Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • New Here?
  • Connect
    • Hub Groups
    • Kids
    • Students
    • 1829
    • Wednesday Family Nights
    • Men
    • Women
    • Mission
    • ESL Conversation Class
    • Olivia’s Gift
    • Christianity Explored
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Beliefs
    • Service Times
    • Location
  • Resources
    • Live Stream
    • Sermons
    • Blog
    • Documents and Forms
    • RightNow Media
  • Give
  • The Path
  • Contact Us

Knowing When to Leave

September 3, 2017 2 Comments

Hurricane Harvey Flood Rescue

We have all been tracking the torrential rains and flooding in the Houston area. Some areas received more than 27 inches of rain in two days. At least 38 people have died and they expect that number to rise significantly as many are still missing. There have been many acts of heroism and an outpouring of generation donations.

I found myself wondering why the residents of Houston didn’t evacuate when they knew the storm was coming. The answer is complex. A week before the storms hit, Texas governor Rick Abbot had told residents, “If I were in Houston I would head north.” But few listened. They didn’t want to leave their homes – and who knew if the storm would really be that bad. Of course, once the storm hit, the opportunity for evacuation was over. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner then told residents, “Please think twice before trying to leave Houston en masse.” Mass evacuation of six million people from a metropolitan area at that point would have been a recipe for disaster.

Jesus warned of a coming time of disaster that would be greater than any other hurricane, tornado or tsunami the world has ever known. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be” (Matthew 24:21). Unlike Hurricane Harvey, this storm of God’s judgment is certain. Unlike the situation in Houston, there is a clear means of escape from God’s judgment. While radar can track the approach of a hurricane, we don’t know when God’s judgment will fall. And while mayors and governors warned the people of Texas, God himself has warned us of impending disaster.

In light of this, I urge you to take appropriate steps. Because of our sin, we stand in the path of disaster and judgment. Jesus has extended the offer of grace and forgiveness through his work on the cross. There is the opportunity for you to escape the most devastating of disasters. Have you heeded the warnings?

Pastor Jeff

 

Photo credit: https://www.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0817_hurricane-harvey/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: Houston, Hurricane Harvey, Judgment, The Gospel

What to expect when you visit FHBC

FHBC Worship Team
We welcome you to join us for either of our services, and to come as you are!
Learn more about the atmosphere and worship service style at FHBC »

Comments

  1. Diane Sytsma says

    September 3, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    I was trying to watch the early service & the sound system was not working. Pastor Jeff’s sermon were in & out so I just gave up. Very sad, I love to have the service in my house since I’m not able to come out. Love my church family.

    Reply
    • Luke says

      September 4, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Thanks for letting us know, Grandma Diane! We will get it figured out. The sermon audio worked much better than the video for this week at least: http://tinysa.com/sermon/9117142152

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Watch / Listen Online

Podcast and Live Video Stream

Latest updates

  • Pandemics, Panic, and Providence
  • Be of Some Good
  • Revisiting Our Mission
  • Choosing to Forgive
  • Navigating Political Minefields

The Path

The Path – Forest Hills Baptist Church

An online community where church members can connect with other church members, groups, events, and calendars.

Log on to The Path »

About FHBC

  • New Here?
  • Service Times
  • Our Faith
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Mission

Members

  • The Path
  • Online Giving
  • Photo Directory

COVID Guidelines

As of July 18, 2021, we are lifting all COVID guidelines.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Forest Hills Baptist Church · 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Copyright © 2022 · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.