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The Crossing

Baptism | I Love My Church Part 5

Have you ever wondered why we do what we do when we gather together? Our church services are no mere modern inventions. We are following ancient and noble traditions laid out in sacred Scripture. Though we worship in ways that are culturally relevant, we are connected to the church universal in ways that are spiritually significant.

Locations & Times

The Crossing - Keokuk

610 Timea St, Keokuk, IA 52632, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Jacksonville

803 S Diamond St, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA

Sunday 10:00 AM

The Crossing - Lima

2902 IL-96, Lima, IL 62348, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Macomb

1600 W Jackson St, Macomb, IL 61455, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Monmouth

215 S 1st St, Monmouth, IL 61462, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Mount Sterling

979 895e St, Mt Sterling, IL 62353, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM

The Crossing - Pike County

28842 IL-107, Griggsville, IL 62340, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Quincy 48th Street

150 S 48th St, Quincy, IL 62305, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Quincy 929

929 Monroe St, Quincy, IL 62301, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Hannibal

205 S 5th St, Hannibal, MO 63401, USA

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

The Crossing - Kirksville

810 E Shepherd Ave, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

Crossing Online

Thursday 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

About The Crossing

The Crossing is a multi-campus, non-denominational Christian church with locations in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. We exist to minister in local communities, following our core values to bring people to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Visit www.thecrossing.net to learn more about our church.<br><br>To make the most of your experience, we encourage you to follow along with the provided sermon notes, as well as take your own notes. You can also download the OneCrossing app to watch past sermons and stay connected. www.thecrossing.net/app

This world has no problem quickly labeling or categorizing us into columns or lines but that is NOT how God sees us!

John 3:16

2 Peter 3:9

Revelation 3:20

The question today isn’t whether or not God sees you as essential...He does. The question is whether or not you see Him that way.

For God to be essential to me, Jesus must be essential.

John 14:6

“No one” is just as strong and just as true as “anyone."

Jesus made belief essential in John 3:16. He made repentance essential as well.

Luke 13:3

He also made confession essential.

Matthew 10:32-33

He made baptism essential.

Matthew 28:19

Acts 2:38

People can get lost in the lower story during tough seasons, but that’s real and exactly what discipleship is meant to be.

Baptism is essential because…

It’s my ticket on the ark. It keeps me from drowning in a sea of sin. 1 Peter 3:20-21a.

It’s my door to the promised land. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2. The door closed behind them.

It’s the proof of the promise. Colossians 2:11-12. It signifies that I stepped over the line.

It’s my spiritual cleansing. Acts 22:16. It’s the feeling of truly being clean.

It’s my spiritual clothing. Galatians 3:27. It removes my shame.

It’s my contact with the blood of Jesus. Romans 6:3-4. It’s where the power is.

It’s how Jesus wants me to ask Him into my life.

God’s word shows that this is essential to our relationship with Jesus, but there still might be questions that need to be answered.

Is there a right way to baptize?

Yes. Baptism is to be fully immersed in water. It’s the only biblical example. Sprinkling is not in the Bible.

Who should be baptized?

People who decide they want to be in relationship with Jesus. Everyone has to make their own decision about Jesus. There are no babies or small children baptized in the Bible.

When should I be baptized? Do I need to have my life in order?

No. Baptism signifies that I can’t get my life in order and I’m relying on Jesus to do what I can’t do. We don’t need to be ready, we just need to do it. Lay down trusting in yourself and trust in Him.

Is baptism a work? Am I trying to earn my salvation?

No. Baptism is done to you. There is no biblical example of self baptism. It’s actually a visual statement that I can’t save myself.

Is once enough or should I do it over and over again?

Once is enough. Jesus died once. Unlike belief, repentance, and confession, baptism is not a continual act.

Jesus is the most essential. We cannot put it off, negotiate, or rationalize. It’s time to take a step of faith.

Make a Difference

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Stay Connected. Anytime. Anywhere.

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Listen On The Go

Miss a previous sermon? The OneCrossing Podcast is where you can listen to past messages and exclusive content from The Crossing. Our prayer is that God will move in your life, even when you are on the go!

https://thecrossing.net/podcast