DiscoverUndergraduate Chapel: Fall 2012 [Audio]
Undergraduate Chapel: Fall 2012 [Audio]
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Undergraduate Chapel: Fall 2012 [Audio]

Author: Biola University

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Chapels from the Fall 2012 semester at Biola University.



Chapels are presented in chronological order, with most recent chapels at the end of the list.
50 Episodes
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Artist Linnea Spransy looks at two biblical analogies of humanity (stars and sand) to understand human uniqueness. She notes that with so many unique people on the earth, God is expressing through diversity the many aspects of who he is. Spransy explains that, because of this, Christians have the responsibility to create and innovate in a way that expresses their God-given individuality.
Dr. Richard Langer looks at the life of Daniel and the longevity of his role in Babylon to draw important lessons for modern Christians. He emphasizes the value of ordinary things in the lives of Christians, since extraordinary events are often few and far between. Dr. Langer notes three key characteristics of Daniel that Christians should emulate: he allowed God to be the one to exalt and humble others, he worked with a standard of excellence and righteousness, and he proclaimed God by name in opposition to his culture.
Ivan Chung describes African Ubuntu Theology and its emphasis on community, rather than individualism. He explains the Ubuntu ideas that to be is to belong and that an individual is defined by his or her connection to the community. Looking at these concepts, he urges his audience to maintain a global perspective of Christianity and engage cultures that are different from the majority to deepen their faith.
Dr. Scott Rae addresses the common cultural attitude of moral relativism. He describes the incoherency of such a view and shares some of his and others' experiences presenting moral absolutism to students and peers. Dr. Rae explains that in the midst of an incoherent cultural view of ethics, Christians have a beautiful opportunity to witness with their commitment to absolute values and ultimately lead people to the gospel.
Dr. Scott Rae continues his discussion of contemporary issues, focusing on cultural perception of truth. He shows that, in the past, morality was seen as absolute and unchanging, while today it is often confused as a matter of preference. With a quick exercise, Dr. Rae helps his audience understand the difference between personal preference and objective truth. He reminds his audience that ultimately, objective truth will point people to God and the gospel.
The Spiritual Development staff lead students in reflection on Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee's message on technology overuse the previous Monday. The staff examine Jesus' temptations in the wilderness to see how they relate to the problems that arise with technology. The staff relate Jesus' temptation to turn stones to bread with Christians' temptation to be filled by technology, Jesus' temptation to test God and prove fame with Christians' temptation to find identity online, and Jesus' temptation to shortcut relation with his people and Christians' temptation to shortcut personal contact.
Student leaders from Christian Formation and Ministry share their thoughts and experience regarding prayer. Natalie Yu discusses openness and honesty in prayer and encourages her audience to allow God to meet them where they are. Mat Longinow urges listeners to persevere in learning to discern the voice of God, even though mistakes will be made. To close, Alyssa Trammell reminds her audience of the value of corporate prayer, which can provide strength for those feeling weak.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Barry Corey looks at the final words of Jesus to his disciples at the beginning of Acts. As Jesus urged his disciples, Dr. Corey urges his audience to engage the world outside of the box and outside of the bubble. That is, to present the gospel in innovative ways that push beyond one's comfort zone. With memorable imagery, Dr. Corey makes the point that you cannot love the world from within a bubble.
The Spiritual Development Staff lead students in a time of prayer and reflection regarding personal calling, purpose, and decision making. They ask students to consider whether they are seeking God's will in all of their decisions and remind them that security in the love of Christ is the proper posture for discernment. Dr. Todd Pickett leads students in a time of confession, and Lisa Igram encourages students with the truth that God wants to be with his people in their decisions.
Kathleen Doyle speaks to students about the challenges they are likely to face when going home during interterm. She encourages them to seek after the fullness that comes with God's kingdom on earth. She addresses issues of maturation that students will face returning to stable home environments, as well as issues of conflict that students will face returning to more difficult situations.
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.
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.
The Spiritual Development staff lead a reflection on Pastor Dave Gibbons' message given the previous Monday. Speakers highlight Gibbons' message of being filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit and echo his urge to be aware of that fullness. After a time of meditation, the staff continues to discuss setting aside the fear of man and interceding for others in prayer. They especially emphasize hearing from God in prayer.
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