Sermon Tone Analysis

Today Stephen and Emeliegh Fowler have brought before us, their new baby boy, Oliver.

They have signified that they wish to dedicate his life to God.

I would like to be clear, the dedication of a baby to Christ is not salvation.

It is not a promise that Oliver will never sin or make mistakes.

In reality this dedication is as much about Stephen and Emeliegh as it is Oliver.

We see in I Samuel that the dedication of a child is found within the Scriptures.

Today, Stephen and Emeliegh have come to take this same vow.

They wish to give their son to Jesus.

Although, this doe snot mean they will be leaving Oliver at the church today, (At least I hope not, I don’t need another mouth to feed) it does mean that they will work in his life to point him towards Christ.

It will not be an easy task.

It will have many obstacles and disappointments.

However, with God’s help they can fulfill the vow they make today.

VOWS

Both parents to respond (I DO)

Do you today recognize Oliver as the gift of God and give heartfelt thanks for God’s blessing?

Do you now dedicate your child to the Lord who gave him to you, surrendering all worldly claims upon his life in the hope that he will belong wholly to God?

Do you pledge as parents that, with God’s fatherly help, you will bring up your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, making every reasonable effort, with patience and love, to build the Word of God, the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord into his life?

Do you promise to provide, through God’s blessing, for the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of your son, looking to your own heavenly Father for the wisdom, love and strength to serve him and not use him?

Do you promise, God helping you, to make it your regular prayer that, by God’s grace, Oliver will come to trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of his sins and for the fulfillment of all his promises to him, even eternal life; and in this faith follow Jesus as Lord and obey his teachings?

PRAYER