John

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.

Message 1: The Glory of God

• Summary: This message explores the “shekinah” glory of God—the visible manifestation of His presence. It challenges the believer to move beyond a small, manageable view of God and instead stand in awe of His overwhelming majesty and weightiness.
• Key Facts: God’s glory is the sum total of all His attributes; it is the “weight” of His character that demands our reverence.
• Scripture: Psalm 19:1; Exodus 33:18–23; Isaiah 6:1–3.

Message 2: The Holiness of God

• Summary: Holiness is the attribute that sets God apart from everything else. This overview discusses the absolute purity of God and why His moral perfection is the foundation for all other divine traits.
• Key Facts: To be holy means to be “separate” or “cut off” from sin; God’s holiness provides the standard for human righteousness.
• Scripture: Isaiah 6:1–8; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Habakkuk 1:13.

Message 3: The Love of God

• Summary: Unlike human love, which is often conditional, God’s love is an extension of His essence. This message focuses on the “agape” love of God—a choice-driven, sacrificial affection that reached out to us while we were still sinners.
• Key Facts: God does not just “have” love; He is love. His love is eternal, unchanging, and independent of the object being loved.
• Scripture: 1 John 4:7–19; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17–19.

Message 4: The Grace of God

• Summary: Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor,” but this message dives deeper into how God’s grace provides what we cannot earn and do not deserve. It contrasts the Law with the freedom found in the gift of God.
• Key Facts: Grace is the answer to human helplessness; it is the bridge between a holy God and a sinful humanity.
• Scripture: Ephesians 2:1–10; Titus 2:11–14; Romans 3:24.

Message 5: The Cup That He Drank

• Summary: Focusing on the agony of Gethsemane, this message examines the “cup” of divine wrath that Jesus agreed to drink. It highlights the immense cost of our redemption and the submission of the Son to the Father’s will.
• Key Facts: The “cup” represents the concentrated judgment of God against sin; Jesus’ choice to drink it was the ultimate act of obedience.
• Scripture: Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 22:39–46; Isaiah 51:17.

Message 6: The Servant who Came

• Summary: This overview looks at the “Kenosis”—the self-emptying of Christ. Though He was God, He took on the form of a bondservant, modeling the humility that should characterize every follower of Christ.
• Key Facts: True greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by service, not status; Jesus is the “Suffering Servant” prophesied in the Old Testament.
• Scripture: Philippians 2:5–11; Isaiah 53:1–12; Mark 10:45.

Message 7: The Lamb That Was Slaughtered

• Summary: Drawing from the Passover tradition, this message explains why Jesus is the “Lamb of God.” It details the necessity of a blood sacrifice for the atonement of sins and the finality of Christ’s work on the cross.
• Key Facts: Sacrifice is the only way to satisfy divine justice; Jesus is the perfect, spotless fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
• Scripture: John 1:29; Revelation 5:6–14; 1 Peter 1:18–20.

Message 8: The Cross We Proclaim

• Summary: The cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. This message discusses why the “message of the cross” is foolishness to the world but the power of God to those who are being saved.
• Key Facts: The cross is where God’s justice and God’s love met; it is the only basis for a believer’s boast.
• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:13–15.

Message 9: Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power

• Summary: Many Christians live as though the Holy Spirit is a vague force rather than a Person. This message introduces the Spirit as our Comforter, Advocate, and the source of supernatural power for daily living.
• Key Facts: The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, equal in essence to the Father and the Son; He is the “Helper” promised by Jesus.
• Scripture: John 14:16–17; John 16:7–15; Acts 1:8.

Message 10: What Does Being ”Filled with the Spirit” Mean?

• Summary: This overview clarifies the difference between the “baptism” of the Spirit and the “filling” of the Spirit. It focuses on the command to be continually under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit.
• Key Facts: Being filled with the Spirit is a command to be obeyed, not just a feeling to be sought; it results in the “fruit of the Spirit” in a believer’s life.
• Scripture: Ephesians 5:18–21; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:16.

Message 11: Those Unidentified Inner Promptings

• Summary: How do we distinguish the leading of the Holy Spirit from our own thoughts or emotions? This message provides biblical filters to identify the quiet, inner promptings of God in our decision-making process.
• Key Facts: The Spirit will never lead in a direction contrary to the Word of God; inner peace and biblical alignment are key indicators of the Spirit’s leading.
• Scripture: Romans 8:14–16; 1 Kings 19:11–13; Psalm 32:8.

Message 12: The Spirit’s Most Significant Mission

• Summary: The series concludes by emphasizing that the Holy Spirit’s primary mission is to glorify Jesus Christ. He does this by convicting the world of sin and empowering the church to bear witness to the Gospel.
• Key Facts: The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but always points toward the Son; His mission is to make the presence of Jesus real to the believer.
• Scripture: John 16:13–14; Acts 4:31; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18.