Today we kick-off of a 6-week celebration of the 100 Year Anniversary of The Heights Baptist Church. You may be wondering when the actual anniversary is, well, it was 100 years ago, at 8:00 last night. We are 100 years old! There was a people who had a vision, a faith. They loved the Lord and believed that love could be could grow, could reach if they did it together. And look at us 100 years later living in their faith and vision.

The stated result of following Jesus; Jesus’ desired result of Peter and Andrew, you and me following Him is that we would become fishers of men. We would spend the balance of our days going and getting, reaching people. And yes, we are going to read the Bible, pray, go to church and a host of other things that all serve to make me the most efficient at reaching people. If I am going to be one who leads one, I am going to lead them to the Bible, prayer, the church; and I have to be there so I can lead them there.

The stated result of following Jesus; Jesus’ desired result of Peter and Andrew, you and me following Him is that we would become fishers of men. We would spend the balance of our days going and getting, reaching people. And yes, we are going to read the Bible, pray, go to church and a host of other things that all serve to make me the most efficient at reaching people. If I am going to be one who leads one, I am going to lead them to the Bible, prayer, the church; and I have to be there so I can lead them there.

God did not set up a way for strength and life that only a few would be able to attain: the very smart, the very brave, the very official. No, He set up a way that every one of us can do. Every one of us can lead, can help, can encourage someone. Today we add a third way: lead someone to serve. Why would we want to do that? I am so glad you asked. And I will let Jesus answer. Turn with me this morning to Mark 10:42-45.

God did not set up a way for strength and life that only a few would be able to attain: the very smart, the very brave, the very official. No, He set up a way that every one of us can do. Every one of us can lead, can help, can encourage someone. Today we add a third way: lead someone to serve. Why would we want to do that? I am so glad you asked. And I will let Jesus answer. Turn with me this morning to Mark 10:42-45.

What you can do and be with the Lord, you can do alone. There is truth to that, but not really. Yes, you can pray, worship, read your Bible, handle a moment of temptation alone; but the one who is doing the Christian life alone, is not doing the Christian life. It is a team and anyone genuinely living the Christian life knows they are on a team and wants to contribute to the strength of the team

What you can do and be with the Lord, you can do alone. There is truth to that, but not really. Yes, you can pray, worship, read your Bible, handle a moment of temptation alone; but the one who is doing the Christian life alone, is not doing the Christian life. It is a team and anyone genuinely living the Christian life knows they are on a team and wants to contribute to the strength of the team

What does 2020 hold for you? Will it bring the best relationship ever with the living God? That’s a big question. I am guessing a lot of us are here today because of the idea that question holds. We’re starting a new year and thinking about things we want to be a part of that. Do I need God, want God? Would God be a help? Is God even interested in me? The good news is, yes, He is interested in you.

What does 2020 hold for you? Will it bring the best relationship ever with the living God? That’s a big question. I am guessing a lot of us are here today because of the idea that question holds. We’re starting a new year and thinking about things we want to be a part of that. Do I need God, want God? Would God be a help? Is God even interested in me? The good news is, yes, He is interested in you.

January 1, 2020 marks a new day, new month, new year, new decade. It is big without the cherry on top of 2020 vision. And when we mark it tends to make us stop and think. And that is where we want good vision. And I don’t think anyone can help us do that better today than Job. Mentioning Job is synonymous with suffering; but we forget, Job’s story begins and ends with him having everything. The bulk of his life was spent in peace, prosperity and happiness. So, who better to help us look back on a good or a bad year?