Kelly Delivers OBU Chapel Message on ‘Living as Exiles’

Dr. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson professor of religion, delivered the chapel address at Oklahoma Baptist University Wednesday, April 4. The service took place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Kelly used verses from 1 Peter to underline and illustrate the cost of pursuing Christ. In the face of persecution, he encouraged listeners to “know who they are and to whom they belong.”

Kelly challenged students to recognize their status as exiles in a world that rejects Christ and His teachings.

“The typical experience of the people of God has always been lived away from home,” he said.

He closed by reflecting on the hope brought to us in Christ and the eventual end of the believer’s exile.

“When we arrive, when God’s redemption plan is complete, we might arrive exhausted, hungry and thirsty,” he said. “But we will never feel like a stranger again.”

“We will know that this place is where we’ve always belonged,” he said. “We’ll be home.”

Kelly joined the OBU faculty in 1997. He was named the Rowena Strickland Professor of Bible in 2000, and in 2004 he was named the Ruth Dickinson Chair of Bible. Kelly contributes articles frequently to the Biblical Illustrator as well as dictionary articles and presentations at professional conferences. He is also an active preacher and teacher within churches throughout Oklahoma. In 2011, OBU awarded Kelly the Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest honor for OBU faculty members. He and his wife, Angie, have two children, Luke and Levi.