Ideas for discussion
- Why is water used in baptism? (Water symbolizes the Lord’s truth. Just as water can clean our bodies, truth can be used to clean our spirit.)
- Why do parents bring children to be baptized? (Baptism is a sign that parents want to cooperate with the Lord in leading a child to heaven.
- What do parents promise to do when they bring a child to be baptized? (Teach about the Lord and His Word, and help the child obey the Ten Commandments.)
- Why might an adult want to be baptized? (It is a way of turning to the Lord and responding to His love and wisdom.)
- Were you baptized as a child or an adult?
- In “The Meaning and Purpose of Baptism,” Grant Odhner writes that baptism “serves as a kind of invitation on our part for the Lord and His angels to be present. Because of this invitation, the Lord can use angels to minister to the baptized person in a way that He could not otherwise.”
Readings
- “Baptizing a Baby” by Kurt Horigan Asplundh (ages 7-14)
This illustrated talk gives a lovely introduction to baptism. - “The Promise of Baptism” by Peter M. Buss, Sr. (ages 7-14)
When parents bring a child to be baptized, they promise to help the child learn to keep the Lord’s commandments. - “Keeping the Promises Made in Baptism” by James Cooper (ages 18 and up)
- There are five ways parents are to help a child after baptism…. By doing this, we will promote the child’s happiness and eternal welfare both in this world, and in the world to come.
- “The Meaning and Purpose of Baptism” by Grant Odhner (ages 18 and up)
Explains how baptism creates an inner link to the Lord through the angels and an outer link via the Word and the church.
Projects and activities for all ages
- Children Are a Heritage from the Lord (ages 4-12)
Picture parents with their children and the Lord smiling down on them from heaven. Or write part of Psalm 127 below a family photograph. - Parents with Baby Coloring Page by Lisa S. Buss
Color the picture of a mother and father holding their baby and being so thankful that the Lord has blessed them with this child! - Overview of Baptism and the Holy Supper (ages 9-16)
A simple introduction to the promises and symbols used in baptism, the Holy Supper, and other church ceremonies. - He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over You (ages 4-10)
Make a collage showing a child with two beautiful guardian angels, using a photograph of the child and the color illustrations of angels provided for this project. - My Baptism Book (ages 6-10)
Children who have been baptized might enjoy illustrating this simple book and personalizing it to describe their baptism. - Wash Yourselves (ages 11-14)
This project uses black and white hearts to illustrate Isaiah 1:16-18. - Prayers for Teens on Water and Baptism
Three prayers related to baptism. Includes “Teach us to wash ourselves in Your truth, so that we may live contentedly on earth and one day enter joyfully into heaven” (see Coronis 34). - "The First Steps of Change" by David Roth (ages 18 and up)
As we hold to what is right with the Lord’s help, the miracle of spiritual healing will begin. - Food for Thought: Baptism—A Doorway to Eternal Life (ages 18 and up)
Baptism creates an introductory link between a person and the Lord.
Conclusion
Baptism alone does not determine whether we will choose heaven or hell. Yet, if it is done with sincere intent, the sacrament has great power. It establishes a special connection with the Lord and with angels in heaven. And, as a gateway into the life of the church, it can help us turn away from selfishness and false ideas and turn toward the true worship of our Lord.
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