How to Talk to Your Child about Baptism
On Sunday, October 4th, twenty six babies were dedicated and 14 of our brothers and sisters were baptized. It is both humbling and encouraging to see God at work in the lives of His people. At times like this, we have an opportunity to talk about baptism with our children. Below, you will find a resource to use when you are speaking with your kids about baptism. We hope this will be helpful for you as you teach your children diligently in your homes, as you walk, when you lay down and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
How should you use this resource?Be intentional in having conversations with your children about Christ, what a Christian is, and baptism. These conversations can happen in the mundane moments of life - disciplining your child, bath time, riding in the car to and from school. And these conversations can occur in a more structured setting - dinner time, bedtime, family devotions. Whichever setting these conversations take place, use this resource as a guide for explaining what a Christian is and the importance of baptism.Who should Be baptized?All Christians should be baptized. Jesus told us to baptize as part of our mission. (Matthew 28:16-20)What is a Christian?A Christian is someone who repents. Repentance is when you have a change of mind that sees God as beautiful. (Luke 13:3 / Luke 5:32)A Christian is someone who believes in the person and work of Jesus. His sinless life, His death on a cross in our place, His bodily resurrection from the dead. (1 Peter 3:18)A Christian is someone who is washed clean (justified) by Jesus and is a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5: 21)What is baptism?Baptism is commanded by Jesus. It is not optional. We are to make disciples of all nations and baptize them. (Matthew 28:16-20)Baptism is a symbol for our death in the death of Christ. It portrays your death to self and your sins and your new birth in Christ. (Colossians 2:13-15)Baptism publicly shows that we are a new creation. It is important to understand that baptism is for Christians; those who have been made new in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4 , 2 Corinthians 5:17)Baptism does not save us but points to the One who does save. Only God can forgive our sin. Only God can give us a new heart. Only God can rescue us from His wrath. (Matthew 19:26)
Our prayer for you is that you would joyfully point your children to Jesus in all things. We are excited to see God at work in the lives of children in Fort Worth!
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4
by Cody Bertram