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Holiday Message 2012

How to Enjoy Unhurried Holidays for a Change

Stress often characterizes the Christmas season. We race from work to the mall to a holiday party and finally collapse in bed from exhaustion. But it need not be that way!

In this Insight for Living audio series, From Heaven to Earth: The Story of Christ’s Coming, Chuck Swindoll reminds us that before the dawn of time, our triune God set in motion the unhurried plan of redemption that included Jesus’s arrival on Christmas Day.

So, slow down and remember that God gave His Son especially for you!


Stress and exhaustion often define the Christmas season as we race through a blur of work, shopping, and social obligations. However, the story of the first Christmas was anything but rushed. In this series, Chuck Swindoll reminds us that before the dawn of time, God sovereignly set in motion a meticulous and unhurried plan of redemption. By slowing down to reflect on the unfolding of Jesus’ arrival, we can trade our holiday franticness for the peace of knowing that God gave His Son especially for us.

Message 1: Learning the Background

Sermon Summary God does not rush. Just as the morning sunrise slowly spreads its rays across the earth, God worked sovereignly through centuries of history to reveal His glory. In this message, Chuck explores the prophetic background of the Christmas story. We look at the promises made in the Old Testament and how, in the “fullness of time,” God sent His Son to redeem those under the law. Understanding this historical and spiritual backdrop helps us appreciate the deliberate pace of God’s grace.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Recognizing that God is never in a hurry and always in control.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: How the arrival of Christ was the climax of centuries of specific promises.
  • The Fullness of Time: Understanding God’s perfect timing in the plan of redemption.

Primary Scripture References

  • Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7: Ancient prophecies of the virgin birth and the coming King.
  • Galatians 4:4–5: The declaration of God’s perfect timing in sending His Son.

Message 2: Hearing the Message

Sermon Summary The arrival of the Messiah was accompanied by specific messages delivered to ordinary people. This message focuses on the announcements made to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Chuck discusses the importance of listening for God’s voice in the midst of life’s noise. We see that when God speaks, His message is one of comfort, direction, and “good news of great joy,” calling us to respond with faith and obedience.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Clarity of God’s Word: How the Lord communicates His plan to those who are listening.
  • Responding in Faith: The examples of Mary and Joseph in accepting God’s call.

Message 3: Birthing the Baby

Sermon Summary The “Word made flesh” arrived in the most humble of circumstances. This message explores the reality of the Incarnation—the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Chuck helps us stand in awe of the humility of the Son of God, who traded the glories of heaven for a manger. This pivotal moment in history proves that God is not distant; He has come to dwell among us in our brokenness.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Humility of the Incarnation: Reflecting on the lowliness of Christ’s birth.
  • God with Us: The significance of “Immanuel” and God’s physical presence on earth.

Message 4: Unwrapping the Gift

Sermon Summary A gift is only beneficial if it is received and unwrapped. In the series finale, Chuck challenges us to move beyond the traditions of the season to personally unwrap the gift of Jesus Christ. We explore what it means to accept the salvation, peace, and joy that Christ offers. This message is an invitation to start the New Year not just with a new calendar, but with a new life found in the Savior.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Personal Reception: The necessity of accepting God’s gift for ourselves.
  • The Benefits of the Gospel: Understanding the lasting peace and hope that come through Christ.

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Resolving Family Conflicts

Conflicts are inevitable in every family. Sometimes busy and preoccupied parents create conflict. At other times, children act selfishly, respond angrily, or flat-out rebel against their parents. When conflicts remain unresolved, there can be a permanent breakdown in relationships that time alone will not heal.

This two-part series by Chuck Swindoll gives down-to-earth advice from the Bible on how to resolve family conflicts. Urging us to combine tough love with tender hearts, these messages offer a realistic road to that reconciliation we long for.


Conflict is an inevitable part of every family. Whether it stems from preoccupied parents or rebellious children, unresolved tension can lead to a permanent breakdown in relationships. In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll offers realistic, biblically-based advice on how to bridge the gap. By combining “tough love” with “tender hearts,” these messages provide a roadmap to reconciliation, reminding us that no family is beyond the reach of God’s restorative grace.

Message 1. When the Fun Stops for Parents (1 Samuel 15:22–23; Luke 15:11–24)

  • Overview: Addresses the painful reality of parenting children who have moved from infancy to independence and have chosen a path of rebellion. Chuck uses the story of the Prodigal Son to illustrate the balance of discipline and waiting.
  • Key Fact: Parenting through rebellion requires a “straight-talk” approach that doesn’t compromise on truth, but maintains an open door for repentance.
  • Scripture: Luke 15:20 – “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him…”

Message 2. Resolving Those Parent/Child Conflicts (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Provides down-to-earth advice for the everyday friction between parents and children. Chuck encourages parents to examine their own role in the conflict—such as being overly preoccupied—and offers steps for humble reconciliation.
  • Key Fact: Time alone does not heal family wounds; it requires intentional, humble actions from both sides to restore harmony.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

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New Years 2012 Messages

The arrival of the New Year often puts us in the mood to evaluate—to look back over the previous year and think about where we’ve been or to look forward to the coming year and consider where we’re going. Chuck Swindoll’s two messages in this mini-series will spur you to carefully consider how you’ve spent this past year and encourage you to seek the Lord’s direction for the year to come.


The transition into a new year is a spiritual “crossroads” that calls for intentionality rather than just a turn of the calendar page. In this two-part mini-series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll uses the simple logic we teach children at a street corner—Stop, Look, and Listen—to help believers evaluate the past year and seek God’s direction for the future. These messages provide the biblical “musts” for maintaining a focused, peaceful, and productive life in the year to come.

1. Time to Reflect and Renew (Philippians 4:4–9; James 4:13–15)

  • Overview: Explores the danger of living life on “auto-pilot.” Chuck encourages us to Stop and assess God’s movements, Look for His new directions, and Listen for His voice through the Word.
  • Key Fact: Reflection is the bridge between a cluttered past and a renewed future. Without it, we are prone to repeating the same spiritual mistakes.
  • Scripture: James 4:15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'”

2. Three Musts for a New Year (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Identifies three essential disciplines for the coming year: maintaining a spirit of joy, practicing the presence of God, and focusing on things that are true and honorable.
  • Key Fact: A successful year isn’t measured by the achievement of resolutions, but by the consistency of our walk with Christ.
  • Scripture: Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable… dwell on these things.”

Common Questions: New Year’s 2012 Messages

1. Why does Chuck use the “Stop, Look, and Listen” analogy? In “Time to Reflect and Renew,” this analogy is used to combat the frantic pace of modern life. Just as children are safe when they pause at an intersection, believers find spiritual safety when they pause to “Stop” their business, “Look” at their circumstances through God’s eyes, and “Listen” to His specific counsel.

2. How do I avoid making “arrogant” plans for the new year? Drawing from James 4, Chuck warns against the presumption of “Tomorrow we will go to such and such a city.” We avoid arrogance by submitting our plans to the sovereignty of God, always holding our goals with an open hand and the prayer, “If the Lord wills.”

3. What are the “Three Musts” mentioned in the second message? While the specific message elaborates on them, they generally center on:

  1. Joy: Choosing a posture of praise regardless of circumstances.
  2. Prayer: Maintaining a constant “open line” to the Father.
  3. Focus: Intentionally filling the mind with biblical truth rather than cultural noise.

4. How can I “renew” my commitment when I feel spiritually exhausted? Renewal comes from a shift in focus. Instead of trying harder, the series suggests “dwelling” on the things listed in Philippians 4:8. By filling the mind with what is “excellent and worthy of praise,” the heart is naturally invigorated.

5. What is the most important “intersection” to watch for this year? The most important intersection is where your will meets God’s will. The series encourages believers to look for those moments where God may be calling them to a new direction or a deeper level of surrender.

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Easter 2011

Easter and hope are synonymous, serving as a refreshing annual reminder that there is a glorious, eternal life beyond this one. In this series, Chuck Swindoll addresses those living on the “outskirts of hope”—those facing the “ruthless thief” of death, the weight of grief, or the grinding reality of chronic illness. Easter 2011 presents the resurrection not just as a historical fact, but as a “hope transfusion” that silences the message of skeptics and rejuvenates the believer’s desire to press on despite life’s obstacles.

A Night of Unbearable Sadness

Sermon Summary Before the joy of the empty tomb, there was the unbearable sadness of Gethsemane and Golgotha. This message focuses on the final hours of Jesus’ life, exploring the physical and spiritual agony He endured for our sake. Chuck discusses the weight of the “cup” Jesus prayed over and the ultimate sacrifice of the cross. We learn that it was in this deepest darkness that the light of our salvation was forged, as the sinless Son of God took on the burden of our guilt.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Agony of the Cup: Understanding the internal struggle of Christ in the garden.
  • The Cost of Redemption: Reflecting on the price paid for our forgiveness.
  • Submission to the Father: Following Jesus’ example of absolute surrender to God’s will.

A Morning of Unimaginable Joy

Sermon Summary Sadness endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. This message focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the event that changed everything. Chuck explores the scene at the empty tomb and the unimaginable joy experienced by the disciples and the women who first witnessed the miracle. We see that the resurrection is the “shout of triumph” that proves death is not the end. For the believer, this morning provides a living hope that can never be extinguished.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Victory Over the Grave: The historical and spiritual reality of the empty tomb.
  • The Transformation of Fear: How the resurrection turned cowards into courageous witnesses.
  • A Living Hope: Why the risen Christ is the anchor for our souls today.

A Day of Unusual Celebration

Sermon Summary The story does not end with the empty tomb; it continues with the Ascension. This message explores the “unusual celebration” that took place as Jesus returned to His Father in heaven. Chuck discusses the significance of the Ascension—marking the completion of Christ’s earthly work and the beginning of His session at the right hand of God as our Advocate. We are encouraged that while Jesus is physically gone, His presence and power remain through the Holy Spirit, and His return is certain.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Ascension of Christ: Understanding the theological importance of Jesus’ return to glory.
  • Christ Our Advocate: The ongoing ministry of Jesus as He intercedes for us in heaven.
  • The Promise of the Return: Living with the joyful expectation that our King is coming back.

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Three "Musts" for a New Year

Whenever a new year draws near, most of us follow certain routines to get ready for the upcoming twelve months. Some of us make resolutions—promises of what we’d like to start doing and what we’d like to stop doing. Others of us look over a calendar of the new year, jotting down notes to help us remember significant dates—birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. Others have different routines, but all of us look forward to a new year with the hope that our lives will be lived with purpose. No one wants to look back at the end of the year and see squandered time. No one wants to drift aimlessly through life, doing things that don’t have some lasting value. The difficulty lies in the fact that many of us simply don’t know what we need to do to give life purpose. Well, Jesus has three answers—three “musts”—for each of us.


A new year offers a landscape of fresh possibilities, yet many people find themselves drifting aimlessly or squandering time on things without lasting value. In this essential New Year’s message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores Jesus’ own “marching orders” for those who want to live with intentional purpose. By looking at a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke, Chuck identifies three non-negotiable requirements for every disciple who desires to make the coming twelve months truly count for eternity.

1. Three Musts for a New Year (Luke 9:22–25)

  • Overview: Addresses the universal desire for a purposeful life. Jesus provides three specific commands—the “musts”—that define true discipleship: denying oneself, taking up the cross daily, and following Him.
  • Key Fact: Purpose is not found in self-fulfillment or personal resolutions, but in the radical surrender of our will to the Lordship of Christ.
  • Scripture: Luke 9:23 – “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'”

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Holiday Message 2010

It’s sad but true—the retelling of the story of the first Christmas is often dull and dusty in its familiarity. Yet the truth in this historical account has the power to ignite your faith and imagination.

Hear the real-life drama behind the well-known narrative unfold in this special four-part series from Chuck Swindoll. You won’t just hear about the first Christmas; you’ll be inspired to jump into the story yourself and stand beside Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and a temple rabbi.

Let your imagination be stirred as you experience the old, old story in all its excitement and wonder. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?


The story of the first Christmas is often tucked away in a corner of our minds, covered in the dust of over-familiarity. However, the historical truth of Christ’s arrival has the power to ignite our faith when we engage our imaginations. In this special four-part series, Chuck Swindoll invites us to step out of the audience and into the real-life drama of the Nativity. By standing beside those who witnessed these events firsthand, we can experience the old, old story with a fresh sense of excitement, wonder, and profound spiritual impact.

What If You Had Been Mary?

Sermon Summary Listening to the Word without imagination can be a dry and pointless exercise. Imagination brings life and color to truth. This message invites us to place ourselves in the position of a young girl in Nazareth named Mary. Chuck explores the shock, the fear, and the ultimate surrender Mary experienced when the angel Gabriel announced she would bear the Son of God. We learn that following God’s call often involves a mix of great mystery and personal sacrifice, requiring a heart that is fully yielded to His sovereign plan.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Power of Imagination: Using our minds to bring “life and color” to the biblical narrative.
  • Yielded Obedience: Recognizing the incredible faith required for Mary to say “Yes” to God.
  • Divine Mystery: Understanding that God’s plans often surpass our human logic.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Luke 1:26–38

Consider How Joseph Must Have Felt

Sermon Summary Joseph is often the “forgotten man” of the Christmas story, yet his role was critical. This message explores the internal conflict Joseph faced when he discovered Mary was pregnant. By imagining Joseph’s thoughts—his initial heartbreak, his sense of betrayal, and his quiet integrity—we gain a deeper appreciation for the man God chose to be the earthly father of Jesus. We learn the importance of listening for God’s guidance in our dreams and our crises, choosing to obey even when it costs us our reputation.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Integrity Under Pressure: How Joseph’s character was revealed in his response to Mary’s situation.
  • Quiet Obedience: The significance of Joseph’s willingness to follow God’s lead without a word recorded in Scripture.
  • The Faith of a Father: Recognizing the sacrifices made to protect the Savior.

Imagine Being One of the Shepherds

Sermon Summary On a quiet night outside Bethlehem, the heavens literally opened for a group of outcasts. This message invites us to sit by the fire with the shepherds and experience the overwhelming glory of the angelic announcement. Chuck discusses the significance of God choosing the “lowly” to receive the highest message. We see the shepherds’ immediate response of faith—hurrying to find the Baby—and their subsequent joy as they told everyone what they had seen and heard.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Grace for the Lowly: Why God chose simple shepherds as the first recipients of the Good News.
  • The Glory of God: Picturing the contrast between the darkness of the fields and the light of the heavenly host.
  • Urgent Faith: The shepherds’ example of acting immediately on the message they received.

Think of Yourself as a Temple Rabbi

Sermon Summary The series concludes by imagining the perspective of a religious insider—a temple rabbi. While the “outsiders” like shepherds were celebrating, the religious leaders were often blinded by their own traditions and expectations. This message serves as a warning against the spiritual blindness that can come from religious familiarity. We are challenged to look past our systems and rituals to see the Person of Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Blindness: The danger of missing the Messiah while holding the Scriptures.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: How Jesus’ arrival completed the story the rabbis had taught for centuries.
  • Personal Recognition: The necessity of moving beyond religious academic knowledge to a personal recognition of the Savior.

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Best of 2010

Life is rarely a smooth path. From the weight of past regrets to the tightening grip of modern anxiety, we all face seasons that threaten to steal our joy. The Best of 2010 series is a curated collection of messages designed to meet you in those difficult places. By looking at timeless biblical truths, Chuck Swindoll provides a roadmap for clearing away the “trash” of the past and standing firm when you’ve been mistreated, helping you reclaim the Christlike joy that is your inheritance.

Message 1: Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past

Sermon Overview We are all imperfect people who have “been shot” by the pain of life, and we have all “shot” and wounded others. In this deeply personal message, Charles and Cynthia Swindoll tackle the heavy burden of past guilt and shame. Cynthia shares her powerful testimony of climbing out of a five-year abyss of severe depression—a pit deepened by tragic losses, bad medical advice, ungodly counseling, and unresolved anger. Using Isaiah 58, the message outlines the biblical path to true freedom: taking full responsibility for our own actions, removing the yoke of blame, and humbly seeking forgiveness without bringing up the other person’s faults.

Key Facts

  • Personal Responsibility: You are entirely responsible for your own wrongdoings; healing begins when you stop blaming your parents, circumstances, or abusers for your current sinful reactions.
  • The Danger of Ungodly Counsel: Relying on ungodly advice that encourages you to blame others and harbor anger gives the devil an opportunity and leads to a deeper spiritual and emotional abyss.
  • The Right Kind of Fast: According to Isaiah 58, God desires a lifestyle that loosens the bonds of wickedness, removes the pointing finger of blame, and makes you vulnerable to those you have offended.
  • The Power of Forgiveness: Harboring unrealistic expectations and unforgiveness turns a person over to emotional “torturers,” but humbly asking for forgiveness restores relationships and brings profound healing.

Scripture References

  • Isaiah 58:1–12
  • Romans 3:23
  • Ephesians 4:26–27
  • John 8:31–32
  • Philippians 4:8
  • Matthew 18

Message 2: Looking Back: Clearing Away the Trash We Regret

Sermon Overview As the year turns, it is essential to look back and clear away the trash of our past regrets. Unresolved guilt and unconfessed wrongs act like swarming locusts that systematically devour our joy, productivity, and relationships. Charles R. Swindoll uses the minor prophet Joel and the lament of Psalm 31 to show that God uses the painful consequences of our actions to get our attention. However, God also offers a magnificent promise of hope: He will restore the “years the locusts have eaten” if we genuinely repent and repair the breaches we have caused. This message challenges believers to stop rationalizing their failures, put their pride in their pockets, and seek out those they have offended to make things right.

Key Facts

  • Locusts of Discipline: God uses life’s devastating consequences (symbolized by the devouring locusts in Joel) as divine discipline for our disobedience, pride, and stubbornness.
  • Start Immediately: True repentance means starting immediately without offering “plausible but untrue” rationalizations or shifting the blame for our conduct.
  • Return Completely: Repentance is incomplete if there are hidden reservations or carefully kept secrets; we must return to God completely.
  • Repent Openly: We must repent openly without hesitation, actively seeking out the individuals we have harmed to confess our faults and ask for their forgiveness.

Scripture References

  • Joel 2:12–27
  • Psalm 31:9–11
  • Exodus 10:1–6

Message 3: Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety

Sermon Overview Worry is a mental monster that kidnaps our joy, strangles our peace, and steals our sleep. Tracing the Latin and German root words for anxiety, Swindoll reveals they literally mean “to choke” or “to strangle”. This choking effect is vividly illustrated in Luke 10, when Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. While Mary sat peacefully at Jesus’ feet, Martha was distracted, frustrated, and strangled by the incidentals of hosting. Swindoll provides a self-examination of how we “add, subtract, multiply, and divide” our way into anxiety, and encourages believers to let Christ take the lead on the “tandem bike” of life.

Key Facts

  • The Strangling Nature of Worry: Anxiety highlights the human viewpoint and strangles the divine perspective, replacing faith with fear.
  • Distracted by Incidentals: Worry chokes our ability to distinguish essential priorities from incidental details, causing us to become completely distracted by temporary things.
  • The Math of Anxiety: We manufacture worry when we add unnecessary expectations, subtract God’s presence from our crises, multiply our fears with imagination (“what-ifs”), and divide our lives into secular and sacred compartments.
  • A Matter of Focus: Jesus did not rebuke Martha’s service, but her distracted, pulled-apart attitude; true peace requires focusing on the “one necessary thing” rather than being in a tumult over many demands.

Scripture References

  • Luke 10:38–42
  • Philippians 4:4–7
  • Mark 4:14–20

Message 4: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong

Sermon Overview Everyone has experienced the deep sting of being wronged by others, and our natural human instinct is to retaliate. Swindoll pairs the theological commands of Romans 12 with the gripping Old Testament narrative of David and King Saul in the cave of En-gedi. Even though an insane, jealous Saul was hunting David to kill him, David refused to take his own revenge when Saul was completely vulnerable. Believers are called to a supernatural standard: blessing those who persecute them, overcoming evil with good, and letting God handle the vengeance. Swindoll reminds us that God often uses difficult, unbroken people to crush our pride and teach us deep submission.

Key Facts

  • Resist Natural Instincts: The natural human reaction to an offense is to get even, but believers are commanded to deliberately resist this instinct and bless (speak well of) their enemies.
  • Fight the Urge to Retaliate: We must never pay back evil for evil; retaliating only intensifies the offense and disobeys God’s command to live at peace so far as it depends on us.
  • Trust God’s Justice: Believers must quietly step back and leave room for the wrath of God, trusting Him to handle all vengeance in His perfect timing.
  • The Crushing Process: God frequently uses a cruel “outer Saul” as a scalpel to painfully cut away the proud “inner Saul” hiding within our own souls.

Scripture References

  • Romans 12:14, 17–21
  • 1 Samuel 24:1–22
  • Proverbs 15:1

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The Impact of a Faithful Father

A celebration is long overdue!

Now’s the time to thank your dad for the impact he’s made on your life through all the stages and seasons of your family. For the hours he worked to make life easier for you and your family, for the headaches and the heartaches of leading your family, for the endless and quiet sacrifices, and for just doing the best that he knew how to do—thank your father.

In these two encouraging messages, Chuck Swindoll stirs up gratitude both for our fathers and for the men who have been godly examples to us. You’ll also catch a vision for how each of us can leave a lasting legacy of love, affection, affirmation, and security for those who look to us as the leaders of our generation.


Being a father is one of the highest callings a man can answer, yet it is also one of the most demanding. In this series, we pause to honor the men who lead, provide, and sacrifice for their families. Whether you are currently in the thick of parenting or looking back on the legacy of your own father, these messages offer a biblical roadmap for leaving a lasting impact of love, affirmation, and spiritual security.

Message 1: Uplifting Words for Strung-Out Dads

Sermon Summary Fatherhood can be exhausting. Between the pressures of providing and the emotional weight of leading a home, many fathers find themselves feeling “strung out” and depleted. This message serves as a foundational encouragement for the man who feels he is running on empty. We explore how to trade the frantic pace of modern life for the steady strength found in God’s grace, reminding dads that their value isn’t found in perfection, but in faithful presence.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Reality of Pressure: Acknowledging the unique stresses, headaches, and heartaches that come with family leadership.
  • A Call to Gratitude: Shifting focus from the burdens of fatherhood to the long-term rewards of a godly legacy.
  • Restoration: Finding the spiritual “second wind” necessary to stay the course when the seasons of life feel overwhelming.

Primary Scripture References

  • Psalm 127: Understanding that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
  • Matthew 11:28–30: An invitation for the weary father to find rest in Christ.

Message 2: Four Qualities in a Great Dad

Sermon Summary What defines a “great” father? It isn’t found in his bank account or his career achievements, but in the character he cultivates within the four walls of his home. In this message, we identify four essential pillars of biblical fatherhood: affection, affirmation, security, and a lasting legacy of love. By focusing on these core qualities, a father can provide a stable foundation that his children will lean on for the rest of their lives.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Affection: The importance of outward expressions of love and tenderness in a man’s home.
  • Affirmation: Using the power of words to build up a child’s confidence and sense of worth.
  • Security: Creating an environment where children feel safe—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Legacy: Understanding that the choices made today are planting seeds for future generations.

Primary Scripture References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12: Modeling the father’s role in encouraging, comforting, and urging children to live lives worthy of God.
  • Proverbs 14:26: The truth that “in the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.”

Common Questions about Biblical Fatherhood (FAQ)

What does the Bible say is the most important role of a father? While a father is called to provide and protect, the Bible emphasizes his role as a spiritual leader who guides his children toward a relationship with God (Ephesians 6:4).

How can a father show affection if he didn’t receive it growing up? Breaking the cycle begins with a conscious choice to be present and expressive. Scripture encourages us that we are “new creations” in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to model the tenderness shown to us by our Heavenly Father.

Why is affirmation so important for children? Affirmation provides the emotional “fuel” a child needs to navigate a critical world. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 2, a father’s encouragement helps a child understand their value in God’s eyes.

How can a “strung-out” dad find balance? Balance begins by prioritizing your own spiritual health. By leaning on the promises in Matthew 11, fathers can find the rest and perspective needed to lead their families without burning out.

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Getting Through the Tough Stuff

Wouldn’t it be great if our days came with a “Do Over” button?

Ever had one of those days when nothing, absolutely nothing, goes according to plan? Well, Chuck Swindoll has had his share of days he’d like to do over. But since life doesn’t come with a “Do Over” button, Chuck shares how we can make the best of our days—even if it always seems that it’s one thing or another.

In this practical series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the reality that life doesn’t come with a “do-over” button. By looking at how Jesus and biblical figures handled crises, Chuck provides a roadmap for finding hope and resilience.

Message 1. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Temptation

  • Overview: No one is immune to the pull of temptation. By examining Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness, Chuck demonstrates that temptation is not a sin, but a test of our allegiances.
  • Key Fact: Temptation often strikes at our points of greatest physical or emotional weakness (the “chink in the armor”); the primary defense is a pre-determined reliance on Scripture.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:15

Message 2. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Misunderstanding

  • Overview: Jesus was misunderstood by the religious elite, his townsfolk, and even his own family. This message offers comfort for those who feel isolated or wrongly judged.
  • Key Fact: Being misunderstood is often the price of following God’s unique call on your life. Acceptance from God is more foundational than approval from people.
  • Scripture Reference: Mark 3:21; Mark 3:1–35

Message 3. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety

  • Overview: Anxiety “strangles” our perspective. Using the story of Mary and Martha, Chuck shows how to slow down, simplify, and prioritize our relationship with Christ over “much serving.”
  • Key Fact: The “Mathematics of Worry” involves adding expectations, subtracting God’s presence, multiplying problems through imagination, and dividing life into sacred and secular.
  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6–7; Luke 10:38–42

Message 4. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Shame

  • Overview: Shame is “naked guilt”—a public exposure that whispers “you are worthless.” Chuck looks at the woman caught in adultery to show how Jesus offers grace over condemnation.
  • Key Fact: Jesus was the only person qualified to condemn the woman, yet He chose to defend her, becoming our “shame-bearer” on the cross.
  • Scripture Reference: John 8:1–11; Hebrews 12:2

Message 5. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Doubt

  • Overview: A look at “Doubting Thomas.” Chuck explains that faith does not always come easily and that God is patient with our sincere struggles to believe.
  • Key Fact: Doubt is not the opposite of faith, but an invitation to a deeper, more personal encounter with the risen Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: John 20:24–29

Message 6. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Divorce

  • Overview: Chuck provides a careful biblical analysis of marriage permanence while addressing the painful reality and grace available when a marriage breaks.
  • Key Fact: While divorce was never God’s ideal, Jesus addressed the reality of its occurrence with truth and a call to a necessary acceptance.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:3–12; Mark 10:1–12

Message 7. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Remarriage

  • Overview: This message focuses on the grace-filled possibility of a fresh start. Chuck explores the biblical parameters and the “new creature” reality for those seeking to move forward.
  • Key Fact: It is theologically inconsistent to believe Christ’s death atones for all sins except a failed marriage; God is the God of new beginnings.
  • Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 7:12–15

Message 8. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Confrontation

  • Overview: Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world. This message explores the “Jesus way” of responding to injustice and the importance of healthy, biblical confrontation.
  • Key Fact: A non-retaliatory spirit can lead to personal freedom and a more powerful witness than returning blow for blow.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 2:11–14

Message 9. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Pain

  • Overview: Explores Jesus as the “Man of Sorrows.” When we are in the crucible of physical or emotional pain, we find a Savior who is intimately acquainted with grief.
  • Key Fact: Pain signals unseen trouble and, spiritually, helps us grow into mature people of faith by teaching us daily dependence on God.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 5:7–8

Message 10. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Prejudice

  • Overview: Prejudice is a deep-seated sin problem rooted in the human heart. Chuck identifies the antidote in Christ’s interaction with the Samaritan woman.
  • Key Fact: Prejudice is a learned trait that keeps people in spiritual darkness and binds them to the past, preventing them from seeing others as God does.
  • Scripture Reference: Mark 7:18–23; Matthew 27:27–44

Message 11. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Hypocrisy

  • Overview: Chuck confronts the “disease of the soul” where religious activity becomes a theatrical performance for public applause.
  • Key Fact: A hypocrite is literally “one who speaks from behind a mask.” The remedy is an authentic life characterized by private worship rather than public display.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:1–18; Matthew 23:13–33

Message 12. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Inadequacy

  • Overview: The Great Commission was given to “frightened and incompetent” men. This message shows how God uses our weaknesses to achieve the impossible.
  • Key Fact: Our inadequacy is the “stage” upon which God displays His power through the Holy Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:16–20

Message 13. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Disqualification

  • Overview: For those who feel they have “blown it” beyond repair, Chuck shares how God’s grace is larger than our greatest failures.
  • Key Fact: Restoration is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Failure does not mean the end of one’s usefulness in the Kingdom of God.
  • Scripture Reference: John 21:15–19; Psalm 51

Message 14. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Death

  • Overview: Addressing the final “tough stuff,” Chuck provides hope for those facing the loss of a loved one or their own mortality.
  • Key Fact: Because Christ conquered the grave, death for the believer is not an end but a transition to the presence of God.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; John 11:25–26

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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…”

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