FHE Idea: Why are We Baptized?

It was only a year ago that my oldest child was baptized.  It was a really important day for our family.  And while the experience was completely amazing, in some ways I wish we would have talked a little more about it as a family.

So here's an FHE idea about Baptism, one of a few I'll be having with my family before we have another family baptism at the end of the year.

FHE Theme: Why are we baptized?

Scripture: Alma 46:15, Fourth Article of Faith, Mosiah 18:10

Songs: "Baptism" Children's Songbook, and "Lord, Accept into Thy Kindgom" LDS Hymn book

Start the lesson by saying how important you think baptism is.  I know that testimony time is usually closer to the end of lessons, but I think it's good to emphasize that this topic is really special, especially for those who have been baptized or going to be baptized soon. 


Story: Tell the story of your baptism, or the baptism of a close relative or friend.  Mention how you (or they) felt, and how you (or they) made it an extra special day by having a new dress, or suit, or a family gathering, or whatever.


Then tell the story of Jesus being baptized.  Emphasize that baptism is so important that Jesus, who was perfect, was also baptized.  You can find the story of Jesus's baptism in Matthew 3:13-17 - this version includes the part where John the Baptist questions why Jesus wants to be baptized and Jesus answers, "it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness".

Now's the time to tell everyone WHY we're baptized.  Here are some reasons and talking points ( of course you can add to this list):

1- Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to.  John 3:5

2- When we are baptized we are taking on Jesus's name by calling ourselves Christians.  Alma 46:15, Mosiah 21:35

3- When we get baptized we promise Heavenly Father that we'll always choose the right or repent.  

4- Heavenly Father will forgive and forget all of the sins we committed before we were baptized. Moses 6:59, Acts 22:16

If you'd like to add a simple game to your Family Home Evening we suggest Baptism Bingo.  By doing something fun with the kids during the lesson, hopefully it will help even the small ones associate happy thoughts with what they learned.

We'll be adding another lesson or two about baptism later, such as "what will happen when I'm baptized?"  Plus another lesson about being confirmed and getting the Holy Ghost.  So watch for those too!