John William Eddins, Jr. was Professor of Theology. The chapel begins with a Bible verse, sharing of prayer requests, and a prayer (0:00-3:20). A responsive reading from Psalm 95:1-7 is then read together (3:27-4:30). Dr. Eddins introduces his message “On the Freedom Not to Be God” from Genesis 2:15-25 (4:37-7:12). He emphasizes that people often feel they need to be God, while the truth is they are freed not to be God, but to be free with God (7:15-10:15). Dr. Eddins notes that when people sin, they free themselves from God and then take on the responsibility to be their own inadequate gods (10:15-14:50). He presents Jesus as the answer to have freedom not to be God and instead gain freedom for and with God (14:51-20:15). Chapel is closed in prayer (20:15-20:36).
Lewis Addison Drummond was the 4th president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of the History and Theology of Evangelism. Introductory music is played (0:00-1:24). The service begins with prayer (1:24-2:44). Further music is played (2:44-5:23). A welcome is extended to the students in the 40th year of the seminary, and recognition is given to the presidential advisory council and the faculty (5:29-8:16). There is a reading of 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 and James 5:7-8 (8:25-10:10). The Citation of Faculty Excellence is presented to Professor Thomas Albert Bland (10:21-13:30). Using the concept of renewal from 2 Chronicles 7, Dr. Drummond tells the story of Yale University’s history and spiritual awakenings that took place as an illustration of what God can do at educational institutions (13:32-19:04). He asks what people really want and directs the question to the students as they begin their educational journeys. He suggests that what each person desires is an encounter and renewal from God (19:04-21:51). He then provides insight into what this renewal may look like. Spiritual renewal would be brought by the Spirit of God, bring awareness and sensitivity to sin, offer forgiveness, raise awareness of the necessity of complete commitment to God, and produce a life of genuine ministry with the gifts of the spirit (21:51-29:30). He emphasizes that all of these things are for God’s glory (29:30-30:30). In order to see this renewal Dr. Drummond says the audience must seek God’s movement and talk about God’s work in each other’s lives (30:30-32:56). He then gives a final challenge of spiritual renewal and prayer to the seminary (32:56-35:34). Dr. Drummond concludes with a story of Winston Churchill’s “Never Give in Speech” and calls the audience to hold onto God until renewal is seen (35:34-38:03). A final presentation of music is given (38:08-42:30). Convocation is closed with prayer (42:30-43:55).
