95 Theses to Cedarville University: Encouraging the Campus for Christ.

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In good Protestant fashion, the following statements are from followers of Christ attending Cedarville University who are committed to the Institution’s dedication and faithfulness to the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ, encouraging our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, whether they be students or faculty members.

  1. Christians ought to affirm the “prophetic voice” in preaching, that being, the relentless attack on sin, standing on the Word of God. (Ezekiel 33:7, 2 Timothy 4:2)
  2. Christians ought to recognize that proclaiming the full truth is an act of love, as it is through the truth, sinners will find the path to salvation. (Ephesians 4:15, John 8:32, Corinthians 13:4-7, Acts 20:18-24, John 8:32)
  3. Christians ought to avoid compromising the truth to avoid offending sinners, knowing that it is the message itself that will be offending to those who reject God. (Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2 Timothy 4:3-5, Matthew 5:11-16)
  4. Sinful behavior ought to be confronted directly when appropriate, rather than merely discussed. (Matthew 18:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1-5)
  5. When Christians condemn sin, this should be done with grace and love towards the sinner, yet without compromise. (Galatians 6:1-5, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:14-16 Matthew 18:15-17)
  6. Christians ought to hold one another accountable, engaging in self-examination in repentance, acknowledging their own need for God’s grace and mercy in all they do. (Galatians 6:1-5, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, 1 Corinthians 11:30-32, Psalm 139:23-24)
  7. To claim forgiveness of sins before repentance first is meaningless and damning. (Luke 13:1-5, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 4:17)
  8. Forgiveness for sin is always to be freely offered to all who repent of their sins. (1 John 1:9, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Colossians 3:12-13)
  9. We are called to forgive one another, regardless of whether or not the people who wrong us ask for forgiveness. (Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32, Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3-4)
  10. We cannot personally forgive sins before repentance nor can we withhold forgiveness of sins after repentance, being only ministers of Christ, and not Christ Himself. (Luke 17:3-4, Mark 2:1-12, Acts 10:43, Romans 3:23-24)
  11. Those who claim the title of Christian but reject the essentials of the faith risk facing God’s judgment. (Matthew 7:21-23, Titus 1:16)
  12. In fulfillment of the Great Commission, we ought to make disciples wherever we are. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15, 2 Timothy 2:2, Romans 10:14)
  13. The purpose of missionary work ought to address spiritual needs by sharing the gospel to the unreached and spiritually dead, in addition to addressing physical needs. (Matthew 9:35-38, Romans 10:15, 1 Corinthians 1:18, James 2:16, Colossians 3:17)
  14. The mission field is, first and foremost, in our own homes and communities. (1 Timothy 5:8, Acts 1:8, Galatians 6:10, 1 Peter 4:17)
  15. Making disciples does not end at “saving” people, but in equipping others to make more disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 28:20, 2 Timothy 2:2)
  16. Disciples ought to practice spiritual disciplines, such as studying the Word, praying, fasting, communing with other believers, and practicing the “one anothers”. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Joel 2:12, Proverbs 27:17)
  17. Humans were created in the image of God as male or female. (Genesis 1:27)
  18. The union of marriage, mirroring Christ’s relationship with the Church, provides valuable insights into Biblical masculinity and femininity. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
  19. Husbands ought to be like Christ, living by His example to protect, provide, preserve, and lead in their marriages. (Ephesians 5:25-28, 1 Peter 3:7, Colossians 3:19)
  20. Men ought to reject secular ideologies such as passivity and hedonism. (1 Corinthians 16:13, Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:8, Galatians 5:16)
  21. Men ought to condemn any behavior that strays from Christ’s example, ensuring that fellow Brothers of Christ embrace true masculinity. (1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Timothy 6:11, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:1, John 7:24, Zechariah 8:16, Matthew 7:2)
  22. Women, reflecting the Church’s role, ought to embrace true femininity, including modesty, good works, and a focus on bringing glory to God. (1 Timothy 2:9-10, Proverbs 31:30, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Titus 2:3-5)
  23. Just as husbands are called to protect, provide, and lead in marriage, wives should prioritize being keepers of the home and supporting their husbands as helpers, aligning with the Biblical family model. (Titus 2:3-5, Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:1-6, Proverbs 31:26-27)
  24. Women ought to be mindful of their unique role as givers and nurturers of life, and thus should not neglect or deny their femininity in their pursuit of careers. (1 Timothy 5:14, Genesis 2:18, Proverbs 31:21, 1 Timothy 2:15)
  25. Women ought to reject secular ideology which demands frivolity and excess as defining traits of femininity. (Proverbs 31:25, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Titus 2:12, 1 Timothy 2:9)
  26. Feminism is an ideology that rebels against the created order, position, and vocations of men and women, and ought to be condemned in all forms. (1 Corinthians 11:1-16, 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Ephesians 5:22-33)
  27. Followers of Christ should not flinch at the term “patriarchy” since it accurately describes the Biblical order (literally: “father rule”). (Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 3:18)
  28. To affirm that a male can become a female (or vice versa), even in the form of affirming “personal pronouns,” is to bear false witness against the image of God. (Genesis 1:27, Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:26-32)
  29. Followers of Christ rebelling against their sex in dress, appearance, or vocation rebel against the image of God within themselves. (1 Corinthians 9:19-20, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  30. Men and women ought to treat each other with utmost purity, just as they would towards fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. (1 Timothy 5:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
  31. No sexual immorality ought to be named in our midst. (Ephesians 5:3, Colossians 3:5)
  32. Sexual immorality must be swiftly condemned and speedily dealt with, that the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ not be blasphemed. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 1 Timothy 5:20)
  33. Pornography, real harassment, homosexuality, sensual contact, or the promotion of these things must be swiftly condemned. (Romans 13:13-14, 1 Corinthians 6:18)
  34. Homosexual attraction is not innately sinful in and of itself. These desires, however, must be understood as sinful desires to be withstood, rather than the core of one’s identity or something to be indulged. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 1:26-27)
  35. As Followers of Christ, the Student Body is expected to glorify God in all of life, because their whole lives were purchased by the blood of Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 12:1)
  36. The Student Body should continue to uphold the Biblical principles of modesty, demonstrating desire to glorify God in all life. (1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 12:2, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4)
  37. The Student Body ought to apply Biblical principles of modesty to men and women alike. (1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 12:2)
  38. The Student Body should not abuse the dress code to imitate the world. (Galatians 5:13, 1 John 2:15, 1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 12:2)
  39. The Student Body should not use the gym as an excuse to dress immodestly, men and women alike. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15)
  40. Recognizing that entertainment, whether it be music, TV shows, social media, or other forms of content has the potential to shape their worldview and values, the Student Body ought to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds. (Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:19-20)
  41. The Student Body ought to critically evaluate messages conveyed through media, discerning whether they are edifying or defiling principles of Christianity.(1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1, Colossians 2:8)
  42. The Student Body should actively engage in discussion on the content they consume, fostering an environment for spiritual growth and discernment. (Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24-25, James 1:22)
  43. As stewards of their time and mental space, the Student Body should consider the impact of media consumption on their relationship with God, with others, and on personal growth. (Ephesians 5:15-16, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Romans 12:2)
  44. The Student Body should prioritize media that promotes Biblical principles. (Psalm 101:3, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:16)
  45. The Student Body should strive for maturity in their relationships, whether in pursuit of God’s design for marriage or celibacy alike. (1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5:22-33)
  46. Students called to pursue celibacy ought to do so for the glory of God alone, encouraged by Scripture, and unhindered by secular values. (1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:32-34)
  47. Students called to pursue marriage ought to do so for the glory of God alone, encouraged by Scripture, and unhindered by secular values. (Genesis 2:24, Proverbs 18:22)
  48. Students in singleness should use their extra time and energy that is not devoted to a partner to further the kingdom of Heaven. (1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35)
  49. Contemporary dating culture by design promotes physical and emotional intimacy without commitment, defiling God’s design for marriage. (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Corinthians 6:18)
  50. The Student Body ought to reject the secular approach of hedonism for dating culture and relationships. (Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2)
  51. Campus dating culture should be founded on the collective pursuit of Christ. (2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  52. Students ought to practice a standard of courtship, where the parents of both the man and woman are involved to a healthy extent.
  53. The man ought to ask permission from the woman’s father (or guardian) to date his daughter.
  54. The spread of gossip within the Student Body tarnishes our ministry for Christ. (Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29)
  55. Because we are created in God’s image, Students ought to remind themselves that their worth is not determined by academic achievement. (Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 2:10)
  56. The Student Body ought to remember that rest is an important gift from God. (Psalm 127:2, Genesis 2:2-3, Mark 6:31)
  57. Students ought to continue serving and supporting one another in need. (Matthew 25:35-36, Galatians 6:2, Philippians 2:4)
  58. To serve one another effectively, Followers of Christ ought to take time to rest. (Mark 6:31)
  59. At the same time, Followers of Christ ought to prioritize the needs of others above their own in embracing Christ’s selflessness. (Philippians 2:3-4)
  60. Balance in self-care and caring for others is essential in fostering companionship and a compassionate community. (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:25-26)
  61. Self-care ought to be understood as acknowledging ones’ finitude and as an opportunity to restore for the purpose of serving. (Mark 6:31, Psalm 23:2-3)
  62. Self-care ought to be defined by Biblical principles of the Sabbath and God’s rest, not on secular ideals. (Exodus 20:8-10, Hebrews 4:9-10)
  63. Students ought to recognize their limitations as finite beings, understanding that it’s acceptable to seek help when needed. (Ecclesiastes 4:8-12, Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 11:14)
  64. Students should prioritize their well-being in avoiding burnout and maintaining the ability to serve God effectively. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 6:9)
  65. The Student Body should understand that time is a precious and limited resource, and ought to have good stewardship of it. (Ephesians 5:15-16, Psalm 90:12)
  66. Effective time management is an essential skill for academic success, and should be developed as an act of worship to God. (Colossians 3:23)
  67. Students ought to prioritize academic responsibilities, seeking balance in their commitments in honoring their walk with Christ and the responsibilities established. (Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs 16:3, Matthew 6:33)
  68. Students ought to approach academic tasks and challenges with intent to glorify God with Excellence in Effort. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Proverbs 3:6)
  69. Time spent towards academic pursuit should be approached with gratitude for opportunities of learning and growth. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, James 1:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  70. Students are called to honor and respect the wisdom, guidance, and wishes of staff and faculty, recognizing their roles as educators, mentors, and spiritual leaders. (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
  71. Disagreements with staff and faculty should be approached with humility and respect. (1 Peter 2:17, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 15:1)
  72. Constructive criticism and feedback should be expressed and received respectfully, so that it may lead to growth for both students and educators. (Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 27:17)
  73. The Student Body ought to seek opportunities to learn from staff and faculty, valuing the expertise they bring academically and spiritually. (Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:9)
  74. The Institution must continue to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ in order to build and grow the next generation of Christians. (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  75. The Institution must continue to abide by the solas of the Reformation, that being sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). (By Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone.)  (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6, 2 Timothy 3:16)
  76. Love for God should be understood as prioritizing one’s relationship with God over any and every other thing. (Matthew 22:37-38, 1 John 4:19)
  77. Love for others should be understood as treating others as equals in value and showing greater care for others than oneself. (Philippians 2:3, Mark 12:31, Romans 12:10)
  78. Excellence in effort should be understood as working with the diligence you would work with if God Himself were personally overseeing your work, for He is always with us. (Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:29)
  79. Integrity in conduct should be understood as allowing your yes to be yes, and your no to be no, including when no one else is watching. (Matthew 5:37, Proverbs 11:3)
  80. Integrity in conduct also means abiding by the rules of the Institution’s covenant, even if you believe they go beyond the necessary rules laid out in the Bible. (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14)
  81. The Institution must not make an alliance with any secular political faction. (John 18:36, Romans 12:2)
  82. The Institution’s rhetoric on social issues and current events should come from Scripture, not secular ideology with verses appended. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 12:2)
  83. If the Institution does social justice work, it must be on the basis of Scripture, not based on terms of secularism. (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, Romans 12:2)
  84. Social issues should never be addressed through a “Christianized” version of secular ideology, but through Scripture. (Colossians 2:8, Proverbs 3:5-6)
  85. The Institution should not dwell on secular ideologies that divide us, but on our brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ that unites us. (1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 12:16)
  86. The Institution should never advocate for ideologies such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion based on secular principles, as doing so allows a trojan horse for the affirmation of sin. (Colossians 2:8, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-17, James 4:4, Galatians 1:10, Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Corinthians 6:14)
  87. Chapel is not Church, nor is it a replacement for Church.
  88. Students ought to go beyond merely attending a church and should be engaged and involved in their local churches.
  89. If Chapel is used for recreational or informational events (such as Panel Discussions or Live @ 10), then the Student Body should approach it as such. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  90. If Chapel is used to glorify God, whether it be through worship, prayer, messages, or testimonies, then the Student Body should hold reverence accordingly. (Ecclesiastes 5:1, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  91. Worship in Chapel should not be about the preferences of the Institution or of the Students, but to direct our hearts and minds towards the Glory of God. (John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  92. Because Worship music is intended for the Glory of God, the messages conveyed in Worship music must be carefully discerned. (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19)
  93. Worship music that promotes heresy defiles the place of worship. (2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 7:15)
  94. The Institution should continue to foster a culture of mutual respect, that staff and faculty are not merely instructors, but are also spiritual leaders and role models. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:7)
  95. The Institution should continue promoting a culture where seeking help, whether for academic or spiritual challenges, is seen as a sign of wisdom and strength. (Proverbs 11:14, James 1:5)

Acknowledgements

This was written in collaboration by the Cedarville Encourager, Cedar Reform, and CUX_Debunked.
The time for Lukewarm Christianity is over.

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