Chapel at Cedarville

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.

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White gave a powerful message from Joshua 23, urging us to ask ourselves a crucial question: What do you cling to? Every day, we cling to something, whether it's comfort, possessions, or the pursuit of our own dreams. But in Joshua 23, the call is clear: Cling to the Lord, not the fleeting things of this world. 

In his message, Dr. White emphasized that it’s easy to cling to comfort, habits, or even unhealthy attachments. When life gets difficult, we may find it easier to rely on the Lord. But when things are going well, we often revert to clinging to things we know — whether it's material possessions, relationships, or the pursuit of our own desires. Joshua’s speech to the Israelites in this chapter provides a roadmap for how we should respond in both good and bad times. 

In verses 3 through 8, Joshua calls the Israelites to remember the faithfulness of God and to cling to Him alone. He reminds them of how God has fought for them and urges them to keep and do God's commands (v.6). It’s not enough to simply acknowledge God; we must live out His commands and turn neither to the right nor the left (v.6). This calls for intentionality in our relationship with God to keep Him at the center of our lives and avoid the distractions of false gods (v.7). Joshua’s challenge to cling to the Lord (v.8) should resonate deeply with us today. Just as we naturally cling to things or people in our lives, our devotion to God should be even more powerful. Dr. White reminded us that to cling to the Lord, we need to engage with His Word regularly, meditate on it, and live it out. It’s about more than knowledge. It’s about transformation through the Word. 

Next, Joshua calls the Israelites to love the Lord with all their heart. Loving God is not just an emotional sentiment; it’s a commitment to Him above all else. Dr. White emphasized that loving the Lord means living in a way that reflects that love. This love should be unwavering as we set our hearts on Him rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world. 

Finally, Joshua reminds the Israelites to trust the Lord (v.14–16). This trust means not relying on our own strength or understanding but recognizing that God’s faithfulness will carry us through. Dr. White encouraged us to trust in the Lord's timing and wisdom, especially when the world may tempt us to rely on money, power, or possessions. 

Dr. White provided practical ways to cling to the Lord in our everyday lives. Meditate on His Word, surround yourself with godly mentors, and make wise decisions, especially in relationships. Don’t try to change someone who isn’t a believer by dating them; instead, trust God to lead you. Cling to the Lord and let Him be your guiding light. 

The ultimate question remains: What will you cling to? Will you choose to cling to the Lord and His Word, or will you allow the things of this world to take His place? The choice is yours. 

Abba: Living in Our True Identity in Christ

Scripture: Romans 8

Today in chapel, senior class chaplain Trey Storr presented the question, “Who are you?” In a world that constantly tells us to define ourselves, Romans 8 gives us a radical truth: we don’t define ourselves. Our identity is in Christ. We are children of God, heirs with Christ, and empowered by His Spirit to live in freedom.

No Condemnation in Christ

Romans 8 begins with an incredible declaration: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). We all struggle with sin. Romans 6 describes the ideal Christian life, while Romans 7 acknowledges the reality of our struggles. Romans 8 brings hope: Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin. What the law could not do because of our weakness, Jesus accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. As believers, we don’t live according to the flesh but by the Spirit (Romans 8:9). This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle, but our identity is no longer found in sin — it is found in Christ.

Adopted into God’s Family

Paul takes this truth further by explaining that we are not only saved — we are adopted. "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’" (Romans 8:15). This changes everything. We are not outsiders trying to earn our way into God’s favor. We are His beloved children. He has grafted us into His family, the Church, and given us a new identity. As God’s children, we no longer live in fear or self-condemnation. We don’t have to prove ourselves because Christ has already paid the price. But while this grace is free, it calls us to action.

Called to Live by the Spirit

"If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:13). Grace isn’t an excuse to remain in sin. It’s an invitation to transformation. The Spirit empowers us to put to death our old ways and walk in new life. Paul reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian life (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12). But our suffering is not in vain — it leads to glory. Just as Christ suffered and was glorified, we, too, will be glorified with Him.

Living Out Our True Identity

The world tells us to "be true to yourself," but the Gospel calls us to be true to who we are in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin — we are sons and daughters of the King.

Action Steps:

• Embrace your identity — You are a child of God, not defined by your past.
• Live by the Spirit — Rely on God’s power to overcome sin.
• Walk in faith — Trust that suffering leads to glory.
• Share your testimony — Help others find their identity in Christ.

You were made for more. Be who you already are in Jesus.

The Crossover: Engaging in God’s Mission

Today, Clare Jewell, Executive Director of ABWE EveryEthne and Director of Generate for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, walked the campus community through John 4, exhorting listeners to cross boundaries for the sake of the Gospel. In today’s world, we are facing a critical moment for the church. Only 17% of Americans regularly attend church, over 500 people groups now live in America, and young people are leaving the faith at an alarming rate. But this is not a time for fear — it’s an opportunity. Like Noah stepping out of the ark after the storm, God is calling us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in His mission.

Crossing Over Requires Leaving Comfort Behind

Many of us prefer to stay in familiar circles with people who think, talk, and believe like we do, but Jesus calls us to something greater. Crossing over means making intentional connections with those who are different from us for the sake of redemption.

We see this in John 4, where Jesus engages with the Samaritan woman at the well.

• John 4:4-7 – Jesus, a Jewish man, crosses cultural and social boundaries by asking her for a drink.
• John 4:9 – The woman is skeptical, as Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another.
• John 4:13-14 – Jesus offers her "living water," showing that salvation is for all people.

Jesus had every reason to ignore this woman — she was a Samaritan, a social outcast, and living in sin. But He saw beyond her labels and engaged with her heart.

The Church’s Call to Cross Over

Too often, the American church is unwilling to engage in the messiness of people's lives. But Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, not just tolerate them.

• Love requires action. The Good Samaritan didn’t just acknowledge the wounded man — he crossed over to help him.
• The disciples in John 4 missed the point. When they saw Jesus talking to the woman, they were shocked. Their inward focus blinded them to the mission of God.
• John 4:28 – The Samaritan woman, after encountering Jesus, left her water jar and ran to tell others. She crossed over from shame to testimony, and many believed because of her.

Taking Action: How Can You Cross Over?

• Identify one person who needs to know Jesus.
• Pray for them daily for the next week.
• Engage in a spiritual conversation. Ask questions, listen, and share your faith.
• Step outside your comfort zone. Reach across cultural, social, and religious divides.
• Use your resources to pursue those who are lost.

Luke 15:1-2, 12 reminds us that we are the older brother in the parable — we have the resources to go after the lost, but will we use them?

Today in chapel, Dr. Jon Wood led us through Acts 24–26. In these chapters, the Apostle Paul stands trial before three different Roman rulers: Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. The author, Luke, slows down the narrative in these chapters, providing us with a detailed account of Paul’s defense, his calm demeanor, and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Over the course of two years, Paul endures trials and imprisonment, giving us three critical lessons that still speak to us today.

The first lesson is that God works above the control of humans. Throughout these chapters, we see that none of the Roman governors can solve the problem of Paul. They are baffled by the charges against him, unable to bring clarity or justice to the situation. Despite their best efforts, they cannot find a way to bring about a just decision. In this, we are reminded that human rulers, no matter how powerful or wise, are ultimately not in control. God’s will supersedes all human plans.

In Paul’s case, God uses his imprisonment and trials as an opportunity to advance the Gospel. These Roman rulers, despite being ignorant of the truth, are in a position to hear the Gospel through Paul’s testimony. God is working above and beyond their control, orchestrating events for His purposes. Similarly, we can trust that God’s sovereignty is at work in our lives, even in the midst of seemingly confusing or difficult circumstances.

The second lesson is that God is sovereignly working in all circumstances. Even as Paul is bound in chains and facing accusations, he is not merely a victim of circumstance. He is an instrument in God’s sovereign plan. Throughout these trials, Paul continually testifies to God’s truth, showing that no matter his situation, he remains faithful to the calling God has given him.

Paul’s trials mirror the trial of Jesus in many ways. Like Christ, Paul is falsely accused and faces unjust rulers. Yet, just as Jesus endured suffering with the knowledge that God’s plan would be fulfilled, Paul, too, maintains faith in God's sovereignty over his circumstances. His life serves as a testament to us that we are not helpless in difficult situations. God is at work, and we can rest in His plan, knowing He is sovereign over every circumstance.

The third lesson is a reminder to keep the resurrection central in our lives. In every defense Paul gives, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of his message. He speaks of the hope we have in Christ because of the resurrection (Acts 24:15), and he points to it as the key to his own faith and mission. For Paul, the resurrection is not just a theological concept; it is the basis of the Christian hope.

The resurrection is our only hope as well. It is the foundation upon which we stand, and it is the message we are called to share with the world. In every trial and circumstance, we must keep the resurrection central to our lives and testimony, just as Paul did. The resurrection gives us confidence and courage, knowing that death has been defeated and that through Jesus Christ, we have eternal life.

Dr. Wood concludes the sermon with this challenge and reminder: We stand ready for the same mission as Paul did. Like Paul, we are called to bear faithful testimony to the Gospel, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Just as God worked sovereignly through Paul’s trials, He is working in our lives too. We can trust in His plan, bear witness to the resurrection, and remain faithful to the calling He has given us. May we, like Paul, never lose sight of our mission, no matter what trials we face.

Today in chapel, recording artist Andrew Peterson shared a powerful message about the importance of setting our minds on the Lord. Drawing from both his music and his reflections on life, Peterson focused on three key words that he uses to help realign his heart and mind with God's truth. These words serve as reminders of the Gospel and our calling to declare God’s glory in our everyday lives. 

The first word Peterson introduced was eucatastrophe. Coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, a eucatastrophe is a sudden, joyous turn in a seemingly hopeless situation. For Christians, the ultimate eucatastrophe is found in the incarnation of Jesus Christ — God becoming man to redeem the world. Even more, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead represents the greatest eucatastrophe in human history. As Peterson pointed out, “In our story, it’s the incarnation of Jesus. And in Jesus' story and ours, it’s the resurrection.” This reminds us that even when life seems bleak, God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating the ultimate redemption. 

Next, Peterson spoke about sehnsucht, a German word that captures an intense longing — a deep, unfulfilled desire that lingers in the heart. This longing is a tug toward home, a yearning for something greater. Peterson explained that this feeling is a signpost pointing us to Jesus, as we long for the day when all things will be made right in Him. As believers, we are reminded in Scripture that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and this longing is a reflection of our ultimate desire to be with our Savior.  

Finally, Peterson highlighted fidelity, which refers to strong, steady faithfulness. He encouraged students to focus on being faithful in the present, planting seeds where God has placed them and trusting that the harvest belongs to God alone. Too often, he said, we fall into the lie that "the good life is out there" somewhere beyond our current circumstances. But the truth is, God calls us to be content with tending the "garden" He has given us, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Peterson emphasized that faithfulness, not success or control, is what God asks of us. 

Throughout his message, Peterson reminded us that our ultimate purpose is to declare the glory of the Lord in all that we do. Our work, no matter how mundane it may seem, is an opportunity to point others to the deeds of the Lord. As Peterson said, “We are here to bear witness to the manifold wonders of what Jesus has done and is doing.” We don’t need to be afraid of the darkness or the challenges in life because we know that God is sovereign over all. Our calling is to faithfully obey and share the good news of the Gospel with those around us. 

In closing, Peterson encouraged us to live out the reality of our faith, knowing that we are painting a picture of the world that is to come. Let us embrace the words that set our minds on the Lord and bear witness to His greatness in all that we do. 

Today, Dr. David Prince spoke powerfully in chapel, reminding us of a critical truth: the Gospel is not just for beginners but is the essence of our Christian walk from beginning to end. Too often, we as Christians think that the Gospel is something we grow beyond — something we move past once we’re “advanced” in our faith. Dr. Prince challenged that notion, asserting that we will always need to be reminded of the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not the “A, B, Cs” of Christianity but the A to Z — the beginning, middle, and end. 

As Dr. Prince said, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be the center, context, and goal of our Christian living.” This powerful statement calls us to ensure that the Gospel remains at the core of our daily lives and actions. It is not just a set of ideas or doctrines that we learn once and move beyond but is the foundation of our identity as believers. We are called to live in light of the Gospel every day. 

Dr. Prince also emphasized the importance of being Bible readers, not just Bible quoters. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the Gospel must be applied not only to ourselves but also to our relationships. Paul’s words remind us that our Christian lives are not just about individual salvation; they are about being transformed and living in unity with one another through the Gospel. “I have been crucified with Christ,” Paul writes, and through this truth, we see that our lives are no longer about our performance but about what Christ has done for us. 

This transformation is not about becoming less human or erasing our unique personalities; it is about being restored to the life we were created to live. “If the Gospel is at the center of your life, nothing else in your life needs to happen for you to find joy,” Dr. Prince reminded the campus community. Our focus on ourselves only leads to confusion about who we truly are. Instead, we are called to look to Christ for our identity and fulfillment. When we make the Gospel central, it frees us from the pressures and burdens of trying to find joy or identity in other things. 

The Gospel transforms the way we view our lives. Dr. Prince pointed out that our life is a unique and strategic ministry opportunity. God has equipped each of us for this, and through the Gospel, we find our true purpose and calling. As we grow in our relationship with the Gospel, we begin to see signs of that growth: we become less touchy, stop focusing on what others think of us, and celebrate the successes of others. We no longer see ourselves as entitled but as grateful for the blessings we’ve received in Christ. 

Ultimately, Christianity is about living in the freedom Christ has already won for us. The victory has been secured, and we can live in that freedom today. As Dr. Prince so poignantly put it, “Know true freedom!” In Christ, we are free to live out our calling, serve others, and reflect His love and grace to a world in need. 

As we reflect on today’s message, let us remember that the Gospel is not just the starting point but the entire journey. It is the foundation, the focus, and the goal of our Christian lives. 

Following the King in the Way of Integrity

Integrity is more than a reputation — it’s a way of life. True integrity means living consistently and walking in faithfulness before God in both public and private life. Proverbs 10:9 reminds us, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." We are called to live with unwavering integrity according to Psalm 101, not for the approval of others but for the glory of God.

The Challenge of Integrity

It does not take long to think of people who have compromised their integrity. This reality reminds us of the importance of living a godly life in both our public and private worlds. It is far easier to put up a front of faithfulness while secretly indulging in sin. However, true integrity is not about appearances — it is about walking in the light, honoring God in all things. A man of integrity does not follow the world; he follows the Lord. The only way to walk in integrity is by drawing near to Christ, allowing Him to transform us by His grace. Psalm 101:2 declares, “I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.” Integrity begins in the secret places of our hearts and homes before it manifests in our public lives.

How to Walk in the Way of Integrity

1. Pursue the King’s Character

God is unwaveringly faithful to His people. David echoes Exodus 34:6-7, proclaiming the steadfast love and justice of the Lord (Psalm 99:4). True integrity flows from a heart that loves the character of God. Worship is not just singing — it is living a life of worshipful obedience.

Action Step: Meditate on God’s Word daily. Let His truth shape your heart and character (Deuteronomy 10:12, Joshua 1:7, Psalm 119:1).

2. Practice the King’s Conduct

A life of integrity means loving what God loves and hating what He hates. Psalm 101 warns against tolerating sin. Instead, we should guard our hearts and minds, avoiding what is worthless and setting God’s Word before our eyes (Proverbs 6:17).

Action Step: Examine your influences. Surround yourself with friends who encourage integrity and hold you accountable. The local church is a crucial place for this growth.

3. Trust in the King’s Promise

The way of integrity is not easy, but it is eternally worth it. David embodied God’s steadfast love and justice (Psalm 101:8), pointing to Jesus, the true and perfect King. Psalm 2 speaks of Christ’s righteous reign, and Revelation 3:7-13 promises that those who hold fast will be kept by the Lord.

Action Step: When tempted to stray, run to the Word. Let the promises of Christ dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16). Hold fast to the King’s Word, and trust that He will keep you.

Conclusion

Following the King in the way of integrity leads to eternal blessing. Jesus, the fulfillment of the Davidic King, calls us to walk in His truth. If we follow Him, He looks upon us with favor, but for those who reject Him, His wrath remains. So today, choose integrity. Follow the King. It will be eternally worth it.

In Acts 21–22, Dr. Michael McKay showed us how the apostle Paul boldly proclaimed the Gospel, drawing both praise and persecution. His message, centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasized that Jesus is the Messiah for everyone — both Jews and Gentiles. However, as we read through these chapters, we also see a repetition of key events: Luke recounts Peter’s vision in Acts 10 and Paul’s conversion in Acts 9. Why does Luke choose to repeat these events? The repetition directs our attention to the central message of the book: the Gospel of Jesus Christ breaking through all barriers.

Luke's inclusion of these repeated accounts is not accidental. As he recounts Peter’s vision and Paul's conversion, we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is now open to all, regardless of nationality or background. Peter’s vision revealed that God does not show partiality, and Paul’s conversion marks the turning point where the message of Jesus is extended beyond the Jews to the Gentiles. Luke wants us to see the significance of the Gospel for everyone. Jesus’ death and resurrection are not just for a select few but for the whole world.

Throughout these chapters, the contrast between Paul’s faithfulness and Israel’s rebellion stands out. In Acts 22, Paul recounts his conversion story, emphasizing how he was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a bold preacher of the Gospel. His faithfulness to Jesus is clear, even in the face of rejection and persecution. McKay says that “Paul's faithfulness to Jesus allowed him to experience the faithfulness of Jesus.” The deeper message is that God’s plan has always been for His people to embrace the truth of Jesus Christ. The faithfulness Paul experiences is not just his own; it is rooted in the faithfulness of Jesus, who remained true to His mission even to the point of death on the cross. In this, we see that the God of Israel is not just the God of Israel, but the God of the whole world.

This brings us to a crucial application for today: We are called to be faithful to Jesus. Just as Paul remained faithful to the call God had placed on his life, we too are called to obey and follow Jesus today, not tomorrow. Our faithfulness, like Paul’s, is not based on our own strength but on the faithful love of Jesus, who empowers us to endure and proclaim the truth.

The temple in Jerusalem, which once symbolized the presence of God, has been replaced by Jesus’ people, the Church. The dwelling place of God is no longer limited to a physical location but is present in the lives of believers, who are called to live as faithful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. As we look at Acts 21–22, McKay encouraged us to remember that we too are part of this great story of God's faithfulness to His people and the world.