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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.