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The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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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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The Imprint of a Faithful Mother

It’s impossible to overestimate the imprint a godly mother makes on our lives. In this two-message series, Chuck Swindoll doesn’t hold back praise to God for women who have positively shaped our lives, who have taught us faithfully, and who have enduringly loved us. Soak in the encouragement if you are a mom, or pass it along to someone who has impacted your life.


It is impossible to overestimate the lifelong impact a godly mother makes. In this two-message series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll honors the women who have positively shaped our lives, taught us faithfully, and loved us enduringly. By examining the lives of remarkable women in Scripture, these messages offer deep encouragement for mothers in the trenches of parenting and provide a beautiful perspective for anyone wanting to honor the mother-figures who have left a spiritual imprint on their soul.

1. Portrait of a Remarkable Woman (Proverbs 31:10–31)

  • Overview: A celebration of the qualities that make a woman truly remarkable. Moving beyond superficial cultural standards, Chuck explores the industrious, wise, and God-fearing character of the woman described in Proverbs 31.
  • Key Fact: A remarkable woman is defined not by her perfection, but by her reverence for the Lord, which serves as the foundation for her influence and her “smile at the future.”
  • Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

2. Let’s Meet the Mother of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10; Hebrews 11:23)

  • Overview: Explores the courage and faith of Jochebed, the mother of Moses. In a time of extreme danger and cultural hostility, her trust in God allowed her to protect her son and ultimately change the course of a nation.
  • Key Fact: Jochebed’s “imprint” on Moses during his early years provided him with the spiritual identity he needed to resist the lures of Egypt later in life.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 11:23 – “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents… and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

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Family Matters: Investing in the Things That Last

Family—the source of our highest joys and our deepest disappointments. From getting along with parents to raising children, family causes some of the greatest frustrations and irritations . . . and warmest moments of happiness and love.

What are you to do with an institution that brings such sorrow and joy? You invest in it. In this unique series, Chuck Swindoll delivers five powerful messages that will challenge you to invest heavily in your family’s stock. If you do, the dividends will last a lifetime and just might be eternal.


Family life is the source of our highest joys and, at times, our deepest disappointments. In this five-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the essential values that anchor a home in a shifting culture. Moving from a reflective look at the past to a strategic plan for the future, these messages challenge families to untie the “knots” of conflict and invest in relationships that yield eternal dividends.

1. Looking Back on Things That Matter

  • Overview: A reflective, informal message where Chuck looks back on the foundational values that have anchored his own life and family. It encourages listeners to identify and preserve the core principles that define a healthy home.
  • Key Fact: Reflection is not about living in the past, but about learning from it to ensure the “legacy” we leave is one of spiritual substance.
  • Scripture: Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

2. Untying the Knots in Your Family’s Air Hose

  • Overview: Addresses the “strangling” effect of unresolved conflict and poor communication within the home. Chuck provides practical steps for identifying the “knots” and restoring the flow of grace and love.
  • Key Fact: Unresolved anger and bitterness act like a kink in an air hose—they slowly suffocate the life out of a relationship.
  • Scripture: Ephesians 4:26 – “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

3. Surviving Those Challenging Years

  • Overview: Offers encouragement and strategy for the seasons of parenting that feel most overwhelming—specifically the teenage and young adult years.
  • Key Fact: Persistence and prayer are the two most powerful tools a parent has during a child’s “wilderness” season.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

4. Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past

  • Overview: Many parents and spouses are paralyzed by the “if onlys” of their history. This message explores how to accept God’s grace and move forward with freedom and a clear conscience.
  • Key Fact: God’s grace is bigger than your parenting failures; forgiveness is the only way to break the cycle of regret.
  • Scripture: Philippians 3:13 – “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”

5. Looking Ahead to Things That Last

  • Overview: The series concludes with a forward-looking perspective, urging families to prioritize eternal investments—like character and faith—over the temporary gains of a secular world.
  • Key Fact: The greatest “inheritance” a family can leave is not financial, but spiritual.
  • Scripture: Matthew 6:20 – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.”

Common Questions: Family Matters

1. How do I start “untying the knots” if my family hasn’t spoken for years? As Pastor Chuck explains in “Untying the Knots,” it begins with one person willing to humble themselves and apologize. You can’t control their response, but you can “un-kink” your end of the hose by offering forgiveness and seeking peace.

2. What can I do if I feel like I’ve already “failed” as a parent? The message “Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past” is specifically for you. Chuck teaches that living in a state of constant regret actually hinders your ability to love your family today. Once you confess your failure to God, you must accept His forgiveness and start “investing” in the present.

3. Why is parenting so much harder today than in previous generations? While the culture has changed, the core human needs have not. The series emphasizes that even in a digital, fast-paced world, the “things that matter”—unconditional love, firm boundaries, and shared time—remain the same.

4. How do we keep our “spiritual air hose” clear? A clear air hose requires constant maintenance through honest communication and the “ventilation” of grace. It means not allowing issues to fester and choosing to believe the best about one another.

5. What does an “eternal investment” in a child look like? According to the final message, it looks like modeling a sincere walk with God. You invest in “things that last” by teaching your children how to handle failure, how to pray, and how to value people more than possessions.

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Dropping Your Guard

Don’t Let Technology Drown Out Deep Relationships!

E-mail. Internet. Video. Texting. Tablets. Smart phones. The list never ends, does it? As technology advances, real human connection becomes harder and harder. If we’re not careful, each new gadget can draw us further away from the family of believers God designed us to be.

If you want to experience a close community with other Christians, the Dropping Your Guard series by Chuck Swindoll will challenge you to escape the trap of superficiality and to develop tight bonds that will feed your soul and mature your spiritual family. Keep your relationships connected . . . by dropping your guard.


In this transformative series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the “hidden” life of the believer. Many Christians live behind high walls of protection, fearing that if they are truly known, they won’t be loved. Dropping Your Guard is a call to biblical authenticity, vulnerability, and the “shared life” that God intended for His people. By moving from isolation to intimacy, we discover the freedom that comes from being real with God and with one another.

Message 1: Digging Deeper, Risking Change (Part One)

Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces the essential need for biblical authenticity in an increasingly superficial world. This message explores the “hidden” life of the believer and the high walls of protection many Christians build to avoid being truly known. It challenges the “Lone Ranger” mentality and invites listeners to embrace the vulnerability required for genuine community.

  • Key Fact: Authentic fellowship begins only when we admit we are “cracked pots” in need of God’s grace and others’ support.
  • Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:13–16; 1 Corinthians 12:21

Message 2: Digging Deeper, Risking Change (Part Two)

Overview: Continuing the foundation of the series, this message focuses on the “ragged edge” of life and why we were never meant to walk it alone. Chuck discusses the specific risks involved in being real with others and how the rewards of intimacy—being fully known and fully loved—far outweigh the safety of isolation.

  • Key Fact: Human connection is the primary tool God uses to mature the spiritual family; without it, spiritual growth stagnates.
  • Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Message 3: Getting Closer, Growing Stronger

Overview: This sermon provides the biblical argument for “the other.” Chuck outlines the four essential benefits of community: productivity, support during failure, comfort in cold seasons, and protection during spiritual attacks. As we grow closer to one another, we inherently become stronger in our faith.

  • Key Fact: A “threefold cord” is not easily broken; intentional proximity provides a defensive shield against the enemy.
  • Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Message 4: Operation Assimilation

Overview: Moving from the “why” to the “how,” Chuck explores the process of integrating into the Body of Christ. This message addresses the fears of rejection that keep us from assimilating and highlights the beauty of a church that functions as a cohesive, supportive unit rather than a collection of strangers.

  • Key Fact: Assimilation requires a shift in focus from “What can I get?” to “How can I belong and contribute?”
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:4–5; Acts 2:42–47

Message 5: United and Invincible

Overview: Drawing from the accounts in Joshua and Psalm 133, this message illustrates that unity is a prerequisite for spiritual victory. Chuck shows that when God’s people pull together in one accord, they become a force the enemy cannot defeat. Unity is described as “precious oil” that soothes and consecrates the church.

  • Key Fact: Biblical invincibility is not about being superhuman; it is the result of God’s presence invited into harmony.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 133:1–2; Joshua 6:1–20; John 17:21–23

Message 6: When the Fellowship Breaks Down

Overview: No community is perfect, and conflicts are inevitable. Chuck addresses what happens when the “guard” is dropped and feelings are hurt. This message provides a roadmap for restoration, focusing on the need for a spirit of gentleness and the humility to admit when we are wrong.

  • Key Fact: Broken relationships are worth the “restoration cost”; the longer a breakdown lasts, the deeper the spiritual impact.
  • Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1–5; Matthew 5:23–24

Message 7: Authentic Love

Overview: This message defines “authentic love” as a love that does not wear a mask. Chuck examines the “Love Chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) through the lens of transparency, showing how love acts as the “glue” that allows us to stay vulnerable even when relationships get difficult.

  • Key Fact: Authentic love is a choice to prioritize the spiritual health and well-being of others over our own personal freedom.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 12:9–10

Message 8: Needed: Shelter for Storm Victims

Overview: Life is filled with “whirlwinds”—job loss, illness, betrayal, and grief. Chuck describes the church’s role as a “shelter” for those picking up the pieces. This message emphasizes being a safe harbor where people can find comfort without judgment while they rebuild their lives.

  • Key Fact: Rebuilding after a storm begins with seeing God’s presence in the storm and His plan through it.
  • Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Psalm 46:1

Message 9: Some Things Have Gotta Go!

Overview: To build deep relationships, certain “baggage” must be discarded. Chuck identifies the specific attitudes—such as legalism, judgmentalism, and pride—that act as barriers to intimacy and must be removed to create a “roomy” faith.

  • Key Fact: Vulnerability is only possible in an atmosphere of grace; legalism is the ultimate “guard” that prevents closeness.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 14:1–13; Ephesians 4:31–32

Message 10: Choose for Yourself

Overview: Authentic community is not automatic; it is a choice. Chuck challenges listeners to decide whether they will remain in the safety of the “lobby” or move into the deeper, riskier, and more rewarding areas of shared life. This message is a call to action for personal commitment.

  • Key Fact: Close relationships are the direct result of time, energy, and intentional cultivation.
  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15; Hebrews 10:24–25

Message 11: The Necessity of Accountability

Overview: Chuck challenges the “live and let live” philosophy of modern society. He argues that Christians are most vulnerable when they live in secrecy. Accountability is presented not as a burden of control, but as a “guardrail” that provides security and reassurance.

  • Key Fact: True accountability must be led by the Holy Spirit to remain a source of grace rather than a tool of legalism.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 12:4–5

Message 12: A Hope Transplant: The Essential Operation

Overview: In the series finale, Chuck addresses those who have lost hope in relationships or the church. He describes “hope” as the prince and power of motivation. For a church to flourish, it needs an infusion of hope that comes from resting on the strong foundation of God’s Word.

  • Key Fact: Hope is to the church what the heart is to the physical body; without it, the community cannot survive.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:4, 13; Lamentations 3:21–24

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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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God’s Masterwork, Volume Three

Have you ever needed wisdom? Ever longed for a calming word during trying times? Have you ever worried about the future?

When issues like these arise, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the best place to turn—God’s Word. In this informative and practical series, covering the books of Job through Daniel, Chuck guides us through the Wisdom Books, the Psalms, and the Major Prophets to help us answer the pressing questions of our day.


In this third volume of the God’s Masterwork survey, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the Wisdom Books and the Major Prophets (Job through Daniel). This section of the Old Testament provides a deep dive into the human experience—wrestling with suffering, expressing profound worship, seeking practical wisdom, and understanding God’s sovereign control over history. Through these books, we find that God is not only the Architect of the universe but the intimate Companion of those who walk through the dark valleys of life.

Message 1. Job: Magnificent Man of Misery

  • Overview: Addresses the universal question of human suffering. Through the story of Job, we learn that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, yet He remains completely trustworthy.
  • Key Fact: The book of Job teaches that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin; sometimes it is a platform for God to display His sovereignty and glory.
  • Scripture: Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Message 2. Psalms: Inspired Anthology of Praise

  • Overview: A survey of the Bible’s “hymnbook,” which provides a vocabulary for every human emotion, from deepest despair to exuberant joy.
  • Key Fact: The Psalms are categorized into different types, including laments, thanksgivings, and messianic psalms that point forward to Jesus Christ.
  • Scripture: Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”

Message 3. Proverbs: Reliable Counsel for Right Living

  • Overview: Practical wisdom for everyday life. This book serves as a manual for navigating relationships, finances, and personal character with a “vertical” perspective.
  • Key Fact: Wisdom in Proverbs is not just intellectual knowledge; it is “skill in living” that begins with a healthy reverence for God.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Message 4. Ecclesiastes: Searching for the Meaning of Life

  • Overview: Solomon’s philosophical exploration of life “under the sun.” He concludes that without God, everything—wealth, pleasure, and work—is ultimately “vanity.”
  • Key Fact: The book serves as a powerful apologetic, showing that human fulfillment can only be found when God is at the center of one’s life.
  • Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments.”

Message 5. Song of Solomon: Poem of Faithful Love

  • Overview: A beautiful, poetic celebration of romantic and marital love. It highlights the sanctity and beauty of the physical and emotional bond between a husband and wife.
  • Key Fact: While often interpreted allegorically, the book primarily serves to affirm that God is the author of romantic love and desires it to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage.
  • Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it.”

Message 6. Profile of a Prophet

  • Overview: An introduction to the role and character of the biblical prophets. These were men called by God to be His “mouthpiece,” often speaking unpopular truths to a rebellious nation.
  • Key Fact: A prophet’s primary job was “forthtelling” (speaking God’s word to their current generation) as much as “foretelling” (predicting the future).
  • Scripture: 2 Peter 1:21 – “For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Message 7. Isaiah: Prince among the Prophets

  • Overview: A majestic survey of the “Messianic Prophet.” Isaiah’s book mirrors the structure of the entire Bible, moving from judgment to the promise of comfort and a suffering Servant.
  • Key Fact: Isaiah contains some of the most vivid prophecies regarding the birth, ministry, and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 – “For a child will be born to us… and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.”

Message 8. Jeremiah: Weeping, Warning, and Waiting

  • Overview: Known as the “Weeping Prophet,” Jeremiah faithfully delivered a message of judgment for forty years without seeing a national revival.
  • Key Fact: Jeremiah’s life demonstrates that success in God’s eyes is defined by faithfulness to the message, not by popular response.
  • Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'”

Message 9. Lamentations: A Prophet’s Broken Heart

  • Overview: A collection of five acrostic poems expressing the deep grief over the destruction of Jerusalem. It shows that God allows and even validates the expression of deep sorrow.
  • Key Fact: In the very center of this book of sorrow lies one of the greatest declarations of God’s faithfulness in all of Scripture.
  • Scripture: Lamentations 3:22–23 – “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease… They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Message 10. Ezekiel: Strong Man of God

  • Overview: Written from the heart of the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel used dramatic visions and symbolic acts to remind the people that God’s glory had not abandoned them.
  • Key Fact: Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens,” which was necessary for a prophet ministering to a “stubborn and obstinate” people.
  • Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 – “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

Message 11. Daniel: Man of Integrity, Message of Prophecy

  • Overview: A study of a man who maintained absolute integrity in a pagan culture. The book combines personal biography with staggering visions of future world empires.
  • Key Fact: Daniel demonstrates that it is possible to be “in the world but not of it,” influencing the highest levels of government without compromising one’s faith.
  • Scripture: Daniel 6:10 – Daniel’s consistent character: “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed… he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying.”

Common Questions: God’s Masterwork, Volume Three

1. Why does the Bible include a book as “depressing” as Ecclesiastes? As Pastor Chuck explains in “Searching for the Meaning of Life,” Ecclesiastes is essential because it validates our human frustrations. It shows that if we look for meaning only “under the sun” (in the material world), we will always end up disappointed. It drives us to look “above the sun” to find our purpose in God.

2. Is the “love” in Song of Solomon about Christ and the Church or a man and a woman? While many scholars see an allegorical application to Christ and the Church, the series emphasizes that the primary purpose of Song of Solomon is to celebrate God’s design for human marriage. It teaches that physical and emotional intimacy is a gift from God to be honored and enjoyed.

3. What is the difference between a “Major” and a “Minor” prophet? The distinction is based on the length of the books, not the importance of the message. The “Major Prophets” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) wrote longer, more comprehensive scrolls, whereas the twelve “Minor Prophets” wrote shorter, more focused messages.

4. How could Jeremiah stay faithful when no one listened to his preaching? In “Weeping, Warning, and Waiting,” it is noted that Jeremiah’s strength came from his “fire in the bones”—a divine calling that he could not ignore. He teaches us that we are responsible for our obedience, while God is responsible for the results.

5. How do the prophecies in Daniel apply to us today? Daniel provides a “skeleton of world history.” By showing how precisely God fulfilled Daniel’s prophecies regarding the Greek and Roman empires, it gives us absolute confidence that God is still in control of modern geopolitics and that Christ’s final kingdom will eventually be established.

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Character Counts: Building a Life That Pleases God

Got Character?

Character is the moral, ethical, and spiritual fortification that keeps life steady through the tremors of compromise. Our character dictates the kinds of decisions we make and determines how we will treat those around us. Unfortunately, in today’s world, this important trait is in short supply.

More than anything, our culture needs men and women of God who are committed to character—to integrity in both their public and private lives. Join Chuck Swindoll for Character Counts: Building a Life That Pleases God as he helps you:

  • Understand your need for character and its impact on every aspect of life
  • Cultivate the essential traits of biblical character found in God’s Word

This series will help you to become a person distinguished by godly character so you can make a meaningful impact on the world around you.


Character is the moral and spiritual foundation that stabilizes our lives when the pressure to compromise arises. In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws from the lives of diverse biblical figures—from well-known heroes to obscure servants—to illustrate the essential traits of godly character. By examining their victories and struggles, we learn how to cultivate integrity, discernment, and faithfulness in a culture where these qualities are often in short supply.

Message 1. They, Being Dead, Still Speak (Hebrews 11:32–38)

  • Overview: An introduction to the “Hall of Faith,” highlighting that God uses flawed but faithful people to model character traits that transcend time.
  • Key Fact: God preserved the record of biblical lives not for entertainment, but as blueprints for our own moral and spiritual development.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 11:32 – Paul lists Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, and Samuel as examples of those who through faith “conquered kingdoms” and “performed acts of righteousness.”

Message 2. The Discernment of Abigail (1 Samuel 25:1–35)

  • Overview: Abigail’s wisdom and quick action prevented a vengeful David from committing a grave mistake, illustrating the power of discernment under pressure.
  • Key Fact: Discernment is the ability to see through a situation to the heart of the matter and respond with grace and truth.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:32–33 – David’s gratitude: “Blessed be the Lord… and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed.”

Message 3. The Refreshment of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:15–18)

  • Overview: A look at the rare character trait of loyalty, as seen in a man who sought out a lonely Apostle Paul in a Roman dungeon.
  • Key Fact: Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains; he went out of his way to find and “refresh” him during his darkest hour.
  • Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:16 – “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”

Message 4. A Plea for Integrity (Psalm 15)

  • Overview: David asks, “Who may abide in Your tent?” The answer is a character checklist focusing on honesty, reliability, and fairness.
  • Key Fact: Integrity is defined by “walking with integrity” and “speaking the truth in his heart,” even when no one is looking.
  • Scripture: Psalm 15:2 – “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”

Message 5. Reinstatement of a Runaway (The Book of Philemon)

  • Overview: The story of Onesimus and Philemon demonstrates the character traits of forgiveness, restitution, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
  • Key Fact: In Christ, a “useless” runaway slave becomes a “useful” brother, showing that character can be completely rebuilt by grace.
  • Scripture: Philemon 1:11 – “Who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.”

Message 6. Coping with the ‘Slough of Despond’ (Psalm 42)

  • Overview: Explores the character required to handle discouragement and depression, using the imagery of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
  • Key Fact: Character is tested most in the valleys; we must learn to “hope in God” even when the soul is in despair.
  • Scripture: Psalm 42:5 – “Why are you in despair, O my soul?… Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

Message 7. Being a Balanced Woman of God (Proverbs 31:10–31)

  • Overview: A study of the “Excellent Wife,” emphasizing that her character is built on the fear of the Lord rather than fleeting charm or beauty.
  • Key Fact: True beauty is internal; a balanced woman is praised for her wisdom, diligence, and compassion.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Message 8. Beyond Charm and Beauty (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Expands on the idea that character is the only thing that withstands the test of time, contrasting external appearances with internal substance.
  • Key Fact: While society prizes the superficial, God looks at the heart and the “imperishable quality” of a gentle and quiet spirit.
  • Scripture: 1 Peter 3:3–4 – “Your adornment must not be merely external… but let it be the hidden person of the heart.”

Message 9. A Vote in Favor of Fatherhood (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Highlights the essential character traits of a godly father: provider, protector, and spiritual leader.
  • Key Fact: The greatest gift a father can give his children is the consistency of his own character.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 20:7 – “A righteous man who walks in his integrity—How blessed are his sons after him.”

Message 10. Top Temptations Fathers Face (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Addresses the specific character challenges that men face in a secular culture, from the lure of the workplace to moral compromise.
  • Key Fact: Temptation is not sin, but yielding to it reveals a lack of spiritual fortification.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a “way of escape” so that we can endure temptation.

Message 11. How to Make the Truth ‘Stick’ (Deuteronomy 6:1–9)

  • Overview: Explores the character of a teacher or parent in transferring truth to the next generation through a life lived out loud.
  • Key Fact: Truth is most “sticky” when it is modeled in the home through the natural rhythms of life.
  • Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7 – “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way.”

Message 12. Survival Training for the School Jungle (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Provides character principles for students (and those in high-pressure environments) to stay true to their convictions in a hostile culture.
  • Key Fact: Like Daniel in Babylon, we can “purpose in our hearts” not to defile ourselves with the world’s standards.
  • Scripture: Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel made up his mind [purposed in his heart] that he would not defile himself.”

Common Questions: Character Counts

1. Is character something you are born with or something you develop? As Pastor Chuck explains throughout the series, character is “built.” It is the result of thousands of small decisions to obey God rather than compromise. While we may have natural temperaments, biblical character is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts.

2. What is the difference between “reputation” and “character”? Reputation is what people think you are; character is who you are in the dark when no one is looking. The message on Psalm 15 clarifies that true character is rooted in the “truth in the heart.”

3. Why is Abigail considered a model of “discernment”? In “The Discernment of Abigail,” it is noted that she recognized David’s anger was leading him to a sinful act of vengeance. She used her wisdom to protect David’s future as king by providing a “way of escape” that was both humble and truthful.

4. How does Onesimus show that character can change? Onesimus was a runaway slave who had likely stolen from his master, Philemon. After meeting Paul and finding Christ, he returned to make restitution. This shows that the Gospel doesn’t just forgive our past; it reconstructs our character for a “useful” future.

5. How can I protect my character when I feel like I’m in a “school jungle” or a hostile workplace? Drawing from the example of Daniel, the series suggests “purposing in your heart” before the pressure starts. If you decide ahead of time what your non-negotiables are, you are far more likely to stand firm when tested.

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Parenting: From Surviving to Thriving

Diapers and dolls . . . pimples and puberty . . . homework and housework . . . toddlers and teenagers . . . HELP! How can parents survive?

Author, teacher, parent (and grandparent!), Chuck Swindoll, guides you through the stormy waters of the parenting years by examining practical, proven principles from the Word of God—forged in the crucible of Chuck’s personal experience. You can do more than simply survive as parents—you can thrive!


Parenting is often described as the hardest job you’ll ever love. In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll moves past the “survival mode” of just getting through the day and offers a biblical vision for helping children thrive. By focusing on the unique “bent” of each child and the essential role of parental character, these messages provide practical wisdom for building a home defined by grace rather than constant friction.

Message 1: The Best-Kept Secret of Wise Parenting

Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll reveals that the foundation of successful parenting is not a set of techniques, but the character and spiritual health of the parent. This message explores the “secret” that children are more likely to follow our footsteps than our words. It emphasizes that a parent’s primary responsibility is their own walk with God, which creates a natural environment for children to thrive.

  • Key Fact: The most effective tool in parenting is personal authenticity; children are experts at detecting the gap between what a parent says and what a parent does.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 127; 128

Message 2: Understanding How Your Child Was Made

Overview: Every child is born with a unique “bent”—a set of natural inclinations, strengths, and weaknesses. This message focuses on the biblical mandate to “train up a child in the way he should go,” which Chuck explains means training a child according to their individual design rather than forcing them into a pre-determined mold.

  • Key Fact: Parenting is not a “cookie-cutter” process; wise parents act as students of their children to discover how God has uniquely wired them.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:6

Message 3: Establishing a Life of Self-Control

Overview: In a world of instant gratification, teaching a child self-control is essential for their future success and spiritual maturity. Chuck discusses the difference between punishment and discipline, explaining that the ultimate goal of parental discipline is to move a child from external control to internal self-government.

  • Key Fact: Discipline should always be administered in love with the goal of restoration, never in a fit of parental rage.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13–14

Message 4: Cultivating a Life of Self-Worth

Overview: A child’s sense of value is largely shaped by the “mirror” provided by their parents. This message examines how to build a healthy, biblical sense of self-worth in children—not based on pride, but on their identity as a person created in the image of God and deeply loved by their family.

  • Key Fact: Comparison is the enemy of self-worth; parents must celebrate a child’s unique identity to protect them from the trap of seeking worldly validation.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:13–16

Message 5: Secret Struggles . . . Family Troubles

Overview: No family is immune to conflict or hidden dysfunction. Chuck addresses the “secret” struggles that can tear families apart, such as hypocrisy, favoritism, and unresolved anger. This message provides a biblical framework for bringing these issues into the light to find healing and grace.

  • Key Fact: What remains hidden in a family’s history often manifests as behavioral or emotional trouble in the next generation.
  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 27:1–41 (The story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau)

Message 6: From Resentment to Rebellion

Overview: This sermon explores the dangerous progression from suppressed resentment to outward rebellion. Chuck identifies the “parental provocations” that often lead children to anger and provides practical advice on how to de-escalate tension and rebuild trust before a child reaches the point of total defiance.

  • Key Fact: Rebellion is often the “fruit” of a deeper “root” of resentment caused by unfair treatment or a lack of emotional connection.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21

Message 7: Affirming and Encouraging Words to Parents

Overview: Parenting is one of the most exhausting roles in life. Chuck takes a moment to offer a “cup of cold water” to weary parents. This message focuses on the power of encouragement, reminding parents of the eternal significance of their work and the promise of God’s grace when they feel inadequate.

  • Key Fact: Encouragement is the “oxygen” of the soul; parents need it just as much as children do.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24–25

Message 8: Confronting the “Older Brother Attitudes”

Overview: Using the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Chuck examines the subtle but destructive nature of legalism and self-righteousness within the home. This message warns parents against fostering an environment of “older brother” perfectionism that leaves no room for grace or the celebration of repentance.

  • Key Fact: A home without grace creates “rule-followers” who are spiritually cold and judgmental toward others.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 15:11–32

Message 9: Increasing the Priority of Your Family

Overview: In a fast-paced society, the family is often sacrificed on the altar of career or social status. Chuck challenges parents to re-evaluate their calendars and priorities. This message offers a roadmap for putting the family back at the center of the home and making intentional memories.

  • Key Fact: You cannot “microwavve” a relationship; deep family bonds require the slow-cooker method of consistent, quality time.
  • Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:4–9

Message 10: Restoring Relationships After You’ve Blown It

Overview: Perfection is not the goal of parenting; faithfulness and humility are. Chuck addresses the reality that all parents make mistakes. This message explains the biblical process of confession and seeking forgiveness from our children to restore broken bridges.

  • Key Fact: Admitting you are wrong to your child does not undermine your authority; it increases your respect and models biblical humility.
  • Scripture Reference: James 5:16; Matthew 5:23–24

Message 11: When God’s Gift Comes Specially Wrapped

Overview: This sensitive and powerful message addresses the unique journey of parenting children with special needs or “different” challenges. Chuck offers biblical comfort and perspective, viewing these children not as “mistakes,” but as specially wrapped gifts from God that require a special kind of grace.

  • Key Fact: God often uses the challenges of “special” parenting to refine the parents’ faith and display His glory in unique ways.
  • Scripture Reference: John 9:1–7; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Message 12: Final Words to Families Then and Now

Overview: Chuck concludes the series by summarizing the core pillars of a thriving family: love, laughter, and a legacy of faith. He offers a final charge to parents to stay the course, reminding them that their investment in their children is the only thing they can truly leave behind for eternity.

  • Key Fact: A thriving family is built on the “three L’s”—Love, Laughter, and Liberty in Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:14–15; 2 Timothy 1:5

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The Sanctity of Life . . . The Inescapable Issue

Our culture is at war—a quiet war against the most innocent and powerless in our society: the unborn. The tapestry of human life, woven by the hand of God, is being unraveled in the name of convenience. Abortion not only ends the lives of unborn babies, it can devastate the lives of those mothers and fathers who have chosen to have an abortion, often leaving them with depression, guilt, and regret. But God offers hope . . .

Join Chuck Swindoll as he addresses the sensitive topic of abortion—how God’s Word speaks to the issue, how to recover from an abortion, and how to devote oneself to a life of purity. Gain courage to honor God and to uphold the sanctity of life in a godless culture.

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An Imaginative Christmas

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?


In this four-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll breathes new life into the familiar nativity narrative by inviting us to step into the sandals of those who lived it. By engaging the “sanctified imagination,” we move beyond the dusty pages of history to experience the shock, wonder, and profound faith of the real people involved in the first Christmas.

1. What If You Had Been Mary? (Luke 1:26–38)

  • Overview: Focuses on the overwhelming interruption of a young girl’s life by the angel Gabriel. This message explores Mary’s transition from confusion to courageous submission.
  • Key Fact: Mary was likely a teenager living in the obscure, low-status village of Nazareth; her “yes” to God meant facing potential social disgrace and even death.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 1:38 – Mary’s pivotal response of faith: “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”

2. Consider How Joseph Must Have Felt (Matthew 1:18–25)

  • Overview: Shifting the lens to Joseph, the “quiet man” of the Christmas story. We examine the internal conflict of a righteous man facing what appeared to be a scandalous betrayal.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s decision to “divorce her quietly” showed his mercy even before the angel appeared; his subsequent obedience protected the legal lineage of the Messiah.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:20 – The divine intervention: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

3. Imagine Being One of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8–20)

  • Overview: Explores why God chose the lowest social class of the day—shepherds—to be the first recipients of the greatest news in history.
  • Key Fact: Shepherds were often considered ceremonially unclean and untrustworthy in court, yet God entrusted them with the first “evangelistic” report of the Savior’s birth.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 2:10–11 – The angelic proclamation of “good news of great joy” for all people, not just the elite.

4. Think of Yourself as a Temple Rabbi (Luke 2:21–38)

  • Overview: A look at the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, contrasting the legalistic expectations of the religious establishment with the spiritual sensitivity of Simeon and Anna.
  • Key Fact: While many rabbis were looking for a political liberator, Simeon was looking for the “Consolation of Israel”—a spiritual Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 2:30–32 – Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis” prayer: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation… A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

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