Baptism

1. Baptism A Covenant Of Blessing For You And Your Child

2. Jesus Commanded Us To Baptize “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...and teaching them to obey all I have commanded “

3. Baptism Means Many Things Church Membership Forgiveness God’s Blessing Celebration! Sign Of Covenant Our Promises

4. Baptism Is A Sign Of The New Covenant • Circumcision was the sign of the Old Covenant… the Old Testament • Baptism is the sign of the new covenant or New Testament in Jesus

5. Baptism And Circumcision • Both are signs of the Covenant • Both are signs of faith • Both are given to children of believers • Both can be received before the child/person actually has saving faith

6. What’s A Covenant? • A covenant is an agreement between God and His people establishing a firm relationship based on promises and conditions

7. God Seals His Pledge • To include your child in his family • To show His grace to your child • To forgive your child’s sins • To give new life by the Holy Spirit

8. Baptism Is A Time To Renew Our Pledge • To love and serve Jesus Christ • To be faithful to His church • To raise this child in the faith • To live the Christian life at home • To teach the faith

9. In Baptism We Are United With Christ • Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death… • if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection

10. Baptism Is The Mark Of New Life In Jesus Christ • “Since we died with Christ we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6) • Baptism celebrates Christ’s victory over death • By the Holy Spirit we are marked as God’s own • The Holy Spirit enables us to accept God’s forgiveness through repentance

11. Parents Bring Their Child On The Basis Of Their Own Faith • With the hope that the child will grow in faith to love and serve the Lord

12. As Parents You Have The Primary Responsibility • To make your child aware of God • To pray with and for your child • To set a good Christian example • To teach your child the faith • To build your family based on kindness, respect & forgiveness

13. Your Church Is Responsible To: • Celebrate baptism in all its joy • Welcome new members into the life of the church

14. Your Church Is Responsible To: • Support each member during life’s trials and spiritual struggles • Enrich faith of other Christians

15. On The Day Of Baptism • A special bulletin will be at the font • Baptisms usually follow the children’s sermon

16. On The Day Of Baptism • We begin at the font, then move up steps • Parents stand on organ side of platform

17. On The Day Of Baptism • Water is poured on the child’s head in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit

18. On The Day Of Baptism • You’ll receive a certificate & gift • Would you like to choose an elder to assist?

19. Baptism Is A Sign Of Being In Christ… • A sign but not the MEANS • The MEANS is faith • “By grace you have been saved through faith”

20. Our Prayer Is That One Day • Your child will profess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior • Your child will thank you for living out the Christian faith

21. Questions For Discussion • How were you raised spiritually? • What helped or hurt your faith? • Discuss the “ball field illustration” • What are your spiritual habits? • How can you teach the faith at home? • What habits will help your child get to know God?

22. Questions For Discussion • Will anyone else be involved in the service?

23. Welcome To The Family