Dr. Johnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock and past President of the Southern Baptist Convention, delivered Truett McConnell University’s 69th commencement address to 110 bachelor’s and three master’s degree candidates Saturday.
Hunt began by congratulating the Class of 2017 and lauded the effort and commitment the graduates made in their years at the Baptist-affiliated school that led to their success.
Referencing Titus 2:6, Hunt said, “Exhort the young men to be sober-minded. In other words, have a compassionate appeal. If you don’t take time to be holy, you won’t be.”
Hunt exhorted the graduates with five characteristics that were common among biblical leaders who “finished well”: humility, intimacy with God, obedience, faith and the ability to receive council.
He continued by urging students to stay in the Word of God and always make a point to spend the best hour of their day in quiet time with Him: “If you will give your time to the Redeemer, the Redeemer will redeem your time.”
Hunt concluded by encouraging graduates to heed the most important piece of his speech: “If you are waiting for God to show you the end, you will never know the beginning of following Him.”
