Great Lives From God's Word

The apostle Paul was, in his own words, "the chief of all sinners." Yet, this colossal figure left an indelible signature of greatness. Join renowned pastor Charles Swindoll in Great Lives: Paul as he examines the influence and impact of this remarkable man. Tough, tenacious, and fiercely determined, Paul pursued his divine mission with unflinching resolve, and God used him mightily to turn the world upside down for Christ in his generation. Perhaps that's why Paul's life is such a source of hope for us. If the chief of sinners can be forgiven and become God's chosen vessel, can He not forgive and use us as well? In “Great Lives: Paul”, the sixth book in his bestselling Great Lives series, Swindoll argues that no other person in the Bible, aside from Christ himself, had a more profound influence on his world and ours today than Paul. Within the pages of “Great Lives: Paul”, Swindoll paints a vivid picture of Paul's incredible life and legacy, tracing the story of how God reached down to Paul in all his self-righteous zeal and: • crushed his pride • softened his heart • and transformed this once-violent aggressor into an influential spokesman for Christ Join Swindoll as he invites you to travel far back to another place in another era-allowing us to focus our attention on this one man's life, clinging closely to his side. Hopefully, as a result, our lives will never again be the same.

Bestselling author Charles Swindoll challenges us to take a closer look at Job's life, carefully examining his response to the unexpected and painful experiences that assaulted his once peaceful and God-honoring existence-and we might just find that Job is a hero after all. When you think of Job, you may think of a hapless victim of unfair treatment. His disastrous circumstances overwhelmed him, his so-called friends belittled him, and his distraught wife discouraged and abandoned him. Even God seemed to desert him. At first glance, Job may not seem like the traditional portrait of a hero, but Job's patience, strength, and dedication in the face of unforeseen suffering makes his story worth knowing. As Swindoll traces Job's life and legacy, he challenges us to apply the lessons Job learned firsthand to our own lives, including the importance of: • Maintaining integrity, no matter what happens • Accepting the challenge to change • Counting on the justice of the Lord to roll down in his time instead of seeking revenge • Resting contentedly in God's plan, timing, and purpose for you We have no way of knowing what tomorrow may bring, but if it is anything like the past, we know that storms will always come. And when they do we have a choice-to react in bitterness and anger or fall to our knees like Job and trust God even though we cannot understand why he would permit such a thing to occur.

No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's. No one faces greater temptation than Potiphar's wife offered Joseph. No faith is challenged more severely than was Joseph's on death row. Yet Joseph stood firm, exemplifying what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God. Like an epic novel filled with intrigue, tension, and torrential emotions, Joseph's triumphant story touches us all. This third volume in Charles Swindoll's"Great Lives" series presents a fresh look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Old Testament and focuses on the virtue of forgiveness in the face of deceit and betrayal.

Would you rather be a person of significance or a person of prominence? Think carefully! The answer to that question will shape your entire future. Pastor, teacher, and beloved author Charles Swindoll says, "Somehow life has taught us poorly. We're trained to think that the most significant people are star athletes, actors, and musicians-the ones we applaud, those whose autographs we seek, those who have worldly renown. "They aren't. Not really. Most often, the people really worth noting are those who turn a 'nobody' into a 'somebody' but never receive credit." What is forgotten far too often is this: Success in God's kingdom and in the church depends upon faithful people the public rarely knows. The Old Testament contains numerous fascinating stories of forgotten lives-unsung heroes whose actions, sacrifices, or battles failed to ascribe them worldly renown. These great lives, however, reveal significant people whom God honors in the pages of His Word and, therefore, deserve our serious attention and emulation. • Adino took out eight hundred armed, skilled fighting men with his sword. • Eleazar attacked the Philistines by himself for so long that his comrades had to pry his sword out of his grip. • Shammah, while his companions ran like scared cats from their enemies, stood his ground-alone-and was victorious. And yet, did you recall any of their names? They're not on the rolls of the rich and famous. Still, they are significant. In this eighth volume of the bestselling Great Lives from God's Word series, Chuck will examine little-remembered Bible characters and events. He will help you discover biblical principles and practical applications for living so that you can be who you are in God's estimation... a person of true significance.

Everyone loves a transforming story. Rags to riches. Plain to beautiful. Weak to strong. Esther's story is that, and much more. It is a thought-provoking study of God's invisible hand, writing silently across the pages of human history. Perhaps most of all, it is an account of a godly woman with the courage, wisdom, and strength to block an evil plot, overthrow an arrogant killer, and replace with joy in thousands of Jewish homes. Through Esther's courageous struggle to help her people, Swindoll explains the power of divine providence in volume 2 of the best-selling "Great Lives" series.

Charles Swindoll presents the Bible's real Moses-the Moses who tried to decline his assignment from God; the Moses who dazzled Pharoah; the Moses who received the Ten Commandments; the Moses who was disobedient and weak; the Moses who was the greatest leader of God's people in all of history. Through his faith and selfless dedication, Moses continually chose to follow God's will through difficult and seemingly impossible situations. This is the fourth volume of Swindoll's "Great Lives" series.

David, unlike any Bible character before him, had the charisma to inspire a great nation. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man-often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by personal tragedy, and motivated by political gain. Yet, he is the one character the Bible describes as a "man after God's own heart." In this first volume of the "Great Lives" series Charles Swindoll shows how David proved his love for God many times over in an extraordinary life that left an enduring legacy of faith.

Now, more than ever, we're in need of men and women who aren't afraid to live courageously. Thankfully, the Bible gives us timeless examples of great leaders who gracefully stood up for what they believed in, including God's mighty prophet Elijah. Join bestselling author Charles Swindoll as he explores the life and legacy of this incredible man of faith. Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll doesn't gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. In Elijah, renowned Bible teacher Swindoll analyzes the impact of the Old Testament prophet. Elijah was uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath. The fifth book in Swindoll's Great Lives series, Elijah will give you the encouragement you need to: • Walk humbly on the path that God has set out for you • Exhibit heroism under pressure • Uncover the life-changing power of prayer Within the pages of Elijah, you're sure to find a life worth emulating.

Jesus Christ. He is, without question, the most influential person in history. Millions of people claim the truths of the religion that bears His name. But who exactly is Jesus? A popular religious teacher? An ancient martyr? Many today are unsure. Even scholars debate whether the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith. Now, more than ever, we need a clear understanding of the person and work of the man millions call Savior. In this ninth and final biographical study in the best-selling Great Lives from God's Word series, beloved pastor and Bible teacher Charles Swindoll introduces you to the carpenter from Nazareth as you have never seen Him before. This fascinating biography, filled with biblical and historical insights, takes you on an unforgettable journey through the complex and provocative life of Jesus of Nazareth. His unique birth. His astonishing power. His controversial teaching. His shocking death. And His world-changing resurrection. Refreshingly honest and deep, this in-depth profile reveals Jesus with great clarity and offers practical applications for your own life. Whether you're just curious about Jesus or a longtime follower of His life and teachings, you'll experience His life in a new way as you join Dr. Swindoll in Jesus: The Greatest Life of All.