Dedication of Evangeline & Alynna Rivera

June 26, 2022 AM

Subject: Child Dedication

Synopsis: These parents desire their children to be blessed, a witness of their resolve, and help from the church.

I. Preparations

A. Have music stand & anointing oil in front of Communion Table.

B. Make sure mic is on.

C. Call for and meet parents, grandparents and witnesses.

D. After parents have come forward, Pastor asks:

1. In 1 Samuel 1:27–28 (NASB95) Hannah told Eli, the High Priest, “For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 “So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.

2. Do you desire to do as Hannah did in 1 Samuel by dedicating Alynna and Evangeline to the Lord?

E. Parents answer:

1. Yes.

II. Introduction

A. This morning we have the delight of dedicating twin girls:

Evangeline Zoe Rivera Rosario

and

Alynna Miriam Rivera Rosario

to the Lord.

1. While it is a delight, it is also a serious matter.

2. The dedication of these 2 beautiful girls involves responsibilities with which we will all be charged and a responsibility which God has promised to take upon Himself toward each life which is put into His care.

B. As this mother, Lourdes Rosario (Lulu) and father, Hector E Rivera (Emmanuel), bring Alynna and Evangeline before this church this morning,

They are joined by Emmanuel’s parents:

Hector and Madeline

And witnesses, Emmanuels’s sisters:

Marilyn (Leena)

Bianca

In asking to dedicate these babies, I believe I hear these parents saying 3 things:

1. First, that they want God’s will to be done in and God’s blessings on Evangeline and Alynna.

2. Second, that they want witnesses to their resolve to raise Alynna and Evangeline in a Christian home according to God’s will.

3. Finally, they are saying that they need our help.

C. Prayer

1. Prayer for dedication service and those involved.

II. God’s Blessings

A. I want to say that Jesus takes great pleasure in blessing Evangeline and Alynna

1. The scriptures tell us how He feels towards children.

B. In Mark 10:13-16 we read that ...

1. Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

2. In Ezekiel 18:14 (NIV) Jesus said: … your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

C. We also read in:

1. Psalm 103:17-18 (NIV) … from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

D. May the Lord use my hands and my voice as we pray over Alynna and Evangeline.

1. Pastor takes Evangeline and Alynna ...

2. Anoint

3. Pray

E. Hand Alynna and Evangeline back to parents while saying:

1. Evangeline and Alynna belong to the Lord, but God is entrusting you to watch over, protect, nurture and train them.

III. A Christian Home

A. These parents have embarked on a difficult endeavor.

1. They recognize that there are many challenges and difficulties that lie ahead.

2. But I believe that they know that Jesus will go with them and help them.

3. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) … God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

B. Mom and Dad, the first responsibility for Alynna and Evangeline is yours.

1. Before God, to whom you have brought these children for dedication, I charge you:

i. That you live an exemplary life before Evangeline and Alynna so that they may, by your example, know what it is to be a Christian;

ii. That you make your home a “school” where they shall receive Christian instruction;

iii. That you will see that they are taken to church for additional instruction;

iv. That you pray for their salvation and that you endeavor to lead them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

2. If you are willing to accept this charge, answer, “I will.”

C. Prayer

1. Anointing and prayer for parents.

IV.The Church’s Help

A. These parents need your help:

1. To pray

2. To encourage

3. To be a good, a true example of Christ’s redemption.

B. Will the church stand?

C. The church, which through its pastor, accepts a child in dedication, assumes a responsibility before God.

1. In view of this responsibility, I charge you who are members and adherents of this church:

i. That you will do all you can to provide and support a place of worship and instruction in this community where Alynna and Evangeline may hear the full counsel of God’s Word;

ii. That you will all covenant together to set an example by your lives and to maintain an atmosphere in this church which shall inspire them to desire the Christian way of life;

iii. That as God reminds you, you will pray for Evangeline and Alynna’s salvation.

2. Those of you who are willing to accept this charge, please answer, “With God’s help, we will.”

D. Prayer

1. For congregation.

2. Seated after prayer.

V. Close

A. On the authority of God’s Word, and as a minister of Christ’s Church, I affirm that — if we faithfully keep our pledges to God — God will:

1. Through the Holy Spirit convict Alynna and Evangeline of sin as they come to an age of accountability;

2. Make the love of Christ, His Son, known to them;

3. Bless and guide His children throughout all their lives.

B. Congratulation, certificate, etc