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The Mystery of God’s Will

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

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

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


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

Message 1. Foundational Principles about God’s Will

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

Message 2. Moving from Theory to Reality

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

Message 3. Fleshing Out the Will of God

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

Message 4. Another Deep Mystery: God’s Sovereignty

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

Message 5. Reading God’s Mysterious Lips

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

Message 6. The Magnificent ”Chesed” of God

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

Message 7. God’s Mysterious Immutability

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

Message 8. Can God’s Will Make Us Holy?

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

Message 9. Surprised by God

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

Message 10. Closed Doors, Open Doors

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

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

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

Common Questions: The Mystery of God’s Will

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

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

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

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

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

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Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 3: The Final Curtain

Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s final segment of a three-part series on Revelation wraps up his deep dive into the last book of the Bible.

Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 3 : The Final Curtain reveals Jesus in His full splendor as the King of kings, the first and the last, and the only door to heaven.

Renew your mind with the truth of God’s Word and cling to the joyful, hope-filled ending for those who put their faith in Christ!


The book of Revelation can often feel daunting, yet it was written to unveil a glorious future. In this final segment of our three-part series, Chuck Swindoll guides us through chapters 14 through 22. We witness the climactic return of the King of kings, the final judgment of evil, and the breathtaking beauty of our eternal home. This series serves as a powerful reminder that while history may be dark, the ending is filled with joy and hope for those who put their faith in Christ.

Message 1: A Surprising Preview of Coming Attractions

Sermon Summary Revelation 14 offers a stark contrast between two groups: those marked by the beast and those marked for redemption by the Lamb. In this message, Chuck explores the security found in belonging to Christ. While the world may be spellbound by a twisted earthly rule, God provides a “preview” of the ultimate victory for those who remain faithful.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Marks of Ownership: Contrasting the mark of the beast with the label of redemption.
  • Redeemed Security: Finding peace in God’s ultimate protection of His followers.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 14:1–13: The vision of the 144,000 and the three angels’ messages.

Message 2: God’s Terrible, Swift Sword

Sermon Summary Justice is a core attribute of God. This message examines the “harvest” of the earth—a time when God’s judgment is finally unleashed against unrepentant evil. Chuck discusses the sobering reality of divine wrath and why a holy God must eventually deal with sin.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Harvest of Judgment: Understanding the finality of God’s response to sin.
  • The Holiness of God: Why justice is necessary for a perfect Kingdom.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 14:14–20: The harvest of the earth and the winepress of God’s wrath.

Message 3: The Original Temple of Doom

Sermon Summary As the final bowls of judgment prepare to be poured out, we see the heavenly temple filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power. This message looks at the awe-inspiring preparation for the end of the age and the absolute authority of God over every earthly power.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Heavenly Preparation: The solemnity of the moments preceding final judgment.
  • God’s Unstoppable Power: Recognizing that no one can enter the temple until the plagues are finished.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 15: The song of Moses and the seven angels with seven plagues.

Message 4: The Final Seven Super Bowls

Sermon Summary The “bowls of wrath” represent the finality of God’s judgment on a world that has rejected Him. Chuck walks through these seven judgments, explaining their significance and the intensifying nature of God’s response to rebellion.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Intensified Judgment: The finality of the bowl plagues compared to earlier seals and trumpets.
  • Human Stubbornness: Observing the reaction of those who refuse to repent even under judgment.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 16: The pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath.

Message 5: Shock and Awe Revisited

Sermon Summary The “great prostitute” and the beast represent the corrupt religious and political systems of the end times. This message explains how these systems, which seem so powerful, are ultimately destined for destruction by the very evil they serve.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Adultery: Identifying the deceptive nature of false religious systems.
  • The Beast’s Betrayal: How evil eventually turns upon itself.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 17: The mystery of Babylon and the beast.

Message 6: The Final Exit of Worldwide Religion

Sermon Summary Babylon—the world’s system of commerce and false worship—falls in a single hour. This message is a warning to believers to “come out” of the world’s system and to place their trust in the only kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Fall of Babylon: The suddenness and finality of the world system’s collapse.
  • A Call to Separation: Why believers must not be entangled in the world’s values.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 18: The lament over the fall of Babylon.

Message 7: From Earthly Horrors to Celestial Hallelujahs

Sermon Summary In contrast to the mourning on earth, heaven erupts in praise. This message focuses on the “Hallelujah Chorus” of Revelation 19 and the announcement of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. We shift our focus from the horrors of judgment to the joy of our union with Christ.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Celestial Worship: The reaction of heaven to God’s righteous judgments.
  • The Marriage Supper: The ultimate celebration of Christ and His Church.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 19:1–10: The great multitude praising God in heaven.

Message 8: Here Comes the King of Kings

Sermon Summary The moment of the Second Coming is the climax of all history. Chuck describes the return of Jesus, not as a humble servant, but as a conquering King on a white horse. We see Him in His full splendor, executing justice and claiming His rightful throne.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Conquering King: Jesus returning with power and great glory.
  • The King of Kings: Understanding Christ’s absolute authority over all nations.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 19:11–21: The vision of the rider on the white horse.

Message 9: Turning the World Right-Side Up

Sermon Summary The Millennium is a thousand-year period where Christ reigns on earth. This message explores the peace and justice that will characterize this reign, showing how Christ will eventually set right everything that sin has broken.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Thousand-Year Reign: The literal fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the world.
  • The Binding of Satan: A season of unprecedented peace and righteousness.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 20:1–6: The thousand years and the first resurrection.

Message 10: The Final Exit Interview

Sermon Summary Every individual must eventually stand before God. This message examines the Great White Throne Judgment—the “final exit interview” for those who have rejected Christ. Chuck discusses the gravity of this moment and the importance of having one’s name written in the Book of Life.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Great White Throne: The final judgment of the dead.
  • The Book of Life: Why faith in Christ is the only thing that matters in the end.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 20:7–15: The final defeat of Satan and the judgment of the dead.

Message 11: Heaven at Last

Sermon Summary We finally arrive at the “New Heaven and New Earth.” This message is a breathtaking look at our eternal home, where God dwells with His people and wipes away every tear. Chuck helps us imagine a world without pain, death, or sorrow.

Key Facts & Themes

  • All Things New: The restoration of all creation.
  • God’s Dwelling Place: The intimacy of living in the direct presence of the Father.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 21:1–8: The new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem.

Message 12: Open House at the Celestial City

Sermon Summary John provides a detailed, symbolic description of the New Jerusalem. This message explores the beauty, order, and majesty of the celestial city, reminding us of the incredible inheritance that awaits every believer.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Beauty of the City: The symbolism of the gates, walls, and foundations.
  • No Need for a Sun: Understanding that the glory of God provides all the light we need.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 21:9–27: The detailed description of the holy city.

Message 13: Heaven’s Magnificent Negatives

Sermon Summary Sometimes the best way to describe heaven is by what is not there. Chuck focuses on the “no mores” of Revelation 22: no more curse, no more night, and no more separation. These “magnificent negatives” provide profound comfort for those living in a broken world.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The End of the Curse: The final reversal of the fall of man.
  • Perpetual Light: The end of spiritual and physical darkness.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 22:1–5: The river of life and the end of the curse.

Message 14: Compelling Words for a Confused Culture

Sermon Summary As the vision concludes, we receive final words of warning and invitation. This message challenges a confused culture with the absolute truth of God’s Word. Chuck emphasizes that these words are “faithful and true” and must be heeded before it is too late.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Authority of Scripture: Why the words of this prophecy must not be altered.
  • A Final Invitation: The urgent call for the thirsty to “come” and drink of the water of life.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 22:6–17: The angel’s testimony and the final invitation.

Message 15: Come, Lord Jesus

Sermon Summary The final message of the series is a heartfelt prayer for Christ’s return. Chuck reflects on the grace of the Lord Jesus and the anticipation that should define every believer’s life. We conclude with the cry of the early church: Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Grace of the Lord: Ending the Bible as it began—with the grace of God.
  • Living in Anticipation: How the hope of Christ’s return should change our lives today.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 22:18–21: The final warning and the closing benediction.

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Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 2: The Earthly Drama

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as we continue our journey through the final book of the Bible. Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 2: The Earthly Drama details how the end unfolds.

Understand John’s vision and the earth’s future chaos from God’s perspective.

For those who have not placed their faith in Christ, these disasters reveal a grim, hopeless future of God’s judgment. For believers, however, God supplies the assurance of ultimate deliverance and a glorious future with Him forever!


The book of Revelation provides a window into the future of our world from God’s perspective. In this second act of our three-part study, we move into the heart of the Tribulation period. As the seals are broken and the trumpets sound, we witness a time of unprecedented earthly chaos. While these events reveal a grim future for those who reject Christ, they offer believers an anchor of hope. This series reminds us that even in the midst of judgment, God remains in control, providing the assurance of ultimate deliverance for His people.

Message 1: A Glance Back to the Future

Sermon Summary Before diving into the judgments to come, we must keep our eyes on the central figure of the entire vision: Jesus Christ. In this message, Chuck explores selections from across the book of Revelation to ground us in the majesty and authority of the Lamb. By glancing at the final victory, we gain the perspective needed to navigate the difficult chapters of the earthly drama.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Centrality of Christ: Remembering that Revelation is primarily an unveiling of Jesus, not just a list of events.
  • Prophetic Perspective: How understanding the end of the story provides peace for the middle.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Selections from Revelation: Key verses that highlight the glory and return of Christ.

Message 2: Let the Judgments Begin

Sermon Summary The Tribulation begins with the breaking of the first four seals, often referred to as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Chuck explains the significance of these events—ranging from deceptive peace and global war to famine and death. We see the start of God’s direct intervention in human history as He begins to deal with a world in rebellion.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Four Horsemen: Identifying the stages of early Tribulation judgment.
  • The Fragility of Peace: How quickly earthly security can dissolve when God’s restraint is removed.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 6:1–8: The opening of the first four seals.

Message 3: More Seals Broken . . . More Lives Shaken and Taken

Sermon Summary As the fifth and sixth seals are opened, the focus shifts to the martyrs under the altar and the terrifying cosmic disturbances on earth. This message addresses the reality of spiritual warfare and the physical shaking of the heavens and earth, forcing every level of society to acknowledge the “wrath of the Lamb.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Cry for Justice: The role of prayer and the presence of those who died for their faith.
  • Cosmic Disturbance: Understanding the literal nature of the physical judgments on the planet.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 6:9–17: The fifth and sixth seals.

Message 4: An Interlude: Earthly Restraint and Heavenly Worship

Sermon Summary Between the sixth and seventh seals, God provides a dramatic interlude. This message explores the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and the vision of a vast multitude from every nation standing before the throne. We see that even in the midst of judgment, God’s heart for redemption is on full display.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Divine Protection: The significance of God’s “seal” on His servants.
  • Universal Worship: The beauty of a redeemed humanity gathered from every corner of the earth.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 7: The sealing of the servants of God and the great multitude.

Message 5: First Blasts of the Trumpet Plagues

Sermon Summary With the opening of the seventh seal comes a heavy silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments. Chuck describes the ecological disasters that strike the earth’s vegetation, seas, rivers, and atmosphere. These plagues are a final warning to a world that continues to resist its Creator.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Ecological Judgment: The direct impact of the trumpet plagues on the natural world.
  • The Severity of God: Recognizing the intensifying nature of divine discipline.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 8: The seventh seal and the first four trumpets.

Message 6: Releasing Demons from the Abyss

Sermon Summary The fifth trumpet marks a shift from natural disasters to supernatural torment. This message examines the opening of the “bottomless pit” and the release of demonic forces led by Abaddon. We explore the terrifying reality of spiritual darkness when it is allowed to manifest physically on earth.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Spiritual Warfare Unveiled: The reality of the demonic realm.
  • The Torment of Sin: How rejection of God leads to a literal hell on earth.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 9:1–12: The fifth trumpet and the plague of locusts.

Message 7: More Demons, More Deaths, More Defiance

Sermon Summary The sixth trumpet brings the release of four bound angels and a massive army that brings death to a third of mankind. Shockingly, the survivors refuse to repent. Chuck discusses the depth of human depravity and the tragic hardness of a heart that refuses to turn to God even in the face of absolute proof.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Hardened Heart: Analyzing why judgment doesn’t always lead to repentance.
  • The Finality of Choice: The sobering reality of those who choose their idols over their Savior.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 9:13–21: The sixth trumpet and the army from the East.

Message 8: A Strong Angel, a Strange Assignment

Sermon Summary In another prophetic pause, John encounters a mighty angel with a small scroll. This message focuses on John’s “strange assignment” to eat the scroll—bittersweet in its taste. We learn about the dual nature of God’s Word: sweet in its promises but bitter in the judgment it must announce.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Internalizing the Word: What it means to truly “digest” the message of God.
  • The Bittersweet Task: The burden of the prophet to speak hard truths in love.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 10: The angel and the little scroll.

Message 9: Two Fearless, Future Witnesses

Sermon Summary God never leaves Himself without a witness. During the darkest hours of the Tribulation, He sends two powerful prophets to Jerusalem. Chuck explores the identity, ministry, and miraculous protection of these two witnesses, whose death and resurrection serve as a final sign to the world.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Power of Testimony: How God uses individual voices to proclaim His truth.
  • Divine Vindication: The resurrection of the witnesses as a proof of God’s authority.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 11:1–14: The two witnesses.

Message 10: The Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet

Sermon Summary The seventh trumpet doesn’t bring a single plague but announces the final transfer of power: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord.” This message celebrates the coming reign of Christ and the heavenly worship that anticipates His total victory.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Sovereign Transfer: Anticipating the day when Christ takes His rightful throne.
  • Heavenly Celebration: The elders’ response to the completion of God’s plan.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 11:15–19: The seventh trumpet.

Message 11: Exalting the Ultimate Evil Empire

Sermon Summary Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on the “war in heaven” and the age-old conflict between the dragon (Satan) and the woman (Israel). Chuck explains the origins of anti-Semitism and the spiritual roots of the earthly drama, showing that the battles we see on earth have celestial origins.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Origin of Evil: Satan’s fall and his relentless pursuit of God’s people.
  • God’s Preservation: How the Lord protects His own in the midst of the dragon’s wrath.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 12: The woman, the child, and the dragon.

Message 12: Antichrist: The Beast Out of the Sea

Sermon Summary The world’s final dictator arrives not as a monster, but as a charismatic leader promising solutions. This message identifies the “Beast out of the Sea”—the Antichrist. Chuck outlines his character, his rise to power, and his blasphemous claim to deity, warning us to be aware of the spirit of lawlessness.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Great Deceiver: Identifying the traits and strategies of the Antichrist.
  • Global Influence: How the world is prepared to worship a counterfeit savior.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 13:1–10: The beast from the sea.

Message 13: Antichrist’s Lieutenant: The Beast Out of the Earth

Sermon Summary The Antichrist does not work alone; he has a “lieutenant” known as the False Prophet. This message examines the third member of the unholy trinity. We look at the deceptive signs, the forced worship, and the economic control exerted through the “mark of the beast.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • Religious Deception: The role of the False Prophet in directing worship to the Antichrist.
  • The Mark of the Beast: Understanding the economic and spiritual implications of this final ultimatum.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 13:11–18: The beast from the earth.

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Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1: The Heavenly Stage

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll for a deep-dive into the final book of the Bible, starting with his series, Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1: The Heavenly Stage.

While Revelation explains the end of the story, it also provides guidance and encouragement for your journey today. Gain a clearer understanding of this enigmatic book as Pastor Chuck walks you through each passage. Blending weighty truths along with uplifting takeaways, you’ll see Revelation like never before.

Like John on the island of Patmos, you’ll be left in awe of our great and sovereign Lord!

Message 1: The Apocalypse in Panorama

Sermon Overview The Book of Revelation is not a piece of fiction, fantasy, or an unsolvable mystery; it is a divinely inspired drama showing how good ultimately triumphs over evil. Charles R. Swindoll approaches this often-misunderstood book by offering a panoramic view, reminding believers to expect the unusual, restrain their imaginations, and ask practical questions of the text. Rather than hiding the truth, Revelation provides a reliable map for the future, replacing our natural fears with hope and assuring us that the Glorious Lord Jesus has the final word in human history.

Key Facts

  • The Meaning of Apocalypse: The Greek word apocalypsis does not mean a cosmic catastrophe; it means an “unveiling” or a disclosing of something that has been hidden.
  • The Divine Outline: Revelation 1:19 provides an inspired outline for the entire book: “the things which you have seen” (Chapter 1), “the things which are” (Chapters 2–3), and “the things which will take place after these things” (Chapters 4–22).
  • The Writer and Setting: The Apostle John wrote this book near the end of the first century while exiled by the Roman Emperor Domitian to the rugged penal colony of Patmos due to his faithful testimony.
  • A Promised Blessing: Revelation is unique in that it offers a specific blessing to those who read, hear, and heed the words of its prophecy.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 1:1-3, 9, 19
  • Revelation 22:16-21

Message 2: Prelude to the Unveiling

Sermon Overview The opening verses of Revelation provide the purpose, the promise, and the greeting of the book. The message of the future was systematically passed from God the Father to Jesus, to an angel, to John, and finally to the readers. Swindoll explains that God’s timetable is vastly different from ours; what seems like a long delay to humanity is “soon” to the eternal God. The prelude sets the stage by magnifying the Triune God, specifically highlighting Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth, who will soon return in the clouds for all to see.

Key Facts

  • God’s Timetable: The text states these events must take place “soon,” which aligns with God’s eternal perspective where a thousand years is as a single day.
  • The Trinity: The greeting of grace and peace is sent from the Father (He who is, was, and is to come), the Holy Spirit (the seven spirits before His throne), and Jesus Christ.
  • Released from Sins: The best manuscript translations declare that Jesus “released us” (rather than “washed us”) from our sins by His blood on the cross, representing a one-time, finished point of sacrifice.
  • The Return of the Judge: At the Second Coming, every eye will see Christ—He will not come in obscurity or humiliation, but as a judge, causing the unbelieving tribes of the earth to mourn.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 1:1-8
  • 2 Peter 3:3, 8

Message 3: The Curtain Rises, the Drama Begins

Sermon Overview While worshipping on the Lord’s Day, John is caught up in the Spirit and hears a voice like a trumpet. Turning around, he witnesses a breathtaking vision of the glorified Lord Jesus Christ standing among seven golden lampstands. Swindoll emphasizes that this vision presents Christ not as the suffering servant, but as unveiled deity with eyes like blazing fire, feet like glowing bronze, and a voice like roaring waters. Overwhelmed by this majestic sight, John falls to the ground like a dead man, only to be tenderly touched by Jesus who tells him to stop fearing and commands him to write the definitive history of the future.

Key Facts

  • The Lampstands and Stars: The Lord interprets the mystery: the seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches, and the seven stars in His hand represent the messengers (or pastors) of those churches.
  • A “Brother,” Not an Elite: Despite his apostolic authority and incredible visions, John humbly introduces himself simply as a “brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and Kingdom”.
  • Unveiled Deity: When John perceived the true, glorified reality of Jesus Christ, his immediate response was total, silent submission.
  • Keys of Authority: Jesus identifies Himself as the living one who conquered death, holding the keys of death and Hades—demonstrating absolute authority over the afterlife.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 1:9-20

Message 4: The Church with Everything but the Greatest Thing

Sermon Overview The church at Ephesus appeared to be the perfect, dynamic congregation. They were actively engaged in ministry, endured hardship without quitting, and strictly rooted out false teachers and “pseudo-apostles”. However, the Lord conducts a piercing performance review, issuing a devastating “but”: they had left their first love. Swindoll explains that a mechanical, high-cholesterol diet of church activities cannot replace intimate devotion to Christ. To fix this spiritual erosion, Jesus commands the Ephesians to remember where they fell from, repent, and repeat the deeds they did at first.

Key Facts

  • The Setting of Ephesus: Ephesus was the most prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, home to a massive 40,000-seat amphitheater and the pagan Temple of Artemis (Diana), making it a challenging environment for Christians.
  • A Slow Erosion: Leaving one’s first love does not happen overnight; it is a slow, subtle cooling of affection where duty replaces passion.
  • The Nicolaitans: The Ephesians correctly hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which likely referred to an early sect that elevated the clergy over the laity and promoted an immoral lifestyle.
  • The Danger of a Removed Lampstand: Jesus warned that if they refused to return to their original love, He would remove their lampstand, effectively turning out their light and ending their spiritual impact.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 2:1-7
  • Ephesians 1:15; 6:24

Message 5: The Suffering Church under Attack

Sermon Overview The church in Smyrna serves as the ultimate cameo of believers enduring the crushing fire of persecution. Living in a hostile city dedicated to emperor worship, these Christians faced physical affliction, deep poverty, and vicious slander from local Jewish communities that acted as a “synagogue of Satan”. Yet, Christ encouraged them by reminding them that, despite their destitute bank accounts, they were spiritually “rich”. He urged them not to fear their impending imprisonment and suffering, promising the Crown of Life to those who remained faithful unto death.

Key Facts

  • A Church Without Rebuke: Out of the seven letters, only two churches—Smyrna and Philadelphia—receive absolutely no criticism from the Lord.
  • Crushing Tribulation: The Greek word for tribulation (thlipsis) originally referred to the crushing pressure of a heavy boulder; the Christians in Smyrna faced this through economic boycotts and social ostracization.
  • The Empathy of Christ: Jesus introduced Himself to them as the one who “was dead and has come to life,” uniquely comforting them with the knowledge that their Savior intimately understood extreme suffering and death.
  • The Crown of Life: Believers who patiently endure trials out of love for the Lord are promised the Crown of Life, one of five crowns mentioned in the New Testament to be awarded at the Judgment Seat.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 2:8-11
  • James 1:2-4, 12
  • Romans 2:28-29

Message 6: The Church That Compromised the Truth

Sermon Overview While the church in Pergamum bravely held fast to Christ’s name in a profoundly wicked city—even witnessing the martyrdom of Antipas—they had a fatal flaw: compromise. Swindoll points out that the church tolerated teachers who promoted the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which lured believers into idolatry and sexual immorality. Jesus issues a sharp warning to repent or face the terrifying judgment of the sword of His mouth. This message challenges believers to refuse to accommodate the surrounding culture and to maintain a sharp standard of holiness.

Key Facts

  • Where Satan Dwells: Pergamum was an epicenter of pagan worship, boasting temples to Augustus, Zeus, and Asclepius (the serpent god of healing), which is why Jesus stated they lived “where Satan’s throne is”.
  • The Danger of Tolerance: The church’s great failure was failing to address and discipline those who taught that believers could safely participate in pagan social customs and immorality.
  • The Doctrine of Balaam: This referenced the Old Testament prophet who, unable to curse Israel directly, taught King Balak how to corrupt them from the inside through intermarriage and idol worship.
  • The Reward of a White Stone: To those who overcome compromise, Jesus promises a “white stone” with a new name on it; in ancient juries, a white stone symbolized full acquittal and release from condemnation.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 2:12-17
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
  • 1 John 2:15-16
  • Numbers 22-25

Message 7: The Church Where Tolerance Went to Seed

Sermon Overview The modern definition of tolerance dictates that all truth claims are equally valid, but biblical tolerance does not mean turning a blind eye to sin. The church in Thyatira was commended by the Lord for their love, faith, service, and spiritual growth, noting their later deeds were greater than their first. However, their tolerance had gone completely to seed. They actively permitted a wicked woman—symbolically named Jezebel—to act as a prophetess, teaching God’s servants to engage in sexual immorality and plunge into the “deep things of Satan”. The Lord promises strict discipline on her and her followers, while encouraging the faithful remnant to hold fast until He returns.

Key Facts

  • A Blue-Collar Town: Thyatira was the smallest of the seven cities but was heavily populated by trade guilds and craftsmen, including Lydia, the seller of purple dye.
  • The Jezebel Influence: Just as the Old Testament Queen Jezebel dominated her husband Ahab and led Israel into deep idolatry, this teacher in Thyatira was seducing the church with a false, immoral doctrine of “grace”.
  • Eyes Like Fire: Jesus introduces Himself uniquely in this letter as the “Son of God” whose eyes are like a flame of fire, signifying His ability to see through the church’s outward love to their hidden compromises.
  • Two Great Rewards: Jesus promises those who hold fast to the truth that they will eventually share in His authority to rule over the nations during the Millennium, and they will receive the “Morning Star,” which is Christ Himself.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 2:18-29
  • 1 Kings 16-21
  • Hebrews 4:12-13

Message 8: Autopsy of a Dead Church

Sermon Overview A dead church rarely looks dead on the outside. The church in Sardis had a glowing reputation in the community and an impressive calendar of deeds, yet the Lord Jesus, the Divine Physician, bluntly pronounced it a corpse. Sardis was living on its past history rather than the present power of the Holy Spirit. Stepping in with urgency, Jesus gives five rapid-fire commands to the remaining members: wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the gospel truth, keep it, and repent. Swindoll warns that Jesus will come like a thief in judgment if they do not change their course.

Key Facts

  • The Setting of Sardis: Built on an impregnable stone plateau, the ancient city of Sardis was considered invincible, yet it had been conquered in the past because its overconfident, lazy guards fell asleep. The church mirrored this lethargy.
  • Marks of a Dead Church: A dead church often worships its past, lacks youth and children, stubbornly resists change, possesses no evangelistic zeal, and allows carnal leadership to go unchecked.
  • The Faithful Remnant: Even in a dead church, God often maintains a small, faithful remnant who have “not soiled their garments”.
  • The Book of Life: Christ promises the overcomers that He will not erase their names from the Book of Life, and He will personally confess their names before the Father in heaven, assuring them of eternal security and identity.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 3:1-6
  • Revelation 20:11-15

Message 9: Little Strength, Open Door, Awesome God

Sermon Overview The church in Philadelphia teaches us that numerical size does not determine spiritual significance. Despite having only “a little power,” this congregation remained fiercely faithful to God’s Word and did not deny Christ’s name. Consequently, the Lord Jesus—who is holy, true, and possesses the Sovereign Key of David—placed before them an open door of insurmountable opportunity that no one could shut. Swindoll emphasizes that closed doors of disappointment in our lives are often God’s way of redirecting us toward unbelievable open doors of opportunity elsewhere.

Key Facts

  • The City of Earthquakes: Philadelphia was a historically unimportant city plagued by devastating earthquakes, yet its location made it a strategic funnel for Greek culture and, eventually, the Gospel into the East.
  • The Key of David: Jesus holds the “Key of David,” a symbol drawn from Isaiah 22 that represents absolute ownership, authority, and control over the Eternal Kingdom plan.
  • Protection from Tribulation: As a reward for their perseverance, Christ gives a sweeping promise to keep believers “from the hour of testing”—a specific protection from the Great Tribulation that is coming upon the entire earth.
  • A Pillar and a New Name: Jesus promises to make the overcomers strong and secure “pillars” in God’s temple, granting them a brand new name and a heavenly citizenship that will outlast any earthly trauma.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 3:7-13
  • Isaiah 22:22
  • Proverbs 16:7

Message 10: The Church That Nauseates God

Sermon Overview The church in Laodicea is the only one of the seven to receive no commendations. Culturally infected by its affluent surroundings, this church was arrogant and entirely self-sufficient, bragging that they were wealthy and needed nothing. Tragically, they were completely blind to the fact that they were spiritually wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Their “lukewarm” apathy was so sickening to the Lord that He declared He would vomit them out of His mouth. Yet, in an astonishing display of grace, Jesus offers them a path to restoration, standing at the door and knocking, desiring intimate fellowship with any individual who will open it.

Key Facts

  • The Water of Laodicea: Unlike the healing hot springs of nearby Hierapolis or the refreshing cold springs of Colossae, Laodicea’s water arrived through aqueducts tepid and foul-tasting—a perfect metaphor for their nauseating spiritual apathy.
  • The Amen and the Originator: Jesus introduces Himself as the “Amen” (the absolute truth) and the “beginning of the creation of God” (the originator and architect of creation, not a created being).
  • Divine Irony: Jesus advised this famous financial and textile center to buy His refined gold, His white garments to cover their shame, and His spiritual eye salve to cure their blindness.
  • Discipline Equals Love: The Lord does not rebuke them out of hatred; He explicitly states that He reproves and disciplines those He loves to bring them to repentance.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 3:14-22
  • Psalm 139:1-4
  • Colossians 4:13

Message 11: Standing before God’s Awesome Throne

Sermon Overview Beginning in Revelation 4, John’s vision shifts dramatically from the present state of the earthly churches to the “things which will take place after these things”. Transported through an open door into the third heaven, John attempts to describe the indescribable glory of the Almighty God seated on the throne, radiating light like brilliant jasper and red sardius stones, wrapped in an emerald rainbow. Swindoll walks through this majestic throne room scene where John sees 24 crowned elders and four multi-winged living creatures. The chapter culminates in an awe-inspiring worship service as the elders cast their crowns before the Creator, proving that the future is entirely about God’s sovereign glory, not human achievement.

Key Facts

  • The 24 Elders: The elders (presbuteros) represent the glorified, redeemed believers who sit on minor thrones and wear stephanos—the crowns of achievement and reward earned during their earthly lives.
  • The Four Living Creatures: Unlike the elders, these are unnumbered, six-winged angelic beings (seraphim) covered in eyes. They ceaselessly declare the holiness of God day and night.
  • The Restraint of Description: John rigorously avoids describing God with anthropomorphic (human) details, relying instead on the imagery of dazzling light, profound distance, and precious gem colors to convey the incomprehensible nature of God.
  • Casting Crowns: The ultimate act of heavenly worship involves the redeemed recognizing that all their earthly works were fueled by God, voluntarily casting their rewarded crowns back at the feet of the Creator.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 4:1-11
  • Isaiah 6:1-3
  • Daniel 4:35

Message 12: Worthy Is the Lamb

Sermon Overview Continuing the heavenly vision in Chapter 5, the focus narrows to a sealed scroll in the Father’s right hand, containing the title deed to the earth and the ensuing judgments. When a strong angel asks who is worthy to break the seals, John weeps bitterly because no one in the universe is qualified. However, an elder comforts him, pointing to the Lion of the tribe of Judah. When John looks, he sees a standing Lamb bearing the scars of slaughter. As Jesus (the Lamb) takes the scroll, the entire universe erupts into three massive, overlapping waves of a “new song,” universally praising the Savior who alone is worthy to execute judgment because He purchased humanity with His blood.

Key Facts

  • The Sealed Scroll: The scroll operates like a Roman contract or title deed; it contains God’s sovereign, unalterable plan for the future judgments that will reclaim the earth.
  • The Lion and the Lamb: Jesus is paradoxically described as both a conquering Lion and a sacrificed Lamb. The scars of the cross remain on His glorified body, serving as eternal proof of His redemptive work.
  • Golden Bowls of Incense: The text reveals that the heartfelt prayers of the saints are not forgotten; they are held in golden bowls in heaven, deeply valued by God.
  • A Symphony of Praise: The worship of the Lamb expands outward in three waves: first the four living creatures and 24 elders, then myriads of angels, and finally every created thing in the universe, universally declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb”.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 5:1-14
  • Exodus 12:3-11
  • John 5:21-22, 27

Written by

His Name Is Wonderful

The Alpha and Omega, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, the True Vine—the Bible uses numerous descriptions of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the profound meaning and practical significance of Jesus’ names. Each one gives us a special glimpse into our eternal, ever-present, powerful, personal God.

Let His Name Is Wonderful fill your heart with truth and grace as you get to know the Lord of Lords, the Advocate, the King of Kings in a deeper way!

Names in the Bible are far more than casual monikers; they are meaningful indicators of identity, purpose, and character. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, Jesus is described by numerous titles—the Alpha and Omega, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, and the True Vine. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores these names to give us a special glimpse into our eternal, powerful, and personal God. By understanding the significance of each name, we can grow in our appreciation of the Savior and deepen our daily walk with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Message 1: We Call Him Lord

Message Overview: To call Jesus “Lord” is more than a religious formality; it is an acknowledgement of His absolute sovereignty and our total submission. This message explores the Greek word Kurios and what it means to live under the daily authority of the One who owns us by right of creation and redemption.

Key Facts:

  • Sovereignty: As Lord, Christ has the final word over our decisions, our relationships, and our future.
  • Submission: True lordship requires a shift from self-will to divine-will.
  • Identity: Understanding Christ as Lord provides a sense of security, knowing we belong to a benevolent Master.

Scripture References: Romans 10:9–13; Philippians 2:9–11

Message 2: He Is “King of Kings, Lord of Lords”

Message Overview: While the world is full of powerful leaders and rulers, this message highlights Christ’s position as the ultimate authority over all earthly powers. He is the King who transcends time and politics, holding a kingdom that will never end and a power that is unmatched by any human institution.

Key Facts:

  • Ultimate Authority: Every earthly knee will eventually bow to His supreme rank.
  • Eternal Kingdom: Unlike human empires that rise and fall, Christ’s reign is everlasting.
  • Justice: The King of Kings rules with perfect righteousness and will one day set all things right.

Scripture References: Revelation 19:11–16; 1 Timothy 6:13–16

Message 3: The Meaning of Messiah

Message Overview: “Messiah” (or Christos) means “The Anointed One.” This message traces the Old Testament prophecies that pointed toward a coming Deliverer and shows how Jesus perfectly fulfilled these promises, moving from the role of a suffering Servant to the reigning King.

Key Facts:

  • Fulfillment: Jesus is the specific person God promised throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
  • The Anointing: He was set apart by God for the unique mission of reconciling humanity to God.
  • Redemption: The Messiah didn’t just come to bring political freedom, but spiritual liberation from sin.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:13–17; Isaiah 61:1–3

Message 4: The Day God Answered, “Amen”

Message Overview: In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as “the Amen.” This title signifies that He is the “verily” or the “truth” of God. This message explores how all of God’s promises throughout history find their “Yes” and “Amen” in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Key Facts:

  • Certainty: Christ is the guarantee that God’s Word is reliable and His promises are true.
  • The Final Word: “Amen” signals the conclusion and the confirmation of God’s redemptive plan.
  • Trust: Because He is the Amen, we can build our lives on His promises without fear of failure.

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 1:19–20; Revelation 3:14

Message 5: He’s the Alpha and the Omega

Message Overview: As the Alpha and the Omega—the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet—Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end of all things. This message discusses His eternal nature, His presence at creation, and His role in the final consummation of history.

Key Facts:

  • Eternal Nature: Christ existed before time began and will exist long after the current world passes away.
  • Completeness: He is the sum total of everything we need from beginning to end.
  • Security: Knowing the “End” is in His hands allows us to trust Him with our “Middle.”

Scripture References: Revelation 1:8; 22:12–13

Message 6: Four Titles—Same Savior

Message Overview: Taking a deep dive into Isaiah’s famous prophecy, this message explores four specific titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each title offers a different perspective on how Jesus meets the deepest needs of the human heart.

Key Facts:

  • Wonderful Counselor: He provides supernatural wisdom for life’s complexities.
  • Mighty God: He possesses the divine strength to accomplish the impossible.
  • Everlasting Father: He demonstrates the eternal, protective care of a parent.
  • Prince of Peace: He is the only source of true reconciliation with God and others.

Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6–7

Message 7: “I Am the True Vine”

Message Overview: Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to describe our relationship with Him. This message emphasizes the necessity of “abiding” in Christ, showing that apart from a vital, living connection to Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

Key Facts:

  • Connection: Our spiritual life depends entirely on our attachment to the Source (Christ).
  • Fruitfulness: The purpose of the Christian life is to produce “fruit” that glorifies the Father.
  • Pruning: God uses trials to trim away the dead or unproductive parts of our lives for greater growth.

Scripture References: John 15:1–8

Message 8: The Shepherd of the Sheep

Message Overview: One of the most beloved images of Christ is that of the Good Shepherd. This message explores His commitment to lead, feed, protect, and even lay down His life for His “flock,” contrasting His care with the neglect of “hired hands.”

Key Facts:

  • Sacrifice: The Good Shepherd willingly gives His life for the sake of the sheep.
  • Guidance: He knows His sheep by name and leads them to “green pastures.”
  • Protection: No one is able to snatch the believer out of the Shepherd’s hand.

Scripture References: John 10:11–18; Psalm 23

Message 9: The Lamb of God

Message Overview: John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This message explains the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and how Jesus became the ultimate, final Passover Lamb, securing our forgiveness through His blood.

Key Facts:

  • Substitution: Jesus took the penalty that we deserved, dying in our place.
  • Purity: As the Lamb “without blemish,” His sacrifice was perfectly acceptable to God.
  • Victory: The Lamb who was slain is now the Lamb who reigns on the throne.

Scripture References: John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 5:6–13

Message 10: The Way, the Truth, the Life

Message Overview: In a world of many “paths,” Jesus made the exclusive claim that He is the only way to the Father. This message examines the radical nature of this statement and explains why His unique identity as Truth and Life makes Him the only viable bridge to God.

Key Facts:

  • Exclusivity: Salvation is found in no one else; there is no other name under heaven given to men.
  • The Way: He is the path; the Truth: He is the reality; the Life: He is the source of eternal vitality.
  • The Bridge: He is the only one who could span the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Scripture References: John 14:1–6; Acts 4:12

Message 11: Christ, Our Mediator

Message Overview: A mediator is one who stands between two parties to bring them together. This message explores how Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, is the only one qualified to mediate the new covenant between the Creator and His creation.

Key Facts:

  • Full Humanity: Because He was man, He can represent us before God.
  • Full Deity: Because He is God, He has the authority to satisfy divine justice.
  • Reconciliation: His mediation has removed the barrier of sin and brought us into a relationship with the Father.

Scripture References: 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Hebrews 9:15

Message 12: We Have an Advocate

Message Overview: When we fail, we have an “Advocate” with the Father. This message looks at Christ’s ongoing work as our defense attorney in the court of heaven, standing against the accusations of the enemy and pleading our case based on His own righteousness.

Key Facts:

  • Legal Defense: Christ does not argue our innocence; He pleads His own finished work on our behalf.
  • Intercession: He is constantly praying for us and defending us.
  • Standing: Because of our Advocate, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, not fear.

Scripture References: 1 John 2:1–2; Romans 8:33–34

Written by

Things to Stop and Start

Many of us spend our days saying, “I don’t have enough time!” Meanwhile, our cluttered closet stays cluttered, the thought of our estranged family member still stirs up resentment in our heart, and our time with God remains on the back burner.

Is it really true that we don’t have enough time? Or do we just need help prioritizing what truly matters?

Join Chuck Swindoll for this vital message series and learn:

  • Why to say no to procrastination, blaming, drifting, and other negative traits
  • How to say yes to following through, forgiving, digging into our faith, and more

Let’s start making the most of the time God has given us.


We often complain about not having enough time, yet we allow our lives to be cluttered with habits and attitudes that drain our spiritual energy. In this series, Chuck Swindoll challenges us to take an honest inventory of our lives. Following the biblical principle of “putting off” the old and “putting on” the new, we examine the practical shifts necessary for spiritual maturity. From stopping the blame game to starting a life of vulnerability, these messages offer a roadmap for making the most of the time God has given us.

Message 1: Stop Drifting Along and Start Digging In

Sermon Summary Getting older happens automatically, but growing up spiritually requires intentionality. Too many believers find themselves years into their faith but still shallow in their understanding of God’s Word. This message explores how to stop the passive drift of “easy” Christianity and start the disciplined work of digging deep into the scriptures.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Intentional Growth: Why spiritual maturity is never accidental.
  • The Danger of Shallow Faith: Moving beyond basic knowledge to a life-changing understanding of God.

Primary Scripture References

  • Hebrews 5:11–6:1: The call to move past the elementary teachings and go on to maturity.
  • 2 Peter 3:18: The command to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

Message 2: Stop Procrastinating and Start Following Through

Sermon Summary Procrastination is often a mask for fear or a lack of discipline. It leaves us with a life full of “half-finished” projects and unkept promises to God. Chuck provides biblical motivation for honoring our commitments and the spiritual benefits of consistent follow-through.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Cost of Delay: How putting things off hinders our witness and spiritual effectiveness.
  • Faithful Stewardship: Treating our time and tasks as a sacred trust from God.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4–5: The importance of fulfilling the vows we make to God.

Message 3: Stop Shaming and Start Honoring

Sermon Summary Shame is a destructive tool that isolates and devalues people. In contrast, the biblical call is to honor one another. This message looks at how we can stop using shame as a weapon—whether against ourselves or others—and start reflecting the dignity that God places on every human being.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Grace Alternative: Moving from a culture of condemnation to one of restoration.
  • Building Up vs. Tearing Down: The power of our words to reflect God’s heart.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Romans 12:10: The command to “outdo one another in showing honor.”

Message 4: Stop Blaming and Start Forgiving

Sermon Summary Blame is the enemy of growth because it refuses to take responsibility. By shifting the focus to others’ faults, we remain stuck in bitterness. Chuck explores how to break the cycle of blame by embracing the radical, freeing power of forgiveness—both for ourselves and those who have wronged us.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Ownership: The necessity of taking responsibility for our own reactions and choices.
  • The Freedom of Forgiveness: Why letting go of the “debt” is the only path to healing.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Colossians 3:13: Bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us.

Message 5: Stop Worrying and Start Trusting

Sermon Summary Worry is a heavy burden that God never intended us to carry. It assumes that God is not in control or not concerned. This message contrasts the paralysis of anxiety with the peace that comes from actively trusting in the character and promises of our Heavenly Father.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Anxiety vs. Assurance: Shifting focus from our problems to God’s power.
  • Daily Dependence: The practice of “casting cares” on the One who cares for us.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Message 6: Stop Resisting and Start Submitting

Sermon Summary Our natural inclination is to fight for our own way, often resisting God’s leading and authority. Chuck examines the beauty and strength found in submission—recognizing that when we stop resisting God’s plan, we find the very protection and guidance we’ve been seeking.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Strength of Surrender: Why submission is a sign of spiritual power, not weakness.
  • Trusting Authority: Finding peace in God’s sovereign direction for our lives.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Message 7: Stop Acting Perfect and Start Being Vulnerable

Sermon Summary Many Christians feel the pressure to “have it all together,” which leads to hypocrisy and isolation. This message encourages us to drop the mask of perfection. When we are honest about our struggles and weaknesses, we create space for God’s power to work and for genuine community to flourish.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Authenticity: The spiritual relief of being real about our needs.
  • Grace in Weakness: How vulnerability invites God’s strength into our lives.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9: God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

Message 8: Stop Lying and Start Acknowledging

Sermon Summary Deception, even in “small” ways, erodes character and destroys trust. Chuck addresses the importance of total honesty, starting with acknowledging the truth about our own hearts before God. This message is a call to live a life of integrity where our outside matches our inside.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Integrity: The foundational role of truth in the life of a believer.
  • The Power of Confession: The healing that comes from bringing truth into the light.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Proverbs 28:13: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

Message 9: Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven

Sermon Summary It is easy to become cynical and hyper-critical of the world around us. In this series finale, Chuck encourages us to lift our gaze. By focusing on the reality and beauty of our eternal home, we find the perspective and hope needed to live faithfully and joyfully in the present.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Eternal Perspective: How the hope of Heaven changes our priorities on Earth.
  • Joyful Endurance: Moving from a critical spirit to a heart filled with anticipation.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Colossians 3:1–2: Setting our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Written by

How Great Is Our God!

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

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

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

Message 1: The Glory of God

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

Message 2: The Holiness of God

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

Message 3: The Love of God

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

Message 4: The Grace of God

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

Message 5: The Cup That He Drank

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

Message 6: The Servant who Came

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

Message 7: The Lamb That Was Slaughtered

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

Message 8: The Cross We Proclaim

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

Message 9: Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power

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

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

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

Message 11: Those Unidentified Inner Promptings

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

Message 12: The Spirit’s Most Significant Mission

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

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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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God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven

When was the last time you read any of the General Epistles? Hebrews, with its references to Old Testament sacrifices and Jewish feasts, might seem outdated. Jude’s record of a cosmic battle over the body of Moses might fit best in a sci-fi movie. And Revelation, with its strange apocalyptic imagery, might stir contention and confusion within the church.

But did you know that these ancient letters contain many spiritual riches? In God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven: The Final Word—A Survey of Hebrews–Revelation, you will discover:

  • How Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law
  • Why true faith must produce fruit
  • How you can find hope in the midst of trials

The God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven audio series will help you dig into these nine treasures from the first century! You’ll gain theological depth and grow in your practical devotion to Christ.

Message 1: Hebrews: Jesus Christ, Our Superior Savior

Sermon Overview The book of Hebrews was written to first-century Jewish Christians—often “street people”—who were enduring severe persecution, losing their homes, and facing the temptation to abandon their faith. Charles R. Swindoll explains that while the authorship of Hebrews remains a mystery not worth obsessing over, its message is unmistakably clear: Jesus Christ is superior to all Old Testament figures and sufficient for all of life’s trials. He is the ultimate “bridge over troubled waters.” Rather than promising immediate physical relief, the letter provides robust theology, proving Christ’s superiority over the prophets, angels, Moses, and the Levitical priests. This profound book encourages weary believers to hold fast to their confession, endure God’s discipline as a sign of His love, and draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.

Key Facts

  • The Unknown Author: Despite endless scholarly debate, the human author of Hebrews is unknown, but the divine inspiration and message are absolutely certain,.
  • Christ’s Supremacy: The first ten chapters meticulously demonstrate that Christ is superior in His person and His priesthood, building an unfailing bridge between earth and heaven–.
  • A Sympathetic High Priest: Believers can draw near to the throne of grace with confidence because Jesus is not a distant deity, but a High Priest who deeply sympathizes with human weakness and suffering–.
  • The Purpose of Discipline: God does not abandon His children in trials; He actively disciplines, chastens, and works through painful circumstances to produce obedience and spiritual maturity–.

Scripture References

  • Hebrews 1:1–3
  • Hebrews 2:1, 8–9
  • Hebrews 3:12–13
  • Hebrews 4:14–16
  • Hebrews 10:32–35
  • Hebrews 12:4–7
  • Hebrews 13:1–5, 18–22

Message 2: James: A Plea for Authenticity

Sermon Overview While most of the Bible addresses either the “way to God” or the “walk with God,” James relentlessly focuses on the latter. Written by the half-brother of Jesus—who remained a skeptic until after the resurrection—this letter is the earliest New Testament document. Addressed to Jewish believers scattered abroad by persecution, James writes with the penetrating eye of a former skeptic. He demands to know: If your faith is genuine, why is your walk not authentic? Swindoll unpacks how James systematically proves that real faith produces visible results. When faith is stretched, it produces endurance; when pressed, it produces impartial love; when expressed, it demonstrates control over the tongue; and when distressed, it produces patient prayer. Ultimately, James calls believers to be doers of the Word, functioning as the stinging salt and bright light of the world.

Key Facts

  • The Skeptical Brother: James grew up in the shadow of his perfect older brother, Jesus, and did not believe He was the Messiah until after the resurrection–.
  • Faith and Works: James does not teach works-based salvation; rather, he argues that authentic, saving faith will inevitably be demonstrated by righteous works–.
  • The Danger of the Tongue: Teachers face a stricter judgment because their gift is exercised through the tongue—a tiny “rudder” or “spark” that, if uncontrolled, can set a whole forest ablaze and destroy a church–.
  • Avoiding Partiality: Authentic Christian love is devoid of prejudice and favoritism, treating the poor man in dirty clothes with the same dignity as the rich man in fine apparel–.

Scripture References

  • James 1:1–6, 22
  • James 2:1–13, 14–26
  • James 3:1–5, 14
  • James 4:1–4, 11
  • James 5:7, 13–16
  • Matthew 5:13–16
  • Matthew 13:53–58
  • John 7:1–5

Message 3: First Peter: Hope for the Hurting

Sermon Overview First Peter is a deeply personal letter of courage and compassion written to “scattered aliens”—Christians who were being severely persecuted and slandered throughout the Roman Empire, particularly under the reign of Nero. Written by the Apostle Peter, a man who intimately knew the pain of personal failure and the grace of restoration, this book offers profound hope for the hurting. Swindoll outlines four major lessons from the letter: trials may vary but believers are highly valuable; trials are often unreasonable but never without divine reason; trials are inevitable and shouldn’t surprise us; and trials are temporal, not eternal. The message challenges believers to stop resenting their pain, humbly submit to God’s hand, and use the “road less traveled” to grow deep in character and glorify Christ.

Key Facts

  • The Pain of Slander: Early Christians were falsely accused of cannibalism (communion), tampering with family relationships, and even starting the great fire of Rome in AD 64–.
  • The Fiery Ordeal: Peter commands believers not to be surprised by fiery trials, recognizing that suffering is a universal and inevitable part of the Christian pilgrimage–.
  • A Strange Life: To survive intense testing, believers are commanded to live a “strange” life: abstaining from fleshly lusts, submitting to unreasonable authority, and maintaining humility–.
  • God Himself Will Restore: Peter promises that after believers have suffered for a little while, God Himself—not a delegated angel—will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish them.

Scripture References

  • 1 Peter 1:1, 6–8
  • 1 Peter 2:11–13, 18–23
  • 1 Peter 3:1–7, 15–17
  • 1 Peter 4:9–13
  • 1 Peter 5:8–10

Message 4: Second Peter: Beware, Be Ready

Sermon Overview Unlike the clear, comforting themes of his first letter, Peter’s second letter is a complex, provocative warning designed to stir up the minds of complacent believers. Swindoll describes the theme of Second Peter as an “arrow” made of warnings, reminders, and promises, which, when applied with diligence, gives the believer unwavering hope. The letter aggressively confronts the moral corruption of the world and the doctrinal compromises of greedy, deceptive false teachers. Peter also addresses prophetic concerns, refuting mockers who claim God has never intervened in human history by pointing to the historical reality of the global flood. Swindoll encourages believers to utilize the “HOPE” method to survive their generation: Heed what you already know, Open your eyes and ears, Pursue a godly lifestyle, and Expect Christ’s return.

Key Facts

  • Fully Equipped: By His divine power, God has already granted believers absolutely everything they need pertaining to life and godliness; they simply need to apply diligence,–.
  • The Inspiration of Scripture: The Bible is a “more sure word of prophecy.” The human authors did not write by an act of human will, but were “moved” (a nautical term for a ship driven by the wind) by the Holy Spirit–.
  • Identifying False Teachers: False prophets are driven by greed, care more about popularity than truth, live seductive personal lives, and subtly lead people away from God–.
  • God’s Unique Timetable: God is not bound by a 24-hour clock. He delays His return out of profound patience, not wishing for any to perish, but His final judgment will eventually come as swiftly and silently as a thief in the night–.

Scripture References

  • 2 Peter 1:1–10, 12–13, 19–21
  • 2 Peter 2:1–3, 9–13
  • 2 Peter 3:1–5, 8–12, 17

Message 5: First John: God’s Life on Display

Sermon Overview Written toward the end of the first century, the First Epistle of John addresses a church that had grown complacent, traditional, and nominal, making it ripe for the invasions of Gnosticism and Antinomianism (lawlessness). While the Gospel of John was written to help people enter the family of God, First John was written to show what the life of God looks like on display. Swindoll acknowledges the difficult, profound nature of this letter but highlights its four primary purposes: to complete the believer’s joy, to prevent habitual sin, to counteract the deception of heresy, and to provide absolute assurance of eternal life. Through the themes of light, love, and life, John proves that a believer in fellowship with God will be a joyful light in a dark world, a clean rebuke in a sinful society, a discerning refuge against deception, and a confident, stabilizing force in an uncertain age.

Key Facts

  • The Strenuous Life: John does not preach a doctrine of “noble ease”; he strictly commands believers not to love the world system or be ensnared by the lust of the flesh, eyes, and boastful pride of life–.
  • Our Righteous Advocate: When believers sin, they have an “Advocate” (Paraclete—a defense attorney called alongside) in Jesus Christ, who stands before the Father as the complete satisfaction (propitiation) for their sins–.
  • The Spirit of Antichrist: Deceivers and antichrists are those who vehemently deny the foundational truths of Jesus Christ, particularly His incarnation (coming in the flesh) and deity–.
  • Absolute Assurance: Eternal life is not based on fickle feelings but on the possession of the Son. “He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life”–.

Scripture References

  • 1 John 1:1–10
  • 1 John 2:1–3, 12–18, 28
  • 1 John 3:6, 14, 22–24
  • 1 John 4:1–6, 17
  • 1 John 5:4–13, 16–18

Message 6: Second John: A Letter to a Lady

Sermon Overview Love is like a beautiful, life-giving river, but when it swells beyond its proper banks, it becomes a destructive killer. In the brief postcard of Second John, the “Elder” writes to “the chosen lady” to emphasize that Christian love must always flow strictly within the rock-like banks of truth and discernment. During the first century, itinerant teachers relied on the hospitality of local believers. This gracious lady was opening her home indiscriminately, inadvertently harboring false teachers who denied the incarnation and deity of Christ. Swindoll unpacks John’s strong command: believers must not extend official hospitality or issue affirming greetings to dedicated missionaries of error. True love does not mean blind acceptance; the one who loves you the most is the one who tells you the truth.

Key Facts

  • The Danger of Unbound Love: An undiscerning, indiscriminate expression of love that compromises biblical truth causes deep spiritual damage and gives false teaching a platform,.
  • A Balance of Grace and Truth: The Christian fellowship must be marked equally by love and truth; pursuing either extreme at the expense of the other ruins both.
  • Arch-Deceivers: The false teachers John addresses were not simply confused believers holding differing opinions; they were “antichrists” engaged in the systematic, hostile dissemination of lies against the person of Christ,–.
  • No Official Welcome: Believers are commanded not to receive false teachers into their homes or give them a greeting, as doing so officially validates their message and makes the host a participant in their evil deeds,.

Scripture References

  • 2 John 1–13

Message 7: Third John: Three Men in a Church

Sermon Overview While Second John warns that love must be restricted by truth, Third John emphasizes that truth must be delivered with love, compassion, and grace. Swindoll explores the dynamics of a first-century local church by examining three distinct men mentioned in this tiny letter. First is Gaius, a beloved, faithful, and hospitable layman who is commended for generously supporting traveling ministers. Second is Diotrephes, an arrogant, dictatorial “church boss” who loved to be first, maliciously gossiped against apostolic authority, and excommunicated anyone who challenged him. Finally, there is Demetrius, a man affirmed by everyone because his life perfectly mirrored the truth of Scripture. This message serves as a stark reminder that while variety in ministry is beautiful, dictatorial disunity must never be tolerated.

Key Facts

  • Fellow Workers With the Truth: Believers who generously and financially support true, itinerant ministers of the gospel become active partners and “fellow workers” in the dissemination of the truth–.
  • The Church Boss Complex: Diotrephes represents the dangerous “savage” layman who seeks preeminence, plots for control, talks baseless nonsense (gossip), and forces his own unbiblical authority over the congregation–.
  • Confronting Arrogance: Apostolic leadership requires the courage to deal openly with bullies like Diotrephes; a church cannot be run by human pride, because Jesus Christ alone is Lord of the church,.
  • The Ultimate Standard: A godly leader, like Demetrius, maintains an excellent testimony in the community, inside the church, and most importantly, against the objective standard of the Word of God.

Scripture References

  • 3 John 1–14
  • 1 Corinthians 12:18–20

Message 8: Jude: Manual for Survival

Sermon Overview Jude originally sat down to write a calm, joyful letter about the common salvation he shared with his readers. However, the Holy Spirit urgently compelled him to change his subject and issue a “fiery cross” to arouse the church. Apostates and false teachers had “crept in unnoticed”—like a water moccasin slipping into a fresh reservoir—turning the grace of God into a license for gross immorality and denying the lordship of Christ. Swindoll outlines Jude’s powerful arguments for why believers must intensely “contend for the faith,” pointing to the spiritual emptiness, blasphemous tongues, and certain doom of these false teachers. To survive such deceptive times, Jude commands believers to remember the apostolic warnings, keep themselves in the love of God, have pity on those who doubt, and urgently snatch the lost from the fire.

Key Facts

  • A Completed Body of Truth: “The faith” refers to the fixed, non-negotiable body of revealed biblical truth that was delivered “once for all” to the saints; it is not open to continued, modern alteration.
  • Insidious Deception: False teachers rarely announce their heresy; they creep in with gracious, logical, and flattering words, appealing to the undiscerning before injecting their spiritual venom–,.
  • Clouds Without Water: Jude eloquently describes the spiritual emptiness of false teachers: they are hidden reefs, waterless clouds driven by winds, dead autumn trees, and wandering stars reserved for eternal darkness.
  • Hating the Garment: Believers are commanded to vigorously evangelize (“save others, snatching them out of the fire”) while maintaining a careful balance: loving the sinner but harboring a deep hatred for the sin that pollutes them.

Scripture References

  • Jude 1–4
  • Jude 5–16
  • Jude 17–25

Message 9: Revelation: God’s Final Words

Sermon Overview Often viewed as a bewildering, enigmatic riddle full of bizarre symbolism, the book of Revelation is actually meant to be exactly what its Greek title (Apocalypsis) suggests: an unveiling. Written by the Apostle John while exiled on the harsh island of Patmos, this majestic, dramatic book was designed to assure believers that God is in complete, sovereign control of all future events. Adopting a futurist perspective, Swindoll walks through the divinely inspired outline found in Revelation 1:19—the things seen (chapter 1), the things which are (the seven churches in chapters 2–3), and the things to come (chapters 4–22). From the catastrophic seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments, to the sinister reign of the Antichrist (666), the book steadily builds to the ultimate, glorious climax: the return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings, the final defeat of Satan, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth.

Key Facts

  • A Promised Blessing: Revelation is one of the only books in the Bible that explicitly promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and heed the words of its prophecy–.
  • The Seven Churches: Chapters 2 and 3 address seven literal first-century churches in Asia Minor (such as the dead church in Sardis and the lukewarm church in Laodicea), warning all congregations against spiritual self-deception–.
  • Unleashed Judgments: The future tribulation involves three distinct series of seven judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) representing the fierce, righteous wrath of God poured out upon an unrepentant earth–.
  • The King of Kings: At the climax of history, Jesus Christ returns not as a suffering servant, but as a conquering warrior on a white horse, reigning supreme over all who falsely claim the title of lord or king–.
  • The Reality of Hell: The Great White Throne Judgment establishes the sobering reality that those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will face eternal punishment in the lake of fire–.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 1:1–9, 19
  • Revelation 2–3
  • Revelation 4–5
  • Revelation 6–8
  • Revelation 13:1, 14–18
  • Revelation 16:1
  • Revelation 19:11–20
  • Revelation 20:7–15
  • Revelation 21–22
  • Daniel 4:35

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The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal

The church belongs to Jesus and to no one else. She is His bride. But if a local church strays from its holy calling, that church risks losing its very identity.

What can a church do, then, to remain pure and deep? God’s Word has the answer.

In this important series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll casts a clear, biblical vision of what comprises a healthy church. Learn these essential truths and timely applications in this nine-part series that will inspire church leaders and congregants alike!


In a culture that is increasingly secular and a church that is often drifting toward entertainment or legalism, there is an urgent need for a “wake-up call.” In this 9-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll returns to the foundational blueprint of the New Testament church. By emphasizing the Lordship of Christ and the essential marks of a healthy community, Chuck provides a roadmap for local churches to move away from “the long drift” and toward a vibrant, contagious, and deep spiritual life.

Message 1. The Church: Let’s Start Here (Matthew 16:13–19)

  • Overview: Sets the foundation by declaring that the Church belongs to Jesus and no one else. The Church is built on the confession of Christ as Lord, not on human personalities or clever marketing.
  • Key Fact: The existence and purpose of the church rest entirely on the authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
  • Scripture: Matthew 16:18 – “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the symbols of Hades will not overpower it.”

Message 2. Challenges, Struggles, Solutions, Priorities (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Addresses the modern “identity crisis” of the church. Chuck identifies the specific cultural challenges that cause churches to lose their way and points back to the priorities of the early church in Acts.
  • Key Fact: When a church confuses its mission with cultural trends, it risks losing its power to transform lives.
  • Scripture: Acts 2:42 – “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Message 3. Distinctives of a Contagious Church (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: What makes a church “contagious”? It is not high-production value, but the presence of genuine love, uncompromised truth, and a spirit of joyful resilience.
  • Key Fact: A contagious church doesn’t just attract a crowd; it impacts a community through the visible transformation of its members.

Message 4. Worship: A Commitment . . . Not a War (Part One)

  • Overview: Tackles the “worship wars” that have divided many congregations. Chuck argues that worship is a heart-commitment to God, not a matter of musical style or personal preference.
  • Key Fact: True worship is vertical (directed at God) and should never be sidelined by horizontal arguments over tradition versus contemporary trends.
  • Scripture: Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

5. Worship: A Commitment . . . Not a War (Part Two)

  • Overview: Continues the study on worship, focusing on the “spirit and truth” required for genuine encounter with God.
  • Key Fact: Worship is an active response of the soul to the greatness of God, which transcends the “performance” aspect of a service.
  • Scripture: John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Message 6. What Must the Church Realize? (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: A sobering look at the spiritual reality of the Church’s position in the world. Chuck encourages churches to realize their role as a “lighthouse” in a dark culture.
  • Key Fact: The church must realize that its primary influence comes from being different from the world, not similar to it.

Message 7. How Should the Church React? (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Provides a strategic response to cultural hostility and internal apathy. The church is called to react with grace, boldness, and a renewed commitment to its first love.
  • Key Fact: The church’s reaction to a wrong world should be “right living” and a fearless proclamation of the Gospel.

Message 8. The Church on a Long Drift (Revelation 2–3)

  • Overview: Uses the letters to the seven churches in Revelation to illustrate how a healthy church can slowly “drift” into lukewarmness, legalism, or compromise.
  • Key Fact: The “long drift” is usually subtle and occurs when we stop being vigilant about our spiritual health and doctrine.
  • Scripture: Revelation 2:4 – “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

Message 9. It’s Time to “Restore the Years” (Joel 2:25)

  • Overview: The series concludes with a message of hope and restoration. No matter how far a church has drifted, God is able to restore what has been lost through genuine repentance and renewal.
  • Key Fact: Renewal is always possible because the Potter is still at work on His human clay, and He delights in “restoring the years that the locust has eaten.”
  • Scripture: Joel 2:25 – “Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”

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