2. Baby Dedications & The Kingdom of God

3. The Importance of Baby Dedications New Births: –Natural birth –Ecclesiastical new birth –Academic new birth/beginnings –Supernatural new birth

4. The Importance of Children to Jesus Chief priest and teachers of the law were indignant about the children praising him; “Don’t you hear what they are saying?” Jesus says, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’ (Ps 8:2)?

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

6. The Importance of Baby Dedications The parable of Jesus blessing the children & the metaphors of birthing & baby steps help illustrate the importance of baby dedications.

7. The Importance of Baby Dedications Affirmation of Priority of Family  Recognition  Acceptance

8. Kingdom Focus Requires:  Simple Faith  Complete Reliance  Natural Dependence The Importance of Baby Dedications

9. Anointing for service:  Symbol of Empowerment  Appointing for Service The Importance of Baby Dedications

10. Dedication through a prayer of blessing:  Protection  Provision  Praise The Importance of Baby Dedications

11. 1 Sam. 1:24-28 So she did. She stayed home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Then she took him up to Shiloh, bringing also the makings of a generous sacrificial meal—a prize bull, flour, and wine. The child was so young to be sent off!

12. 1 Sam. 1:24-28 They first butchered the bull, then brought the child to Eli.Hannah said, “Excuse me, sir. Would you believe that I’m the very woman who was standing before you at this very spot, praying to God? I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.And now I have dedicated him to God. He’s dedicated to God for life.” Then and there, they worshiped God.

14. Hannah’s prayer from 1 Sam 2:1-10, as a responsive reading: Minister: “My heart exults in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, Congregation: My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Thy salvation. Minister: “There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides Thee, Nor is there any rock like our God. Congregation: “Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the Lord is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.

15. Minister: “The bows of the mighty are shattered, But the feeble gird on strength. Congregation: “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Minister: Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes. Congregation: “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. Minister: “The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts.

16. Congregation: “He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; Minister: For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He set the world on them. Congregation: “He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail. All: “Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered; Against them He will thunder in the heavens, The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; And He will give strength to His king, And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”