Baptism & Dedication
Baptism
The purpose of water baptism is to signify by outward symbolism what Christ has accomplished in a believer’s life through faith in Christ. As true believers, we are instructed and commanded to submit to baptism as an expression of our Faith in Christ.
In what has become known as the “Great Commission”, Jesus gave the following command:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 28:19
child
Dedication
The ceremony of dedicating a child to the Lord is a beautiful and meaningful celebration of a young life held up before God. The presentation, while beautiful and full of heartfelt sentiment, also signifies a serious vow on their part of the parents: that they will raise this child unto the Lord to the best of their ability with God’s help. As we promise to raise a child in the will of our heavenly Father, we not only make the vow at that moment, but also agree to sustain that child over time as active Christian parents. This includes:
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Praying constantly for our children (Job 1:5)
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Living Christ-like lives as authentic examples to our children (Proverbs 20:7)
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Instructing our children in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6)
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Disciplining our children with love, even as the Lord disciplines us (Proverbs 13:24, 29:15&17; Colossians 3:21)
Parents may add to this list as they prayerfully seek God’s will for their families.