In the third part of our series “Connecting with Christ During COVID-19,” we spoke to Nathan Thomason, the pastor of Outreach Baptist Church in Smithville.
Bill
Conger: What can we learn from church history when it comes to
thinking about the threat of pandemics?
Nathan
Thomason: I read an article recently
that talked about the churches response to the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918.
The article talked about how churches complied with orders to not meet for a
short period in order to slow the spread of the flu. Churches found alternative
ways to worship by holding outdoor meetings. While we haven’t seen it in our
lifetimes the church has weathered storms like this in the past.
Conger: Some people ask whether the virus is a plague or
judgment from God. What does the Bible say?
Thomason: The Bible does speak prophetically of diseases and
wide spread pestilences. The definition of a pestilence is a widespread
infectious disease. In his Olivet discourse in Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied of
things like this happening as His return comes closer. He also spoke of nation
rising against nation. We have seen that with two world wars, He mentioned
earthquakes in various places. Today there are over 500,000 earthquakes a year.
He also speaks of pestilence or disease.
We have seen all of these things in the past,
however, Jesus references these type of events as birth pangs, suggesting that
much like a woman delivering a child will have contractions more intense and frequently
as the child’s birth gets closer, the more intense and frequent these things
will become as Jesus’ coming draws near. This is a wake-up call to us all; time
is running out and Jesus is coming.
I also do believe God is using this to call us
to repentance as a nation and a world quite frankly.
Conger: How should Christians respond to the COVID-19
pandemic today?
Thomason: I believe we should respond in faith and wisdom. We
aren’t to live in constant fear, but we are to take precautions.
The devil tempted Jesus and told him to cast
himself off of a high place and that God would send angels to rescue Him lest
His foot dash against a stone. Jesus replied by quoting scripture to Satan, “It
is written again do not tempt the Lord your God.”
We have faith that God will watch over us while
at the same time we have wisdom to not take unnecessary risks.
Don’t be consumed by the threat of a virus
neither act irresponsibly and expect God to make you bulletproof. I really
believe we just need to maintain a biblical balance of faith and wisdom during
this time.
Conger: What advice do you have for people to decrease their
fear and anxiety during all the uncertainties?
Thomason: Pray, worship, spend time in the word. When Jesus
would enter a room He would often greet people by saying “peace”. Scripture
says in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed
(focused) on You!” “Put your mind on things above not on the things of the
earth” (Col. 3:2). Use this time to focus on Christ and your family.
Conger: What can we do to decrease our fear and anxiety in
the face of all of these uncertainties?
Thomason: As I said earlier, just take this time to press into
Jesus.
Conger: What are some practical ways we can love our
neighbors in the midst of COVID-19?
Thomason: I think it’s important in this time to stay connected
with others. With modern technology, this is easier than it would have been 20
years ago. I heard someone praying the other day, and they said thank you God
this didn’t happen 30 years ago because we wouldn’t have had the tools we have
now to still stay connected with people.
We can share Christ’s love now perhaps more than
ever. Make sure your neighbors’ and friends’ basic needs are met and if not,
help meet them. This is a time for generosity and selflessness. Also, use this
time to share the gospel with people who aren’t believers. People are
receptive. They are looking for answers so use this time to share your faith in
Christ.
Conger: What final word of encouragement would you offer to
someone struggling with fear today?
Thomason: I would say to you fear is natural. We all experience
moments of fear, however, fear doesn’t have to control you. Place your faith in
Christ and trust Him. If you have never trusted Jesus for salvation I encourage
you to open your heart to Him.
Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was
buried, and three days later he rose from the dead, proving He was the savior
of the world. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus today and fear will flee. Our
staff, OBC [Outreach Baptist Church], and I are praying for our community
during this time, and we are here to help should you need anything.
Stay safe and keep looking up.
Outreach Baptist Church streams its online services on Facebook, or people can check out the church website at obcsmithville.com. You can also keep up with AWANA and OBC Kids at the OBC Kids Facebook page. There’s also a Reach Recovery Facebook page for those seeking support for addiction, depression, etc .