2022 – Resolution on the Conference Theme: “Be Steadfast, Unmovable, Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord”
Whereas we have been “saved by the power of God” (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:29) and made “a new creature, old things are passed away… all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17); and
Whereas because of God’s power working in our lives, we have been commanded to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10) and to “put on the whole armor of God that [we] may be able to stand. . . in the evil day and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11, 13); and
Whereas standing fast is clearly defined by the Apostle Paul in our theme verse as being steadfast and unmovable; and
Whereas steadfastness is reinforced in us as we “look unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2), keeping our eyes fixed on our risen Savior enabling us to “abide” in Him (John 15:7) and not be “double-minded” (James 1:8); and
Whereas God’s Word exhorts us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together” in the local church as the manner of many is today that in so doing we exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25) to “be steadfast” and “unmovable” (I Corinthians 15:58);
Be it, therefore, resolved that we, the members of the Independent Baptist Fellowship of North America, meeting at Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA, June 21–23, 2022, will strive to obey our Lord’s command to us in our conference theme verse (I Corinthians 15:58).
We further resolve to be steadfast for the Lord and not be moved or be “tossed to and fro, and be carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), nor be spoiled “through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). We also are resolved to strive to abound in the work of the Lord in evangelism, edification of believers, and to faithfully preach the Word, because we “know that [our] labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58), and we will “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). We encourage others of like precious faith to join us as steadfast, unmovable servants of the Lord.