FAQ ID # 4798 - My daughter is expecting and has questions about what she should do for the baby, after he/she is born. We know that baptism is for children old enough to conciously CHOOSE to turn their life over to Jesus. However, can she do a dedication , or some like thing ?

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FAQ ID # 4798

Last Update : 2006/07/19
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Question / Issue

My daughter is expecting and has questions about what she should do for the baby, after he/she is born. We know that baptism is for children old enough to conciously CHOOSE to turn their life over to Jesus. However, can she do a dedication , or some like thing ?

Answer / Solution

Baby dedications are a celebration and consecration of children and their parents. The church family affirms this and agrees to support the parents, as the “family of God” should. Parents bless and anoint their children and join in prayer with the congregation concerning the spiritual future of their families.

The purpose of baby dedication is actually found in the purpose of the parents. Rightly understood, this ceremony is one of parental dedication. Parents are dedicating themselves to raise their children in accordance with:.

Deut 6:4-7

4 " Hear, O Israel! The LORD is 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 " These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 " You shall teach them diligently to your sons 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 up.

and Ephesians 6:4

4 And now a word to you fathers (parents). Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

We are also following the example of Jesus blessing children in:

Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

(from New International Version)

and Matthew 19:13-15

Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, " Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

There is also an example of Hannah dedicating her child, Samuel, in 1 Sam 1:27-28.

27 " 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.

Baby dedications are held on Sunday nights at the beginning of the 6:00 service. You may call the church office at 602-973-4768 to be placed on the sign-up list and you will be notified when the next baby dedication is scheduled.

Direct Link to This FAQ

http://www.calvaryphx.com/askCalvary/?f=4798