Bible Characters Articles
Dig in to the lives of Esther, Solomon, Paul, and more. You'll find many of their life situations weren't all that different from yours.
- A Reflection of Christ: A Lesson from the Life of Joseph Chuck Swindoll points out that when we read the story of how Joseph treated his guilty brothers with amazing kindness and undeserved mercy, we should immediately be reminded of how we have received the same gracious treatment by Jesus Himself. Instead of giving us the punishment we deserve, He showers us with His abundant gifts and makes us part of His family.
- A Unique Spokesperson: A Lesson from the Life of Elijah Chuck Swindoll sees the Old Testament character Elijah as an unlikely choice for the one to stand up to a king and speak out for biblical truth. But God chose him for his commitment and his heart for God in the face of evil. In the same way, God has an important calling today for anyone who is willing to stand alone for Him.
- Amazing Grace on Display It’s quite rare in our society to witness grace in action. We’re fortunate, therefore, to have this account from King David’s life of a kindness bestowed to one who had not earned it and who didn’t expect it. Charles Swindoll recounts this little-known story and sees in it a glimpse of the kind of lavish acceptance we will experience someday in heaven.
- Authentic Ministry: A Lesson from the Life of Paul In this article, Chuck Swindoll describes the life and ministry of the apostle Paul as one that was steeped in and driven by the truths of God’s Holy Word. Holding fast to his beliefs was what gave Paul strength through times of great opposition and persecution. Chuck encourages us to similarly prepare ourselves for future ministry by making time spent in God’s Word a top priority.
- Bathsheba: Walking into Adultery
- Becoming a Man or a Woman after God's Own Heart Chuck Swindoll discusses what is meant by the phrase “having a heart for God.” His description of a person who desires to obey God in every aspect of his or her life without anything held back from Him presents a convicting challenge to us all.
- Being a True Friend
- Character: It’s Been Buried Long Enough
- Cracks in the Foundation
- Delilah: Tempting a Man to Death
- God Is Faithful Why did God propel the young girl named Esther to the position where she alone could influence the fate of the Jewish people? Chuck Swindoll suggests that it’s because God knew Esther had a teachable heart and a humble and obedient spirit. He knew she would not be swayed by the trappings and all the temptations of kingdom life but would remain grounded in the teachings and faith that Mordecai had modeled to her. How would you do today if God tested you? Would you have a teachable spirit as Esther did?
- God Will Be With You
- Handling Adversity
- How to Study a Bible Character: Discovering the People in the Greatest Story Ever Told
- Is God Really in Control? We've all gone through times in our lives that don't make sense to us—when God doesn't seem to have a plan in operation. Greg Smith reminds us of times in Scripture where events seemed to be happening outside of God's control. But, of course, God was working His will behind the scenes the whole time. Greg gives three suggestions to help remind us of God's sovereignty during those times when God's purposes are veiled from our sight.
- It's Not About You Drawing from the apostle Paul’s example of how he accepted his own weaknesses and hardships, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of what we often don’t want to hear: our life on earth is for the purpose of making us more like Christ. Unfortunately, nothing does that better than the trials and pains we suffer. But if we, like Paul, can keep our eyes on the ultimate goal of letting God work through us, we’ll learn to accept joyfully whatever God brings us and not seek the easy, pain-free life instead.
- Life Is Difficult: A Lesson from the Life of Job Chuck Swindoll recalls all of the sudden losses Job experienced, within just a few days, through no fault of his own. Chuck challenges us to think of how we would respond after such unjust circumstances, when we then couldn’t hear the voice of God through our turmoil.
- Micah and His Message This article summarizes the ministry and message of the minor prophet Micah. It breaks down his ministry into one of judgment, a call to kingdom-living, and a promise of restoration. As the Jewish people listened and responded to him, their future direction was changed and Micah’s mission was accomplished.
- Not Forgotten: A Lesson from the Life of Esther This is an encouraging article for anyone feeling forgotten by God or feeling as if their life has no significance. Chuck Swindoll reminds us of how Esther was an unknown orphan at one time. But she became the pivotal character God used to deliver His people from a terrible fate. We never know how God is prepared to use us if we just make ourselves available to Him.
- Rahab: Demonstrating Courageous Faith
- Reading the Old Testament for All It’s Worth
- Strength and Dignity
- The Apostle of Affection
- The Reckless Phony Anyone who is overly concerned about his or her image or reputation is in danger of exchanging genuineness for phoniness in order to protect that image. Chuck uses the example of King Rehoboam’s life—as well as the legacy left to him through the compromises made by his father and grandfather—to caution us against hiding our sin and growing comfortable with it. We must instead conquer our sin and not let it separate us from God.
- Unique Techniques: A Lesson from the Life of David Just as in David’s day, we tend to evaluate people based too much on the external characteristics we can see: appearance, stature, poise, demeanor. Chuck Swindoll reminds us that it’s the size and quality of our faith that makes us great in God’s eyes. When we remember this, we don’t have to try to fit into others’ molds or define ourselves by their expectations.
- When God Says “No” . . . Pray