HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

Yes, this morning, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Grand View Baptist Church.  It was 25 years ago we had our first service and 75 people showed up!  It was exciting to see what God had started and we have so enjoyed the journey.  I would like to thank my family first, and then all of the dear people who have been a part of Grand View for all these years.  Some have been with us since the first day, others almost as long, and many joined along the way.  Many just were with us a short while before moving on, but each one has left their footprint in the fabric of our church.  You all have been a blessing to this preacher, even if you only visited one service.  Thank you Jesus... You did it! 1) A BAND OF MEN- I Sam. 10:26 says that when Saul was made King of Israel, "there went with him a band of men whose hearts God had touched." I have been so fortunate to have a band of men, women, and children who have followed this preacher for these past 25 years.  It is their contribution that has made our Church what it is today.  2) THE MINDSET OF A LEADER- Drive is what a leader possess.  Not always know how, but a drive that compels him to press in the right direction.  I have not known much, but I have possessed drive to accomplish things for God and His glory these past many years.  In I Samuel 14, we see that Jonathan, son of King Saul, possessed these qualities:  vs. 4- "sought to go over" (to the enemies side and fight them); vs. 6- "Come, and let us go over" (he says to his armour bearer);  vs. 8- "We will pass over"  (a statement of fact and intentions.); vs. 12- "Come up after me" (a leader leads the way).  These are the mindsets of a leader.  I have never been all I should have been, but I (by God's grace) have been these things.  We will go over and accomplish something for Jesus Christ! 3) GROWING UP BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES-  You ever have someone grow up right in front of your eyes?  I have had times when I thought of someone as just a youth, and then see their boldness for God and realized they were not a youth but a young man or lady of God.  Such was the case of young David in I Sam. 17 as he faced Goliath.  In verse 33, Saul says: "thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."  In vs. 42, Goliath disdained David "for ye was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance."   (no pimples, no facial hair, .... a youth)   BUT.... after taking Goliath's head off, Saul asks in verse 58:  "Whose son art thou, thou young man?"  He grew up, right before his eyes!!   Oh that we would do that spiritually, right before the eyes of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!! Well, it's a happy day!  Sunday!  Cannot wait to be with God's people this morning and reflect on 25 years of God's goodness!! Dr. Mike Mutchler, Pastor of Grand View Baptist Church and it's good people.