The Lord's Supper for kids

I thank the Lord each night that his salvation does not hinder on my intellagence- or lack thereof!

I think it is important for your daughter to both 1) be baptized and 2) learn about and partake communion.

How do i come to these conclusions scriputerally?

"Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" Matthew 19:14

"...becasue you have hidden these things form the wise and learned,and revealed them to little children." Matthew 11:25

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven...But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his nexk and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:3,6

Salvation is the work of God and so is baptism and communion. Faith is the only requirement, in my humble opinion. If your daughter has faith why do you keep her away from the Lord? And if you are questioning her faith- how can you do so if she has given testimony of her faith?

Until Next Post, Adam

[ August 07, 2001: Message edited by: flyfree432 ]

 

I agree with the above post. The object of one's faith (Christ) is the validation of baptism--not one's congnitive apprehension. Your daughter can learn more of the significance of baptism after it has been administered. Indeed, which of us is done learning about it?

The Lord's supper is intended for disciples, and one cannot be considered a disciple if he has not submitted to the initiatory rite of the church. [Scriptural basis: Jesus commandment "this do in remembrance of me" was given to His baptized disciples, Luke 22:19]

 

I think a child can be baptized, and I think a child can examine himself.

 

I was saved at age 5, baptized at age 8. both times, my parents didn't push me, but they gently answered my questions and posed a lot of them to me as well. They let the Holy Spirit do the leading, for which I am very grateful.

My point is, I was old enough to make both decisions on my own and understand them, after which, I was allowed to take communion. At ages 5 and 8, there is no way a child can understand the entire scope of salvation, even us adults can't! That doesn't mean that their child-like faith can't save them or help them to obey. In fact, like the Bible says in the above verses, it sometimes makes it easier.

Children will begin to understand more about the scope of salvation, baptism and communion as they reach their teen years, and can understand the abstract better. Until then, take your ques from them. If they desire to be obedient and understand that ordinances don't = salvation but picture it, to me, that is a pretty good indication that there heart is ready for it. JMHO JOY

 

The Lord's Supper is clearly for believers only. Since Baptism is not needed for salvation that is not an issue.. If you believe your daughter is a child of God then by all means let her have the Lord's Supper. You are almost doing her a disservice by not letting her.

 

Baptism and Lord's supper are both acts of obedience, because Jesus told us to do them as believers. If you believe your daughter is saved, don't stop her from being obedient to Jesus. Like others have said, none of us fully understands either, she has something even better, the child like faith, thats says I just love Jesus, nothing to complicate the matter like most adults.

 

I remember as a child what the Lord's Supper meant to me. When I was of an age to understand the meaning (I would think I was around 5 - 6) I was allowed to participate, by my parents, although I was not baptised utill I was 10, The Supper was one of the most meaningful events in my life. It really helped me fully understand salvatiom. Both partaking of the Lord's Supper and Baptism were my choices. I will always be grateful that my parents allowed my choice. I have never been able to partake of this most Holy of symbols without tears. I hope I never will.

In His Service <><

 

Dr. Bob! Thank you for your comments. They bring to mind something that is quite disturbing to me.

My niece went to Christian camp a few weeks back, and when she returned home she said she had been saved. However, I have not spoken to her about it, having only heard it through the grapevice, so I do not know the specifics. They are on vacation right now, so I hope to talk to her when they get back.

She is 11 years old, and is the daughter of my husband's sister. She is supposed to be in my SS class, but doesn't want to come in there because she can't understand anything I teach about! YIKES! I asked my husband (who helps with my class) if I teach above the kids heads, and he said he didn't think so. My niece does not get any kind of spiritual guidance at home, and the only ones who talk to her about these things are her SS teacher, or my MIL.

Anyway, I've heard that she does not want to be baptized. I don't even know if she has talked to the pastor or not. Probably not, because I know he would've talked to her about this and gotten straigtened out.

I do worry about folks who claim to be saved, but don't want to be baptized. Maybe she doesn't understand what it's all about?! Maybe she really didn't get saved. I really, really hope to talk to her privately when they get back from vacation.

[ August 07, 2001: Message edited by: KeeperOfMyHome ]

 

I am thankful for your concern for your little girls spiritual well being. Please dont hinder your daughter from following the Lord in baptism. It is a wonderful thing. We worry to much about understanding. Are we not to follow by FAITH. If she is old enough to understandsalvation let her do the rest to.

 

*jumping up and down clapping with a BIG smile on face*

Kathy, awesome! I am so glad to hear how things have turned out. Yep I will be getting baptized this Sunday too. It is so cool to see how the Lord has worked in our lives through each other on the BB. I will be praying for you and your daughter for this Sunday! Have a GGGRREEAT week.

Until Next Post,
Adam

 

"And when they had sung an hymn," Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, "they went out . . . "

 

This thread was a blessing to my heart. Dr. Bob, maybe you should move this to the Best Threads forum?