Greetings from Lexington Road, where The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College are determined to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). That’s a lot for any generation of Christians to claim, but that is the command of the apostle Paul, and it is an essential mark of authentic Christianity.

That’s the point of this institution, and that was made clear when the school was founded. James P. Boyce saw the rise of theological liberalism and doctrinal subversion when he laid the foundation for Southern Seminary in his 1856 address that led to our founding. Even then, Boyce called for a school that would span undergraduate to doctoral studies and serve churches through academic excellence. At the very foundation of the enterprise, Boyce called for doctrinal fidelity and a commitment to the unchanging and unchangeable authority of the Holy Scriptures.

In our generation, the stakes are so high. So many of the schools that once defended Christian truth have now abandoned it. So many schools failed what we can rightly call the “steadfastness test.” Furthermore, many of those same schools are embarrassed even by their Christian origins.

I am so thankful for this school, this faculty, and the students now enrolled at Boyce College and Southern Seminary. They are also steadfast, growing in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for them.

We get to teach the unfathomable riches of the Bible, the glory of Christian doctrine, the comprehensive truth of the Christian worldview, the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the moral principles and commands that are requisite to Christian faithfulness. We get to see creation honored, God’s law obeyed, the gospel preached, and what the Puritans called practical Christianity lived out.

This is a strange age, but what a wonderful opportunity for true Christian learning, for the preparation of faithful young Christians for a lifetime of obedience and service, and for teaching that leads to steadfastness.

If you want to see the glory of that calling lived out, just come to the campus. If you want to see such a stewardship firsthand, come join us. With you, we pray for a generation of young Christians that will stand against the tide and push hard against the age, who will stand firm with conviction and also with joy. Thank you for all you do to make this all possible. Our sacred pledge is to stand with you, steadfast.

To God be the glory. Amen.