This Week in Chapel

Fall 2016 Chapel Message

Roots
Don Geiger on September 1, 2016

Pastor Geiger reflects on the history of Dallas Theological Seminary and Dr. Chafer.  He also offers some practical advice to students on how to maximize their time and efforts during their studies.

Roots

Pastor Geiger delivers a lighthearted and charming message in the chapel during Heritage Week on the founding of Dallas Theological Seminary by Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer.  He shares many experiences as he recounts his time at the seminary during its early years.  He then offers his humble advice to current students how to make the most of their time at the school and beyond.

(NASB) Hebrews 10:22-25
22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

(NASB) Isaiah 46:8-9
8 “Remember this, and be assured;
Recall it to mind, you transgressors.
9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me, 

Heart of the Message

This wasn't so much a teaching message as it was a reflection on days long past since the seminary's founding in 1924.  Pastor Geiger shares a few notable stories about Dr. Chafer, his faith, his dedication, and his perseverance during the early years of Dallas Theological Seminary.  Pastor Geiger's main point is that it is important to remember where we came from.  DTS is what it is today because of great men and women who established a tradition of faith founded on the Word of God.

Pastor Geiger leaves us with a number of notable suggestions meant to exhort and assure us of our path during our time at the school.

On Dr. Chafer's published works:

1. Read "Riches of Divine Grace" and work through all the scriptural references as a personal study.
2. Read "He that is Spiritual".  Together with "Riches of Divine Grace", these published works will help lay a foundational model of spiritual growth through the rest of your earthly life.

Additional advice:

1. Get actively involved in a local church and learn to serve.
2. Master the material you are learning and don't neglect to memorize scripture.
3. Make time to regularly read and reread the Bible.
4. Take advantage of your faculty and get to know them and discuss your studies with them.
5. Keep a positive attitude.

In Summary

This was an engaging and often humorous reflection offering a brief history of Dallas Theological Seminary.  It was really just a message to sit back and listen to.  To quietly ponder what Dallas Theological Seminary means to us as students today and what we are afforded due to its rich history.  All to the glory of God!