LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 112

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

Whereas, The LCMS will continue to provide quality malaria
education and treatment programming through LMI and its partner churches until all available funding is exhausted; and
Whereas, LMI gives partner churches the opportunity to
extend Christ’s hand of mercy alongside a witness to the Gospel;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS encourage a strong finish for LMI,
as it concludes as planned on World Malaria Day 2014 (April 25);
and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS continue to apply unsolicited gifts and
offerings to malaria-related mercy work beyond the conclusion of
LMI; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention thank LWR and the
UNF for their partnership and support in helping to end malaria
deaths in sub-Saharan Africa; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention thank its congregations,
schools, agencies, and households for their generosity and creativity as they provide for the malaria-related needs of our brothers
and sisters in sub-Saharan Africa and offer thanks to God for the
demonstrated success of malaria eradication efforts thus far.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-06 was adopted as presented by voice vote, without discussion.)

To Emphasize Biblical Teaching of Sexuality,
Marriage, and Family
RESOLUTION 2-07A

every sin of the body and bear witness by her actions of the Lord’s
mercy; and
Whereas, President Matthew Harrison has appointed a LCMS
task force which, as of its first meeting in February of 2013, decided
to call itself “God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force,” whose purpose is
to educate the church and society about Scripture’s teaching regarding sexuality and marriage as well as to provide biblically sound
resources for the church and society; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage the task force
in its work; and be it further
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission produce and disseminate Bible-based materials dealing with human sexuality to
empower faithful and God-pleasing lives and assist individuals and
families struggling with these issues; and be it further
Resolved, That LCMS leaders and congregations continue to seek
avenues to proclaim God’s truth in all matters of sex and sexuality; and be it further
Resolved, That all Christians be encouraged to proclaim forgiveness in Christ Jesus and show mercy and compassion toward those
caught up in any and all sexual sin, and to help those who struggle
with these sins and their consequences in their own lives and in the
lives of all burdened by these sins; and be it finally
Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged to seek
practical ways to show mercy to those who have been caught up in
sexual sin, especially through confession, absolution, and restoration to the body of Christ.
Action: Adopted (5)
(After debate, Res. 2-07A was adopted as presented [Yes: 901;
No: 40].)

Overture 2-05 (CW, pp. 145–146)
Whereas, “God created man in His own image, in the image
of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen.
1:27), which is foundational for all teaching about marriage and
family (Matt. 19:4–6); and
Whereas, The earthly relationship between husband and wife
is to reflect Christ’s relationship to His bride, the Church (Eph.
5:21–33); and
Whereas, God’s gift of sex is to be used only within the marriage covenant between one man and one woman for the purposes
of creating new human life (Gen. 1:27–28), celebrating the unconditional love and commitment between husband and wife (Song of
Songs; Matt. 19:4–6) and restraining lust (1 Cor. 7:9); and
Whereas, Scripture is clear that all sexual activity outside of
the marriage covenant (e.g., fornication, adultery, sexual co-habitation, polygamy, pornography, pedophilia, prostitution, same-sex
intercourse, and all sexual lust) is condemned by God (Lev. 18 & 20;
Matt. 19:4–12: Rom. 1:26–32; 1 Cor. 5:1–6:20; 1 Thess. 4:1–8); and
Whereas, The Holy Scriptures teach us that Christ Jesus has
borne all the sins of the body upon Himself so that the Church
might proclaim the compassionate Lord to all who struggle with
112

|

2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

To Challenge Congregations to Engage
in Works of Mercy in Their Communities
RESOLUTION 2-08
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 18–19)
Whereas, Mercy to the world lies in the heart of God and is at
the center of our Lord’s incarnate and atoning love for the world
(John 3:16–17; 1 John 3:16–17; Phil. 2:1–11); and
Whereas, God’s saving compassion for all people, both body
and soul, as demonstrated in Christ’s own resurrection, animates
the church’s work for those in need (Eph. 1:19–20; 1 Tim. 2:4); and
Whereas, God’s gift of forgiveness and new life in Christ begets
merciful living (Rom. 7:4–6); and
Whereas, Christ’s church has a corporate life of mercy that
serves all peoples both within and beyond the household of faith
(Gal. 6:10); and

R e s olu t i on s