Undergraduate Chapel: Spring 2014 [Video]

Dr. John Coe of Biola's Institute for Spiritual Formation continues the series "The 1 On: Spiritual Renewal." In part 2 of his message Dr. Coe speaks to about dedicated Christians who struggle with the burden of guilt and shame at not being further on in their walk with Christ, specially those who have been believers for several years. He explains that the result is that many fall into moral temptation: the attempt of the heart to try to perfect oneself in the power of the self. Dr. Coe exhorts the Biola community to resist the temptation of moral formation by explaining that the answer to failures, guilt and shame is not to work harder but that it is only through Christ alone and His work on the cross that Christians can face their feelings of failure, guilt and shame.

Dr. John Coe of Biola's Institute for Spiritual Formation continues the series "The 1 On: Spiritual Renewal." In part 1 of his message Dr. Coe speaks on those times when God seems distant and the Christian life feels dry. He addresses what is really going on when Christians ask questions such as "God, where are you?" and "Am I doing something wrong?" He explains that there are times of consolation in the believer's life and times of desolation, which is gift of from God in which He leads Christians to grow in maturity. Dr. Coe talks about the "dark nights" of the soul and on how Christians should act when faced by these. He exhorts the Biola community to communicate with God as the psalmist does in Psalm 22, to have real and genuine conversations with God despite the dryness and to be open to what God is trying to teach them.

Dr. Todd Hall continues the series "The 1 On: Spiritual Renewal" with part two of a message titled "Furnishing the Soul." In this message Dr. Hall continues to develop the five relational dimensions that guide spiritual transformation by talking about the two different types of memories that humans have. Furnishing the Soul is an approach to spiritual transformation that brings together biblical truth and cutting-edge scientific research on human development. Dr. Hall explains that spiritual renewal and transformation is all about relationships: loving God and loving our neighbor. He unpacks five relational dimensions that guide spiritual transformation: the purpose and process of spiritual transformation, how we know God and others, how relationships shape our capacity to love, how soul transformation works and how we foster spiritual transformation. Dr. Hall encourages the Biola community through this message to renew and deepen their spiritual journey

Dr. Todd Hall begins the series "The 1 On: Spiritual Renewal" with part one of a message titled "Furnishing the Soul." Furnishing the Soul is an approach to spiritual transformation that brings together biblical truth and cutting-edge scientific research on human development. Dr. Hall explains that spiritual renewal and transformation is all about relationships: loving God and loving our neighbor. He unpacks five relational dimensions that guide spiritual transformation: the purpose and process of spiritual transformation, how we know God and others, how relationships shape our capacity to love, how soul transformation works and how we foster spiritual transformation. Dr. Hall encourages the Biola community through this message to renew and deepen their spiritual journey

Dr. Sue Russell presents a message titled "Through the Valley, Together." Dr. Russell speaks about her own walk through the valley during her husband's heart surgery and assures the Biola community that if they are going through a difficult situation, they do not need to walk it alone. She also explains that, for those who have friends going through a difficult time, their presence and willingness to walk with someone through the valley is enough.

Mark Heath, AS President at Biola university, speaks on Matthew 28:18-20. In the midst of a culture that takes the path of least resistance, Mark Heath challenges the Biola community to not take this path as the lack of risk leads to a lack of reward. He explains that Christianity was not intended to be a faith for people who only want to go into the safe parts of life because to walk with Jesus will result in opposition and persecution. Mark Heath states that Christians can stand firm in the promise that God is with them through every step of life and, in light of this, he challenges Biolans to be dangerous for the Kingdom of God in all that they do.

Brian Wilson, College Pastor at Whittier Hills Baptist Church, concludes the "Pursuing What Really Matters" series with a message titled "Suffering for a Purpose." He begins with the question "how are Christians to respond as they witness opposition and hostility to the message of the Gospel?" and speaks from Philippians 1:27-30 where Paul provides answers to these question. Brian Wilson explains that Paul is all about the Gospel to the extent that he uses his circumstances and chains as an opportunity to advance the Gospel message and his suffering as an encouragement to others to speak the Word more courageously and more fearlessly. Brian Wilson challenges the Biola community to step out of their comfort zone and to live a life that is not of this world, but one spent for the Gospel of Jesus.

Dr. Joe Hellerman, professor of New Testament Languages and Literature, continues with the "Pursuing What Really Matters" series with a message titled "Suffering for a Purpose." Dr. Hellerman speaks on Philippians 1:12-26 and on how Christians should approach times of suffering. He explains that, just as Paul did, if believers make Jesus their center, they will be able to rejoice even in the midst of suffering. Furthermore, if Christians make Jesus and His priorities the center of their lives, then God will redeem their suffering and give it a purpose. Dr. Hellerman exhorts the Biola community to look at their suffering in light of the cross so that they will be certain that they worship, serve and suffer with a God who is in the business of turning garbage into glory and that, just like Paul, they can rejoice in the thought that God sometimes uses personal sufferings for the benefit of others.

Biola University President Barry H. Corey addresses the community on social dancing. To ground this discussion in the context of history, Dr. Corey highlights some of the common oppositions that have been raised regarding dance over the generations and continues by referring to dancing in terms of the student contract.

Dr. Joanne Jung continues with the "Pursuing What Really Matters" series with a message titled "Burgers, Wal-Mart and the Gap". Dr. Jung speaks from Philippians 1:9-11 and on how once believers realize that the Gospel is what really matters, their life and their actions will reflect that. She explains that God is concerned about how Christians do life, a concern that is echoed by Paul in this passage, because the choices each person makes reflect what really matters to them. Dr. Jung challenges the Biola community to discern what are the best decisions and when faced with a choice of options, to let their growth in knowledge and love of God guide their final decision. She exhorts them to seek a high view of God and to seek a high view of His Word and explains that, in so doing, they will be examples of God's love abounding more and more in them.

Dr. Clint Arnold, Chair of the New Testament Department at Biola University, introduces the "Pursuing What Really Matters" series with a message titled "Three Bottom-Line Priorities." Dr. Arnold speaks on Philippians 1:3-9 and explores what the Scriptures say should be three foundational pursuits in the Christians life. He unpacks part of the apostle Paul's understanding of what it means to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matt 6:33) and provides a set of criteria by which believers can evaluate everything they do in life. Dr. Arnold explains that this passage reveals the importance of partnership with both God and fellow believers in pursuing God's purposes. Dr. Arnold exhorts the Biola community to remember that what matters most in life is to advance the gospel and to help people in their progress in the faith.

Biola President Barry H. Corey kicks off the 2009-2010 academic year by welcoming new members of Biola's community and delivering the annual Convocation message. In his message, Dr. Corey encourages students to abide in the vine of Jesus.

Luis Palau speaks at Biola University as part of the Centennial Chapel Series. He commemorates his dear friend Dr. Clyde Cook and encourages his audience to aspire after great things for God.

Jonalyn Fincher speaks at Biola University as part of the Centennial Chapel Series. She passionately relays the stories of St. Patrick, herself, and Mary Magdalene to show that Jesus wants to heal and use the broken.

Alistair Begg speaks at Biola University as part of the Centennial Chapel Series. He teaches out of James 1:13-18 and explains how temptation is described and warned against in the Bible.