RESOLUTION NO. 1
ON PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION
WHEREAS, The unborn child is a separate being, apart from the mother. As such, it is able to sense such feelings as joy and pain; and
WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord; and
WHEREAS, Alabama Baptists have consistently supported strong legislation defending the right to life of the unborn and restrictions on wanton abortion; and
WHEREAS, The Alabama Pro-Life Coalition, Inc. (APLC), of which ALCAP and the Alabama Baptist Christian Life Commission are a part, plan to have introduced in the Alabama Legislature a bill on women’s health and safety which would raise the standard of healthcare for women at abortion clinics, including, but not limited to, admitting privileges for physicians and in-person counseling for abortifacients; and
WHEREAS, APLC also plans to have introduced in the Alabama Legislature a healthcare conscience bill that would provide that an employer may not discriminate against a person who refuses to perform an abortion or engage in human embryo research or cloning; and
WHEREAS, Sex and race selection abortions are being performed in some parts of the world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, support passage of the Women’s Health and Safety Act; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we also support passage of a healthcare conscience bill; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we stand firmly against sex and race selection abortions anywhere in the world; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we express appreciation to Governor Robert Bentley for his unwavering support for the right to life of the unborn; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we urge Baptists and all Christians across the state to speak steadfastly in defense of those who cannot speak for themselves.
RESOLUTION NO. 2
ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
WHEREAS, Marriage is a covenant relationship and an institution established by God rather than simply a human social construct (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:22–33); and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have consistently affirmed our support of the biblical definition of marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman; and
WHEREAS, The Scriptures indicate that all sexual behavior outside of marriage is sinful; and
WHEREAS, All people are created in the image of God and thus are due respect and love (Genesis 1:26–27); and
WHEREAS, The Department of Justice has argued (Perry v. Schwarzenegger) that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional claiming that DOMA unfairly discriminates against homo-sexuals; and
WHEREAS, For the first time in history a President of the United States has publicly voiced his personal support of “same-sex marriage”; and
WHEREAS, While homosexuality does not present the distinguishing features of classes entitled to special protections, like the classes of race and gender, we acknowledge the unique struggles experienced by homosexuals in some parts of society; and
WHEREAS, It is regrettable that homosexual rights activists and those who are promoting the recognition of “same-sex marriage” have mis-appropriated the rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, oppose any attempt to frame “same-sex marriage” as a civil rights issue; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we deny that the effort to legalize “same-sex marriage” qualifies as a civil rights issue since homosexuality does not qualify as a class meriting special protections, like race and gender; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage Southern Baptists everywhere to fight for the civil rights of all people where such rights are consistent with the righteousness of God; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we express our love to those who struggle with same-sex attraction and who are engaged in the homosexual lifestyle; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we stand against any form of gay-bashing, whether disrespectful attitudes, hateful rhetoric, or hate-incited actions toward persons who engage in acts of homosexuality; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we affirm that pastors should preach the truth of God’s word on human sexuality, marriage, purity, and love with all boldness and without fear of reprisal; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage our fellow Southern Baptists to consider how they and their churches might engage in compassionate, redemptive ministry to those who struggle with homosexuality; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we proclaim that Christ offers forgiveness of sin for those who turn from their sins and believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin.
RESOLUTION NO. 3
ON AFFIRMING HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BY LOCAL CHURCHES
WHEREAS, Humanity’s greatest problem at the root of all other problems is rebellion against God and separation from Him because of sin; and
WHEREAS, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only solution to our problem, as it, through faith in Jesus Christ, reconciles us to God and to one another; and
WHEREAS, The work and ministry of Jesus involved both proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and demonstrating the love of God; and
WHEREAS, We are commanded by Scripture both to preach the Gospel and to do good deeds so that God’s light would shine before men; and
WHEREAS, The indwelling Spirit leads us sacrificially to love our neighbor and all those in need as we love ourselves with both material and spiritual assistance; and
WHEREAS, We are ambassadors for Christ with the ministry of reconciliation to all who are alienated from God and are living under the effects of personal, social, and structural sin; and
WHEREAS, We live in a country and world where sin and its effects greatly harm individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Alabama Baptists have a long history of providing aid to all people in times of need, including disaster relief, physical assistance, and advocacy for the oppressed, among other things; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, commend the work of our local churches, associations, community ministry centers, state conventions, and missions agencies in their ministries to human needs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That as every local church makes disciples for Christ, it should encourage every disciple to love people; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage every local church to engage the needs of its community, supremely with a strong Gospel witness in words, accompanied by a corresponding witness of deeds; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage generous support of those ministries in Baptist life that are specifically equipped to facilitate the work of human needs ministry and the involvement of local churches in the same; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we encourage education, training, and equipping of Christians in human needs ministry as an expression of love, discipleship, and fidelity to our Lord as God gifts, directs, and enables us to be His hands and feet to a hurting and needy world.
RESOLUTION NO. 4
ON THE “SINNER’S PRAYER” PRESENTED TO THE ALABAMA BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION
WHEREAS, God desires for every person to be saved and has made salvation available for any person who hears the Gospel (John 3:16; Romans 10:14-17; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2); and
WHEREAS, A free response to the Holy Spirit’s drawing through the Gospel is both possible and necessary in order for anyone to be born again (John 3:1-16; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13); and
WHEREAS, Prayer is God’s gracious means through which any person can communicate with Him and is everywhere in Scripture commanded and commended for every matter and every person (2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 7:7-11; Mark 11:17; Philippians 4:6); and
WHEREAS, Praying to God to express repentance for sins, to acknowledge Christ as Lord, and to ask for forgiveness and salvation is modeled in the Bible (Acts 2:37-38; Romans 10:9-10); and
WHEREAS, While there is no one uniform wording found in Scripture or in the churches for a “Sinner’s Prayer,” the prayer of repentance and faith, acknowledging salvation through Christ alone and expressing complete surrender to His Lordship, is the biblical means by which any person can turn from sin and self, place his faith in Christ, and find forgiveness and eternal life (Luke 18:9-14, 23:39-43); and
WHEREAS, It is biblically appropriate to help a sinner in calling on the Lord for salvation and to speak of Christ’s response to such a prayer as “entering a sinner’s heart and life” (John 14:23; Acts 2:37-40; 16:29-30; Romans 10:11-17; Ephesians 3:17); and
WHEREAS, A “Sinner’s Prayer” is not an incantation that results in salvation merely by its recitation and should never be manipulatively employed or utilized apart from a clear articulation of the Gospel (Matthew 6:7, 15:7-9; 28:18-20); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, commend the use of a “Sinner’s Prayer” as a biblically sound and spiritually significant component of the evangelistic task of the church; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we encourage all Christians to enthusiastically and intentionally proclaim the Gospel to sinners everywhere, being prepared to give them the reason for the hope we have in Christ (I Peter 3:15), and being prepared to lead them to confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:9), including praying to receive Him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12).
RESOLUTION NO. 5
ON APPRECIATION TO DR. JOE BOB MIZZELL
WHEREAS, Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell was born in Isabella, Alabama, in Chilton County, was saved at age 11, was called to preach at age 18; and
WHEREAS, He married Peggie Tucker Mizzell with whom he has two children and four grand-children; and
WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor of science degree from Howard College, a master of arts degree from the University of Alabama, and master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, He served the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions for 21 years and retired in August 2012 as Director of the Office of Christian Ethics; and
WHEREAS, His service as a state missionary exemplified stewardship of critical ministries, including: promotion of the World Hunger Offering, planning of the annual Legislative Prayer Luncheon, serving as liaison between the State Board of Missions and Resolutions Committee, assisting the Christian Life Commission with publication of the Christian Life Report and hosting of CLC board meetings; and
WHEREAS, He gave key leadership in the successful defeat of a referendum in 1999 that would have legalized a state-run lottery in Alabama; and
WHEREAS, He provided vital information and leadership for Alabama Baptists regarding such moral and ethical issues as the sanctity of human life, citizenship and religious liberty, world hunger, substance abuse prevention, and opposition to gambling; and
WHEREAS, He was honored by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention with the Distinguished Service Award; and
WHEREAS, He supervised and coordinated the training and deployment of numerous Alabama Baptist chaplains, including those involved in disaster relief; and
WHEREAS, He served for 24-1/2 years as a chaplain in the Alabama National Guard, received the Medal of Commendation for his service and retired with the rank of colonel; and
WHEREAS, He now serves as pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church, Marion, and has served as pastor of Alberta Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, First Baptist Church of Childersburg, First Baptist Church of Guin, Titus Baptist Church in Titus, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Maplesville and Plum Orchard Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, express our gratitude and appreciation for the life and ministry of Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we commend Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell for his 57 years of ministry service to our Lord; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we are thankful to God for Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell and ask God’s blessings on him and his family during his retirement.
RESOLUTION NO. 6
ON APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, The messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, November 13-14, 2012, have enjoyed a time of inspiration, encouragement, worship, and fellowship; and
WHEREAS, We acknowledge the Lord’s provision of all these blessings; and
WHEREAS, We acknowledge the kind hospitality of the people of Montgomery and of the Vaughn Forest Baptist Church staff and family; and
WHEREAS, The Montgomery Baptist Association, the area Baptist churches and the ministers of these churches have helped with making this Convention a success; and
WHEREAS, We thank God for the outstanding leadership of our president, Mike Shaw, vice presidents, John Killian and Travis Coleman along with other officers of the Convention; and
WHEREAS, The various committees, Convention speakers, musicians, and other platform personalities have helped guide the affairs of this Convention with a Christian spirit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention express profound gratitude to all whose efforts have contributed to the gracious spirit, missions impact, and overall effectiveness of this annual meeting.
