WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) — Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and The College at Southeastern celebrated the start of classes during fall 2024 convocation Aug. 27, recognizing students for academic achievement and observing two of Southeastern’s faculty sign the institution’s confessional statements.
Seth Bible, dean of The College, congratulated the 111 college students who received dean’s list status this past spring, an achievement that requires students to maintain a 3.75 semester GPA with at least 12 credit hours while also holding a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
“This honor of distinction affirms your hard work and commitment to your education,” Bible told the recipients. “Most importantly, your accomplishment reflects a diligent pursuit of God’s call on your life. I personally want to commend your devotion to our Savior through your dedication to your studies. Your efforts and excellence reflect the heart of our school and represent the type of academic success we desire for all of our students.”
Attendees then witnessed Bryce Hantla, associate professor of education, and Bible, assistant professor of ethics, sign The Abstract of Principles and The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. In doing so, they joined the many Southeastern faculty who, over the years, have committed to teaching and equipping Southeastern students in accordance with the institution’s confessional statements.
Provost Scott Pace delivered the convocation chapel message, preaching on Acts 20:24, in which Paul tells his readers, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (ESV).
“As we gather together today, at the beginning of a new academic year,” Pace said, “I want to challenge and encourage you as you prepare for this upcoming semester — but also in your preparation to fulfill your calling far beyond your time here — with a clear reminder for all of us that, no matter what it costs, Jesus is worth it.”
In expositing Acts 20:24 and the surrounding verses, Pace emphasized the worth of Jesus, who offered Himself as a sacrifice and spilled His own blood in order to purchase a people set aside for a purpose. Because of His great love and the redemption that He offers, Jesus is worthy of surrender, of sacrifice and of service.
In serving Christ, Pace emphasized, Christians should remember that they have both a “course to follow” and a “calling to fulfill.” Ultimately, like Paul, that calling is to “testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
“When you are changed by the gospel and can bear witness, to give testimony by personal encounter and experience with the Lord, you then are commissioned with the gospel,” Pace said.
Southeastern chapel services are held every Tuesday and Thursday, both in person and live-streamed at sebts.edu/chapel.
