Bret Hammond

When we ask the question, "Why do we do it like that" we realize we must ask about baptism. Why do we put such emphasis on this defining act of God's grace?

When we ask the question, "Why do we do it like that" we realize we must ask about baptism. Why do we put such emphasis on this defining act of God's grace?

Times are changing, morality is changing, people are changing. People come to me who are genuinely concerned about whether or not the Church can survive the changes happening in society today.

Today I want to tell you why I have nothing but hope for the church today!

Times are changing, morality is changing, people are changing. People come to me who are genuinely concerned about whether or not the Church can survive the changes happening in society today.

Today I want to tell you why I have nothing but hope for the church today!

When churches like ours began we were often referred to as "People of the Word" due to our single-minded devotion to the Bible as our only guide. Today we're going to take another look at this book that still stands at the center of how we answer the question, "Why do we do it like that?"

When churches like ours began we were often referred to as "People of the Word" due to our single-minded devotion to the Bible as our only guide. Today we're going to take another look at this book that still stands at the center of how we answer the question, "Why do we do it like that?"

“Why do we do it like that?” It’s a question we’ve all asked at one time or another. How did all get started doing all those things that make our church distinct and different? We find the answers in the Bible, of course, but it would be wrong to overlook the very rich history that brought us together.

We’re going to look at that history today as we kick off a new sermon series, “Why Do We Do It Like That?”

“Why do we do it like that?” It’s a question we’ve all asked at one time or another. How did all get started doing all those things that make our church distinct and different? We find the answers in the Bible, of course, but it would be wrong to overlook the very rich history that brought us together.

We’re going to look at that history today as we kick off a new sermon series, “Why Do We Do It Like That?”

I was face down on the ground in an epic battle against a hulk named Randy. Seconds away from being pinned I reached for my handy pocket New Testament and read the words that I knew would fill me with power from on high. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me!” I jumped back into the fray and easily defeated my opponent.

Ok, so maybe I didn’t defeat my opponent. Maybe I didn’t triumph; maybe I discovered that my “all things” weren’t necessarily the same as Jesus’ “all things” for me. Maybe you’ve been in a battle that has taught you that lesson too.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

Gods plan for the people who first received that word was 70 years in exile, 500 miles from their homes and families. I’m not sure that’s the kind of thing that comes to mind when we quote that verse to someone in need of encouragement.

Today we’ll take a closer look at this verse and ask, “What is God saying here?” I think we’ll find a greater hope than what’s contained in just one verse.