Akin exhorts students to ‘forsake all’ for Christ at fall convocation
Lauren Pratt | August 22, 2019
Students, faculty and staff filled Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s (SEBTS) Binkley Chapel to celebrate the beginning of a new semester at the 2019 fall convocation service.
Preaching from Psalm 142, SEBTS President Danny Akin highlighted three ways in which the passage is reflected in the life of missionary Ann Hasseltine Judson.
“Following Jesus is not a game; following Jesus is a call to forsake all,” said Akin.
First, Akin noted that God hears the cries of every believer. He explained how this was exemplified in Judson’s conversion at age 16 along with her call to the mission field at age 21. Through these key moments in her life, Judson diligently poured out her heart to the Lord, which Akin noted is an example for every believer to follow.
“We have a God who anywhere, anytime and under any circumstances hears our prayers,” said Akin.
Second, Akin explained that Psalm 142 shows that God knows what his children are going through. Akin gave multiple examples of how the Judsons endured hardships that the Lord foreknew and used in their lives, including the deaths of children and a ministry partner.
Lastly, Akin noted that God will deliver his children because he is their refuge, which is found in verses 5-7.
“Ann Judson would experience the truth of verse seven, but not in the way that perhaps we expected or hoped,” said Akin. “Yes, there would not be a ‘gathering of the righteous’ around her on earth, but I suspect there was a glorious gathering of the righteous around her in heaven.”
Along with Akin’s address, various faculty members were recognized.
Allan Moseley and Greg Welty both received this year’s Faculty Excellence in Teaching Awards. Moseley serves as senior professor of Old Testament and Hebrew and Welty serves as professor of philosophy.
Scott Pace and Walter Strickland signed Southeastern’s Abstract of Principles and the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Pace serves as dean of The College at Southeastern and associate professor of pastoral ministry and preaching. He was installed in the Johnny Hunt chair of biblical preaching in August 2018 and was elected to the faculty in April 2019. Strickland serves as associate professor of systematic and contextual theology and associate vice president for diversity. Strickland was elected to the faculty in April 2019 along with Pace.
To view photos from convocation, click here.