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Fullness of Grace

You will be irresistibly moved to worship and wonder as you listen to Fullness of Grace, featuring the incredible choir and orchestra of Stonebriar Community Church with guest soloists and Chuck Swindoll’s message, “It’s Christmas . . . So?” Sing along with the Christ-centered hymns. Reflect on the humble beginnings of our Savior. And rejoice that the Son of God is also Immanuel—the greatest gift we could hope for.


Christmas is a season of profound “worship and wonder.” In this special holiday broadcast, you are invited to a “front-row seat” in the sanctuary of Stonebriar Community Church for a Christmas concert featuring a full choir, orchestra, and guest soloists. Central to the broadcast is a challenging message from Pastor Chuck Swindoll that cuts through the holiday noise to ask a vital question: “It’s Christmas… So?” This series is designed to move the listener beyond sentimentality toward a deep rejoicing in the reality of Immanuel—God with us.

1. It’s Christmas . . . So? (Christmas Message)

  • Overview: Pastor Chuck delivers a compelling message in the midst of a worship concert. He reflects on the humble beginnings of the Savior and asks the listener to consider the personal implications of the Incarnation.
  • Key Fact: The “Fullness of Grace” is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the greatest gift humanity could ever receive.
  • Scripture: John 1:14, 16 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us… For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Common Questions: Fullness of Grace

1. What is the main theme of the “Fullness of Grace” concert? The theme is a “Journey through Grace.” Through a combination of Christ-centered hymns and biblical narrative, the program seeks to move listeners to reflect on the preparation for, and the arrival of, the Messiah. It focuses on the “wonder” of God entering human history.

2. What does Pastor Chuck mean by the question, “It’s Christmas… So?” In his message, Chuck challenges the audience to move beyond the traditional “routines” of Christmas. The “So?” is a call to application: Because the Son of God became man, how should our lives change? How should our perspective on suffering, grace, and eternity be altered by the fact that Immanuel has come?

3. Is this series primarily music or a sermon? It is a unique “blend.” While the concert features high-quality orchestral and choral music, the message by Pastor Chuck is the theological anchor of the broadcast. It is an “immersion experience” where the music prepares the heart for the truth of the Word.

4. How does this series define “Immanuel”? Immanuel is defined as “The Greatest Gift.” It refers to the fact that God did not remain distant, but became “God with us.” The series emphasizes that this presence provides a hope and a peace that the world cannot offer, especially during the holiday season.

5. How can I use this series to “re-center” my heart during Christmas? The broadcast encourages active participation—singing along with the hymns and reflecting on the “humble beginnings” of Jesus. By focusing on the “fullness of grace” found in Christ rather than the commercialism of the season, the listener is invited to experience a renewed sense of gratitude and worship.

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Divine Love and Grace

Every Christmas we hear the familiar story. There’s a virgin, a baby, a bewildered husband, a dirty stable, a few shepherds, and that’s all there is to it. Right?

Wrong!

Christmas represents the most magnificent message that’s ever been told. The baby born in the stable was not just any baby. He is God in the flesh—the very revelation of love and grace.

Don’t forget the real significance of the season. Join Chuck Swindoll as he reminds us that the incarnation of Christ demonstrates God’s infinite love and unconditional grace.


The familiar scenes of Christmas—the manger, the shepherds, and the stable—often mask the truly radical nature of the season. In this two-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the deeper theological meaning behind the birth of Jesus. Christmas is not just a sweet story; it is the most magnificent message ever told: God in the flesh, entering human history to reveal the full extent of His infinite love and unconditional grace.

1. God’s Astonishing Love (Philippians 2:5–11)

  • Overview: Addresses the “Why?” of the Incarnation. Chuck explores the compelling force of love that moved Jesus to leave His position in heaven, break into history, and embrace a path that led through rejection to the cross.
  • Key Fact: God’s love is astonishing because it is proactive; He moved toward us when we were at our worst.
  • Scripture: Philippians 2:7 – “…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

2. Christ’s Audacious Grace (John 1:14–17)

  • Overview: Focuses on the “fullness” of grace revealed in the person of Jesus. Chuck explains how the arrival of Christ signaled a new era where the Law met its fulfillment in the personified grace of the Son.
  • Key Fact: Grace is “audacious” because it offers a clean slate and a relationship with God to those who have no claim to it.
  • Scripture: John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

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What Every Believer Must Never Forget!

Times were hard—very hard. A corrupt government and a covetous judiciary made life miserable for all living in a nation that was once strong and stable. Idolatry was rampant, leaving the land with no spiritual vitality. What is worse, the prophets, who would normally guide the people toward righteousness, were weak and shamelessly compromising.

Most of these horrid conditions could be traced back to the failure of King Uzziah, who had once been a strong and competent leader. His extraordinary fame and success resulted in pride and arrogance. In the backwash of all this, a young, very-concerned prophet named Isaiah turned to the Lord to gain understanding. What happened to that young prophet leaves us with four truths we must never forget.


In this powerful study of Isaiah chapter 6, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Isaiah. Set against a backdrop of national corruption, political instability, and spiritual apathy, Isaiah’s vision of the Lord provides four foundational truths that act as an anchor for every believer. This message serves as a reminder that when earthly leaders fail and culture crumbles, God remains sovereign, holy, and in absolute control.

1. God and God Alone (Isaiah 6:1–9a)

  • Overview: Isaiah’s vision occurs in the year King Uzziah died—a time of great national mourning and uncertainty. In the midst of this vacuum of earthly leadership, Isaiah sees the true King seated on His throne.
  • Key Fact: The death of an earthly leader often provides the “clear air” necessary for us to see the Lord in His rightful place of authority.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:1 – “In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.”

2. The Holiness of the Lord (Isaiah 6:2–4)

  • Overview: Describes the seraphim and their cry of “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This repetition in Hebrew denotes the superlative degree, emphasizing God’s total set-apartness from sin and His absolute perfection.
  • Key Fact: God’s holiness is His defining attribute; it is the “atmosphere” of heaven and the standard to which His people are called.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:3 – “And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.'”

3. The Conviction of Sin (Isaiah 6:5)

  • Overview: When confronted with God’s holiness, Isaiah does not feel empowered or “good about himself”; he feels “undone” and deeply convicted of his own impurity.
  • Key Fact: True worship begins with a realistic assessment of our own unworthiness in the presence of a holy God.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips… for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

4. The Provision of Grace and Call to Service (Isaiah 6:6–9a)

  • Overview: God provides the solution to Isaiah’s guilt through the coal from the altar, leading to Isaiah’s immediate and voluntary response to God’s call.
  • Key Fact: God does not just convict; He cleanses. And once cleansed, the believer is ready to say, “Here am I. Send me!”
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”

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Biblical Parenting

Parenting is a privilege . . . and yet, it sometimes feels like a struggle. Whether persevering through an infant's late-night cries or grappling with a teenager's bad attitude, all parents need help. This series will throw a lifeline to moms and dads as Chuck Swindoll teaches biblical and practical principles for godly parenting.

In this practical and heart-to-heart series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the high calling of raising children. Moving beyond rigid rules, Chuck focuses on the “spirit” of the home, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child’s unique, God-given “bent,” breaking generational cycles of unhealthy behavior, and fostering an environment of grace and delight.

Message 1: Discovering Your Child and Yourself

  • Overview: Parenting begins with self-awareness. This message explores how a parent’s own temperament and history impact their children, and the importance of “studying” each child to understand their unique personality.
  • Key Fact: Effective parenting requires a “discovery” mindset—treating each child as a unique puzzle to be solved rather than a project to be managed.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:13–16

Message 2: The Bents in Your Baby

  • Overview: A deep dive into the most famous parenting verse in the Bible. Chuck explains that “the way he should go” refers to a child’s natural inclinations and God-given design.
  • Key Fact: Training a child according to their “bent” means aligning our discipline and encouragement with their natural strengths rather than trying to force them into a mold.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:6

Message 3: Straightening Granddad’s Bent

  • Overview: This message addresses the reality of generational patterns. Chuck discusses how to identify and “straighten” the negative habits or sins that have been passed down through family lines.
  • Key Fact: Breaking a family cycle requires an intentional, biblical intervention to prevent the “sins of the fathers” from affecting the next generation.
  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 34:6–7

Message 4: Unpacking Our ”Ancestral Baggage”

  • Overview: Every parent brings “luggage” from their own upbringing into their new home. Chuck provides a roadmap for unpacking and discarding the emotional and spiritual baggage that hinders healthy parenting.
  • Key Fact: The first step toward parenting freedom is identifying which of your reactions are rooted in your past rather than your child’s current behavior.
  • Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 18:14–17

Message 5: Shaping the Will with Wisdom

  • Overview: Chuck explores the delicate balance between discipline and spirit. This message focuses on how to shape a child’s will through consistent, wise discipline without crushing their spirit.
  • Key Fact: Biblical discipline is a proactive investment in a child’s future character, not a reactive vent for a parent’s frustration.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 13:24

Message 6: Delighting in Your Children

  • Overview: Parenting should not be a drudgery. Chuck encourages parents to recapture the joy of family life by learning to truly “delight” in the gift of their children.
  • Key Fact: A child’s sense of security is deeply tied to the visible delight and approval they see in their parents’ eyes.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 127:3–5

Message 7: Delightful Memories Your Children Won’t Forget

  • Overview: This message emphasizes the importance of legacy. Chuck discusses how to intentionally build “memorials of delight” through traditions, laughter, and shared experiences.
  • Key Fact: Traditions and positive memories serve as emotional “anchors” that keep children grounded in their faith and family identity as they grow.
  • Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Message 8: When the Fun Stops for Parents

  • Overview: An encouraging word for parents facing the “tough stuff”—seasons of rebellion, exhaustion, or disappointment where the joy of parenting seems to have vanished.
  • Key Fact: Perseverance in parenting is a spiritual discipline; God provides special grace for the seasons when parenting feels more like a battle than a blessing.
  • Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:9; Lamentations 3:22–23

Message 9: Resolving Those Parent-Child Conflicts

  • Overview: Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Chuck outlines a biblical process for resolving tension and restoring harmony between parents and children.
  • Key Fact: Reconciliation is more important than “winning” an argument; humble parents who can admit they are wrong model the Gospel for their children.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:1–4

Message 10: Accepting Reproof from Those Who Love Us

  • Overview: A message on the humility of a parent. Chuck discusses the value of being open to correction and feedback from spouses, mentors, and even our own children.
  • Key Fact: A teachable parent is much more likely to raise a teachable child; modeling humility is the most effective way to teach it.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 15:31–32

Message 11: Suggestions for Parenting Grown-Up Kids

  • Overview: As children reach adulthood, the parenting role must shift from “coach” to “consultant.” Chuck provides wisdom for navigating this complex and often difficult transition.
  • Key Fact: Influence with adult children is based on relationship and respect, not on the authority or control that characterized the childhood years.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 17:6

Message 12: What to Do When You’ve Blown It

  • Overview: The series concludes with a message of hope for parents who feel they have failed. Chuck explains that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and begin a process of restoration.
  • Key Fact: God is the God of the “second chance,” and His grace is sufficient to cover our parenting mistakes and heal family rifts.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9; Joel 2:25–26

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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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