Tag Archives: baptism

Celebrating a Baptism

A baptism is a very special event in the church. When an eight year old get baptized, it is important to take the time to celebrate the occasion. It is also important to treat the event with the proper reverence and respect. Often children will be baptized on the Saturday before a Fast Sunday, but occasionally a family may schedule the baptism for a different day. The program is usually set up with an opening song, a prayer, talk on baptism, and then the baptism. After that there is usually a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost and … Continue reading →

Baby Blessings: An Alternative to Traditional Church Ceremony

Baby blessing is a ritual that is becoming increasingly popular with new parents. Read on to learn about baby blessings and see if this is something that is right for your baby and your family. A baby blessing is a welcoming and blessing ritual for your baby that isn’t associated with a particular church or religion. While people who are unfamiliar with this practice may think it is something new age or without an element of traditional religion, this is far from the case. A baby blessing can encompass many different ideas and meld together religious beliefs and traditions. In … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Our seventh lesson in the Joseph Smith manual for this year’s course of study is entitled, “Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.” In May of 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery went to the banks of the Susquehanna River and were there met by John the Baptist, who conferred upon them the authority to baptize. They were the first two baptized in this dispensation, and soon others followed, including members of Joseph’s family, which brought him much joy. He taught that the ordinance of baptism is necessary for salvation, and it is a sign and a symbol ordained … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: “The Mission of John the Baptist”

The sixth lesson in our Joseph Smith manual is entitled: “The Mission of John the Baptist.” We read that John the Baptist was “a legal administrator and the forerunner of Christ.” What all does that mean? As Joseph and Oliver Cowdery worked on the translation of the gold plates, they came to a passage about baptism that struck their souls. They went out into the woods to pray about it, and were given in answer a visit from John the Baptist, who ordained both of them to the Aaronic Priesthood. This event was significant, as it marked the return of … Continue reading →

The Symbolism of Baptism

Most of us can recall our baptism day. I remember wading into the warm water, how weightless I felt, and wondering why my dad was wearing white socks in the water. I remember the rush of water past my ears, and most of all, I remember the feeling I had afterward, of being clean and pure. As I’ve grown up and learned about all the filth in the world, I’ve often wished I could go back and get baptized all over again, so I can feel the way I did that day when I was eight. However, it’s not necessary … Continue reading →

Primary Time: Baptism

The only Primary class that I ever taught was right after I graduated high school. I was assigned to teach the children who were turning eight and being baptized that year. I only taught the one summer before I left to go to school, but I was able to attend four out of the five of my student’s baptism. One had already been baptized before I began teaching. This is an important time in each child’s life as they make the decision to be baptized. It is important to support the children during this time. As a primary teacher you … Continue reading →

Primary Time: Sharing Time Theme June 2007

This month the sharing time theme is “I follow Jesus Christ when I make and keep my baptismal covenant.” The scripture that the theme focuses on is John 3:5. You may want to work with your children to memorize the scripture for this month. The theme is broken into four parts. First the children are reminded that Jesus was baptized as well. Then the children learn more about the baptismal covenants. The children also learn about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Finally the children learn that the Sacrament is an opportunity for them to renew their baptismal covenants. … Continue reading →

Family Home Evening: Baptism

If you have a family member who is preparing to be baptized, it is a good idea to have a family home evening lesson based on Baptism. It is also a good idea to talk review the baptismal covenants with your children on a regular basis. As you prepare this lesson adapt it to the needs of your family, so that you make sure they understand the concepts being taught. You can open the lesson by sharing the scriptural account of Jesus being baptized which can be found in Matthew 3:13-16. Then you can discuss that even though Jesus was … Continue reading →

Is Baptism Required for Salvation? An Alternate Look (2)

In part one of “Is Baptism Required for Salvation? An Alternate Look” I wrote about the argument used with the thief on the cross. Now I want to directly deal with what the Bible says about baptism, and I want to make one assertion very clear before I begin. I do not believe that baptism alone is required for salvation. I think that there is a large misconception that those who believe that baptism is required for salvation believe that only baptism is required for salvation. I do not believe that baptism alone is required for salvation, but that other … Continue reading →

Is Baptism Required for Salvation? An Alternate Look

A few weeks ago my fellow blogger, MJ, wrote an article entitled “Is Baptism Required for Salvation?” Her article prompted me to write this article, which is what I call an “alternate look” at the subject matter. I certainly do not want to attack anything MJ wrote, but rather present a different view on a hotly discussed issue. I know that for me personally, it is when discussions such as this one come up that I have some of my deepest Bible study. I initially wrote this article as one installment; however, it became very lengthy, therefore I have separated … Continue reading →