Every Single Word: Joshua 24:1-28

Dr. Thomas W. White - Chapel Messages

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Today in chapel, Cedarville’s president, Dr. Thomas White, led us through a powerful message from Joshua 24, calling us to a firm and personal decision: “Choose today whom you will serve.” Grounded in Scripture and overflowing with pastoral wisdom, Dr. White reminded us of the grace of God and the call it places on our lives not just to believe in but to actively serve the Lord.

Dr. White opened by challenging us to consider how often we chase after counterfeit comforts — things that offer temporary peace but are ultimately empty. Just like Israel struggled with idols, we too are tempted to turn away from the real thing, from the Lord who is living, faithful, and true.

Two key words framed the message: “The Lord” and “Serve.” It’s not enough to simply know about God; we are called to serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Drawing from Joshua’s third and final speech to Israel, Dr. White broke the chapter down into three key parts:

The Third Speech (Joshua 24:1): Joshua gathers all the tribes and presents a final challenge.
God’s Grace Remembered (Joshua 24:2–13): A sweeping reminder of all God had done — from Abraham to the conquest of Canaan.
God’s Grace Required (Joshua 24:14–28): The call to respond in faithfulness, reverence, and service.

The message was clear: By God’s grace, decide today to serve the Lord. As Dr. White emphasized, “You can’t serve the Lord alone.” We were reminded that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. We need a local church, the daily intake of God's Word, and a posture of dependence on His mercy.

Ephesians 2:4-5 echoed through the message: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us ... made us alive together with Christ.” This is the foundation of our service — it flows not from duty but from gratitude for the Gospel.

Dr. White closed with this charge: Remember what God has done. Decide today to live for Jesus. Recognize your dependence on Him. How will you respond?

We believe in a personal and voluntary commitment to follow Jesus. Today, we were reminded that the time to choose is now. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today.

So, what will you choose?

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

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