Emerson Delivers Chapel Theme Interpretation Message Aug. 19

Dr. Matthew Emerson, dean of OBU’s Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry, delivered the chapel message Aug. 19, during the second week of the fall semester. The first chapel after Convocation is known as the theme interpretation chapel and sets up the theme for chapel services for the school year, this year’s being, “Christ, the Wisdom of God.”

Emerson brought the message from 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. He showed that wisdom is found in Jesus Christ.

“God’s wisdom is God the son,” he said. He continued with the point that, “God’s wisdom is the pattern of creation,” ultimately stating, “God’s wisdom is the pattern of redemption.

“Wisdom starts by following God’s law.”

He demonstrated that by looking at the pattern of Jesus’s life, we can understand our place in God’s creation. He showed that while it is hard to know the right course of action and what is wise, especially in the midst of a pandemic where so much is unknown, Paul gives us the answer to what is wise in 1 Corinthians. Christ is wise and the way of wisdom is the way of the cross.

Emerson earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and both a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He joined the OBU faculty in 2015 as assistant professor of biblical and theological studies. He was appointed as dean for Hobbs College earlier this year and has co-authored more than 20 publications. He also serves as co-executive director of the Center for Baptist Renewal, co-editor of the Journal of Baptist Studies, steering committee member of the Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar, and senior fellow for the Center of ancient Christian Studies.