This Sunday our church will have a baby dedicated by her parents. Our church has a number of people that were baptized as infants and are curious why we do not baptize infants. At River of Life, we believe that water baptism occurs as an outward display of what has happened inside of those who are saved, become a Christian and are born-again. It is a powerful expression of their faith commitment.
Parents have their children dedicated instead of baptized. Baby dedication is a setting apart and a committing their child to the care of Jesus Christ. Parents are responsible for spiritually feeding their child much like planting and watering, but we know that God causes the growth. Dedicating your child is really a dedicating of yourselves to raise them in the way of the Lord. The faith and commitment of the parents is the focus.
Parents bring children before Jesus like we find in Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.
The parents make a commitment as follows:
"This morning you are bringing (child) before the Lord to dedicate him/her and for us to pray a blessing over him/her.
Do you agree that with God's help, you will be an example for your child to follow and that you will start now to educate your child and prepare him/her to accept Jesus as their personal savior?"
The parents answer: "We will".
The church prays for the parents responsibilities.
There is a second commitment to release their child into the Lord’s destiny instead of their dreams :
"Parents, are you willing to say this morning, "Lord, this child is yours. Develop his/her talents as you see best for Your glory."
Parents answer, "We will".
The church prays a blessing over the baby/child.
How does your church dedicate babies or children?
Parents have their children dedicated instead of baptized. Baby dedication is a setting apart and a committing their child to the care of Jesus Christ. Parents are responsible for spiritually feeding their child much like planting and watering, but we know that God causes the growth. Dedicating your child is really a dedicating of yourselves to raise them in the way of the Lord. The faith and commitment of the parents is the focus.
Parents bring children before Jesus like we find in Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.
The parents make a commitment as follows:
"This morning you are bringing (child) before the Lord to dedicate him/her and for us to pray a blessing over him/her.
Do you agree that with God's help, you will be an example for your child to follow and that you will start now to educate your child and prepare him/her to accept Jesus as their personal savior?"
The parents answer: "We will".
The church prays for the parents responsibilities.
There is a second commitment to release their child into the Lord’s destiny instead of their dreams :
"Parents, are you willing to say this morning, "Lord, this child is yours. Develop his/her talents as you see best for Your glory."
Parents answer, "We will".
The church prays a blessing over the baby/child.
How does your church dedicate babies or children?
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