BAPTISM TALK
INSTRUCTIONS:
Gather the following materials (white bags, socks, bars of [preferably white] soap, washcloths, pictures of the Savior being baptized, copies of the scriptures in the last section), enough for each child to receive a set, and place in bags. Give a talk about baptism, explaining the symbolism of the items as you speak. Distribute the bags to the children. Take bags to absent children, giving each child the message of the talk. You may share, copy, and revise the contents of this talk.
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BAPTISM TALK
Ask: Why do we need to be baptized?
Explain the plan of salvation – show that baptism is a prerequisite for entering the Celestial Kingdom.
Explain that even Jesus Christ, who never committed a sin, was baptized because it is a commandment of God.
Matt. 3:14-15 …I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness….
WHITE BAG – Purity
When we say something is a “symbol,” we mean that when we see it, it helps us remember something, it means something to us. Today I’m giving you each a white bag like this, to help you remember some things about baptism.
What color do we and the person baptizing us wear? White, because it symbolizes purity.
SOCKS – Prepare for baptism
These socks symbolize being prepared for baptism. Who can recite the Fourth Article of Faith with me?
4th Article of Faith: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Now you have these socks to wear and when you have gone through the necessary steps, you are ready to be baptized.
SOAP – Cleanliness
Baptism cleanses us from our sins so we are clean and pure.
Acts 2:37-38 … Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…
WASHCLOTH – Holy Ghost
When we receive the Holy Ghost we are entitled to his help and protection. He can help us choose the right, know the truth, and can warn us if we are in danger. We should always listen to his promptings which can be quiet and soft like this washcloth.
Joseph Smith said, “No man [boy or girl] can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator.” (HC, 6:58)
PICTURE & SCRIPTURE – Membership, our covenants
D&C 18:22 And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
D&C 20:77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
When you are baptized and confirmed, Heavenly Father is very pleased with you.
Matt. 3:16-17 … And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.