This morning in chapel, Cedarville University’s senior class had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology. Preaching from Colossians 1, Dr. Kurtz shared a timely and encouraging word on cultivating a soul that is stable and steadfast in an often unstable world. 

Colossians 1:23 urges believers to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard.” With this verse as a foundation, Dr. Kurtz walked through three essential practices for building a firm and enduring spiritual life. 

1. Keep the Gospel Centered 

At the heart of the Christian life is the good news of Jesus Christ. As fickle and unsteady as we may feel, Christ is always faithful. Dr. Kurtz reminded us that Christian maturity is not moving beyond the Gospel, but deeper into it. The Gospel is not just the starting point; it is the substance of the entire Christian journey. 

2. Stay in the Church 

“Lone wolf Christianity is dangerous and deadly,” Dr. Kurtz warned. We were made for community. The local church is where believers grow, worship, and hold each other accountable. We need brothers and sisters who, in love, view us as their problem in the best sense. They walk beside us, encourage us, and won’t let us stumble without reaching out a hand. 

Through ordinary means of grace — baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and corporate worship — we are drawn deeper into fellowship with Christ and one another. These aren’t empty rituals; they are sacred rhythms that shape our souls. 

3. Keep Your Eyes on Christ 

Echoing Colossians 1:15–20, which lifts our eyes to the supremacy of Christ, Dr. Kurtz encouraged us to “look at Christ until we look like Christ.” The greatest reward of the Christian life is not just heaven, but Him. “One day you will gaze your eyes on His beauty,” he said, “so do it now.” 

As Christians, we hold firmly to the authority of Scripture and the importance of the local church. Dr. Kurtz's message called us back to these essentials: rooting our hearts in the Gospel, pressing into community, and fixing our gaze on Christ. 

In a world full of shifting sand, we are invited to stand stable and steadfast — not by our own strength, but through the faithful love of our Savior.