Undergraduate Chapel: Spring 2014 [Video]

Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee addresses technology use and addiction. She presents startling statistics and research on the psychological aspects of technology use and calls her audience to consider changing the amount of time they spend using technology and the ways they allow it to influence them. She presents her concerns that social media has given young people a false sense of self, that people are no longer stimulating their bodies and minds in meaningful ways, and most importantly that people are losing the depth of their spiritual life, which naturally must be slow-paced and focused.

The Power of Pause / Doreen Dodgen-Magee

Pastor Clark Clervois urges Biola students to maintain a proper focus on the gospel. He asks his audience to define success not by things in this world but by doing the work of God. Noting that the many people who are not called to be preachers and pastors will have a far greater reach than those who are, he continues to exhort his listeners to not be distracted by religion but to share the gospel constantly.

Walter Augustine discusses the New Testament concept of Koinonia. He defines Koinonia as, "The sharing of resources that leads to the building of the community of God," and looks at the parable of the prodigal son from this perspective. He makes the point that Christians must use all that they possess to bring others into community in the same way that God has given Christians all of his fullness.

God's Life, Death and Resurrection Through Poetry / Curtis Jones

Film producer DeVon Franklin shares his story of entering the film industry and letting his faith be known in Hollywood. He urges his audience to trust in God and let him prove himself faithful to his people. He addresses the common sentiment that faith is a burden and responds by stating that the doors God opens will always be big enough for a believer to fit his or her faith through. With God's direction and blessing, Franklin says, Christians should not give up on their dreams.

The Spiritual Development staff lead their audience in a reflection on Dr. Teri McCarthy's message from the previous Monday. Student Kendrika Dahlin shares how digging wells to bring water to villages in Malawi, Africa, has created opportunities to share the living water of Jesus with the people there. Following, Chad Miller takes a deeper look at when it might not be appropriate to share the gospel. He asks his audience to consider the question, "How would I make Jesus known if I could not proclaim the name of Jesus?"

Dr. Kevin Lewis discusses how a Christian can effectively share his or her faith with an atheist. He points out that, when pressured, all people believe in an absolute morality, and this can be used to create a clear definition of salvation. He explains various types of atheism and the common arguments they give as well as how Christians can respond to those arguments. Dr. Lewis notes that it is vital that Christians pray for atheists since it is only the redemptive work of Christ that will bring them to faith.

Looking broadly at world politics, Dr. Brian Stiller prompts his audience to hold a global perspective of Christianity that will influence how they respond to and interact with American culture and government. Dr. Stiller looks at the temptation of Jesus and draws out three principals that are crucial to a correct understanding of Christian principles in leadership.

Dr. Teri McCarthy discusses evangelism and social justice. She states that social justice is important and necessary even when evangelism is not possible. She shares some of her own experiences working in countries where Christianity is outlawed and how, many times, all that a Christian can do is love people physically and pray quietly. However, she emphasizes that this is never to be discounted or diminished, and the love of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit can be displayed even when words and the gospel cannot.

The Door to Whosoever / Mark Batterson

The Spiritual Development staff lead their audience in reflection on Dr. Larry Acosta's message from the previous Monday. They ask their audience to meditate on the calls they are experience in their hearts and to consider what it means for God to use them in their brokenness. They prompt their audience to consider what breaks their heart for the world and how God might use such empathy to his glory.

The Nature of Proclamation / Allen L Yeh

Bianca Juarez addresses racial tension and the responsibility of Christians to make the church a place that embraces diversity. She examines the history of Israel to show the significance of Jesus' interactions with Samaritans and declares that Christians must follow Jesus' example by intentionally breaking racial barriers. The church, she says, must abandon its sense of homogeneity and take a stand to celebrate the differences of God's people.

In response to a clip from The King's Speech, the Iris panel discusses relationships and identity. They highlight the vulnerability that comes with intimate relationships, especially familial relationships. They note that this vulnerability comes primarily from the weaknesses on which individuals hinge their identities, weaknesses which are evident to those closest to the individual. They emphasize the importance of placing one's identity in Christ alone and remind their audience that only by Christ's strength will Christians accomplish anything.