Podcasts about swindoll

Junio 09, 2023 - Hoy en Vision Para Vivir el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta nos dara una alternativa mucho mas practica y natural acerca de como compartir el evangelio.

1 Peter 2:13-25 / June 8-12, 2023 Gain a renewed outlook today as Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches from 1 Peter 2:13–25 and shows how faithful followers of Jesus should respond when life hands them a raw deal. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

1 Peter 2:13-25 / June 8-12, 2023 Gain a renewed outlook today as Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches from 1 Peter 2:13–25 and shows how faithful followers of Jesus should respond when life hands them a raw deal. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Matthew 19:26When times are tough what matters is your focus. If you focus on your problems they'll seem insurmountable. If you focus on God you're trusting Him for the outcome. And nothing is impossible for God.

Junio 08, 2023 - La palabra de Dios nos exhorta a alcanzar al mundo para Cristo. En verdad es una labor sobrecogedora al considerar la poblacion mundial. Pero, si todos nosotros nos atrevieramos a dar el primer paso y visitar a nuestro vecino para compartir el evangelio, esa tarea ya no se veria tan lejana o imposible. Hoy en Vision Para Vivir, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta nos presentara un nuevo mensaje en la serie "PRACTICAS PARA LA VIDA CRISTIANA", y nos ayudara a obtener una nueva perspectiva de nuestra labor.

Junio 07, 2023 - Hoy en Vision Para Vivir, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta dirigira nuestra atencion hacia el papel que Jesus tiene dentro de la trinidad. Al igual que nos ayudara a entender la posicion de Cristo como cabeza de la iglesia.

1 Peter 2:4-12 / June 5-7, 2023 Savour this beautiful reality with Pastor Chuck Swindoll and be reminded that God's children are called to reflect the good and righteous character of their loving Father. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Ephesians 4:32A perfect family is not achievable. There will always be disagreements and the clashing of wills. However, through Christ a home filled with grace, forgiveness, and love is achievable.

Micah 6:8Life is complex. Our world is more complicated than it was even 20 or 30 years ago. Even though many of the values we grew up with now seem passé, the basics never change—they're summarized in Micah 6:8, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Junio 06, 2023 - Quien es Jesus? No existe una pregunta mas relevante en la vida, y si en verdad usted busca genuinamente la respuesta, usted obtendra una vida plena, al igual que un destino seguro. Hoy el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta contestara una de las preguntas fundamentales de nuestra existencia: Quien es Jesus?

1 Peter 2:4-12 / June 5-7, 2023 Savour this beautiful reality with Pastor Chuck Swindoll and be reminded that God's children are called to reflect the good and righteous character of their loving Father. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Junio 05, 2023 - Hoy en dia hay mucha confusion acerca de la tercera persona de la trinidad. Por esa razon, hoy en Vision Para Vivir, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta clarificara el papel que el Espíritu Santo tiene en nuestras vidas.

Romans 8:20-21Just as countries build walls for protection from enemies we build walls around ourselves. Freedom is living without walls; letting go of the bitterness and anger keeping us in bondage.

1 Peter 2:4-12 / June 5-7, 2023 Savour this beautiful reality with Pastor Chuck Swindoll and be reminded that God's children are called to reflect the good and righteous character of their loving Father. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

1 Peter 2:4-12 / June 5-7, 2023 Savour this beautiful reality with Pastor Chuck Swindoll and be reminded that God's children are called to reflect the good and righteous character of their loving Father. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Romans 12:1-2We're all tempted to get even when we've been wronged; our natural reaction is to retaliate. However, a better response extends grace. It not only demonstrates self-control but it shows you don't take your cues from how the world would respond—but rather from what God wants you to do.

Junio 02, 2023 - Cuando aceptamos a Cristo como nuestro Salvador, somos liberados de la esclavitud del pecado. Y al mismo tiempo, el Espiritu Santo viene a morar en nosotros, dandonos la fortaleza y el poder para vencer. Pero, como podemos utilizar el poder del Espiritu en la batalla? Hoy el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta continuara con la serie: "PRACTICAS DE LA VIDA CRISTIANA".

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 / May 31-June 2, 2023 Listen in to Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he advocates for unity within the body of Christ. Be encouraged to live as children of the loving Father, treating one another as brothers and sisters. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Introduction      Luke had previously addressed the conflict that arose in the early church between the Hellenistic Jews and the native Jews over the matter of food distribution to the widows in the community (Acts 6:1). To resolve the issue, the apostles directed “the congregation of the disciples” (Acts 6:2) to select seven men of “good reputation” who would make sure the widows were being cared for on a daily basis (Acts 6:2-3). The apostle's reason was so they could devote themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). The seven men who were selected were described as being “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Act 6:3), and “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), and were approved by the apostles for their ministry (Acts 6:6). Afterwards, we're told, “The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem” (Acts 6:7). In the following pericope, Luke singled out Stephen, who was a transitional figure in the early church. Stephen takes up such a large section in Acts because he is the first Christian martyr and his death marks the beginning of the great church persecution that scattered Christians all over the world. Text      Luke wrote, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). Previously, Stephen was among those who were said to be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3), and specifically was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). And here, Stephen was said to be “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8). The Greek adjective πλήρης pleres, translated full of, appears 16 times in the NT, with half of the occurrences in Acts. According to Mounce, the word means to be “completely under the influence of, or affected by.”[1] Stephen was marked by the good qualities one would like to see in a godly leader. The word grace translates the Greek word χάρις charis, which commonly denotes unmerited favor or undeserved kindness, but here means “a winning quality or attractiveness … charm, winsomeness.”[2] Furthermore, Stephen was under the influence of God's power, Who was working through His servant to perform “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8b). It is assumed these signs and wonders were similar to those performed by the apostles, and that it was done to promote the gospel message to others in the community. According to Charles Swindoll, “In faith, Stephen submitted himself to the direction of the Holy Spirit and worked to serve the church. This is exactly the kind of faithful Christian God loves to use to do big things. Stephen took his faith seriously, and he yielded to the Holy Spirit's control. That's what it means to be ‘full' in this way.”[3] But godliness does not come without resistance. According to Arnold Fruchtenbaum, “Because of his actions in this context, Stephen ended up being the first member of the church to qualify for the martyr's crown. The main purpose of the book of Acts is to tell the story of Peter and Paul, and Stephen is the link between these two key apostles: he was appointed by Peter, but Paul will be consenting to his death.”[4]      Because the church exists in a fallen world, where Satan is ruling in a limited way (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1 John 5:19), and where many people are resistant to God's work (Matt 7:13; John 3:19; Rom 1:18), it was only a matter of time before a conflict arose. Luke informs us, “But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). Here, we have some men who were from a specific synagogue called “the Synagogue of the Freedmen”, which consisted either of Jewish men who had previously been slaves and were now free, or were the sons of those who'd previously been freed. Their common bond was their freedom from physical slavery, yet they were hostile to Stephen who offered them spiritual freedom in Christ (Acts 6:9-14; cf. Acts 26:18; Col 1:13). Thomas Constable notes, “Like local churches today, these synagogues tended to attract people with similar backgrounds and preferences. Many families that had experienced liberation from some kind of slavery or servitude evidently populated the Synagogue of the Freedmen.”[5] And Charles Swindoll states: "Synagogues not only held services for worship and teaching, but they also served as community centers where people met socially. This made them ideal locations to discuss theology. Stephen and the other believers regularly frequented synagogues, looking for opportunities to testify about Jesus the Messiah and His resurrection from the dead. Stephen quickly demonstrated a remarkable ability to debate, which infuriated these freedmen (Acts 6:10)."[6]      That these men “rose up and argued with Stephen” means they opposed his preaching, not necessarily his grace or good works. We're not told exactly what Stephen was preaching, but from their opposing arguments that follow, it was related to Jesus, the Mosaic Law, and the temple. The apostle Paul was a “Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia” (Acts 21:39) and may have fellowshipped in this particular synagogue. If so, it would make sense why he was listed among those who approved of Stephen's killing in the next chapter (Acts 7:58).      But these Jewish men, collectively, could not adequately defend their position against Stephen's well-reasoned and robust teaching. Luke tells us, “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:10). Because Stephen was so proficient in his presentation of God's Word, showing from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ, he threatened the theological base of those who opposed him. Stephen appears as an unusually gifted teacher who was able to communicate God's Word. Apparently Stephen presented his case with such compelling force that the Hellenistic Jews were unable to cope with his wisdom. Luke's comment about Stephen speaking by “the Spirit” implies his words were divinely sanctioned. That is, they originated with God the Holy Spirit and were truth. This appears to be a display of what Jesus told His disciples, saying, “I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute” (Luke 21:15). Rational words only work with rational minds, and those given over to sin are not always rational. Furthermore, winning an argument does not mean winning a heart, as some who are recalcitrant and committed to their sinful ways will not be persuaded by solid biblical reasoning, but will only dig in their heels (cf., Jer 25:3; John 3:19). That Stephen spoke by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit meant his detractors were actually arguing with God, and thus it was an unfair debate. When the Jews from the Synagogue of the Freedmen could not win their debate by rational means—since they were governed by pride—they resorted to sinful practices that are common to the world. Luke wrote: "Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” (Acts 6:11-14)      Stephen was treated the same as the Lord Jesus, where Jewish leaders employed false witnesses to testify against Him, declaring He would destroy the temple. Mark tells us in his Gospel, “Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands'” (Mark 14:57-58). Though it was Stephen standing before the Sanhedrin, it was as though Jesus were on trial all over again. However, before the supreme court of heaven, and God, “the Judge of all the earth” (Gen 18:25), it was these unbelieving Jewish men and the Sanhedrin itself that was on trial. Apparently the Sanhedrin had so elevated Moses, that they considered one who spoke against him as worthy of capital punishment. Josephus says of them, “What they most of all honor, after God himself, is the name of their legislator [Moses]; whom, if any one blaspheme, he is punished capitally.”[7]      Those who opposed Stephen, assuming they knew the Law at all, might have been thinking of when Moses wrote, “the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people” (Num 15:30). Of course, these men only used the Scripture as a means of controlling others and destroying their enemies. Luke tells us these men 1) “secretly induced men to say” false things about Stephen (Acts 6:11), 2) “stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes” (Acts 6:12a) 3) “dragged him away and brought him before the Council” (Acts 6:12b), and 4) “put forward false witnesses” to accuse him (Acts 6:13).      These wicked men violated the Scripture in order to protect their power. It was evil that they secretly induced men to spread lies about Stephen, which is a direct violation of the ninth commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex 20:16). Spreading a lie and stirring up the people was their tactic to manipulate the situation and win local support, which they felt they needed to overpower Stephen and the influence he was having on those who heard him. It's noteworthy that such actions are a common tactic among the wicked, as David prayed to the Lord, saying, “Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence” (Psa 27:12). Once they had their false charges and the support of others, they grabbed Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. Luke employs the Greek word συναρπάζω sunarpazo (translated dragged away) which, according to BDAG, means “to take hold of forcibly, to seize someone.”[8] One can imagine a group of strong men approaching Stephen and grabbing him by force and dragging him through the city to bring him before the Sanhedrin. This reveals the physical actions some people will resort to when dealing with God's people, all because they feel threatened by divine revelation and will seek to shut down those who communicate it by whatever means necessary.      Once the false witnesses were put before the Sanhedrin, they said, “we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us” (Acts 6:14). The charge that was brought against Stephen echoed that which had been brought against Jesus a few months earlier (Mark 14:57-58). For the Sanhedrin, this was Déjà vu all over again. According to Stanley Toussaint: "The false witnesses were not necessarily outright liars. Stephen had probably said the things they accused him of; however, they misrepresented the intentions and imports of his statements (cf. Matt 26:61; Mark 14:58; John 2:19). The Lord Himself predicted the destruction of the temple (Matt 24:1–2; Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6), though He never said He would do it. The other half of the allegation against Stephen involved the temporary nature of the Mosaic system. Undoubtedly he saw the theological implications of justification by faith and the fulfillment of the Law in Christ. Furthermore, if the gospel was for the whole world (Acts 1:8), the Law had to be a temporary arrangement."[9]      Luke closed out this pericope, saying, “And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). The Sanhedrin, fixing their collective stares at Stephen, were probably trying to intimidate him. That, along with the false charges, would normally frighten anyone in that situation. But Luke tells us they “saw his face like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15b). This could very well be God's shekinah glory, resting on Stephen as it had rested on Moses after he'd spoken with the Lord, and whose “face shone” for others to see (Ex 34:29). It could also be Luke's way of saying that Stephen displayed a calmness in the face of his accusers. If so, it reveals a relaxed mental attitude in the face of hostility. No doubt, the Lord was with Stephen, and His Word saturated his thinking, so much so, that Stephen remained calm in the face of great pressure. Present Application      As God's people, we must be faithful to Him in those moments when we have opportunity to share Christ and His Word. When we share Christ with others, it gives them the opportunity believe in Him as their Savior, believing He died for them, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4). Once they believe in Jesus as their Savior, they receive forgiveness of sins (Eph 1:7), eternal life (John 10:28), the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9), and many other blessings (Eph 1:3). However, we must also keep in mind that we live in a fallen world that is largely governed by Satan (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1 John 5:19), and where the vast majority of people are under “the dominion of Satan” (Act 26:18), and reside in his “domain of darkness” (Col 1:13). It is in this realm that we live our lives and must proclaim the truth of God's Word, as lights in a dark world (Eph 5:8-10; Phil 2:5). Sadly, the majority of people in this world will seek to suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18), and to silence God's messengers by whatever means they can. Yet we must be strong, for God has told us, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5); therefore, we take courage, for “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Heb 13:6a). Knowing God's Word and walking with Him erects a fortress in our souls that enables us to stand in the face of great pressure. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] William D. Mounce, Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006), 1246. [2] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 1079. [3] Charles R. Swindoll, Acts, Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2016), 126. [4] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Book of Acts (San Antonio, TX, Published by Ariel Ministries, 2022), 153. [5] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 6:9. [6] Charles R. Swindoll, Acts, Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary, 126. [7] Flavius Josephus and William Whiston, The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1987), 606. [8] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 966. [9] Stanley D. Toussaint, “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 368–369.

Exodus 33:12-14Chuck Swindoll tells us to remain students for the rest of our lives. He says to those in education, “press on; never quit. Never stop studying. Never stop reading. Never stop learning. Don't believe it because someone says it. Find out for yourself. Never stop. Press on.” That's good advice for all of us.

Junio 01, 2023 - Como cristianos adoramos a un Dios trino: Padre, Hijo y Espiritu Santo. Pero de estas tres personas de la trinidad, es seguro suponer que el Espiritu Santo es el que mas ignoramos y mas mal entendemos. Por esa razon, hoy en Vision Para Vivir el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta le ayudara a descubrir el papel que el Espiritu tiene en nosotros. Al igual que nos ensenara a utilizar efectivamente Su poder y Su fortaleza en nuestras vidas.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 / May 31-June 2, 2023 Listen in to Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he advocates for unity within the body of Christ. Be encouraged to live as children of the loving Father, treating one another as brothers and sisters. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Mayo 31, 2023 - Al aceptar el perdon que Cristo compro en la cruz por nosotros, Su sangre nos lava de nuestros pecados, pero no nos quita la habilidad de pecar. Entonces, ahora que usted es cristiano, como puede obtener la verdadera victoria sobre el pecado que continua presente en su vida? Hoy en Vision Para Vivir, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta le responde a esta pregunta y a otras que le ayudan a quitar esa oscuridad espiritual que asedia su vida.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 / May 31-June 2, 2023 Listen in to Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he advocates for unity within the body of Christ. Be encouraged to live as children of the loving Father, treating one another as brothers and sisters. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

John 17:3Self-absorption is a dead end, which will never bring happiness or fulfilment. It's only through the pursuit of knowing God we discover true contentment. And once we know God we're equipped to truly know ourselves.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 / May 31-June 2, 2023 Listen in to Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he advocates for unity within the body of Christ. Be encouraged to live as children of the loving Father, treating one another as brothers and sisters. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

1 Peter 1:13-21 / May 26-30, 2023 First Peter 1:13–21 points believers to His example to show how His followers can stay clean in this corrupt world. Be challenged as Pastor Chuck Swindoll exhorts you to throw off the shackles of sin and live free in God's grace. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Mayo 30, 2023 - Se dice que todos tenemos un lado oscuro que no queremos que nadie conozca. Y ciertamente desde una perspectiva espiritual, eso es verdad. Aunque hemos sido perdonados y redimidos por Dios, todos batallamos con la tentacion y con el pecado que nos asedia. Hoy en Vision Para Vivir, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta precisamente toca este tema y le trae libertad en aquellas areas en donde hay oscuridad y esclavitud.

Jeremiah 29:11Just because you can't see God doesn't mean He isn't there, continually at work in your life. You may not understand what He's doing but never doubt it—you are the object of God's concern. And you can trust that His plan for you is perfect.

1 Peter 1:13-21 / May 26-30, 2023 First Peter 1:13–21 points believers to His example to show how His followers can stay clean in this corrupt world. Be challenged as Pastor Chuck Swindoll exhorts you to throw off the shackles of sin and live free in God's grace. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Ecclesiastes 4:12Chuck Swindoll affirms a reasonably good marriage may not sound exciting but it's both real and achievable. Marriage enhances life because you're in it together. The world keeps changing but God's design for marriage hasn't. It's the basis of the family and even society.

Mayo 29, 2023 - Hoy el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta continua con este estudio de la oracion basado en el libro de los Hechos, capitulo 6, y comparte unos principios liberadores acerca del poder de la oracion.

Mayo 26, 2023 - La oracion es una de las disciplinas fundamentales de nuestra fe, y tristemente el habito menos practicado por muchos. Este es el tema que el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta considera el dia de hoy aqui en Vision Para Vivir. Para definir el verdadero significado de hablar con Dios que mejor manera de hacerlo, que explorando lo que Su Palabra tiene que decir al respecto.

1 Peter 1:13-21 / May 26-30, 2023 First Peter 1:13–21 points believers to His example to show how His followers can stay clean in this corrupt world. Be challenged as Pastor Chuck Swindoll exhorts you to throw off the shackles of sin and live free in God's grace. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

1 Peter 1:13-21 / May 26-30, 2023 First Peter 1:13–21 points believers to His example to show how His followers can stay clean in this corrupt world. Be challenged as Pastor Chuck Swindoll exhorts you to throw off the shackles of sin and live free in God's grace. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

John 13:35It matters that you get involved. This doesn't necessarily mean joining a protest march; it can be as straightforward as connecting with people and making a positive difference in their lives.

1 Peter 1:1-12 / May 23-25, 2023 Receive encouragement from Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he walks through 1 Peter 1:1–12. Like your brothers and sisters in Christ from long ago, you can faithfully endure suffering and receive eternal hope through Jesus Christ. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

Mayo 25, 2023 - . Hoy continuaremos con la serie: Practicas para la vida cristiana, y aprenderemos a hacer nuestro propio estudio de las Escrituras.

1 Chronicles 10:13Curiosity in the occult can lead to tragedy. What seems like harmless and innocent fun can quickly escalate to the point where you're involved spiritually and physically. Like Chuck Swindoll says, “Watch out for the enemy. He not only plays dirty; he plays for keeps. And he's playing for your soul.”

1 Peter 1:1-12 / May 23-25, 2023 Receive encouragement from Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he walks through 1 Peter 1:1–12. Like your brothers and sisters in Christ from long ago, you can faithfully endure suffering and receive eternal hope through Jesus Christ. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more

1 Peter 1:1-12 / May 23-25, 2023 Receive encouragement from Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he walks through 1 Peter 1:1–12. Like your brothers and sisters in Christ from long ago, you can faithfully endure suffering and receive eternal hope through Jesus Christ. From the Series: Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade read more