Child Dedication

These pictures were taken last Sunday at church just before we dedicated Isabel to the Lord. Seven families participated, and we all pledged to raise our children with the knowledge that God loves them unconditionally and that they have an eternal need for Him. JD's parents came as did Sarah and Brian (JD's sister and brother-in-law).

Each child received a letter from the pastor. We will give this to Isabel on her 13th birthday. It reads:

Child of God,

Today as you read this letter, I want to remind you that you were dedicated to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the presence of family, friends and witnesses on January 17, 2010. At that ceremony, we read selected scriptures from Psalm 139 where in verse 13 we are told that God had formed you in your mother's womb before you were born. Isn't that an incredible thought? The God of the universe took the time to create you exactly how He wanted you to be so that you would grow into what you are today. Not only did He create you, but He also demonstrated how much He loved you by willingly dying for you 2,000 years ago on a wooden cross at a place called Calvary.

At the ceremony we challenged those who are responsible for your care to raise you in the clear understanding of God's unconditional love for you and your eternal need for Him. While dedicating you to the Lord did not ensure your personal salvation, I trust that it has encouraged you in your desire to know the Savior personally. As the Senior Pastor, I want you to know that it is my sincere hope that you have already made a commitment to Christ and His Word will continue to grow and show itself in your words and actions. If for some reason you have yet to make this commitment to Christ, I urge you to make that decision today. Jesus longs to have a vibrant relationship with you!

Jesus said He came that we might have abundant life, here and now. I am praying that God will guide you into experiencing all that He has for you. Also, the people of this church committed themselves to pray for you. That is what the beauty of the Body of Christ and what fellowship and accountability are all about.

Have a great birthday today, and walk closely with Jesus Christ. He will never leave you, nor let you down. I close by sharing with you these words from 2 Peter 3:18, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

One thousand blessings on your head!

Ron Jones

Senior Pastor

Immanuel Bible Church