Chapel Services 2014-2015 (Audio)

"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." In his final message as Interim Chaplain at Wheaton College, the Rev. Dr. Dave McDowell tells three stories to Wheaton students, all centered around the theme of his benediction: the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16, the "Tairy Fale of Prinderella," and an excerpt from Flannery O'Conner's "Revelation." Drawing from these stories lessons of grace, love, and fellowship in the body of Christ, Chaplain Mac calls students to live lives fully commited to Christ and His kingdom. "May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

What does it mean for us to be heirs of Christ, destined for glory, yet called to suffer? Taking as his text Romans 8:17, Canon Andrew White—the "Vicar of Baghdad"—speaks to Wheaton students on the topic of suffering and persecution. Describing the persecution faced by the church in the Middle East, specifically in regards to his ministry in Iraq, Canon White calls Wheaton to follow Christ wholeheartedly, sharing not only in His glories, but also in His sufferings. While ISIS ravages the church in the Middle East, and while Canon White's own parishioners face the threat of death, the promises of Christ still stand fast.

What is the importance of story? In connection with the 2015 Wheaton Theology Conference, Associate Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School Dr. Willie Jennings speaks to students on the power of story as demonstrated by Christ. Dr. Jennings exhorts Wheaton students to embrace the "new belonging" to which God is calling them, a reality beyond the boundaries of "color, kin, and kind."

How did the apostle Paul grapple with the realities of trouble and suffering in his ministry to the early church? Drawing from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, Philip Ryken shows how "a decision to live for Christ is really a decision to die for Christ." Paul's troubles also provide a stark reminder of the sufferings endured by the persecuted church around the world, and Dr. Ryken cites examples of these sufferings, exhorting Wheaton students to solidarity with these brothers and sisters in Christ. Moreover, Dr. Ryken shows how these troubles draw us to prayer—prayer for sufferings both home and abroad. At the same time, we must remember that these sufferings are only temporary, dwarfed in significance by the glory of an eternity with Christ.

Guest musician Ken Medema and the Wheaton College Concert Choir lead Wheaton College students in Easter Monday worship.

What does it look like to "listen 'Christianly'"? Associate Dean of Biblical & Theological Studies and Professor of Theology Dr. Jeffery Bingham speaks about the Cross of Christ. Beginning with a call to "slay the dragon of Christian entitlement," Dr. Bingham draws from the Gospel of Mark, expounding on the need for self-denial in the Christian life. Pointing out that "the Cross doesn't do something for you; It does something to you," he calls Wheaton students to heed the message of Jesus's sacrificial work, which gives us a foundation for service in God's Kingdom.

How does sacred art inform our worship, especially during Holy Week? Associate Professor of Art and Chair of the Art Department David Hooker meditates on the crucifixion of our Lord through the lens of his work, "Corpus": a sculpture of Christ on the cross covered in vacuum dust. Drawing from his experiences of encountering beauty throughout his life, Prof. Hooker speaks to the way we should approach beauty in the light of the glory of God.

What does a faith that Jesus admires look like? Speaking in connection with Wheaton College's 2015 Science Symposium, Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Thomas VanDrunen examines the story of the faithful centurion in Luke 7:1-10. Observing that 1), this faith is built on knowledge and understanding, 2) this faith is a humble faith, and 3) this faith does not rely on externals or incidentals, Dr. VanDrunen draws a parallel between faith and science. He uses examples from computer science to illustrate this parallel, showing that both in scientific pursuits and in our walks of faith, we must rely on things we cannot see our touch.

What do we mean when we speak of "revival"? Interim Chaplain Dr. Dave McDowell explores the characteristics of revival throughout church history. He lists five characteristics of revivals: 1) Revivals are often preceded by faithful preaching of the Word, as well as a time of crisis; 2) they entail acute awareness of the resplendent glory of God, as well as awareness of the depth of our sin; 3) they consist of both confession and repentance of sin, as well as knowledge of the forgiveness of sin; 4) revivals cannot be controlled—they begin and end suddenly; and 5) revivals greatly impact society and the spread of the Christ's Gospel throughout the world.

How can we pursue peace in our communities and around the world? Author, speaker, and global activist Lynn Hybels shares stories of her experiences around the world as part of her meditations on the season of Advent. Through her social justice work in the Middle East and in Africa, Lynne learned four lessons: 1) violent conflict has the capacity to destroy everything from the lives of the poor to the lifelong works of the powerful; 2) what happens on the grassroots level has more impact than we think; 3) peacemaking is an essential skill for social change and reconciliation, and 4) the call to peacemaking is a call to rigorous and humble discipleship. Lynne leaves Wheaton students with a challenge: humbly yet steadfastly pursue peace both in life as students and in careers around the world.

Has any mother suffered as much as Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Dr. Philip Ryken tells the story of Mary and the trouble she experienced in her divinely-appointed role. From the startling news of the Immaculate Conception, to the agony of birth in stable, to the unusual adolescence of her Son, and finally to the despair of the crucifixion, Mary found trouble throughout her life. Despite these trials and sufferings, Mary's life is a model for our submission to God's will for our lives, whatever that will may be. Remaining devoted to God, step by painful step, Mary followed the path laid out for her. As a woman of faith, she surrendered body and soul to God's command, and in so doing provided us with a picture of what it looks like to trust in God when trouble comes.

How does the creation account in Genesis reflect the glory of God? In the first of three chapel messages anticipating the Wheaton College Artist Series performance of Haydn's Creation, professor of Old Testament John Walton examines our ordered world in the light of Genesis 1. By meditating on God's wisdom in creating the cosmos and by employing our wisdom that comes from God, we should come to live lives characterized by rest (the absence of unrest), Shalom (the absence of fear), and coherence (the absence of confusion). Dr. Walton explains how the "big picture"—from creation onward—is all about the restored relationship between God and His people.

Where is our citizenship? In the last of three chapel messages focusing on Haydn's Creation, art patron and philanthropist Roberta Green Ahmanson asks Wheaton students where their vision comes from. Drawing on lessons of idolatry and a need for belonging in her own life, she calls us to place our citizenship in our eternal home and take as our vision the God's kingdom. Mrs. Ahmanson uses examples of art and architecture from around the world to meditate on the beauty and the glory of the kingdom of God, and reminds us that "we become what we worship."

Have you considered what temptations you will face today? Dr. Philip Ryken tells the story of the downfall of King David, an upright and moral man. Despite his righteousness and status as "beloved by God," David succumbed to temptation and sin. Dr. Ryken commends cultivating a life of prayer and study of God's word, as well as remembering God's promises of faithfulness, as strategies to combat sin and temptation. Moreover, when we do fall into sin, Dr. Ryken shows the necessity of confession and repentance and of the loving forgiveness of God, which was made possible through the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

What does the forgiveness of Christ mean for us? Interim Chaplain Dr. Dave McDowell turns to the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 to see what Jesus had to say about forgiveness. Drawing three observations ((1) forgiveness is not earned: it is given, (2)forgiveness is an obligation that flows from God in Christ, and (3) forgiveness is the costly, uncompromising evidence of our discipleship), Chaplin Mac shows how the Gospel—the story of the most incredible act of forgiveness in history—cuts to the heart of the our broken relationships. Our forgiveness of others is rooted in Christ's forgiveness of us.

What matters most in our lives and careers? The mind behind VeggieTales and the founder of Big Idea Productions, Phil Vischer, shares the story of his life and career—from his growing up in Iowa to his leadership of one of the biggest animation studios in the United States. Through the bankruptcy of Big Idea and the failure of his dreams and aspirations, Phil realized that his pride stood in the way of following Christ. God showed him that his dreams were more important to him than He was. By giving over his idols and his life to God, Phil found that "the most important thing I can do for God is to make God the most important thing." His life today is a testimony to the work of God and to the power of His will.

How do we know what God has called us to do? Author, speaker and pastor Stuart Briscoe of Elmbrook Church tells Wheaton College student stories from his own youth and time in the British Royal Marines in which he learned the importance of attempting things he didn't know he could do, of being upfront about his devotion to Jesus, and of growing from right belief to right actions. God used these moments to help him discover his own spiritual gifts and vocation, and to kindle his passion for the gospel.

How should respond fleeting nature of the trends and movements of today? Dr. Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forest University and Co-Founder of the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals, challenges Wheaton College students to strengthen their faith by breathing in the "clean sea breeze of the centuries": studying the works of God in the lives of His saints throughout the history of the church.