil.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 1

Message 2: Born after Midnight

Sermon Summary Moses was born at a time when his life was legally forfeit. This message explores the early days of Moses’ life—his miraculous preservation in a basket on the Nile and his adoption into the house of Pharaoh. Chuck discusses how God’s timing often seems “late” by human standards, but is always perfect for the unfolding of His sovereign will.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Divine Protection: The irony of the future deliverer being raised in the enemy’s palace.
  • Sovereign Timing: Trusting God’s plan when the circumstances look hopeless.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 2:1–10

Message 3: God’s Will, My Way

Sermon Summary Moses knew he was meant to help his people, but he tried to do it through his own strength and timing, resulting in murder and flight. This message addresses the danger of trying to accomplish God’s will through human methods. We learn that zeal without wisdom often leads to failure and that we must wait for God’s “how” as well as His “what.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Pitfall of Impatience: Why human effort cannot produce divine results.
  • The High Cost of Sin: The consequences of Moses’ impulsive decision to kill the Egyptian.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 2:11–15

Message 4: Lessons Learned from Failure

Sermon Summary Following his failure in Egypt, Moses became a fugitive in Midian. This message explores the “desert years” of Moses’ life. Failure is often God’s classroom for character development. We see how the former prince was humbled and prepared through the quiet life of a shepherd, learning the lessons that success could never teach him.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Value of Brokenness: How God uses our failures to refine us.
  • Preparation in Obscurity: The importance of the long, quiet seasons of life.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 2:16–25

Message 5: The Desert: School of Self-Discovery

Sermon Summary The forty years Moses spent in the desert were not wasted; they were his “school of self-discovery.” Chuck discusses how the desert strips away our self-sufficiency and forces us to confront who we really are apart from our titles and achievements. It is in the wilderness that we often become most ready to hear the voice of God.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Self-Discovery: Learning the difference between who the world says we are and who God says we are.
  • The Discipline of Silence: How solitude prepares a leader’s heart.

Message 6: Burning Bushes and Second Chances

Sermon Summary God met Moses in a spectacular way through a bush that burned but was not consumed. This message focuses on the “second chance” God offered to His eighty-year-old servant. We learn that God’s call is often persistent and that He is the God of the burning bush—transforming ordinary things into holy ground through His presence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Holy Ground: Recognizing the presence of God in the ordinary moments of life.
  • God’s Persistence: The Lord’s commitment to using Moses despite his past.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 3:1–10

Message 7: Who? Me, Lord?

Sermon Summary When God called, Moses responded with excuses. This message explores the dialogue of doubt between Moses and the Lord. Chuck addresses the common “Who am I?” objection and how God counters our insecurities with the promise of His presence: “I will be with you.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • Overcoming Insecurity: Shifting focus from our weaknesses to God’s strength.
  • The Power of God’s Name: Understanding the significance of “I AM WHO I AM.”

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 3:11–4:17

Message 8: God’s Will, God’s Way

Sermon Summary Moses finally obeyed, returning to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. This message highlights the shift from doing things “my way” to doing them “God’s way.” We see the importance of full obedience and the courage required to stand before earthly powers with a message from the King of Kings.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Courage of Obedience: Taking the first steps of faith despite fear.
  • Confronting Power: The authority of the servant who speaks for God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 4:18–5:1

Message 9: Going from Bad to Worse

Sermon Summary Obedience doesn’t always lead to immediate success; sometimes things get worse before they get better. Pharaoh responded to Moses’ request by increasing the Israelites’ workload. This message offers encouragement for those who feel that their situation has declined after following God, reminding us that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Test of Adversity: Why God allows opposition to follow obedience.
  • Perseverance: Staying the course when the results aren’t what we expected.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 5:2–6:13

Message 10: Plagues That Preach

Sermon Summary The ten plagues were not just displays of power; they were messages to both Pharaoh and Israel. This message explores how the plagues “preached” the supremacy of God over the idols of Egypt. We see that God uses even judgment to reveal His character and to break the grip of false gods on our hearts.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Sovereignty of God: Divine authority over nature and false religions.
  • The Purpose of Judgment: Breaking the pride of man to make room for the glory of God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 7–10

Message 11: The Night Nobody Slept

Sermon Summary The final plague—the death of the firstborn—led to the institution of the Passover. This message focuses on the night of the Exodus. We see the importance of the blood of the lamb and the “selfless dedication” required to follow God’s specific instructions for deliverance. This night marked the birth of a nation and a preview of our redemption in Christ.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Passover Lamb: The necessity of the blood for protection from judgment.
  • Deliverance at Last: The final breaking of Pharaoh’s power.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 11–12

Message 12: Between the Devil and the Deep Red Sea

Sermon Summary With Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, the Israelites were trapped—or so they thought. This message explores the miraculous parting of the sea. Chuck discusses how God places us in “impossible” spots to show us that He alone is our deliverer. “Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • The God of the Impossible: Divine power to make a way where there is none.
  • Trusting in the Crisis: Learning to wait on God when there are no human options left.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 14

Message 13: A Heavenly Diet vs. an Earthly Appetite

Sermon Summary In the desert, the people began to grumble about their lack of food and water. God responded with manna and water from the rock. This message addresses the conflict between our earthly appetites and God’s heavenly provision. We learn that God provides what we need, even if it’s not always what we crave, and that His provision is intended to teach us daily dependence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Daily Dependence: The lesson of the manna—gathering just enough for today.
  • Gratitude vs. Grumbling: Overcoming the temptation to complain about God’s provision.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 16–17

Message 14: Why Leaders Crack Up

Sermon Summary The burden of leading millions of people began to take a toll on Moses. This message explores the importance of delegation and shared leadership. Through the advice of Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, we learn that even the most dedicated leader has limits and that God intends for us to serve in community, not in isolation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Danger of Burnout: Identifying the signs of emotional and spiritual exhaustion.
  • The Wisdom of Delegation: Learning to share the load with other faithful servants.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 18

Message 15: Sinai: Where Moses Met God

Sermon Summary At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. This message focuses on the awe-inspiring encounter between the Creator and His servant. We learn that selfless dedication is fueled by a regular, personal meeting with God. Sinai was a place of law, but it was also a place of intimate communion.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Holiness of God: Approaching the Almighty with reverence and awe.
  • The Foundation of Law: Understanding the moral framework for a redeemed people.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Exodus 19–20

Message 16: Grumblings against a Godly Leader

Sermon Summary Even a leader as great as Moses faced internal rebellion, including from those closest to him. This message addresses the pain of criticism and betrayal. Chuck discusses how Moses responded to the grumblings of Miriam and Aaron with humility, teaching us how to handle unjust criticism without becoming defensive.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Handling Criticism: The importance of a meek and quiet spirit when attacked.
  • Divine Vindication: Trusting God to defend our character and our calling.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Numbers 12

Message 17: A Moment of Rage

Sermon Summary In a moment of intense frustration, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, disobeying God’s direct command. This message explores the consequences of that “moment of rage.” We learn that even a lifetime of selfless dedication does not exempt us from the need for consistent obedience and that our leaders’ failures carry significant weight.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Danger of Anger: How a moment of lost control can alter our future.
  • The Weight of Leadership: Why God holds His servants to a high standard of accountability.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Numbers 20:1–13

Message 18: Filling the Shoes of Moses

Sermon Summary As Moses’ life neared its end, God prepared Joshua to take his place. This message discusses the importance of mentorship and succession. Moses’ selfless dedication was seen in his willingness to empower the next generation, ensuring that God’s mission would continue even after he was gone.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Investing in Others: The legacy of a leader who trains a successor.
  • Transitioning with Grace: Passing the torch with humility and confidence in God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Numbers 27:12–23

Message 19: Obituary of a Hero

Sermon Summary Moses died alone with God on Mount Nebo, looking into the Promised Land he could not enter. This message is a tribute to the “heroic” life of Moses. We explore his obituary as written by God Himself—a man who was “meek above all others” and with whom God spoke “face to face.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • A Finished Race: Reflecting on the legacy of a life well-lived.
  • The Favor of God: What it means to be called a “friend” of the Almighty.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Deuteronomy 34

Message 20: Moses’ Faith, Moses’ Choices . . . and Me

Sermon Summary The series concludes with a personal application of Moses’ life. Chuck summarizes the major choices Moses made—choosing ill-treatment with God’s people over the passing pleasures of sin. We are challenged to examine our own faith and our own choices, deciding today to live with the same selfless dedication that characterized the man of God.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Choosing Wisely: The eternal impact of our daily decisions.
  • Developing Faith: Following the model of Moses in our modern context.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Hebrews 11:23–29

Written by

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.”

Written by

Jesus: The Greatest Life of All

Jesus of Nazareth undoubtedly represents one of the most talked-about figures ever to walk the earth. His life, teaching, and ministry shook ancient Judea, and His impact remains evident throughout the world two thousand years later.

Yet Jesus was more than a humble servant, a wise teacher, or a bold prophet. He was all these and much more. Jesus Christ was—and is—the very Son of God!

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll for this series on the life of Jesus Christ and come to see that the one we call “Lord” is worth following and emulating—worshipping in fact! He lived the greatest life of all.


Jesus of Nazareth is the most significant figure to ever walk the earth. His life, teachings, and ministry fundamentally altered the course of human history. Yet, Jesus was far more than a humble servant or a wise teacher; He was—and is—the eternal Son of God. In this series, Chuck Swindoll journeys through the life of Christ, from His divine birth and childhood to His glorious ascension. By examining the “Greatest Life of All,” we are challenged to move beyond academic knowledge to a life of active worship and following the One we call Lord.

The Identity of Deity

Sermon Summary Who is Jesus Christ? While modern responses vary from “historic figure” to “admirable teacher,” the Bible presents a much more radical identity. This opening message explores the deity of Jesus, establishing that He is the Creator made manifest in the flesh. We learn that understanding Jesus’ true identity is the essential starting point for a life of faith and the foundation of all Christian doctrine.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Deity of Christ: Recognizing Jesus as fully God and fully man.
  • The Question of Identity: Why our answer to “Who is Jesus?” determines our eternal destiny.

A Relationship, a Courtship, . . . a Miracle

Sermon Summary The Christmas story began with an ordinary couple facing an extraordinary miracle. This message focuses on the relationship between Mary and Joseph and the divine intervention of the virgin birth. We see the courage required to trust God’s plan when it defies human logic and cultural expectations, setting the stage for the arrival of the Redeemer.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Virgin Birth: The miraculous nature of the Incarnation.
  • Faith Under Pressure: How Mary and Joseph modeled obedience in the face of scandal.

Deity in Diapers

Sermon Summary The King of Kings arrived in the humblest of settings—a manger in Bethlehem. This message explores the profound paradox of “deity in diapers.” Chuck discusses the intentional lowliness of Jesus’ birth, showing that God is not distant but has come to dwell among us in our most vulnerable state.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Humility of Christ: Why the Savior chose a stable over a palace.
  • The Incarnation: Reflecting on the mystery of God becoming a helpless infant.

Life . . . as God Intended It

Sermon Summary Jesus did not just teach the truth; He embodied it. This message examines the character and conduct of Jesus as the perfect model for humanity. By observing how He handled temptation, interacted with outcasts, and obeyed the Father, we see a picture of life “as God intended it” to be lived—characterized by holiness, compassion, and grace.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Perfect Example: Emulating the lifestyle and values of Jesus.
  • Kingdom Living: Understanding the standards of righteousness Christ established.

Resting in Christ

Sermon Summary In a world of constant striving and weariness, Jesus offers a different path: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” This message addresses the spiritual rest available to those who trade the heavy yoke of legalism for the gentle yoke of Christ. We learn that true rest is found in a relationship, not a set of religious rules.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Rest: Finding relief from the burdens of guilt and self-effort.
  • The Gentle Yoke: Embracing the grace and ease of following Jesus.

The Ultimate Healer

Sermon Summary Jesus’ public ministry was characterized by a “tons of needs” and His “touches of compassion.” This message explores the healing ministry of Christ, showing His authority over sickness, demons, and nature. We see that Jesus is the ultimate healer who restores not just physical bodies, but broken souls and spirits.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Compassionate Authority: How Jesus used His power to serve the suffering.
  • Restoration: Recognizing Christ’s power to make all things new.

Analysis of a Courtroom Fiasco

Sermon Summary The trials of Jesus were a “courtroom fiasco”—a travesty of justice marked by false witnesses and political maneuvering. This message analyzes the religious and civil trials of Christ. Chuck explores the dignity and silence of Jesus in the face of mockery, highlighting His absolute commitment to the Father’s plan for our redemption.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Unjust Judgment: The illegalities and corruption of the trials of Christ.
  • The Lamb’s Silence: Christ’s resolve to fulfill His sacrificial mission.

Not to Worry . . . He Is Risen!

Sermon Summary The cross was not the end; the tomb is empty! This message celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see how the victory over death turned a group of hiding, fearful disciples into a bold force that changed the world. Because He is risen, we have a sure hope that death has been defeated forever.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Empty Tomb: The historical and spiritual reality of the resurrection.
  • Victory Over Death: Why the risen Savior is the anchor for our hope.

Watching for Jesus in the Air

Sermon Summary The series concludes with the promise of Christ’s return. Just as He ascended into heaven, He will return “in the air” for His people. This message encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, “watching” for the return of our King and remaining faithful in the tasks He has given us until we see Him face to face.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Second Coming: The certainty of Christ’s return for His Church.
  • Eternal Vigilance: How the hope of the return motivates holy living.

Written by

Pressing On in Faith

Do you need to hit the pause button in your life?

In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll encourages you take a moment to stop what you’re doing and practice two spiritual disciplines essential for the journey of faith: remembering and preparing.

The first sermon, on Deuteronomy 8:1–5, helps you look back to remember what Christ has taught you. The second, on Hebrews 12:1–3, helps you look ahead to prepare for the course God has in store for you.


In the fast-paced rhythm of life, it is vital to occasionally “hit the pause button” and evaluate our spiritual progress. This two-part series explores two spiritual disciplines essential for a healthy journey of faith: remembering and preparing. By looking back to see God’s fingerprints on our history and looking ahead to prepare for the race set before us, we find the perspective and endurance needed to persevere. Whether you are closing one chapter of life or standing at the threshold of a new year, these messages provide a biblical framework for pressing on with confidence.

Looking Back, Let’s Remember the Journey

Sermon Summary Your past is not just a collection of random events; it is a journey marked by the presence of God. This message focuses on the discipline of remembering, as seen in Moses’ instructions to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8. Chuck discusses the importance of identifying the lessons God has taught us in the wilderness seasons of life. We learn that recognizing God’s hand in our past—His provision, His discipline, and His guidance—is the key to trusting Him with our future.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Discipline of Remembering: Intentionally identifying God’s faithfulness in your history.
  • Lessons from the Wilderness: Understanding why God allows seasons of testing and want.
  • God’s Fingerprints: Learning to see divine intervention in everyday experiences.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Deuteronomy 8:1–5

Looking Ahead, Let’s Prepare for the Race

Sermon Summary Once we have remembered the journey, we must prepare for the race that lies ahead. This message focuses on the exhortation in Hebrews 12 to run with endurance. Chuck addresses the necessity of “laying aside every encumbrance”—the weights and sins that slow us down—to focus fully on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We learn that preparing for the future requires a commitment to endurance and a refusal to become weary or lose heart.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Laying Aside Weights: Identifying the habits and distractions that hinder spiritual progress.
  • The Endurance of the Race: Why perseverance is the hallmark of the Christian life.
  • Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: Keeping Christ at the center of our future vision and motivation.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Hebrews 12:1–3

Written by

Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry

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

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

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


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

Message 1: Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry

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

Written by

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.


The Bible frequently uses family language to describe the church—we are brothers, sisters, and co-heirs with Christ, under the care of “Our Father.” Like any healthy family, God’s family is composed of individuals at different stages of development. In this 16-part series, Chuck Swindoll examines the spiritual parallels to physical growth, identifying the characteristics of newborn believers, spiritual adolescents, and mature disciples. By understanding these “ages and stages,” we can better navigate our own growth and support others as we all strive toward the ultimate goal of Christlike maturity.

Analysis of a Crop Failure

Sermon Summary Jesus, the master teacher, often used parables to illustrate deep spiritual truths. This opening message analyzes the Parable of the Sower, which Chuck calls an “analysis of a crop failure.” We learn that spiritual growth depends heavily on the condition of the heart—the “soil” in which the Word is planted. By identifying the obstacles to growth, such as the hardness of the path or the thorns of worldly worry, we can prepare ourselves to become fruitful soil for God’s Kingdom.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Master Teacher: Exploring Jesus’ use of imagery to explain spiritual receptivity.
  • The Role of the Heart: Understanding why some “crops” fail while others thrive.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Mark 4:1–20

Birth and Infancy: Survival Basics

Sermon Summary Every spiritual journey begins with a new birth. This message focuses on the “survival basics” for newborn believers. Just as physical infants require constant care and pure milk, spiritual infants need the foundational truths of God’s Word to survive and begin to grow. Chuck discusses the vulnerability of this stage and the necessity of a nurturing community to protect and feed those who are new to the faith.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The New Birth: The essential starting point for entering God’s family.
  • Spiritual Nourishment: Why foundational doctrine is “milk” for the infant soul.

Look . . . I’m Walking!

Sermon Summary There is a thrilling moment in every believer’s life when they take their first stable steps in the faith. This message explores the transition from infancy to early childhood. We learn that “walking” in the Spirit involves a new level of coordination between hearing the Word and applying it. Chuck encourages those who are beginning to find their spiritual footing, emphasizing the importance of consistency and dependence on the Father’s hand.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Active Application: Moving from passive hearing to active walking in truth.
  • Spiritual Coordination: Learning to balance grace and obedience in daily life.

Adolescents in Adult Bodies

Sermon Summary One of the most challenging stages in God’s family is spiritual adolescence. This message addresses the phenomenon of “adolescents in adult bodies”—believers who have been in the church for years but still exhibit the volatility and self-centeredness of a teenager. Chuck discusses the symptoms of spiritual immaturity and the necessity of pushing through this awkward stage to reach a stable, selfless maturity.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Symptoms of Immaturity: Identifying the “childish things” that hinder spiritual progress.
  • The Stagnation Trap: Why some believers remain stuck in a state of perpetual adolescence.

When Peter Pan Comes to Church

Sermon Summary “Peter Pan” is the boy who never wanted to grow up, and sadly, his spirit is often found in the church. This message explores the resistance many feel toward becoming spiritually mature. Chuck warns against the desire to remain in a state of “carefree” irresponsibility. We learn that true maturity involves taking on the burdens of others and accepting the responsibilities that come with being a seasoned member of God’s family.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Fear of Responsibility: Why we often prefer the ease of infancy over the weight of maturity.
  • The Call to Grow Up: Understanding that spiritual maturity is a mandate, not an option.

Growing-Up Goals for Diligent Disciples

Sermon Summary The series concludes by outlining the “growing-up goals” for every diligent disciple. Chuck summarizes the hallmarks of a mature believer: a stable walk, a selfless heart, and a deep, intimate relationship with the Father. We are encouraged to keep pressing forward, realizing that growth is a lifelong process that requires diligence, grace, and a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Hallmarks of Maturity: Identifying the visible traits of a seasoned saint.
  • Diligent Discipleship: The intentional effort required to reach spiritual goals.

Written by

How Great Is Our God!

Everything—where we pin our hopes, how we raise our children, what we do in times of joy or sorrow, everything we aspire to, think, and believe—boils down to how we answer one question: Who is God?

In this series, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God the Father, the humility and self-sacrificing love of the Son, and the ministry and counsel only the Holy Spirit can provide. These messages provide an anchor of biblical hope in God for believers in times of both tumult and peace.


Every aspect of our lives—how we face trials, how we celebrate joys, and how we view our purpose—is determined by how we answer one central question: Who is God? In this 12-part theological survey, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the majestic attributes of the Trinity. From the holiness and glory of God the Father to the sacrificial love of the Son and the active ministry of the Holy Spirit, these messages provide a firm biblical anchor. This series is designed to reacquaint believers with the magnitude of the God they serve, offering hope and stability in an ever-changing world.

1. The Glory of God (Isaiah 42:5–8; 2 Chronicles 26)

  • Overview: Addresses the independent and unchanging nature of God’s glory. Chuck explains that God’s glory exists regardless of human awareness, serving as the ultimate standard for the universe.
  • Key Fact: God is inherently glorious; our role is not to “give” Him glory, but to recognize and reflect it.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another.”

2. The Holiness of God

  • Overview: Explores the “otherness” and absolute purity of God. Understanding God’s holiness is the necessary foundation for understanding our need for grace and the magnitude of the Gospel.
  • Key Fact: God’s holiness means He is entirely set apart from sin and is the source of all moral perfection.

3. The Love of God

  • Overview: Focuses on the “steadfast love” (Chesed) of God. This message reassures believers that God’s love is not based on our performance, but on His eternal character and commitment to His children.
  • Key Fact: God’s love is an active, pursuing force that remains constant even when we are unfaithful.

4. The Grace of God

  • Overview: Defines grace as God’s unmerited favor. Chuck explores how grace provides what we cannot earn and removes the debt we cannot pay, serving as the “fuel” for the Christian life.
  • Key Fact: Grace is the ultimate expression of God’s kindness toward those who deserve His judgment.

5. The Servant Who Came

  • Overview: Shifts the focus to the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Chuck highlights the humility of the Son, who set aside His divine prerogatives to take on the form of a bond-servant for our sake.
  • Key Fact: True greatness is found in service, as modeled by the King who came not to be served, but to serve.

6. The Cup That He Drank

  • Overview: A deep look at Gethsemane and the “cup” of God’s wrath that Jesus voluntarily accepted. It highlights the intense emotional and spiritual cost of our redemption.
  • Key Fact: Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will in the garden ensured our rescue from the judgment we deserved.

7. The Lamb That Was Slaughtered

  • Overview: Explores the substitutionary atonement. Jesus is the final and perfect Lamb whose sacrifice once and for all satisfies the requirements of God’s justice.
  • Key Fact: Our peace with God is secured through the blood of the Lamb, which covers and cleanses every sin.

8. The Cross We Proclaim

  • Overview: Focuses on the central message of the Christian faith. Chuck argues that the cross is not just a historical event, but a present power that defines our identity and our message to the world.
  • Key Fact: The cross is the ultimate intersection of God’s perfect justice and His perfect love.

9. Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power

  • Overview: Introduces the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Chuck encourages believers to move past confusion or neglect of the Spirit and to recognize Him as the source of supernatural power for daily living.
  • Key Fact: The Holy Spirit is a Person to be known and relied upon, not merely a force to be used.

10. What Does Being ”Filled with the Spirit” Mean?

  • Overview: Provides a practical, biblical definition of the “Spirit-filled” life. Chuck clarifies that being filled is about control—yielding our will to the Spirit’s direction.
  • Key Fact: To be filled with the Spirit is to be so dominated by His influence that our character reflects the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit.”

11. Those Unidentified Inner Promptings

  • Overview: Discusses the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Chuck offers wisdom for discerning those “nudges” and promptings of the Spirit in our decision-making and interactions.
  • Key Fact: Learning to listen to the Spirit’s promptings is a key discipline of spiritual maturity and obedience.

12. The Spirit’s Most Significant Mission

  • Overview: The series concludes by highlighting the Spirit’s primary goal: to glorify Jesus Christ. The Spirit works in us to make the presence and character of Jesus visible to the world.
  • Key Fact: The most “Spirit-filled” person is the one whose life most clearly points others toward Jesus.

Written by

Rules for Running a Rewarding Race

Are you the worrying type—fearful of the possibilities tomorrow may hold but also grieving mistakes of the past? As we stand at the beginning of a new year, we must admit that we can’t predict the future and we can’t change the past. Trying to do either is a waste of time and energy.

Join Chuck Swindoll for his New Year message and learn from Philippians 3 and Hebrews 12 how to keep your eyes focused on Jesus and run your race of faith this year.


Many people spend their lives either paralyzed by the fear of an unpredictable future or weighed down by the grief of past mistakes. In this focused New Year’s message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll uses the imagery of an athletic race to provide a strategy for spiritual endurance. By applying the “rules” found in the writings of Paul and the author of Hebrews, Chuck teaches us how to strip away the distractions of “yesterday” and “tomorrow” so we can run with purpose and focus in the “today” that God has provided.

1. Rules for Running a Rewarding Race (Hebrews 12:1–2; Philippians 3:12–14)

  • Overview: Addresses the spiritual exhaustion that comes from carrying unnecessary baggage. Chuck identifies the two primary weights: an unchangeable past and an unpredictable future. He encourages believers to “lay aside every encumbrance” and focus exclusively on the “Author and Perfecter” of our faith.
  • Key Fact: A rewarding race is not won by the fastest runner, but by the one who stays in their lane and keeps their eyes fixed on Jesus.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 – “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Written by

Supernatural Living in a Secular World

What is supernatural living? Freedom from sin. Victorious living. Persevering through suffering. As believers in Christ, freedom, victory, and perseverance are parts of our rightful inheritance, but many of us instead find ourselves still shackled to sin.

Supernatural living is possible—in Christ. Chuck Swindoll invites us to experience Supernatural Living in a Secular World—a series that helps us put into practice the principles of Romans 6–8, break the bonds of sin, persevere in times of testing, and place our trust in providential God.


As believers, we are called to live a life that is distinct from the world around us—a life defined by freedom from sin, victory over trials, and a supernatural peace. In this 5-part study of Romans 6–8, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how we can move from being “shackled to sin” to living out our rightful inheritance in Christ. This series provides the biblical keys to understanding our new identity, handling spiritual frustration, and trusting in God’s providential care.

1. Dying to Live (Romans 6:1–14)

  • Overview: Explores the theological reality of our union with Christ. Because we have “died” with Him to sin, we are no longer slaves to our old nature but are alive to God.
  • Key Fact: Victory over sin begins with “knowing” our position in Christ, “considering” ourselves dead to sin, and “presenting” our members as instruments of righteousness.
  • Scripture: Romans 6:11 – “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

2. Portrait of a Struggling Christian (Romans 7:14–25)

  • Overview: Addresses the universal frustration of the “inner war”—wanting to do good but finding ourselves doing the very thing we hate.
  • Key Fact: Romans 7 is not a portrait of a failure, but of a maturing believer who has realized that their own willpower is insufficient to conquer the flesh.
  • Scripture: Romans 7:24–25 – “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

3. Let’s Talk about Our Walk (Romans 8:1–17)

  • Overview: Shifts from the struggle of the flesh to the power of the Spirit. This message explores what it means to “walk according to the Spirit” and the assurance that comes from being God’s adopted children.
  • Key Fact: There is now “no condemnation” for those in Christ, and the Holy Spirit provides the internal power to put to death the deeds of the body.
  • Scripture: Romans 8:1 – “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

4. Glorying and Groaning (Romans 8:18–30)

  • Overview: Connects our present suffering to our future glory. Chuck discusses how the “groaning” of creation and the believer is met by the “interceding” of the Holy Spirit.
  • Key Fact: Our current trials are “not worthy to be compared” with the glory that will be revealed in us.
  • Scripture: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.”

5. Providence Made Practical (Romans 8:31–39)

  • Overview: The series conclusion, focusing on the unshakeable security of the believer. If God is for us, no one and nothing can successfully stand against us.
  • Key Fact: Nothing—neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities—has the power to separate the believer from the love of God in Christ.
  • Scripture: Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

Written by

© 2026 Insight for Living. All rights reserved.