Baptism Verses 2024 (Sept)

Brandi and Mark

Known a while.

The testimony of what Christ has done for them individually, as a couple and in their entire family is nothing short of a miracle.

These two were baptized on Monday by Brandi’s dad and step father. This alone was a miracle of God.

I want to encourage you from Ephesians 2 this morning as we present to you the Crossroads Baptism shirts.

Ephesians 2:1–10 NIV

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

It’s a joy to see this passage’s truth be lived out in your lives and the lives of your entire family.

Nermina

2 years ago - Received Christ

This summer daughter went to Christian Camp

God is drawing you to him.

You expressed a desire to not just know about Jesus and God the father, but a desire to follow and do what he asks us to do.

I want to encourage you this morning out of Romans 8. This might just be my favorite chapter in all the Bible.

Romans 8:12–17 NIV

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Liam

So encouraged by his profession of faith and eagerness to be baptized.

Expressed a desire to be a light, to be a faithful follower of Christ honoring him with your life.

I want to encourage you from Philippians 3. Paul had all kinds of accolades and things he could have placed his confidence in, and there were a lot, but he writes this about all of those “good things:

Phil 3:7-14 years ago - Received Christ

Philippians 3:7–14 NIV

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

So, Liam continue pressing on toward the goal of being a faithful follower of Christ in your life.

Paul White

Paul his wife Alison found Christ together and have been on a beautiful journey of growing in Him. As a infant, his parents had him baptized in the Catholic church. While it is a wonderful thing for his parents to desire for him, Paul is here today declaring this faith in Jesus his own.

I want to encourage you from 2 Cor 12. The apostle Paul is talking about boasting in weakness. Paul, I think many look at you and see a strong, confident, capable man who has accomplished quite a bit. Many may or may not know about your recent battles with cancer. It’s been a privilege to pray with you through this journey you have been on. I am so thankful that you are here and God’s grace has sustained you through so much.

Let me read 2 Cor 12:6-10

2 Corinthians 12:6–10 NIV

6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.