Chapel at Cedarville

Living in Covenant Love: The Call to Obey God’s Voice

In Exodus 19, we encounter a powerful message about the covenantal love God has for His people. This chapter reveals the importance of obedience to God’s commands as essential to experiencing the fullness of His blessings. The picture of marriage serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s relationship with us, and as with any marriage, our obedience to God opens the door to deeper intimacy and the benefits of His covenant.

A Marriage-Like Relationship with God

God desires a relationship with us that is mirrored by the sacred covenant of marriage. In Ephesians 2, Paul highlights how this love story between God and His people is one of rescue and redemption, much like a knight in shining armor rescuing his bride. God’s covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai marks a pivotal moment in this divine love story. Just as a marriage requires commitment and obedience to flourish, so does our relationship with God. If we obey His voice, we experience the benefits of being His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:5-6).

The Benefits of Obedience

God promises immense benefits to those who take the covenant relationship seriously. First, He declares that we are His “treasured possession” among all people (Exodus 19:5). This means that God watches over us, guards us, and cherishes us. Being in this covenant is not just a religious duty but a privilege. We also become a kingdom of priests, sharing the Gospel with others and interceding on their behalf. God’s covenant relationship brings about both personal blessings and an opportunity to impact the world around us. Furthermore, God’s call to obey His commands leads to a life of holiness and peace. Exodus 19:6 tells us that if we live in faithfulness, our lives will generally go well. However, we also acknowledge that suffering may come as we remain faithful, and we can be assured that a reward awaits us for standing firm in our covenant with Him.

Obedience and the Presence of God

Obeying God is not just about following rules; it is about cultivating a relationship that allows us to experience His presence. In Exodus 19:9, God miraculously shows His presence to Israel so that they would hear and believe His words. In the New Covenant, we have the opportunity to experience God’s presence by repenting of sin and surrendering our hearts fully to Him. When we allow Jesus to be the center of our lives, our hearts become holy ground, and we can experience God’s nearness.

The Consequences of Disobedience

The story of Esau, who traded his birthright for a bowl of stew, serves as a stark reminder of what happens when we fail to take obedience seriously (Genesis 25:29-34). Disobedience leads to missed blessings and the forfeiture of the inheritance God has for us. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” When we choose disobedience, we miss out on the abundant life that God offers through His covenant.

Action Steps

1. Reflect on God’s Love: Take time today to meditate on the fact that God sees you as His treasured possession. What does this mean for your relationship with Him?
2. Repent of Known Sin: Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you may have been disobedient. Repent and invite God’s presence into those areas.
3. Obey His Voice: Commit to obeying God’s commands, knowing that through obedience, you unlock the blessings of a deeper relationship with Him.
4. Share His Gospel: As part of God’s kingdom of priests, share the love of Christ with someone today and intercede for those who do not know Him.

God is calling you into a covenant relationship with Him. The invitation is clear: obedience to His voice leads to His blessings, His presence, and His unbreakable love. Will you respond to the call?

Today in chapel, Dr. Thomas White gave us a powerful reminder of what it looks like to fully follow the Lord in Joshua 14:6–14. Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, stands as an example of unwavering faith and commitment to God. In a world full of distractions and challenges, Caleb’s life teaches us that we must wholeheartedly follow God, no matter the cost. 

So, what does it mean to “be a Caleb”? First, it means having the conviction to take a stand for truth. While the majority of the Israelites were gripped by fear and doubt, Caleb trusted God’s promise. Joshua 14:6–9 recounted how, even in the midst of rebellion, he remained faithful. He stood firm when everyone else wavered. This is the kind of conviction we need to take a stand for the truth of God’s Word. As Dr. White says, “If God has called you to do it, He will allow you to do incredible things for His glory.”  

Second, consistently walking by faith is crucial. Caleb walked with God for 45 years, never turning back or losing sight of the Lord's promises; Joshua 14:10–11 highlights his enduring faith and vitality. Caleb’s example teaches us to walk with God daily, asking Him for opportunities to serve and being faithful in the small things. It means worshiping the Lord no matter the circumstances, knowing that He is worthy of our devotion and trust. 

Third, Caleb’s life shows us the confidence to be bold for God. In Joshua 14:12, Caleb asks for the mountain promised to him, a bold request for someone of his age. He knew God was able and willing to deliver what He had promised, and Caleb’s faith was contagious. His boldness wasn’t in his own strength but in the strength of the Lord. 

Finally, the results of Caleb’s faithfulness are seen in the example he set for others. In Judges 3:7–11, we see that Caleb’s legacy lived on through Othniel, who became a judge of Israel. Caleb’s faith inspired and equipped the next generation to walk in obedience to God. 

So, how do you respond when life doesn’t go your way? Are your eyes on the difficulties you face or on the Deliverer who is with you? Like Caleb, we are called to be bold for God, unwavering in our faith, and fully committed to following Him. May we take up that challenge every day, walking in conviction, consistency, and confidence, knowing that God rewards those who fully follow Him. As Dr. White encouraged us today, “It doesn’t matter what your background is or what mistakes you’ve made ... wholly follow the Lord!”

In today’s chapel, Dr. J.R. Gilhooly, Director of the Honors Program and Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology, preached on Acts 17, focusing on the need to clearly understand and communicate the true nature of God. Dr. Gilhooly began by discussing Paul’s interaction with the philosophers in Athens, where Paul was confronted with their misunderstanding of who God truly is. He emphasized that there are two categories for our reality: God and everything else. Paul’s message was clear: God is not like the idols the Athenians worshiped, nor is He something created by human hands. God is separate from all that we know and is the Creator of heaven and Earth. 

Dr. Gilhooly pointed out that Paul needed to clarify the meaning of the word "God" because the Athenians, much like many people today, had a distorted view of divinity. They had fashioned gods in their image, constructing idols out of material things. Paul corrected their error, saying, “The God who made the world and everything in it…does not live in temples made by man” (Acts 17:24). God is not something we can confine to a temple or a statue. He is the Lord of all creation, and we should not attempt to reduce Him to something we can grasp or understand. 

The professor emphasized that Paul’s argument reflects the truth that God has created man in His image, not the other way around. Humans are made in the likeness of God, and we should not try to shape God in our own image. This misunderstanding of God's nature, Dr. Gilhooly noted, is a problem that has existed throughout history and still persists today. We are called to correct these misconceptions by presenting the true God: the Creator and sustainer of all things. 

Dr. Gilhooly also highlighted Paul’s message that God has set a day for judgment and that judgment will be executed by the man He has appointed, Jesus Christ. This truth, Paul says, was confirmed by Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 17:31). The Gospel call is urgent, and the response to it will vary. Some will mock, others will be intrigued, and some will believe. Yet, the Gospel must be shared clearly so everyone has the chance to respond. 

The professor concluded by urging us to ensure that we speak with clarity when communicating the Gospel. We must understand the true nature of God and the Gospel message so that we don’t confuse others with inaccurate representations. As Romans 10:13 reminds us, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Dr. Gilhooly’s message called us to be diligent in spreading the Gospel so all who hear it might respond and be saved. 

In today's chapel service, Dr. Bobby Lewis, Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, focused on the theme of True Love based on 1 John 3:16-23. Through this passage, he explored what true love really looks like from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the sacrificial, sensitive, and secure nature of love that reflects Christ's love for us.

Dr. Lewis began by explaining that true love is sacrificial, drawing from the ultimate example of Jesus Christ. He reminded us that Jesus laid down His life for us on the cross, demonstrating love in its purest form. True love is not about a 50/50 relationship, but rather about giving 100% to the other person, just as Christ gave Himself entirely for us. Love, as shown through agape, is unconditional, not based on fairness or what we can get in return. Dr. Lewis emphasized that love should not be transactional but a covenant that mirrors the selfless love Jesus showed, even to those who mocked and spat on Him.

He then moved to the second characteristic of true love: sensitivity. Dr. Lewis pointed out that we must be careful about how we love others, making sure our love is not just words but actions. He cited 1 John 3:17, urging us to notice and meet the needs of those around us. Just as we care for ourselves, we should also care for others, especially in their times of need.

The third point was about the security of true love. Dr. Lewis warned against the unbiblical notion of "following your heart" as it can lead to deceit and confusion. Instead, he emphasized that our assurance in God's love should be anchored in His Word, which is steadfast and unchanging. True love, as demonstrated by God, assures us of our salvation, and we can have confidence before Him. The feelings of doubt and insecurity are to be replaced with a firm trust in the love God has shown through Christ.

Dr. Lewis concluded with a powerful reminder that true love is not sentimental or based on fleeting emotions. The clearest picture of love is not found in candy hearts but on the cross, where Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of love the world has ever known. As believers, we are called to mirror that same sacrificial, sensitive, and secure love in our lives, reflecting God's love both within the church and to a watching world.

God’s Way: From Discouragement to Deliverance

Life is full of challenges, and at times, it feels like we are stuck in a never-ending detour. The Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 21:4-9, faced a similar experience. They grew discouraged and impatient as they traveled in the wilderness, unsure of how long their journey would take. In their frustration, they forgot to pray, spoke against God, and began to question His goodness. Yet, in their moment of despair, God provided deliverance — not through their own efforts, but through His grace.

The 5 Ds of Man’s Way

In this passage, we can see how following our own way leads to various negative consequences. These are the 5 Ds that describe the results of relying on our own understanding rather than seeking God’s guidance:

Discouragement

The Israelites became discouraged because they were focused on their circumstances, not on God’s promises. Psalm 42:5 reminds us, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God." When we focus on the problems around us, we can easily lose hope, but when we choose to look to God, our perspective shifts.

Dissension

The Israelites’ hearts grew hardened against God. They spoke out in anger instead of turning to Him in prayer. It’s easy to let frustration lead to dissension, but God calls us to speak to Him, not against Him. Raising a hand in anger only hardens our hearts, while raising our hands in praise invites God’s presence.

Depression

The Israelites were depressed, doubting God’s provision. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Instead of trying to fix spiritual problems with physical solutions, we are called to pray and trust God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God, knowing He will guard our hearts with peace.

Delusion

The Israelites claimed they had no food or water, forgetting the provision God had already given them. It’s easy to substitute our opinion for the truth, but God’s Word is the ultimate truth. When we trust in His promises, we are reminded that He will always provide for us.

Death

In Numbers 21:6, we see that sin brings death, both spiritually and physically. The Israelites’ disobedience led them into danger, but God provided a way out through repentance. Sin has always brought death, but in Jesus, we find life. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God’s Way Brings Deliverance

The good news is that God’s way brings deliverance. Moses, as a godly leader, prayed to God on behalf of the people. He didn’t try to fix the situation on his own — instead, he turned to God for help. God responded by providing a way for the Israelites to be healed from the deadly snake bites: They were to look at a bronze serpent raised up on a pole (Numbers 21:8-9). This act was not just a temporary fix — it pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on the cross for our salvation. John 3:14-15 connects this story to Christ’s sacrifice, saying, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” God’s way leads to deliverance, even when we can’t see the way out. Trust in Him today, and He will guide you from discouragement to victory.

In today’s chapel service, Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Systematic and Applied Theology, led us through a powerful message drawn from Acts 16:25–40. He reminded us that no matter the circumstances we face, our focus should always remain on Christ and His Gospel.

Acts 16 recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned for their faith. Beaten with rods and shackled in a dark, cold prison, their situation was dire. Yet, in verse 25, we read that despite their suffering, they were praying and singing hymns to God. This moment offers a powerful lesson for us today: Even in our darkest moments, God is worthy of our worship and praise.

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, it is all too easy to focus on the trials we face. But the example of Paul and Silas challenges us to refocus our attention on the greatness of God, who is with us through every trial. The Gospel, as Dr. Kimble reminded us, is not merely about escaping difficulty — it is about the transformative power of Christ’s work on the cross.

Rejoice in the Lord Always (Acts 16:25)

Dr. Kimble urged us to take joy in the Lord at all times, not only when things are going well but especially when we face trials. Paul and Silas showed us that our joy should not depend on our circumstances but on the unchanging truth of the Gospel. This joy is the result of a heart centered on Christ, whose love and power never waver.

We Proclaim the Gospel (Acts 16:26–31)

Even in prison, Paul and Silas didn’t waste the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. When the jailer asked how to be saved, they simply and boldly proclaimed, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). As Dr. Kimble reminded us, our mission is to share the Gospel wherever we are — whether we are in the comfort of our homes or the midst of hardship.

Engage in Word-Ministry (Acts 16:32-34)

The Gospel is not just for our personal salvation but also for the transformation of those around us. The jailer and his household believed in the Gospel, and their lives were forever changed. Dr. Kimble challenged us by asking this: What drives our goals and ambitions? Is it the Gospel? Are we truly living with the mission of Christ at the center of all we do?

Application:

In the busyness of life, slow down and consider Jesus. Spend time delighting in His Word, praying, journaling, and sharing what God has revealed to you. When your circumstances seem overwhelming, remember that Christ is the foundation of your joy and peace. Fixate on Him.

Living a Well-Spent Life: Self-Control for the Goal

When we reflect on our lives, will we look back and say, "I wasted it"? The question is sobering — are we truly living with purpose, or are we simply coasting through life? In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, the Apostle Paul provides us with a powerful example of how to live a life well-spent. His focus was clear: self-control for the goal. In this passage, Paul lays out what it means to run the race of faith with discipline, aiming for eternal impact rather than mere survival.

Sermon Outline: Living for the Win

I. The Goal: Self-Control for the Win

Paul's main idea in this passage is simple: self-control is essential for reaching the ultimate goal. But what is that goal? In verse 19, Paul reminds us that his purpose in life wasn’t about personal convenience or comfort. Instead, he was willing to mold his life to serve others through the gospel. His flexibility, and willingness to give up personal preferences were all for one reason: to win people to Christ. The repeated word “win” in verses 19-24 reveals Paul’s ultimate desire: to partake in the gospel and to share that joy with others.

II. Living for the Win: What Does It Mean?

Paul’s approach challenges us to rethink our own approach to life. He wasn’t just trying to avoid failure — he was striving to win in the spiritual race. The “win” wasn’t about avoiding sin; it was about actively advancing the gospel, saving some, and ultimately bringing glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul tells us to do everything for the glory of God. When our supreme goal in life is to bring others to Christ, we experience true joy.

III. The Path to the Win: Self-Control

How do we win the Christian life? The key is self-control. Paul compares the disciplined life to that of an athlete in training. Verse 25 emphasizes the need for strict self-control, not just in a few areas, but in all areas of life. The reason we need discipline is simple: we have an eternal reward waiting for us. Our ultimate goal is not temporal — it is eternal, and Christ is worthy of our utmost discipline.

IV. Avoiding Disqualification: The Danger of Losing Focus

Paul also warns that without discipline, we risk disqualification. While we are secure in our salvation, failing to live a disciplined life means missing out on the joy of winning the race. Our hearts can harden, and we may miss the ultimate prize of living a life fully surrendered to Christ. Discipline is the antidote to this danger.

V. Action Steps: Living for the Win Together

How do we apply this to our lives? Here are a few action steps:

1. Evaluate your goals: What is your “win” in life? Are your goals focused on things that will last for eternity?
2. Practice self-control: Meditate on God’s Word daily (Psalm 1:2). Create space in your life for spiritual disciplines that will help you stay focused on the goal.
3. Get involved: Join a ministry, serve others, and put your faith into action.
4. Pray: Seek God’s strength to live a disciplined, focused life for His glory.

As we live out our faith, let’s run the race with discipline and purpose, knowing that we’re not just playing to avoid failure, but we’re playing to win for the glory of God and the eternal impact of His kingdom. Remember, at the end of our lives, we want to look back and say, “I didn’t waste it. I lived for the win.”

Love and Justice: A Christian Perspective on Criminal Justice

In our everyday lives, we don’t often hear much about criminal justice from the pulpit. However, as Christians, our faith extends to all areas of life, including how we understand and engage with issues of justice. In Luke 10, Jesus challenges us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the radical love and justice that should shape our worldview—especially when it comes to those who are most vulnerable and in need of help.

1. The Call to Love: A Foundation for Justice

To be a Christian is to love. Jesus' command in the Gospels is clear: love God completely, and love your neighbors as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). But what does this love look like in action? It’s not just about loving those who are easy to love. It extends to those we might avoid or find difficult to care for. Jesus himself calls us to love not only our "king and countrymen" but also those who are different, those on the margins, and even those who have wronged us. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shifts the narrative. A lawyer, seeking to justify himself, asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with a story of a man who is beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Levite pass by, but a Samaritan—someone considered an enemy by the Jewish people—stops, shows mercy, and cares for the man. Jesus doesn’t ask, "Who is your neighbor?" He asks, "Which of these three was a neighbor?" (Luke 10:36). The answer is simple: the one who showed mercy.

2. Justice as an Act of Love

Love and justice are deeply intertwined. As Christians, we are called to seek justice for all, especially those who are oppressed or marginalized. Leviticus 19:18 reminds us, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” but it doesn’t stop there. This love also calls for justice: “You shall not do injustice in court” (Leviticus 19:15). Legal justice is not just a matter of law but a matter of love. Augustine once said, “Justice is love ruling well.” To be just is to act out of love, ensuring that everyone receives what they are due—whether it's protection, care, or accountability. In the criminal justice system, love means seeking accuracy and fairness, ensuring that no one is falsely accused, and that the punishment fits the crime.

3. The Role of Accuracy in Justice

For love to be truly realized in the criminal justice system, accuracy is essential. Inaccurate verdicts—whether they wrongly convict or exonerate—fail to reflect the love of God. According to Augustine, “The love we should show to others by bringing justice should be brought to everyone.” As Christians, we should advocate for a fair and accurate legal process.

Sadly, the current system in the United States isn’t always just or accurate. Over 3,600 people have been exonerated after wrongful convictions, and a record number of exonerations occurred in 2022. Factors like inadequate defense for the poor and hidden evidence of innocence contribute to these injustices. As followers of Christ, we must care about these neighbors. We are called to cross the road and act when we see injustice.

4. Action Steps for Christians

1. Advocate for Fairness: We have the power to influence the criminal justice system through voting and advocacy. Speak out for reforms that ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy.
2. Support the Marginalized: Be intentional about helping those who are disadvantaged in the justice system, especially the poor and vulnerable.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about the flaws in the criminal justice system and how we can work toward a more just society.
4. Pray for Justice: Pray for those who are wrongfully convicted and for the integrity of those who work within the legal system.

Conclusion

As Christians, we must see love and justice as intertwined. The criminal justice system should not merely punish but seek to restore, protect, and love all individuals—especially the most vulnerable. Jesus calls us to be neighbors to those in need, showing mercy to those who cross our paths, even if they are different from us. Let us reflect God’s love and justice in all that we do, especially in the pursuit of fairness in the criminal justice system.

“Justice is love ruling well.” — Augustine

Today in chapel, Matt Martens talked about what biblical justice looks like, reading from Genesis 18 and Galatians 3. In the Scriptures, God repeatedly calls His people to live justly in the world around them. From the very beginning, God’s plan has always been for His justice to be carried out through His chosen people.  

We see this in His calling of Abraham, whom God chose not only to bless but also to be a vehicle of His justice to the nations (Genesis 18:19). God’s covenant with Abraham is foundational to understanding justice in the Bible, as it illustrates how His righteousness extends beyond just Israel to the entire world. As the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:6–7, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." This shows that the essence of being Abraham's true descendants is through faith, not merely through biological lineage. We are, therefore, “children of the faith,” called to live according to God’s justice and righteousness, as seen in Galatians 3:29. 

Justice in the Bible is not simply about punishing wrongdoers; rather, it involves living in a way that reflects God's righteous character. In fact, in Scripture, justice and righteousness are the same thing. God’s justice is His perfect righteousness in action — His unwavering commitment to fairness, truth, and the flourishing of His creation. Biblical social justice, then, is not merely about advocating for others but about living in alignment with God's character and actively promoting justice in our society wherever we have influence. 

In Genesis 18, we see a vivid picture of how God models justice in human form. When God decides to judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He first shares His plan with Abraham, revealing His heart for justice. God’s judgment is never hasty or indiscriminate; it is always measured, fair, and right. He allows Abraham to question Him, even pleading for the cities if righteous people can be found there. This shows us that God is not a distant, impersonal judge but one who is deeply concerned with fairness, mercy, and truth. 

So, how are we to live out this biblical justice in our everyday lives? Martens says that we must accept responsibility for our actions and live justly in every sphere of life, and we must demand accuracy and truth, especially in a world that often distorts or hides facts for convenience. We must also use our vote wisely, recognizing that we have a role in upholding justice in society. 

Ultimately, we are called to “keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19). This is not just a command for Israel in the Old Testament, but a command for all believers in Christ. Justice is not an optional part of the Christian life — it is integral to the way we reflect God's character in the world.