Crossroads Fellowship

The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, God’s Holy Word, which is uniquely God-inspired, without any mixture of error of any kind. This Bible is the final authority on all matters on which it speaks and bears in life. As the Bible teaches, there is one God, eternally existing and expressed in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - each possessing all the attributes of Deity.

God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God’s saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God’s saving grace - not human effort - and must be received personally by repentance and faith.

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplishes salvation for all who received grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between us and God. He will return to earth to consummate history.

The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church. The church’s role is to worship God, glorify God, serve those in need, and to lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, Who is the only way to be saved. (John 14:6) Our personal role is to be His representative in this life, (II Corinthians 5:19-21), telling, warning, witnessing and helping to “seek and to save,” under and through His power, those who are lost. (Luke 19:10). At the end of this life, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Those forgiven through faith in Christ will enjoy eternal fellowship with God in heaven. Those who do not trust Him in this life will spend eternity in the judgment of hell.

Baptism- An important symbol of the new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ.

What is the Meaning of Baptism? 

It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

                “Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”  (I Corinthians 15:3-4).

                “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also seated with Christ.”  (Colossians 2:12).

It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

            “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside.  The old life has passed away and a new life has begun.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

                “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead….so we may live a new life.”  (Romans 6:4).

                Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe.  Baptism doesn’t “save” you.  Only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring.  It is an outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

                “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith….it is the gift of God……not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Why Be Baptized By Immersion?  At Crossroads, we practice adult believers baptism by immersion…………………

Because Jesus was baptized that way.

            “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16).

Every baptism in the Scripture was by immersion.

            (Example)-“then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…..”(Acts 8:38-39).

                The word “baptize” means to “dip under” or to “submerge”.  The Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.”

                It best symbolizes burial and resurrection.

The Founders of Denominations Agree:

                Martin Luther: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”

                John Calvin: “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse.  It is certain the immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

                John Wesley: “Buried with Him…alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who and When Should Be Baptized?

Who Should Be Baptized?  “Every Person Who Believed in Christ.”

            “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.” (Acts 2:41).

                “Simon himself believed and was baptized.” (Acts 6:13).

                “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…….and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 6:12).

When Should I Be Baptized?  “As Soon As You Have Believed.”

            “Those who believed…were baptized…that day.  (Acts 2:41).

                “Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus.  As they travelled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water.  Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’  Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’  The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’  So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”  (Acts 8:35-38).

                There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel good enough.

            At Crossroads, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and to understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

            For instance, some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children.  This ceremony is intended to be a covenant blessing between the parents and God on behalf of the child.  The parents promise to raise the child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ.  This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

                This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

What Should I Expect? 

What Should I Wear?

            Women should wear shorts and a top or a swimsuit.  Men may wear shorts, t-shirts, or a swimsuit.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

Will I Have to Say Anything?

                At the beginning of the service, one of the Pastors will briefly explain the meaning of baptism.

                You will wait in the water for your turn to be baptized.  The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, dry off, and watch the others if there are others with you.  Later on, you will receive your baptism certificate. 

                We encourage you to invite all of your friends and relatives to your baptism.

Can My Family and Friends Be Baptized Together?

            Yes!  If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time.  It is a wonderful expression of commitment. 

                However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition.  It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you.  This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.