WHEREAS, in light of the tragic and horrific attack at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Texas, during a worship service on Sunday, November 5, 2017;
WHEREAS, we mourn for and with our brothers and sisters in Christ there, weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15);
WHEREAS, the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has graciously ministered to these grieving families by offering to cover the funeral expenses for each victim of this tragedy;
WHEREAS, there is no way to explain why this heartbreaking event occurred without the Scripture’s teaching about the sinfulness of humanity (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Psalm 14:1; Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 51:5);
Therefore, be it RESOLVED that we unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Texas, as they wrestle with their grief and pain, struggling with the sudden and painful loss of their family, friends, brothers, and sisters in the faith;
Be it further RESOLVED that where sin and evil greatly abounded in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in the events of November 5, 2017, we proclaim on the authority of God’s Word that the grace of God will abound even more to the comfort of God’s people (Romans 5:20), such that they will possess a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) that will serve to point people to the exceeding comfort, mercy, love, and grace of Christ Jesus our Lord;
Be it further RESOLVED that what a single man intended for evil, God our loving Father will cause to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28);
Be it further RESOLVED that we affirm and give thanks to our Lord for the leadership and compassion of the North American Mission Board as it has demonstrated a deep love for our grieving brothers and sisters;
Be it further RESOLVED that we shall diligently work to bring about true unity between individuals by showing them the only source of that unity, the reconciliation of God and man through Jesus Christ, and we urge our Convention leadership to facilitate these efforts within our communities, state, nation, and world;
And be it further RESOLVED that the messengers to the 60th Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan affirm that the only solution for such events is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and so are united in our desire to see the kingdom of God advance through the power of the Gospel, which is the power of God to save men, women, and children as well as the only way to be reconciled to God, and committed in our efforts to see people transformed by the grace of God through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ for His glory alone.
Dr. David Roberts
Chairman, Committee on Resolutions
For more information please contact the BSCM offices. (810) 714-1907 or info@bscm.org.