This morning in chapel, Dr. J. R. Gilhooly, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Cedarville University, preached through 1 John 2.Family RulesIn this passage, John addresses his readers as “my little children” because they are new in the family of God, and he’s about to give them rules. Every family has specific rules they follow. By watching the way someone acts, you can often tell what family they come from. When John tells us how to act, he’s telling us what it is to be a member of God’s family.John is clear that he’s not saying this so you can sin. God loves you so much that He doesn’t accept you for exactly how you are. Instead, He takes you and puts you into a family with distinct rules. If someone says they follow God but doesn’t follow the family rules, it’s understandable to question if they actually belong.Jesus Christ, Our AdvocateHowever, if you break the rules, it doesn’t mean you are cut off from the family. When a son is told by his father, “That’s not the way we behave in this family,” he never thinks he is no longer a part of the family. He’s just a member who is misrepresenting the family. We obey not so that we belong to the family but because we belong. When we sin, we have an Advocate — Jesus Christ — and He is the propitiation for our sins.Growing in Maturity In order to become part of the family, you don’t have to do a lot of difficult, complicated things. God has given a simple command: to believe and obey the Gospel. When you follow that command, you are made into a new person. You then are expected to grow.Christian maturity is like growing from a child into an adult. You don’t find the same jokes funny anymore. You don’t spend your time the same way. And you grow in your ability to follow Christ.Don’t think there’s an expectation that you’ll mess up a lot because you’re young. If you’re a Christian, you are to act by your Father’s name, no matter how long you’ve been saved. There’s a pattern already laid out for you to follow, and it’s not burdensome. The command He gives is simple, and the yoke He gives is light. Walk as He walked! This doesn’t mean that every decision you make will feel easy. That’s why God has given you a lot of older brothers and sisters in Christ to help you and counsel you.So, as you follow the Father who chose you, lean into the other family members He has given you and rest in the knowledge that you belong.

This morning in chapel, Dr. J. R. Gilhooly, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Cedarville University, preached through 1 John 2. Family Rules In this passage, John addresses his readers as “my little children” because they are new in the family of God, and he’s about to give them rules. Every family has specific rules they follow. By watching the way someone acts, you can often tell what family they come from. When John tells us how to act, he’s telling us what it is to be a member of God’s family. John is clear that he’s not saying this so you can sin. God loves you so much that He doesn’t accept you for exactly how you are. Instead, He takes you and puts you into a family with distinct rules. If someone says they follow God but doesn’t follow the family rules, it’s understandable to question if they actually belong. Jesus Christ, Our Advocate However, if you break the rules, it doesn’t mean you are cut off from the family. When a son is told by his father, “That’s not the way we behave in this family,” he never thinks he is no longer a part of the family. He’s just a member who is misrepresenting the family. We obey not so that we belong to the family but because we belong. When we sin, we have an Advocate — Jesus Christ — and He is the propitiation for our sins. Growing in Maturity In order to become part of the family, you don’t have to do a lot of difficult, complicated things. God has given a simple command: to believe and obey the Gospel. When you follow that command, you are made into a new person. You then are expected to grow. Christian maturity is like growing from a child into an adult. You don’t find the same jokes funny anymore. You don’t spend your time the same way. And you grow in your ability to follow Christ. Don’t think there’s an expectation that you’ll mess up a lot because you’re young. If you’re a Christian, you are to act by your Father’s name, no matter how long you’ve been saved. There’s a pattern already laid out for you to follow, and it’s not burdensome. The command He gives is simple, and the yoke He gives is light. Walk as He walked! This doesn’t mean that every decision you make will feel easy. That’s why God has given you a lot of older brothers and sisters in Christ to help you and counsel you. So, as you follow the Father who chose you, lean into the other family members He has given you and rest in the knowledge that you belong.

Walking in the Light: Obedience and Love - 1 John 2:1-6

Trent Griffith serves as Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Granger, Indiana.  The text for his message is Proverbs 29:25.

Trent Griffith serves as Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Granger, Indiana. The text for his message is Proverbs 29:25.

Approval Addict

Dr. John Whitmore serves as Professor of Geology at Cedarville University.  This message was a part of the conference held on the campus of Cedarville University entitled, “In the Beginning – Creation and Your Biblical Worldview”.

Dr. John Whitmore serves as Professor of Geology at Cedarville University. This message was a part of the conference held on the campus of Cedarville University entitled, “In the Beginning – Creation and Your Biblical Worldview”.

Young Earth Flood Geology in the Grand Canyon

Ken Ham is the president, CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis.  This message was a part of the conference held on the campus of Cedarville University entitled, “In the Beginning – Creation and Your Biblical Worldview”.

Ken Ham is the president, CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis. This message was a part of the conference held on the campus of Cedarville University entitled, “In the Beginning – Creation and Your Biblical Worldview”.

Why is Six-Day Literal Creation Important in Higher Education?

Hugh Whelchel is the Executive Director for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics.  The text for his message is Jeremiah 29:4-7.

Hugh Whelchel is the Executive Director for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. The text for his message is Jeremiah 29:4-7.

Hugh Whelchel is the Executive Director for the Institute for Faith, Work &amp; Economics.  The text for his message is Jeremiah 29:4-7.

Reweaving Shalom

Cedarville University President, Dr. Thomas White led a panel discussion about the upcoming Presidential Election.  Faculty members Dr. Tom Mach, Dr. Bert Wheeler, and Dr. Mark Caleb Smith shared their expertise in response to questions about the candidates and our current political climate.

Cedarville University President, Dr. Thomas White led a panel discussion about the upcoming Presidential Election. Faculty members Dr. Tom Mach, Dr. Bert Wheeler, and Dr. Mark Caleb Smith shared their expertise in response to questions about the candidates and our current political climate.

Q & A Chapel - Presidential Election

Dr. Thomas White is the President of Cedarville University.  The text for his message is James 1:2-12.

Dr. Thomas White is the President of Cedarville University. The text for his message is James 1:2-12.

Overcoming the Trials of Life by Setting Your Sails on Christ

Phil Byars serves as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Bristol, Indiana.  The texts for his message are Psalm 34:8 and John 13:3-4.

Phil Byars serves as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Bristol, Indiana. The texts for his message are Psalm 34:8 and John 13:3-4.

Good, Good Father

Brother Benny serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Ministries.  The text for his message is Psalm 103:1-12.

Brother Benny serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Ministries. The text for his message is Psalm 103:1-12.

Life that Glorifies God

Dr. Mark Howell is the Senior Pastor of Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.  The texts for his message are Matthew 13:53-58 and 14:13-33.

Dr. Mark Howell is the Senior Pastor of Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. The texts for his message are Matthew 13:53-58 and 14:13-33.

How to Have a Regret-Free Christianity

Dr. Jerry White serves as Pastor of Casey Creek Baptist Church in Chesnee, South Carolina.  The text for his message is Philippians 4:4-9.

Dr. Jerry White serves as Pastor of Casey Creek Baptist Church in Chesnee, South Carolina. The text for his message is Philippians 4:4-9.

Peace in the Midst of Uncertain Times

Chapel is the heartbeat of Cedarville University. Each weekday during the academic year, students, faculty, and staff gather for worship and Christ-centered preaching from God's Word. Listen to biblical messages from Cedarville faculty and staff, pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian thinkers who challenge the Cedarville community to know Christ more deeply and live faithfully for Him.

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