baptism

Baptism

Children are naturally inquisitive and as they grow they will begin asking parents about God, nature, the universe, Jesus, the Bible, etc. Being very observant, children take special notice when someone is baptized. "Momma why did Ivie put that man under the water"? is not only a question but an opportunity to teach God’s truth. Please don’t make the fatal mistake of saying, "When you get old enough I will tell you!" Take the time and patiently teach them, and although they will probably not understand everything you are saying at that time, you are planting God’s word in their heart. Let them know that the person or persons being baptized realized they are lost in sin, and desire to become a Christian and to faithfully follow Jesus the rest of their lives.

Through the years, we have noticed a large number of our young people who were baptized at the age of 10, 11,12 and early teens falling by the way side. Why has this happened? I realize many factors can contribute to their falling away. There is one area that may have a greater bearing than many realize, and that is not properly teaching them what is involved in becoming a Christian! So what should you teach your children about what is involved in becoming a follower of Christ?

You are devoting your entire life to Christ and to His glorious church! This is not a one time act of simply being immersed and going one’s merry way to live as one did before they became a Christian. Rather it is a life of sacrifice! "I Beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom.12:1-2).

You are to look at life through the eyes of the teachings of our Lord! "If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col.3:1-15).

When it comes to school, sports, recreational activities, events at school, government, dating, enemies, choosing one’s friends, gospel meetings, Vacation Bible School, treatment of parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, language, attending worship services, studying the scriptures, praying, giving money to the Lord, working in the vineyard of the Lord, treatment of brethren, vocation in life, whom to marry, training of children, employer and employee relationship, teaching the lost, restoring the erring, avoiding evil etc. all will be determined by Christ and His glorious teachings! "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal.2:20).

In Joshua 24:31 we learn a lot about the life and influence of Joshua, "And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel." Mom, dad will your children and grandchildren serve the Lord all of your days upon the earth and after you are gone??? As parents and grandparents let’s determine to do all we can by setting the proper example and instructing them from God’s word so that they will have a solid foundation in living for Christ! May our heavenly Father bless every parent and grandparent to this end!

--Ivie Powell