Baby Dedication

Jason & Kendra Allen (Eden), Steve & Stacie Krahn (Sutton), Jacob & Sonja Neilson (Sophie)

Children are a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 proclaims that "Sons and daughters are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers, we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. They not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.

Parents, I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Deuteronomy 6:4-7.

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Ephesians 6:4 says:

"fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter the following commitment in the presence of God and his people. So, that (your children) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide (for your children) a Christian home of love and peace, to raise them in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage them to one-day trust Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and disciple them to follow Jesus? ("We do.")

Lastly, I ask that these children’s grandparents, extended family and god-parents to stand. I also ask that our church family participate in this vow as well, however you can remain seated. Parents have first responsibility. But parents need the help and support of the body of Christ—the Church. If you are a part of our church family I have a question to ask you as well. Having come freely, I ask now that you make the following commitment to those who stand before you: So, that (these children) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help (these parents) to be faithful to God, and to help teach and train (their children) in the ways of the Lord so that they might one day trust him as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying "we do."

Prayer (Chris Coker)