Chapel with Dr. Thomas White

Most of us have hearts that drift toward legalism. Legalism comes from a positive desire to take the Lord’s rules seriously. However, problems arise when we make up our own rules, take pride in keeping them, and apply our personal standard to everybody else.

When we do this, we are not finding joy in Jesus anymore; we are trying to perform in an attempt to please the Lord. God’s rules cease to become guardrails that keep us where we’re supposed to be — instead, they turn into goalposts that cause us to believe we are scoring points with Jesus.

In Mark 2:13–3:6, Jesus encourages us to forsake legalism and follow Jesus in joyful freedom.

Follow the Friend of Sinners

In vv. 13–17, Jesus called a tax collector to come follow Him and then ate a meal at his house. In that day and culture, tax collectors were despised. The legalistic scribes wondered why Jesus chose this man, so different and so hated. But Jesus explained that He came to help those who need help. Let’s be willing to go where people are — where people need help — in order to share the Gospel with them.

Feast Joyfully with the Bridegroom

In vv. 18–22, the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples did not fast. The Pharisees had added to the Bible’s rules about fasting, communicating that anyone who was truly spiritual would fast twice a week. In Matthew 23:5, Jesus explained that their motivation for making all these rules was to be noticed by people. Do you do your good deeds to be seen by others?

Find Freedom in the Lord of the Sabbath

The Pharisees also made up many specific rules that God had not commanded concerning the Sabbath. In vv. 23–28, Jesus explained to them that the Sabbath was made for our good because we need to rest. He wanted the Pharisees to understand that people were more important than their principles.

Face Foes with Fearless, Compassionate Faith

In vv. 1–6, the Pharisees lacked compassion and became upset because Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Jesus looked at them with anger and grief because they cared more about their rules and principles than they did about people created in His image.

Application

In our own hearts, sometimes we identify more with the Pharisees and scribes than we do with Jesus and His disciples. We puff ourselves up with a self-righteous heart that puts others down, rather than just loving Jesus and finding joy in Him.

Jesus wants us to celebrate the freedom we have in Him, without going into sinfulness — keeping in mind that His rules are good guardrails that help us flourish. The problems are the rules that we make in our own hearts. Let’s cultivate a culture of friendship toward everyone, joy and freedom in Christ, and compassion for others. Through Christ, we are free from the legalistic rules we create!

What is your greatest longing, the thing you desire the most? What does that longing tell you about what you think your deepest need is?

We tend to believe we would be happy and fulfilled if only Jesus would give more to us: more friends, a better job, or whatever else we long for. Mark 2:1-12 challenges that by revealing our true, deepest need — what we really need in order to be filled with satisfaction and joy.

Saving Faith

In Mark 2, four men with a paralyzed friend hear that Jesus is in town. They become determined to do whatever it takes to bring their friend to Him for healing. They encounter an obstacle when they realize the house is too crowded to bring their friend in, but rather than giving up, they get creative and dig a hole in the roof. After much hard, sweaty work, they are finally able to lower the paralyzed man down through the hole to Jesus.

But surprisingly, healing this man was not the first thing Jesus did. When he looked down at the man, His first thought of compassion was not, “This man needs to walk.” Instead, it was, “This man needs a relationship with Me. He needs to understand that his wildest longing should be for Me.”

Jesus knew that the man’s greatest problem was not actually anything physical but something inward: his guilty standing before God. He gave him what he truly needed most, saying, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Skeptical Faith

In the front row before Jesus were some scribes who had come as skeptics — not because they loved Jesus but because they wanted to criticize. They didn’t like how Jesus was speaking with such authority, and they accused Him of blasphemy in their hearts.

Jesus, knowing this, asked them which was easier: to say the man was forgiven from his sins, or to say he was healed from his paralysis. The scribes probably assumed it was easier to say his sins were forgiven, but in reality, only God can forgive sins.

When Jesus forgave the man’s inward sins, he showed that He is God. He then performed the amazing outward act of healing the man’s legs physically. We each must make up our minds about who we personally believe Jesus is. Either He is God or He’s not — there is no middle ground. And if He is God, we must live like it, talk like it, and commit our lives to it.

Our Response

Our response to this passage is fourfold:

• First, we must look to Jesus. He is the greatest gift.

• Second, we must long for Jesus above all else. Your greatest longing indicates your heart’s posture.

• Third, we must lean on Jesus with every need. Bring Him your deepest desires.

• And fourth, we must lead people to Jesus, no matter the cost! Let us be like the paralytic’s friends, who stopped at nothing to bring him to Christ.

The Way of Jesus: Chapel Reflections from Mark 1 With Dr. Thomas White

In this chapel service, Dr. Thomas White continued the Marked by Jesus series with a powerful message from Mark 1:14–45. His central theme was “This is the way!” While others pointed to the way, Jesus revealed that He Himself is the way.

Dr. White reminded us that Mark’s Gospel is written with urgency: “Mark is on a mission to the cross.” In this passage, Dr. White highlights five defining marks of Jesus’ ministry that reveal His identity and shape our response as His followers.

1. The Content of His Message (vv. 14–15)

Jesus centralized His ministry on proclaiming the Gospel of God: “Repent and believe in the gospel” (v. 15).

2. The Call to Action (vv. 16–20)

When Jesus called the disciples, His words were direct: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (v. 17).  Therefore, following Jesus always requires action.

3. The Commanding Authority (vv. 21–28)

Crowds marveled at Jesus’ teaching because it carried an authority that even demons obeyed. Jesus wasn’t given authority; He is the authority.

4. The Commitment to His Mission (vv. 35–39)

Even at the height of His popularity with the crowds, Jesus withdrew to pray. He stayed focused on His mission: preaching the Gospel and moving forward to new towns. His communion with the Father anchored His commitment to the mission.

5. The Compassion of His Touch (vv. 29–34, 40–45)

Whether lifting Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand or cleansing a leper, Jesus revealed His deep compassion and miraculous power. Dr. White then drew a parallel between leprosy and sin: Both corrupt, isolate, and spread, but both can be cleansed by the grace of God.

From these five marks, Dr. White reminded us that our lives should mirror Jesus’ pattern.

Therefore, we must:

• Repent — Be faithful to the content of the Gospel and believe
• Respond — Follow the call to action and follow Jesus
• Reach — Commit to His mission of sharing the Gospel to all who need to hear it
• Rely — Follow Jesus’ example and pray to our Father
• Reveal — Show compassion by loving the least of our society

Who is Jesus? The answer to that question should change everything. The way we think, speak, and act should reflect what we actually believe about who He is. In Mark 1:1–13, He is introduced as the Son of God and the adversary of Satan.

The Beginning

In vv. 1–8, John the Baptist lived his life in a way that reminded the Israelites of their history and called them to repent because the Messiah was coming. Everyone was talking about him. John could have gotten prideful because of his fame, but instead, he was humble, saying he was not even worthy to untie Jesus’s shoes. He firmly believed that he was only preparing the way for Someone far greater.

Just like John, we should be a voice crying in the wilderness of our generation. Rather than trying to be popular, we should focus on making Jesus popular, realizing that our lives are not all about ourselves — they are all about Him.

The Baptism

In vv. 9–11, Jesus came to be baptized in order to identify with humanity and be an example of obedience to God. When He came out of the water, the heavens were immediately torn open, and the Spirit descended on Him. A voice came out of heaven from the Father testified that Jesus was His beloved Son. This supports Mark’s thesis that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

The Battle

In vv. 12–13, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, starting with the phrase, “If You are really the Son of God.” He appealed to Jesus’s hunger. We are guilty of satisfying our physical pleasures in many sinful ways, but Jesus resisted the temptation.

Satan also went after Jesus’s ego when he tempted Him to test God. We are guilty of fostering pride and exalting ourselves at the expense of other people, but again, Jesus resisted.

When Satan told Jesus to bow down to him and promised the whole world as a reward, he was tempting Jesus to take the easy shortcut, getting the crown without having to go through all the pain of the cross. We are guilty of taking shortcuts to get the reward without the work. We don’t want to do things the right way at the right time, but Jesus resisted this temptation too.

Who Is Jesus?

Some of us are living like Jesus doesn’t exist. We need to ask ourselves the question, “If Jesus is the Son of God and a real battle exists between good and evil, then how should that impact my thoughts, words, and actions in day-to-day life?” We should be passionate about the Gospel, meditating on Scripture, telling others about Jesus, and resisting sin.

This is real. If you have confessed, repented of your sins, and turned to Jesus, you are a beloved child of the King. There is a cosmic war taking place, and you need to be ready for that. It’s time to get in the game.

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 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. 

In today’s chapel message, Dr. Thomas White taught from Joshua 22, highlighting key lessons on faithfulness to God and how we can apply these principles in our daily lives. He began by emphasizing the importance of commendation before command, a principle seen in Joshua's address to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. Before giving them commands, Joshua commends them for their obedience and faithfulness, a model for us in our own relationships and leadership opportunities (Joshua 22:2–3). Dr. White explained that it’s vital to encourage others before we challenge them, fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding. 

Dr. White then focused on the five commands found in Joshua 22:5 that believers should strive to live by. These five commands encapsulate the passionate pursuit of faithfulness to God: 

1. Love the Lord Your God – Our love for God should be our first and greatest priority. 
2. Walk in All His Ways – We need to live a life of obedience to God's will, following His guidance in the Scriptures. 
3. Keep His Commandments – We must live in accordance with God's Word, being faithful to His laws. 
4. Cling to Him – In difficult times, when life presents challenges, we must not run from God but draw closer to Him, clinging to His promises and refuge. 
5. Serve Him With All Your Heart and Soul – Our devotion to God should be wholehearted, involving every part of our being. 

Dr. White also recounted the story of the misunderstanding between the tribes after they built an altar near the Jordan River. This act sparked a potential conflict because the Israelites already had a central altar for worship. However, the tribes explained that their intentions were not to rebel but to create a symbol of unity for future generations (Joshua 22:10–34). Dr. White noted that this situation reminded us of the importance of understanding both sides of a story and responding with grace and truth (Proverbs 18:17, Matthew 18:15). The misunderstanding was resolved through open, face-to-face communication, emphasizing that such discussions are often the best way to clear up conflicts and avoid division. 

In conclusion, Dr. White called the congregation to passionately pursue faithfulness to God, following the commands found in Joshua 22:5. He reminded us that our relationship with God requires not only love but also active pursuit, obedience, and wholehearted service. Faithfulness to God is not passive but a continual, zealous effort in all aspects of our lives. 

Life Lessons:  

1. Commend before you command (Joshua 22:2–3)  
2. Two sides to most stories (Proverbs 18:17)  
3. Face to Face discussions is usually better (Matthew 18:15)  
4. Reactions Matter (Proverbs 15:1)  
5. Speechless monuments don’t witness effectively.