Baby Dedication

Every so often we get the chance to come together as church to join parents in a dedication of a child to the Lord. I want to thank the Pastors for this privilege they have entrusted to me. I am going to give a little understanding of what we do and why we do it. There is no teaching or example in the Bible that authorizes infant baptism. According to the New Testament, a candidate for baptism must repent of their sins (Acts 2:38) and have believed in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:37). Those who have not reached the age of reason cannot meet these two requirements.

On the other hand, the Holy Scriptures teach about the public presentation and dedication of infants to God, during which we ask God to bless them and the life they have ahead of them. When we do so, we are following a practice accepted by the Church throughout history. It is not water baptism, but the presentation of the infant to God, an act of thanksgiving and faith, a supplication for God’s blessing.

Mark 10:13–16 “13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Matthew 19:13–15 “13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.”

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 “4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Matthew 18:14 “14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”

Exhortation to the Congregation

My beloved brothers and friends, God ordained the family as a divine institution since the beginning of humanity. Children are the inheritance that the Lord has entrusted to the care of their parents. Hence the responsibility that parents have before God and society to care for their children. We bear witness that Christ is King and Lord over our lives and the lives of our children.

When a parent brings a child to God, they are recognizing that, regardless of their sense of responsibility, regardless of their financial capabilities, everything it takes to raise a child to become a responsible adult is not entirely under their control. Committing a child to God is not a matter of religion, but a declaration by the parents that they say, "Lord, you gave us these children on loan, and we are wise enough to raise them with respect and care because they belong to you." To be absolutely clear, this is not an act of salvation; it does not mean imparting salvation, but rather a commitment to teach them to know and love Jesus. Salvation is only achieved through Jesus Christ, when each person acknowledges their sin and receives forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Call Parents and witnesses up for dedication and present the certificates:

Baby # 1 - Angelina Marte

Baby # 2 - Angel Noel Marte

Godparents: Yaritza Arias, Santo Genaldo Aybar Arujo

Parents: Friman Marte, Sandra Arias

Pastors Kids

You hold in your arms the blessings of the Lord upon your life. Scripture says...

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate (Psalms 127:3-5).

The Bible is simply saying that children are an inheritance from the Lord and will become a reward to the righteous. According to the Bible children are like arrows - a type of strength - to their parents. Children have a way of strengthening your maturity, they strengthen your level of responsibility and sometimes strengthen your trust in God.

DEDICATION

We dedicate you to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord strengthen you all the days of your life.

Play THE BLESSING SONG and have congregation extend hands.

Prayer

Now, Father, Creator of heaven and earth, I pray for the well-being of these children. Free them from the currents of sin and bodily illness. As they grow in age and stature, may they also grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give their parents wisdom to raise them in your ways. We dedicate them to your honor and service. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.