UNITED KIDS BAPTISM GUIDE

UNITED KIDS BAPTISM GUIDE

Water Baptism for Kids We are so excited that you are considering baptism for your child. We believe every child can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and baptism is an amazing faith step! In United Kids we encourage and give opportunities for children to make a decision to follow Jesus. Our children not only learn about Jesus, but are invited to a living, active relationship with the King of kings. For baptism, we advise parents to wait until their child is asking to be water baptized. This is usually a good indication that they are ready to be baptized and it will be a spiritual milestone in their life. While younger children under the age of 5 can have a relationship with Jesus, they may not necessarily remember or understand the significance of the event, so we encourage parents to wait until they are a little older, potentially 3rd or 4th grade. As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child: 1. Why do you want to be water baptized? General answers that point toward understanding: Because Jesus was baptized and He tells us to as well (repent & be baptized); because Jesus is my friend and I want to follow Him. 2. What does it mean to be water baptized? General answers that point toward understanding: It means I m following Jesus; It means I m a Christian and want to show the world; It s a picture of what Jesus has done on the inside of me; He has given me a clean heart and baptism is a picture of that. 3. When did you decide to follow Jesus and become His forever friend? General answers that point toward understanding: Your child has a specific memory of when he or she understood what Jesus did on the cross for him/ her and that he/she wants to follow Jesus for life. Your Child is Ready: If you feel your child understands what it means to have a relationship with Jesus and has chosen to follow Him and be water baptized then consider going through the provided devotional with your child discussing water baptism together.

Your Child Is Not Ready: If it doesn t seem like your child understands what it means to be water baptized, it s totally appropriate to wait. Remember, water baptism does not save us - we are saved by grace through faith, and this occurs when a child decides to trust Jesus with their life. Instead, let your child observe water baptism and talk to them about what it means. When they begin to indicate interest in this special sacrament, go through this devotional with your child and encourage them in their personal friendship/relationship with Jesus. Devotional: I m Getting Baptized! Obeying Jesus Commandment Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off. Being baptized in water is one of the first steps to take in following Jesus. A friend of Jesus does not just learn about Jesus, but follows Jesus by living for and obeying Him! Baptism says; Jesus, thank you for forgiving me of my sins. I have repented and have chosen to follow you and obey your word. Today I make you King of my life. (If your child has never prayed a prayer of salvation, and would like to, lead them through the guide below and then continue with the devotional). When you become a friend of Jesus, you are rescued out of the darkness and placed into God s Kingdom forever. Now you belong to King Jesus. Next you can follow His example by being water baptized! Let s read about when Jesus was baptized! Matthew 3:13-17 An Outward Picture of an Inside Change! Romans 6:4 We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life! Water baptism is an outward picture of what Jesus has done for you on the inside! Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and raised from the dead!

When you asked Jesus to be your forever friend, there was a death (your old heart of sin dies), a burial (your sin is buried and remembered no more!) and a resurrection (you have a new heart)! That s why you go all the way under the water when you are baptized. You are showing people that your old heart and your past sins are buried with Jesus. When you come up from the water, you are saying Jesus has given you new life! Everyone gets to see the change that has taken place inside your heart. A Decision of Faith! Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Water baptism does not save you. It has no meaning until after a person has decided to follow Jesus and invited Jesus into his heart and life. But water baptism is a very important step in your new Christian life. When you decided to follow Jesus, you made a decision of faith to receive Him into your heart. When you are baptized in water, you are making a decision of faith to follow Him all your life. You are choosing to let Jesus be the King of your heart and lead your life. Your water baptism will always be a reminder of your decision to follow the Lord. When you are baptized in water, it means you have made a decision of faith to do what?

How Can I Have a Relationship with Jesus? 1. God Loves You and Has a Plan for You! The Bible says, God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 2. Humanity is Sinful and Sin Separates Us from God. We have all done, thought, or said things that are wrong, which the Bible calls sin. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 And the result of sin is DEATH--spiritual separation from God. For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23 3. God Sent His Son to Die for Your Sins! God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 6:23. We were guilty and the result was death. But God gave us the greatest gift of all time - forever life with Jesus Christ! Jesus died in our place so we could be forgiven of our sin and live with Him forever. It didn t end with His death on the cross. Jesus rose from the grave! And He is alive today! Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me John 14:6 4. Now You Can Ask Jesus to Live In Your Heart If you are ready to ask Jesus to become the King of your life, pray this prayer with me: Prayer of Salvation: (pause after each sentence so children can repeat back) Dear God, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins, for living a part from you. I need your forgiveness. The Bible says that if I confess Jesus and believe in Jesus, I will be saved. Jesus I believe that your only Son Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross and died for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sin.

Right now I choose to make Jesus Lord of my life. With all my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am a new creation! Thank you Jesus for your forgiveness and grace which has saved me from my sins. Thank you that your grace gives me freedom and power over sin. Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life. Amen!