Chapel with Dr. Thomas White

This morning in chapel, Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville University, preached through Job 38–42. In this passage, confused at why God was allowing his suffering, Job demanded a legal hearing from God. But he ultimately repented, realizing how small and clueless he was compared to God.

This passage applies to us as well. We may not understand what God is doing, but we can always trust who God is: sovereign, wise, compassionate, and merciful.

God’s Knowledge Is Perfect (Job 38–39)

Job tried to make God seem unjust in order to justify himself. In response, God reminded Job that he wasn’t there when God created the world. Job didn’t know how God controlled the sea or made the sun come up. He couldn’t comprehend death. God went from rain to snow to grass to ice to stars to clouds, reminding Job that he had no idea how any of creation was formed or upheld.

All these things are true of us too. God is God, and we are not. He knows better than us, having ultimate wisdom. How dare we fight against Him and say we want our own way? Instead, we must recognize the compassion, goodness, and mercy of God and lean into the way He has commanded us to live.

God’s Power Is Supreme (Job 40–41)

In these chapters, God reminded Job that he could not rule the universe, save himself, or control the wild beasts. Neither can we — we don’t have infinite knowledge or infinite power like God does.

God’s Goodness Is Personal (Job 42:3–5)

God did not have to respond to Job’s uneducated questions, but He cared enough to mercifully do so anyway. He revealed Himself to Job, demonstrating His goodness and compassion.

God’s knowledge is perfect, so trust His wisdom when you don’t understand. God’s power is supreme, so trust His power when life feels out of control. God’s goodness is personal, so trust His goodness when suffering is unexplained. God is faithful, and we can trust Him.

Guard Your Heart With God’s Word, Because Your Whole Life Flows From It

Today in chapel, Dr. White taught from Proverbs 4:20–27, highlighting three main admonitions: Attend to God’s Word, Guard Your Heart, and Ponder Your Path. He ended by applying these points to everyday life.

Attend to God’s Word

Proverbs 4:20–22 tells us to be attentive to God’s Word and incline our ears to His teaching because our hearts naturally stray if we do not. We must also not let God’s Word escape our sight or our hearts, because when something else captures our attention and affections, that shapes our lives instead of God’s Word.

Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23 calls us to guard our hearts. We protect what we think is valuable. Dr. White used the analogy of protecting social security numbers and cards to illustrate the importance of guarding our hearts. If someone loses their social security card, their identity can be stolen, and their life becomes a mess. The same logic applies to the loss of our hearts, as failing to guard our hearts leads to a mess of a life apart from God’s will.

Ponder Your Path: Speak, See, and Step Straight

Finally, Proverbs 4:24–27 applies guarding our hearts to our lives. We must speak, see, and step in the way of God. The words you speak reveal the temperature of your heart and thoughts. Be careful not to speak too much about what you should guard against. The same logic applies to what you see. Don’t look at and linger on the things that you know will take you from God. Lastly, your steps can take you to safety or to shipwreck, so direct them away from temptation and towards God’s Word. Choose your path wisely, because your steps change your life.

Application

Dr. White left us with three questions to ask ourselves and reveal whether we truly guard our hearts:

1. What captures my attention?
2. What governs my heart?
3. Where is my present path taking me?

Have you ever noticed that you find joy in helping others? Yet too often, we treat friendship transactionally, focusing only on the benefits others can give us. We don’t ask God to help us be a good friend. This morning in chapel, Dr. White, President of Cedarville University, reminded us that wisdom helps us become the kind of friend we want to have.

Proverbs 13:20 says that the wise friend walks with the wise. Surround yourself with people who forsake folly rather than people who lead you into folly. You drift the direction in which your closest friends are going. Ask yourself, “Who that I hang out with encourages me to love Jesus more? Who that I hang out with is the kind of person I want to be?”

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 explains that the wise friend shows up faithfully. The devil wants you isolated because it’s easier to destroy you that way. Isolation is not wisdom. Real friendship shows up. Will you be there when your friends fail the exam or go through the breakup? Will you be there in the hospital room? Let’s be a campus where nobody fails or falls alone.

Proverbs 27:17 shows us that the wise friend speaks life-giving truth. Don’t surround yourself only with people who affirm you and let you know how good you are. You also need people who wisely and kindly rebuke and challenge you. It’s important that you do the same for them and that you listen when they speak into your life. Remember that you don’t get to rebuke someone unless you’ve invested in their life; you don’t need to speak up every time you see something you don’t like. But if you have invested, you have an opportunity to speak life into somebody. Ask yourself, “Will my influence make it more likely that they choose Christ’s ways?”

Proverbs 15:31–33 says that the wise friend stays humbly teachable. Some of us are too resistant to the counsel that people give us. We need to listen and take wisdom instead of always correcting others or interrupting.

Proverbs 17:9 explains that the wise friend guards trust. If you share others’ secrets, they won’t be likely to trust you with the next secret. A true, godly friend covers up the small offenses and keeps confidence. They also respect space and boundaries.

We want a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Let’s be that kind of friend. Jonathan in 1 Samuel is a Christlike friend to David, but he only points us to Jesus, the greatest Friend we have. Jesus walked with His disciples to make them wise. He showed up in their fear and adversity. He spoke life with tenderness and truth. He modeled a humble posture. He guarded and covered those entrusted to Him. If you want to be a wise friend, lean into Jesus and let His love overflow out of your life.

Where do you go when you need advice or wisdom? This morning in chapel, Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville University, reminded us that wisdom is the ability to discern what is right and how to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Job 28 provides a great reminder that genuine wisdom can only be found in God.

The Pursuit of Treasure (vv. 1–11)

These verses describe the great lengths that people go to when mining treasure. They spend much mental and physical energy in dangerous conditions as they hunt for gold. We, too, dig deep in search of our own earthly treasures: good grades, a good reputation, money, relationships, and success, among other things. Yet, so often, we don’t dig deep into the Bible. To neglect God’s Word is to rely on ourselves far too much. We think we’re self-sufficient, but we’re not. It is vital to have a plan for reading Scripture and to follow through with it.

The Price of Wisdom (vv. 12–19)

These verses explain that although we can uncover all the earthly treasures we want, we don’t know where to find wisdom or how much it’s worth. We can’t find it anywhere on Earth. We can’t buy it. We can’t build a ladder to God’s wisdom with our own. So how do we get it?

The Place of Understanding (vv. 20–28)

The way to wisdom is on our knees, asking the Lord above for it. It can be found in His Word. Verse 28 explains that wisdom is to fear the Lord and to turn away from evil. The fear of the Lord is reverent submission that produces obedient living. It means realizing that He is God and we are not. It means humbling ourselves rather than trusting in our own understanding. This leads us to forsake folly and live rightly.

Where do you go when you need advice or wisdom: to earthly treasures or to God? Make a habit of running to His Word and allowing it to transform everything about you. Jesus is the perfect wisdom.

Chapel Recap: We Are Called to Be “Built by Wisdom”

Cedarville University welcomed students, faculty, and staff back to campus today for the opening chapel service of the academic year. Dr. Thomas White set the tone for the year, calling the Cedarville community to worship together, build meaningful relationships, and pursue wisdom in an increasingly artificial age.

A central focus of today’s chapel was the University’s approach to artificial intelligence. Dr. White emphasized that AI is neither a savior nor something Christians can ignore. Instead, Cedarville University aims to prepare biblically faithful servant leaders who engage AI with skill, discernment, academic integrity, and humility. Students were encouraged to become AI-literate, learn to evaluate AI tools responsibly within their fields, and protect the critical-thinking, reading, and writing skills that rigorous academic work develops.

The message also underscored that technology cannot replace human connection. New and returning students were urged to participate in discipleship groups, share meals with one another, and practice face-to-face fellowship.

The chapel service also introduced Dr. White's new sermon series, “Built by Wisdom." Throughout the year, the Cedarville community will study wisdom literature from Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs, asking how God’s Word shapes faithful decisions amid information overload and cultural uncertainty. The challenge was clear: seek not merely more information, but godly, biblical wisdom.

The service also previewed Fall Bible Conference, featuring Dr. Trevin Wax, and shared campus updates including the future Bolthouse Academic Center. The welcome also celebrated new apartment spaces and an expanded weigh room, reminders of continuing investment in the student experience on a growing campus today.

As the semester begins, Cedarville University remains committed to helping students flourish through Christ-centered education, faithful community, and lives built by wisdom in every academic, spiritual, and relational opportunity available.

Chapel Recap: What Will You Do With Jesus?

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White continued the series in Mark, preaching from Mark 15 and centering the message on how the events of the crucifixion answer a key question: What do I do with Jesus?

Dr. White first pointed to the world’s response — to scorn and reject Christ (vv. 1–20). Jesus was mocked, beaten, and dismissed by those around Him. Yet this response is not limited to the past. “Our world is still looking for all the wrong things in Jesus,” Dr. White said. Rather than receiving Him as Savior, many reshape Him to fit their expectations or reject Him altogether.

Next, Dr. White highlighted the Father’s response — sending Jesus as both Substitute and Savior (vv. 21–38). On the cross, Jesus was crucified in your place, bearing the punishment for sin. He was abandoned for your sin, experiencing the weight of separation so that you would not have to. And when He died, the curtain was torn, symbolizing that access to God was now open. “He bore the curse for us,” Dr. White reminded.

Finally, Dr. White turned to faith’s response — recognizing Jesus as the Son of God (vv. 39–47). The Roman centurion, witnessing the crucifixion, confessed who Jesus truly was. Others remained faithfully present, testifying to His death and burial. The proper response to the cross is belief and true surrender.

Dr. White closed with a challenge: “Have you pondered the cross long enough that you are able to live your life in a way that might cost you something?”

Mark 15 forces a decision. You cannot remain neutral. The world rejects Him, the Father offers Him, and faith receives Him. The question remains: What will you do with Jesus?

Chapel Recap: The Faithful One

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White continued his series in Mark, preaching from Mark 14 with a powerful contrast: faithfulness versus faithlessness. Throughout the chapter, different responses to Jesus reveal the condition of the human heart — and ultimately point to Christ as the only perfectly faithful One.

Dr. White first highlighted the contrast between costly love and calculated betrayal (vv. 1–11). While one woman poured out a costly offering in devotion to Jesus, Judas plotted betrayal for personal gain. This contrast raises a searching question: Do you give everything to Jesus, or do you seek to gain something from Him?

Next, in verses 12–25, Dr. White highlighted the contrast between covenant faithfulness and hidden betrayal. As Jesus shared the Passover with His disciples, He revealed both His coming sacrifice and the betrayal within their midst. Even in the face of unfaithfulness, Jesus remained committed to fulfilling God’s covenant plan.

In verses 26–52, the focus shifted to the contrast between submissive obedience and sleeping weakness. While Jesus prayed in deep anguish and submitted fully to the Father’s will, His disciples slept. Their weakness highlights the struggle of human faith, especially in moments of testing.

Finally, verses 53–72 present the contrast between courageous confession and fearful denial. Jesus stood firm before His accusers, boldly declaring the truth, while Peter denied Him out of fear. Yet even Peter’s failure is not the end of the story.

Dr. White reminded us that “the Gospel is the exclusive good news of Jesus Christ.” Jesus stands alone as the faithful One. “Jesus died so that you can be saved,” he said. “He is the faithful One.”

The applications for this message are direct. Do you respond to conviction like Judas, turning away, or like Peter, who ultimately repented? Do you trust in your own strength or in Christ’s faithfulness?

The message closed with hope: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). Because Jesus went to the cross alone, you never have to face anything alone again. If you have trusted in Him, His presence is constant and His faithfulness unchanging.

Mark 14 reminds you that while human faith may falter, Jesus never does — and that is the good news.

Chapel Recap: Stay Awake, Stand Firm, Stay Faithful

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White continued his series in Mark, preaching from Mark 13. The main idea he drew from the passage was the call to stay awake, stand firm, and stay faithful, because Jesus is coming again.

Dr. White walked through the chapter in four sections. First, stay faithful against deception (13:1–8). Jesus warns that many will come with false claims and misleading messages. The call is not to panic but to remain grounded in truth. “We don’t trust the world; we trust the Word,” Dr. White said. “The Word will last forever.”

Second, stand firm through tribulation (13:9–23). Following Jesus will bring opposition, difficulty, and even suffering. Faithfulness is proven not in ease, but in perseverance.

Third, stay hopeful by trusting the promise (13:24–31). No matter what unfolds in the world, the return of Christ is certain. “It doesn’t matter what happens,” Dr. White reminded, “Jesus is coming again.”

Finally, stay awake and live ready (13:32–37). Since the timing of Christ’s return is unknown, the call is to live with constant readiness — spiritually alert, actively faithful, and fully engaged in what God has given you to do.

Dr. White gave us clear applications:

• Be hopeful and stay anchored in the certainty of Christ’s return.
• Be discerning and keep the main thing the main thing.
• Be alert and remain spiritually awake.
• Be faithful and continue the work of advancing God’s Kingdom.

Dr. White concluded with a final call to live for God’s glory. “You have the opportunity to use your God-given gifts and your God-given passions for God’s glory for the rest of your life.”

Chapel Recap: Surrender to the King

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White continued his series in Mark, walking through Mark 11:27–12:44 with a clear declaration: Jesus is the King. The central theme of Dr. White’s message is this: surrender your life to the King who gave His life.

Dr. White began by highlighting that the King holds total authority (11:27–12:12). Religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority, but their challenge only exposed their refusal to submit. Jesus’ parable of the tenants makes the truth plain: The Son has rightful authority, and rejecting Him carries serious consequences. “Submit your life to the King who holds all the authority,” Dr. White urged. “He gave His life to ransom you — to free you.” The proper response to a King like this is humility. “Humble yourself before He humbles you. Walk in humility and repentance — remain teachable.”

Next, Dr. White showed that the King defines what belongs to Him (12:13–27). When asked about paying taxes, Jesus pointed beyond politics to identity. You bear God’s image, which means your life ultimately belongs to Him. Regardless of status or background, every person has value because they are made in the image of God — and that image implies ownership.

Then, Dr. White revealed that the King calls for love that holds nothing back (12:28–37). Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength leaves no room for partial allegiance. Surrender is not fragmented; it is wholehearted.

Finally, Dr. White worked through Mark 12:38–44, in which the King exposes what surrender really looks like. The scribes sought recognition, but the widow quietly gave everything she had. True surrender is not measured by appearance but by trust and sacrifice.

Jesus is not merely a teacher to admire — He is the King to whom you must surrender. He gave His life to ransom you. The only fitting response is wholehearted devotion, humble repentance, and complete allegiance to the King who reigns.