What Does the Bible Teach About Plagues & Pandemics?
Plagues, famines and pestilences are regularly mentioned in the Scriptures. Along with widespread pandemics, such as we are facing today, there is a tendency to assume that all events of mass destruction–including hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, etc.–are signs of the end of days. Keep in mind that these disasters have been around for thousands of years, and almost every generation sees these things and says the Lord must be returning soon. Yet, “concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). We ought not draw conclusions where Scripture does not, but we are to be ready and expectant, as this keeps us focused on Jesus and sharpens our eternal perspective (Matthew 24:42-44).
Such considerations usually lead to the age old debate as to whether the Lord allows these disasters or sends them. No matter where you stand on this issue, what is clear is that He is sovereign and we are to rest in Him (Psalm 115:3, Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 11:28). I recently posted a video about three storms that are found in the Bible. Each storm has a different purpose and theme, some of which are clear and others, not so much. Those who are in Christ Jesus need not fear. Rather, “keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed” (Acts 27:22).
For further reading and consideration, you can download an article below from Joel Rosenberg of The Joshua Fund. His article includes a survey of instances of plague and pestilence found in the Scriptures and how we might respond today.
-pastor mike
Click here to Download the ArticlePreparing for Palm Sunday | April 5
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SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
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Eleanor Henrietta Hull, Mary Elizabeth Byrne (Arrangement: Ascend The Hill)
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
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Thomas Ken (1674), music attributed to Louis Bourgeois
Romans 11:36
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SERMON TEXT
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SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
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Psalm 63:3-4
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Psalm 9:1-2
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William Marion Runyan
Lamentations 3:22-23
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John 8:36
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SERMON TEXT
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2 Corinthians 8:9
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SERMON TEXT
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Psalm 63:3-4
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2 Peter 1:3-4a
SERMON TEXT
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1 Chronicles 16:34
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2 Corinthians 1:20
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Eleanor Henrietta Hull, Mary Elizabeth Byrne (Arrangement: Ascend The Hill)
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
SERMON TEXT
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Psalm 145:3
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Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Galatians 2:20
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Psalm 69:34
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Isaiah 6:3
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1 Chronicles 16:34
SERMON TEXT
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Mack Brock, Chris Brown, Wade Joye
Psalm 126:3
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William Marion Runyan
Lamentations 3:22-23
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Phil Wickham, Brian Johnson
1 Peter 1:3
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SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
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Psalm 46:1-3
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Goodness of God [listen + lyrics]
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1 Peter 1:3
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John 8:36
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Psalm 145:3
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1 Corinthians 15:57
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SERMON TEXT
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Hebrews 2:9
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