Church of God Offerings

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Church of God Offerings The Storms Are Here. More Storms Are Coming.

Rob Montgomery is pastor of The Church of God at 1850 Bethesda Rd in Batesville. He and his wife Amy have four daughters, Emma, Madison, Kaylee, and Lydia. After serving over 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, Rob and his family now call Independence County home. After a life of service in the military, Rob is dedicated to a life of service to others in the ministry.

A story was once told of two high school boys that were home alone while both parents were working. On this particular night, news reports indicated the potential for a tornado heading their way. Rather than ride out the oncoming tornado in the family’s mobile home, the young boy and his younger brother sought shelter under a bridge near the home. Running through the downpour, they found momentary safety from the rain and the gusty winds. The spot they chose kept them dry and for the moment they felt safe. However, as the waters began to rise, they soon realized that their chosen place of safety was actually one of the worst places they could be. To stay under the bridge meant they would be trapped by the rising waters. Their only option was to abandon the bridge, return home, and hunker down in their bathroom while the storm passed.

What is the moral of this story? The boys had heard from several people that bridges were a safe place to be during a tornado. They quickly learned that the advice of others does not always lead to safety.

Where should we go when we are in a storm? I’m not talking about an Arkansas tornado; I’m talking about the storms of life, the storms of uncertainty, the storms of confusion, and the storms of difficult times. In the book of Genesis, God instructed Noah to build an ark. At some point in time, a storm like no other would be unleashed on the earth and the only place of safety was the ark. Did you know that, just like the ark Noah built, a place of safety has been in the building process for quite some time? I’m talking about the church. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18b, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The church is that place of safety for the storms we are facing now and the storms we will face in the future. Why is the church a place of safety? In the church is where we hear God’s word. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24-25, “24]Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25]And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” In the church is where we also receive guidance and advice for life. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

According to a recent Barna study, only 29% of adults in the U.S. attend church weekly. Now is not the time to get under the bridge. More than ever, we need the ark. More than ever, we need the rock. I would like to encourage each of you to attend a church near you so that you can hear God’s word and receive guidance for your life. This is your place of safety no matter what may come in the remainder of 2020. If you are unable to attend church in person, there are many churches that provide opportunities to watch and take part online from the comfort of your home. Go to the place of safety and weather the storm that is coming. N