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 .