This morning in chapel, Cedarville University’s senior class had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology. Preaching from Colossians 1, Dr. Kurtz shared a timely and encouraging word on cultivating a soul that is stable and steadfast in an often unstable world. 

Colossians 1:23 urges believers to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard.” With this verse as a foundation, Dr. Kurtz walked through three essential practices for building a firm and enduring spiritual life. 

1. Keep the Gospel Centered 

At the heart of the Christian life is the good news of Jesus Christ. As fickle and unsteady as we may feel, Christ is always faithful. Dr. Kurtz reminded us that Christian maturity is not moving beyond the Gospel, but deeper into it. The Gospel is not just the starting point; it is the substance of the entire Christian journey. 

2. Stay in the Church 

“Lone wolf Christianity is dangerous and deadly,” Dr. Kurtz warned. We were made for community. The local church is where believers grow, worship, and hold each other accountable. We need brothers and sisters who, in love, view us as their problem in the best sense. They walk beside us, encourage us, and won’t let us stumble without reaching out a hand. 

Through ordinary means of grace — baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and corporate worship — we are drawn deeper into fellowship with Christ and one another. These aren’t empty rituals; they are sacred rhythms that shape our souls. 

3. Keep Your Eyes on Christ 

Echoing Colossians 1:15–20, which lifts our eyes to the supremacy of Christ, Dr. Kurtz encouraged us to “look at Christ until we look like Christ.” The greatest reward of the Christian life is not just heaven, but Him. “One day you will gaze your eyes on His beauty,” he said, “so do it now.” 

As Christians, we hold firmly to the authority of Scripture and the importance of the local church. Dr. Kurtz's message called us back to these essentials: rooting our hearts in the Gospel, pressing into community, and fixing our gaze on Christ. 

In a world full of shifting sand, we are invited to stand stable and steadfast — not by our own strength, but through the faithful love of our Savior.  

Today in chapel, Cedarville’s president, Dr. Thomas White, led us through a powerful message from Joshua 24, calling us to a firm and personal decision: “Choose today whom you will serve.” Grounded in Scripture and overflowing with pastoral wisdom, Dr. White reminded us of the grace of God and the call it places on our lives not just to believe in but to actively serve the Lord. 

Dr. White opened by challenging us to consider how often we chase after counterfeit comforts — things that offer temporary peace but are ultimately empty. Just like Israel struggled with idols, we too are tempted to turn away from the real thing, from the Lord who is living, faithful, and true. 

Two key words framed the message: “The Lord” and “Serve.” It’s not enough to simply know about God; we are called to serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Drawing from Joshua’s third and final speech to Israel, Dr. White broke the chapter down into three key parts: 

1. The Third Speech (Joshua 24:1): Joshua gathers all the tribes and presents a final challenge. 
2. God’s Grace Remembered (Joshua 24:2–13): A sweeping reminder of all God had done — from Abraham to the conquest of Canaan. 
3. God’s Grace Required (Joshua 24:14–28): The call to respond in faithfulness, reverence, and service. 

The message was clear: By God’s grace, decide today to serve the Lord. As Dr. White emphasized, “You can’t serve the Lord alone.” We were reminded that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. We need a local church, the daily intake of God's Word, and a posture of dependence on His mercy. 

Ephesians 2:4-5 echoed through the message: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us ... made us alive together with Christ.” This is the foundation of our service — it flows not from duty but from gratitude for the Gospel. 

Dr. White closed with this charge: Remember what God has done. Decide today to live for Jesus. Recognize your dependence on Him. How will you respond? 

We believe in a personal and voluntary commitment to follow Jesus. Today, we were reminded that the time to choose is now. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today. 

So, what will you choose? 

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). 

In the Whisper: The Power and Gentleness of God: 1 Kings 19:1–18

Have you ever felt like you gave your all, only to feel like it didn’t matter? That’s exactly where we find Elijah in 1 Kings 19, the focus of Dr. Will Smallwood in chapel today. After a mountaintop victory on Mount Carmel, where fire fell from heaven and the prophets of Baal were defeated, Elijah expected revival. Instead, he received a death threat from Jezebel — and he ran. “It is enough,” Elijah says in verse 4. This prophet who had seen God raise the dead, stop the rain, and send fire from heaven was suddenly drowning in discouragement. Why? Because when our joy is rooted in anything other than the glory of God and the salvation of souls, it will be fleeting. We all face moments like this. Discontentment slowly eats away at our perspective until we find ourselves isolated, disillusioned, and despairing. But the beauty of this story is not just Elijah’s honesty — it’s God’s response. God doesn’t rebuke Elijah. Instead, He sustains him with food and rest. Then, He leads Elijah to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There, Elijah encounters God not in fire or an earthquake, but a whisper. A gentle voice. “And after the fire came a gentle whisper ... Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”

— 1 Kings 19:12–13. God reminds Elijah: You are part of the story, but you are not the story. Elijah wanted control, vindication, and clarity. God gave him something better — His presence, His voice, and His reassurance that He was still at work.

Key Truths from 1 Kings 19:

1. God meets us in our weakness with grace.
2. Discontentment distorts our view, but God’s whisper realigns it.
3. True joy is found in surrender, not in success.
4. God’s will is always holy, good, and purposeful — even when it’s hard to understand.

Action Steps:

• Pause and Reflect – Where might you be striving instead of abiding? Are you listening for the whisper?
• Name the Discontent – What expectations have led you to discouragement? Surrender them.
• Trust His Voice – Like Elijah, go to the mountain of God. Open His Word. Let His whisper speak louder than your fear.

When your dreams are no longer your reality, do you trust God enough to keep going? Even in the whisper, He is speaking. He is not done with you yet.

Today in chapel, Dr. Trent Rogers brought us to the end of the book of Acts. As we approach the conclusion, it’s clear that the Apostle Paul’s journey has not been the grand, triumphant finale we might have expected back in Acts 2. After all the signs, wonders, and powerful proclamations, we now find Paul in prison, awaiting a trial in Rome. Yet, far from being a defeat, this moment serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission of the Church: proclaiming the Gospel hope to all people.

In Acts 28, we see both hope for Israel and hope for the Gentiles. In verses 17–22, Paul shares the Gospel with the Jewish leaders in Rome. He testifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of all the hopes found in the Old Testament. The promises given to Israel, from the seed of the woman in Genesis 3 to God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12, have been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. However, some of the Jewish leaders reject this truth, a rejection that is sadly consistent with the history of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah. But even in the face of this rejection, Paul’s mission remains clear: to proclaim the Gospel and offer hope.

This message is not just for Israel, however. In verses 23–28, Paul boldly proclaims that God’s plan has always included the Gentiles. Using Scripture to back his claims, Paul emphasizes that the salvation of the Gentiles was always a part of God’s redemptive plan. The hope of the Gospel is not exclusive; it is for all people and is not confined by race, culture, or background. It is an invitation for everyone to come to Christ.

Finally, in verses 30–31, Paul continues his mission of proclaiming the Gospel in prison. This image is a reminder that the end of the mission is not merely the completion of tasks or the growth of the Church in numbers; it is worship. The ultimate goal of the Gospel is not just a new moral order but to bring glory to God through the worship of His name. As Revelation 7:9–10 paints a picture of the end of history, we are reminded that the Gospel will reach the ends of the earth, and we are called to be part of that mission.

As we read Acts, we must view it through the lens of God’s redemptive work throughout history — from creation and the fall to God’s promises and the fulfillment of those promises in Christ. Our mission, as believers today is to continue the Apostles’ mission: to declare the hope of the Gospel to all people, regardless of their background, and to give our lives to the worship of God.

So, let us ask ourselves: Are we actively participating in the mission to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth? As Dr. Rogers challenges us, “Give yourself to what matters most.” Let us join in the work of proclaiming the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

In today’s chapel service, SGA Chaplain Trey Storr preached from Revelation 21:1–8, focusing on the eternal hope believers have in Christ. As we journey through life, facing trials and suffering, the book of Revelation provides us with a powerful vision of what is to come for those who are in Christ — a new heaven, a new earth, and a restored relationship with God. 

The passage begins with a breathtaking description of the new creation (Revelation 21:1–2). John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first ones had passed away. The sea, which often symbolizes chaos and separation, is no more. What follows is the revelation of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This picture of beauty and purity reveals the fullness of what is to come: God’s dwelling place with His people. 

The hope of this future is emphasized in verses 3–4. The voice from the throne declares that God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear from their eyes. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. These former things will pass away, and all things will be made new (v.5). For those who have put their faith in Christ, this is a promise to hold fast to. 

As Storr reminded us, death no longer holds power over the believer. Jesus has already won the victory, and death itself will be thrown into the lake of fire. For the believer, there will be no more death, no more tears, and no more suffering. This is the beauty that we look forward to — an eternity in the presence of God, where joy and peace will reign. 

Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (v.6). He is the one who satisfies the thirsty, offering the water of life freely to all who come to Him. Storr highlighted that in this future Kingdom, the only “entertainment” will be worshiping God. In this eternal state, there will be no need for the distractions of this world — whether sports, social media, or entertainment — because our ultimate joy and satisfaction will come from glorifying God forever. 

However, the passage also reminds us that hell is a real and terrible place. Verse 8 paints a stark contrast to the glorious promise of eternity with God. Those who reject Christ, living in sin, will face eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. This is a sobering truth, one that calls us to live with a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel. 

Storr concluded with a powerful reminder that living a life wholeheartedly committed to the Gospel is worth it. In 10,000 years, we will not regret living for Christ. Our hope and future lie in dwelling with God forever. As Revelation 21 points us to, God is the beginning and the end, and He is worthy of all our worship and praise. This is the hope that sustains us, and it is the future that we, as believers, eagerly await. 

Authentic Faith That Works: A Reflection on James 2:14-26

In a world filled with counterfeits, we know the importance of recognizing what’s real — whether it’s money, art, or even faith. In today’s chapel, Dr. Bob Lutz spoke from James 2:14-26, challenging us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith and reminding us that genuine faith isn’t just something we claim; it’s something that transforms our lives.

Faith That Moves Us

James is pastoral at heart, and his letter is filled with wisdom and guidance for living a life rooted in Christ. In James 2, he reaches the crescendo of his message: authentic faith must be evident through works. He poses a critical question: Is your faith credible and real? Faith without works, James warns, is dead. He’s not saying that our works save us but that true faith inevitably results in a life that bears fruit. Just as counterfeit currency holds no value, faith without action is worthless. James wants believers to examine their faith and ensure it’s not just an intellectual belief but a dynamic, living force that moves us to love and serve others.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James offers us practical case studies to demonstrate his point. He compares a genuine believer with someone who merely professes faith without living it out. In doing so, he warns against the danger of claiming faith without evidence. Even demons believe in God, yet their faith is meaningless because it produces no love or obedience. Our faith must move us to action, just as it did with Abraham and Rahab. Abraham’s faith was so genuine that it moved him to the ultimate act of obedience — offering his son, Isaac, to the Lord. Rahab’s faith compelled her to protect the Israelite spies, demonstrating her belief that their God was the true and living God. In both cases, faith led to action, proving it was real.

Faith That Transforms

Dr. Lutz addressed a common misconception: Is James saying that works are necessary for justification? Not at all. James isn’t contradicting Paul’s message that salvation is by faith alone. Rather, he’s complementing it by emphasizing that real faith naturally produces good works. Our justification before God is solely based on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Yet, the evidence of that justification is a transformed life — one that loves, serves, and follows Christ.

Living Out Authentic Faith

So what’s the call for us? It’s simple yet profound: Check the authenticity of your faith. Does your faith produce love and obedience? Are your actions consistent with the message of the Gospel? Take some time to reflect on how your faith is being lived out in your daily life. What bold step of obedience are you holding back because of fear or comfort? Pray that God would give you a faith that moves and changes you — a faith that demonstrates the life, love, and power of Jesus Christ. Faith that works isn’t about perfection; it’s about genuine transformation. Let’s pursue authentic faith that goes beyond mere words and impacts the world around us.

Navigating Life as Gen Z: Wisdom from a Panel Discussion

Gen Z is stepping into a world of rapid change and constant challenges. During a recent panel discussion, a group of Cedarville leaders shared their perspectives on how this generation can thrive amid adversity. Here are some key takeaways that offer both encouragement and guidance.

Finding Purpose Amid Adversity

Dr. Jon Wood emphasized that adversity is not a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth. He reminded us, “God has good purposes for adversity and supplies the resources for perseverance.” Instead of being paralyzed by challenges, we are called to persevere, knowing that God’s plan is bigger than our fears. Dr. Zach Bowden echoed this sentiment, reminding us that “if you are struggling, that does not mean you are doing it wrong.” Life is hard, but it’s essential to remember that God has provided for us, even in the mess. He challenged Gen Z to move beyond the illusion of control and place their trust in the one who holds their lives — Jesus Christ.

Being Present and Intentional

Ashlynn Robinette spoke to the need for Gen Z to resist the temptation to escape reality through technology. With smartphones providing a constant gateway to distraction, she urged young adults to “be revolutionary by being present rather than escaping.” True purpose comes not from being consumed with our tasks but by constantly asking ourselves why we do what we do. She encouraged everyone to “be obsessed with Jesus” and to focus on the deeper motivation behind their actions.

Building Authentic Community

Connection and belonging are essential for Gen Z, and Kim Ahlgrim pointed out that young people desire openness and honest conversation. She stressed the importance of finding mentors and relationships that encourage growth and accountability. “Are you surrendered to your own plans?” she asked, encouraging a mindset that remains open to God’s leading rather than being fixated on personal desires.

Four Focal Points for Gen Z

1. Perseverance: The world says adversity is unnatural and should be avoided. But God calls us to endure and grow through hardship.
2. Life Purpose: The world tells us to chase our passions as consumers, but real purpose is found in serving Christ and others.
3. Fear and Anxiety: The culture claims that life could fall apart at any moment, yet God’s Word reassures us that He remains in control.
4. Technology: The world promotes constant connectivity, but sometimes it’s revolutionary to be present and engaged.

Final Thoughts

Gen Z is marked by passion and potential. By being intentional, staying connected with mentors, and grounding their identity in Christ, they can overcome the challenges of a world pushing them toward distraction and despair. The panelists reminded us that perseverance, purpose, and community are essential, and that our lives should be defined by following Jesus rather than the fleeting trends of the world. Let’s be a generation that crosses over from mere existence to purposeful living — filled up to be poured out and fully surrendered to God’s will.

Today in chapel, Dr. Zach Bowden took us through Acts 27, in which we find the Apostle Paul on a perilous journey across the sea to Rome. A violent storm is raging, and the lives of everyone on board the ship are at risk. Yet, in the midst of this storm, Paul stands out as a beacon of courage and hope. His example offers us profound lessons about the nature of true courage, faith, and God’s grace.

One of the first things we learn from this passage is that courage is not something we muster up on our own but rather something given to us by God. In verses 23–24, Paul recounts a vision he had of an angel from God telling him, "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you." Paul’s courage in the face of death was not based on his own strength but on the promises of God. Just as Jesus had encouraged Peter when he walked on water, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27), Paul heard and believed every word of the Lord’s message, knowing he was not alone.

Paul’s courage didn’t come from his control over the situation. In fact, he had none. The ship was at the mercy of the storm, and the sailors were desperately trying to keep it afloat. But Paul, secure in his faith, knew he belonged to the Maker of the seas, the One who had authority over the winds and waves. This realization shifts our perspectives too when we feel out of control in life’s storms. What do we do when we realize we have no control? We trust in the God who holds the world in His hands and never abandons His children.

Paul’s life was a testimony to the life of Jesus Christ. Through trials, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and hardships, Paul never stopped proclaiming the Gospel. He gave thanks to God in all circumstances, believing that true life arises from Christ’s promises. Even in the darkest times, Paul understood that God’s grace is for the unworthy, and that grace was always sufficient to carry him through.

God used the shipwreck to save everyone on board. No one on that ship, including Paul, could have anticipated that such a disaster would result in salvation. But this is the way God works: He brings good out of even the most dire situations. In the same way, God said “no” to our sin and destruction, sending His Son to save us from eternal death. Paul’s boldness in the face of death mirrored Christ’s willingness to face the cross for our sake.

In Romans 8:35, Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” The answer is simple: no one and nothing. Paul’s life and his unwavering faith in the promises of God challenge us to trust fully in the Lord, no matter how severe the storm. God is faithful, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Let us be dedicated to the ministry of encouragement, just as Paul was. In the midst of trials, we can encourage others with the same courage and hope that God has given us. When we remember that nothing can separate us from God’s love, we can face life’s storms with confidence, knowing that His grace is always enough.