Swindoll's Living Insights Commentary Matthew 1a - Flipbook - Page 8
SWINDOLL’S LIVING INSIGHTS
becoming a part of the answer instead of lamenting the problem. But the solution would result in a huge undertaking. A writing project that covers all of the
books and letters of the New Testament seemed overwhelming and intimidating. A rush of relief came when I realized that during the past fifty-plus years
I’ve taught and preached through most of the New Testament. In my files were
folders filled with notes from those messages that were just lying there, waiting
to be brought out of hiding, given a fresh and relevant touch in light of today’s
needs, and applied to fit into the lives of men and women who long for a fresh
word from the Lord. That did it! I began to work on plans to turn all of those
notes into this commentary on the New Testament.
I must express my gratitude to Mike Svigel for his tireless and devoted
efforts, serving as my hands-on, day-to-day editor. He has done superb work
as we have walked our way through the verses and chapters of all twenty-seven
New Testament books. It has been a pleasure to see how he has taken my original material and helped me shape it into a style that remains true to the text
of the Scriptures, at the same time interestingly and creatively developed, and
all the while allowing my voice to come through in a natural and easy-to-read
manner.
I need to add sincere words of appreciation to the congregations I have
served in various parts of these United States for more than five decades. It
has been my good fortune to be the recipient of their love, support, encouragement, patience, and frequent words of affirmation as I have fulfilled my
calling to stand and deliver God’s message year after year. The sheep from all
those flocks have endeared themselves to this shepherd in more ways than I
can put into words . . . and none more than those I currently serve with delight
at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Finally, I must thank my wife, Cynthia, for her understanding of my addiction to studying, to preaching, and to writing. Never has she discouraged me
from staying at it. Never has she failed to urge me in the pursuit of doing my
very best. On the contrary, her affectionate support personally, and her own
commitment to excellence in leading Insight for Living for more than three and
a half decades, have combined to keep me faithful to my calling “in season and
out of season.” Without her devotion to me and apart from our mutual partnership throughout our lifetime of ministry together, Swindoll’s Living Insights
would never have been undertaken.
I am grateful that it has now found its way into your hands and, ultimately,
onto the shelves of your library. My continued hope and prayer is that you will
find these volumes helpful in your own study and personal application of the
Bible. May they help you come to realize, as I have over these many years, that
God’s Word is as timeless as it is true.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever. (Isa. 40:8, nasb)
vi
Chuck Swindoll
Frisco, Texas