Ministerial Resource No.5_child Dedication Series

E-Mail: Mentorship2003@yahoo.co.uk

Note to the reader:

If you have been blessed with this sermon compilation, I would be honoured to receive an e-mail from you simply stating where in the world you are based; I do not need any other information, however, please feel free to communicate. This is merely so that I can have the pleasure of giving thanks to Almighty God that all over the globe, the ministry which he has entrusted to me, is blessing the body of Christ and helping to extend the Kingdom of God.

Thank you.

Herman Abrahams,

Cape Town, South Africa.

E-Mail: Mentorship2003@yahoo.co.uk

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Dedicating a Child

PREPARATION

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Child dedication request forms should be filled out ahead of time. This information may be easily transferred to a certificate to be handed out during the service. The parents and child may be called forward or a group of parents dedicating their children may come at once. If the service is small, the whole family including grandparents may be asked to join together at the front of the sanctuary.

SCRIPTURE READING

Several passages are suitable for this special occasion. Among them are:

1 Samuel 1:27, 28

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“ I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1Sa 1:28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.”

Luke 18:15-17

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“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Lk 18:16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Lk 18:17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Mark 10:13-16

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

Psalm 127:3-5

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“Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Ps 127:4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Ps 127:5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.”

Matthew 19:13-15

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“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Mt 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt 19:15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”

INTRODUCTION:

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The Minister says ...

The family is a divine institution ordained of God from the beginning of time. Children are a heritage of the Lord committed by Him to their parents for care, protection and training for His glory. It is important that all parents recognize this sacred obligation and their responsibility to God in this matter.

Jochebed of old trained her own child Moses after having given him to the Lord. Hannah was pleased to give her child Samuel to the Lord because she was so very conscious that the Lord had given Samuel to her. Joseph and Mary also brought the infant Jesus to the Temple. Lois and Eunice, the mother and grandmother of Timothy, influenced, trained and directed Timothy to be God’s servant.

These parents before us today with their children are recognizing the sacredness of their charge. They now bring back to the Lord the treasure which He has entrusted to them. In so doing they publicly acknowledge their responsibility for the nurture and admonition of their children in the ways of righteousness and godliness.

EXPLAIN: DEDICATION IS NOT A BAPTISM

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It is recommended that explanation be given that this ceremony is not Christian baptism, nor is it a substitute for baptism. The parents may understand this, but for the benefit of others attending who may hold traditional beliefs about infant "Christening," baptism, etc., not taught in Scripture, clarification may be needed.

PRAYER

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(Thanks should be given both for the child and for the blessings of a home with parents who love and serve Christ. Petition should be made for the grace and wisdom needed to raise children for God’s glory in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.)