Dedication

We Believe Baby Dedication Has a Biblical Model

When Jesus was 8 days old Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated to God as per the law of Moses. Simeon prayed and blessed Jesus.

Then the Prophetess, Anna, gave thanks to God for Jesus and spoke of him to those who gathered around. Jesus grew and walked in His destiny as designed by his father God. God entrusted Jesus to the love of His earthly parents, Mary, and Joseph.

We do not believe baby dedication to be a giving of a child’s life for salvation, but a time when the family pledges to raise their baby to live in accordance to the Word, honoring God and their parents.

In addition, the church family commit themselves to the family in prayer and encouragement.

The Commitment of Baby Dedication

For dedication to be meaningful you must recognize your child as a precious gift of God and the responsibility that goes with it.

You must also know true dedication comes when you, as parents, dedicate yourself to the Heavenly Father and His Word; without this dedication would be meaningless.

Baby dedication is more than a ritual, but a commitment to honor the will of God and His Word.

A meaningful dedication you must first love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Commit yourself to diligently teach your child the Words of God and prayer. How to live and walk in the Spirit of God’s plan.

As part of this dedication parents are asked to:

· Publicly affirm your personal faith in Christ and renew your dedication to Him and His Word.

· You are encouraged to pray daily for God’s direction in your lives and the lives of your children.

· You recognize there is strength that comes by faithfully participating with the family of God in worship and service.

· Teach your child the Truths of God’s Word in your home and make practicing your faith before your children a priority.

· Pray for your child to have a personal faith in Christ and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Recognize that your child belongs to God and has been born to experience His love and to fulfill the purpose that God has ordained for him/her.

Baby Dedication as Spoken in the Scriptures

The Example of Jesus

“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been complete, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22

The Teaching of Jesus

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When 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. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little baby will never enter it. “And he took the children in his arms, put his hand on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16

The Example of Samuel

“As surely as you live, my Lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this baby, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” I Samuel 1:26-28

Nurture and admonish your child in the Lord and they shall find favor with God and man.

Remember this thing that even a child is known by his doings.

Proverbs 20:11

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace.

Psalms 144:12 NLB