Undergraduate Chapel: Spring 2014 [Video]

Dr. James K.A. Smith of Calvin College shows that Colossians 3 defines love not as a feeling or action, but a habit or "virtue." He explains that the habit putting on love or putting on Christ is not formed by information or special events, but by daily participation in the worship of the church.

Professor Lisa Swain shares insights about perception from her studies of psychology. She explains that what people perceive is always an incomplete picture of reality. Because of this, it is incredibly important that people have one another to share differing perspectives and gain an idea of reality closer to the truth. Swain says that this adds as extra dimension of meaning to the verse that says, "It is not good for man to be alone."

Author Bo Caldwell discusses her book, "City of Tranquil Light," and her journey as she developed her characters and their relationships. She explains her underlying creative process and the ideas that she aimed to share through the book. Caldwell closes with a reading from her book.

Award winning author Ron Hansen speaks about the inspiration and purpose of his writings. He explains some of the character development that he writes about and how these characters have been crafted to parallel biblical principles and ideas.

Dr. Kent Edwards shares the story of David from the perspective of his oldest brother, Eliab. He masterfully draws his audience into the story, communicating the emotion and reality of the biblical narrative. Dr. Edwards uses the story to illustrate David's trust that God would use him to accomplish great things.

Missions Conference directors Cody Nord and Charlie Meo share the purpose and theme of Missions Conference 2014 with fellow students. The directors explain that the focus of missions is always the gospel, so Missions Conference will aim to connect missions with local discipleship.

Dr. Janelle Aijian discusses the underlying causes of boredom and anxiety. She explains that these distractions arise from the belief that something other than God is essential to our happiness and fulfillment. Dr. Aijian examines the broken nature of humanity and urges her audience to respond by examining themselves when next they feel bored, anxious, or distracted.

Students lead their audience in a time of intercessory prayer. A small ensemble of student musicians play instrumental worship songs and hymns.

Dr. Bill Struthers of Wheaton College compares his experience as an asthmatic growing up in a home of smokers with the sexual culture of America. He explains the ways that sexual immorality adversely affects the minds of men and women. He urges his audience to do their research and work to see sexuality form a Scriptural point of view.

Don Bernstein hosts Biola's Alumni Awards 2014. He introduces each of the four awardees and leads a Q+A panel. The alumni share their insights and advice with their listeners.

Artists share their spoken word poems at Biola's Spring 2014 Spoken Word Chapel. They poignantly invite their listeners to reflect on issues such as racial reconciliation and truths such as the all-encompassing providence of God.

As part of Biola University's Founder's Day, Dr. Fred Sanders discusses "The Fundamentals," a set of publications created by Biola's founders to freely distribute the basic and central doctrines of Christianity. Dr. Sanders exhorts Biola to continue in its biblical steadfastness and challenges the university to approach global impact with the same godly confidence and precision that the founders possessed.

Dr. Todd Pickett leads students in a time of reflection and confession. He explains the importance of being completely honest and authentic with God. Dr. Pickett explains that this sort of consistent, honest confession develops intimacy with God.

Terry McGonigal, Dean of Spiritual Life at Whitworth University, speaks about the inclusive nature of God's kingdom demonstrated by Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman. He points out that this episode is directly contrasted with Jesus' and Nicodemus' conversation. McGonigal urges students to be attentive to God's purpose during a journey, rather than miss his purpose by focusing too closely on the destination.

Terry McGonigal, Dean of Spiritual Life at Whitworth University, explains that the gospel of Jesus is inclusive and overrides all cultural boundaries and prejudice. He contrasts Jesus' love for the Samaritans with the James and John's response of fire and judgement. McGonigal urges his listeners to forego their privilege and prejudice to be reconciled to the vast other world of people whom God loves.