Charles R. Swindoll

I know of nothing more valuable, when it comes to the all-important virtue of authenticity, than simply being who you are.

While I was raised around churches and had gotten to know a few preachers fairly well, the thought never entered my head that I would one day stand and deliver. Not only was I not interested, I lived with a major struggle: I stuttered.

When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic.

The swift wind of compromise is a lot more devastating than the sudden jolt of misfortune.

Not every Christian finds it easy to believe.

I think it is important to begin with a statement in your speech that grabs the attention of the audience. I try to make my opening line 15 words or less.

I am often the brunt of my own humor.

Alleged 'impossibilities' are opportunities for our capacities to be stretched.

'We really shouldn't look like a church.' I've heard that so much I want to vomit. 'Why?' I ask. 'Do you want your bank to look like a bank? Do you want your doctor's office to look like a doctor's office, or would you prefer your doctor to dress like a clown?'

When I think of vision, I have in mind the ability to see above and beyond the majority.

There is nothing more fearful for the average person in our society than to stand before a group of people and speak.

You and I are, by birth, by nature, and by choice, inwardly depraved, which is to say that we are entirely corrupt. That's not to say that we have no good in us; we do. However, anything good in us has been tainted with evil. It touches everything. Without the redeeming power of Christ we cannot halt our own moral slide.

A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven.

It's the most exciting thing to watch God work when I've asked him about something, to listen to him and watch him work. It's like this friendship, and it just grows and grows and grows and grows.

I want to preach till the last breath in my lungs runs out.

It is easy for Christians to have the false impression that once we have established a relationship with Christ, which we believe sets us right with God, the problems of life will somehow scoot away or they will slowly be removed from our lives.

One of the worst things you can give to your people is someone you're not.

I'm not against screens, or new songs, or innovation. I just don't like the gimmicks. I want to know when worship is over that that leader's sole purpose was to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe firmly in God's control in life.

There is plenty of television. There are plenty of talk shows. There are plenty of comedians. But there is not plenty of worship of the true and living God.