Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

The practice of dedicating a baby to the Lord is found in the presentation of Samuel by his mother, Hannah, in 1 Samuel 1:28 where Hannah says, “So I have also dedicated him to Yahweh; as long as he lives, he is dedicated to Yahweh.”

When Jesus was still a few days old, Mary & Jospeh presented him at the temple for dedication to the Lord: Luke 2:22 “they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord”

Likewise, Jesus considered the practice of dedicating a child to be vital to his/her upbringing when he says,

Mark 10:14 “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Indeed, he shared a warning to those who caused harm to children Luke 17:2 “2 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.”

In reality, the dedication of a child is more a commitment from the parents to raise their child according to direction of Scripture and rooting the life of the child in the promises of God instead of the world.

Today is a day when the parents acknowledge this child is made in the image of the Lord for eternity.

Like Hannah, by bringing their child for dedication, the parents signify their faith in God by giving him back to the Lord, and their desire to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Additionally, it is a commitment from us the Church to share in that responsibility to the parents and the child alike.

Deut 6:4-7 “4 “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one! 5 “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

7 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

Introduction of the Family

With that, I would like to invite Noe & Diana Nolasco along with their son to be dedicated, Noe Ezekiel Nolasco to join me up here.

Noah is on active duty in the US Marine Corps and is married to Diana, who is the daughter of Brian and Maria McDonald and she is also on active duty with the United States Marine Corpse at Camp Lejeune, NC.

In addition, I want to invite their family to the front with me to share in the dedication of Noe.

Salutation of Scripture

Let us pray: Almighty God, who is the Giver of life, let us walk in the blessing and honor of being the stewards of the life you have given through Noe Ezekiel Nolasco.

I thank you for his life and the faith of his parents and family, who come humbly before You knowing the blessing that is in their hands and the road that lays before them.

Through your strength may they raise this child in your Name and for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name we pray.

Amen

The Scriptures say much about the blessing of children:

Psalm 127:3-4 “3 Behold, children are an inheritance of Yahweh, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.”

Prov 22:6 “6 Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Ephesians 6:4 “4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

With that, let us approach the dedication of Noe Ezekiel Nolasco joyfully, but also soberly in honor of the life given to Noe through his parents.

Let us acknowledge that there is an enemy of his soul, but an even great Victor over his sin and death on the Cross through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us understand the great charge given to us as parents in the difficulties we face raising a child in today’s world.

Let us turn to the Almighty God for strength and help in that job, realizing we as parents are full of our own flaws, but have a Heavenly Father who helps us.

Commitment to the Father

I give this red flower.

Red, because it is a symbol of deep love, but red also represents the blood that was unselfishly sacrificed by our Lord.

Noe, It is your responsibility as the husband and father to provide not only the material needs, but also the spiritual covering for your son.

In the Bible a man was called the “priest of the home”, and at the Passover Feast he applied the blood covering to the doorposts of his home to protect his household.

In remembrance of this awesome spiritual role, Do you promise, to the best of your ability, to correct, guide, and live a Christian example for Noe from this point on?

Will you protect him as his grows and then prepare him to be a grown man to also serve the Lord.

Will you teach him God’s Word and the reverence of the Lord?

If you will accept these challenges, answer, “With God’s help I will.”

Commitment to the Mother

I give this white flower.

White because it is a symbol of the purity of heart with which you have given the home into which this child has come.

Diana, Will you nurture Noe with the love of a mother, as a gift given from God.

From the crib and in your arms he will look to you for love, security, and care.

Will you show him tenderness and gentleness, but also discipline and honor.

With God’s help will you nurture and protect his heart.

Will you show him the goodness of the Lord and pray for him?

If so answer, “With God’s help, I will.”

Commitment to Both Parents

Will you, Noe and Daniel, as parents chosen by God for this child, promise before God and these people that you will work together to bring this child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Knowing the necessity of both a mother and father for a child, will you commit to providing a godly home that will instruct Noe Ezekiel in the teachings of the Bible and the church?

If so, answer we will.

Will you do your best to see that you and your family are in the house of God for regular worship and instruction?

Will you teach this child reverence for the church and it's work?

If so, answer we will.

Will you instruct him in the way of holiness and live a life that will be an example for him to follow?

Will you teach him to pray?

Will you seek to lead him to Christ for his eternal salvation?

If so, answer we will

Having made this covenant with Almighty God and before these people, we now present this Noe Ezekiel to the Lord.

To you, the family of Noe, Daniel, and Noe do you promise to pray for this young family.

Will you encourage, support and help them in their raising of Noe Ezekiel in every way you are able.

If so, answer we will.

[The Pastor Now Take the Child]

Annointing and Dedication of the Child

[The Pastor now anoints the child and prays a prayer of commitment to the Lord

A flower that is not yet bloomed is given to the family.

It is a flower that has yet to blossom, a token of the innocency and purity of your soul in the sight of Almighty God.

My sincere prayer is that when you yours eyes are opened to the world, that you will see Jesus, who alone can give eternal life and hope.

Presentation by the Children’s Ministry

At this point a representative of the children’s ministry will present the child and family with a gift

Presentation to the Congregation

Ladies and Gentlemen; members of Crossway Christian Fellowship, before you these commitments were made and Noe Ezekiel is presented to the Lord.

Will you as a body of believers encourage and equip this family, as much as we can, to see this child and all children who come to this church come to know the saving love of Jesus Christ and teach them the gospel?

If so, answer we will.

I present to you Noe Ezekiel Nalasco and his parents Noe & Diana Nolasco.