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This 15:01 min video chat with Dr. Camille Melki, CEO, Heart for Lebanon, considers how SAT-7 and Heart for Lebanon can "lead, not just manage, through the coronavirus crisis" to minister to people in great need.
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
*This vlog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers at www.rexmrogers.com/. Follow him at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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- Written by: Rex M. Rogers
This 2:10 min video considers how SAT-7 can minister during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Coronavirus pandemic has pushed governments to call for shutdowns, including churches closing their doors and families sheltering-in-place.
These are circumstances with which we in Europe and the United States are not familiar.
But these kinds of challenges are old news in the Middle East and North Africa.
In this region— religion, rulers, and regimes have long shuttered churches, restricted freedom of religion and mobility, and periodically persecuted congregations.
Meanwhile SAT-7, broadcasting throughout 25 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, understands how to connect with people via satellite technology and social media in the relative safety of their own homes.
While churches in the West are moving to online services SAT-7 has been doing this for years to support the MENA Church.
Now, while we’re all subject to travel restrictions, there are no restrictions on media distribution.
SAT-7 ministers every day to people who are sheltering in place, socially distanced, or isolated.
Our friend in Beirut, Pastor Hikmat Kashouh recently said, “Today, (our church) is 1,000 churches. That’s because every house is now a church, following our service and worshiping the Lord. Through SAT-7 we can reach everyone. The Coronavirus may disperse us, but the Lord gathers us and unites us through His spirit around His Holy Word.”
This is SAT-7’s unique opportunity, a lifeline for the Church for such a time as this.
You can be part of this lifeline for the Arab, Iranian, and Turkish people.
Please consider a special gift for SAT-7’s ministry. Perhaps $670 for a broadcasting day sponsorship.
Together, we can bring encouragement to isolated Arab, Farsi and Turkish speaking people, sharing the Gospel directly into the living rooms of millions of homes.
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
This blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Rex or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com. Follow at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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- Written by: Rex M. Rogers
This 2:39 min home desk vlog reflects upon the Old Testament book of Psalms and the incredible relevance it now has to a world beset by a frightening coronavirus epidemic.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
*This blog and video may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers at www.rexmrogers.com/. Follow at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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- Written by: Rex M. Rogers
This 1:31 min video contrasts panic and preparedness from a Christian perspective re the coronavirus pandemic.
Should we panic or prepare in the face of the pandemic? Christians have an answer.
The Coronavirus is sweeping the world, has been declared a pandemic, has in-fected thousands and a-ffected millions. Clearly, it’s a real disease presenting a real threat at perhaps unprecedented levels, at least in the modern age.
One response is panic: panic-buying of items like toilet paper, riots in some major cities globally, an epidemic of fear. This response is understandable but not healthy.
A second response is preparedness: listening to public health experts, doing what we can to encourage prevention, like washing our hands, not gathering in large groups, reducing travel, not shaking hands.
Because we know and trust the Sovereign Lord God, Christians need to model preparedness over panic.
The Psalmist said, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4).
In the face of fear, Christians can offer aid, solace, and hope.
Christ and Christianity are nothing if not the antidote to panic.
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
*This blog and video may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers at www.rexmrogers.com/. Follow at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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- Written by: Rex M. Rogers
This 1:26 min video considers whether theology has anything practical to say, especially facing a global health crisis?
The Coronavirus is marching across the globe like a conquering invader creating an epidemic of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness.
Does biblical theology offer us anything practical in the face of such an enemy?
The book of Psalms tells us God is Sovereign: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
This means God is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent.
He is not a distant, unengaged deity but is both the transcendent Almighty God of the Universe and our immanent Heavenly Father.
God is powerful, personal, and practical.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:1-3, 13).
God is with you in all things.
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
*This blog and video may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers at www.rexmrogers.com/. Follow at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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- Written by: Rex M. Rogers
This 1:46 min video examines the three most common responses to the coronavirus pandemic, fear, foolishness, and faith.
The Coronavirus is now a declared global pandemic.
People are responding to this surreal, spreading disease in several ways.
Fear is paramount: hoarding, riots, debilitating anxiety, or not just social distancing but social isolation.
People suggesting fear is not appropriate are labeled foolish. And perhaps some are, because they don’t seem to be taking the threat seriously, refusing to change their routines or behaviors.
Fear, foolishness? There’s a third response.
For Christians, it should be faith. Christians believe God is engaged, he is not surprised. Nor is he vindictive or a cosmic meany.
Faith is not blindness, not irrational. It’s belief in God’s revelation of himself in the world, in his Word, and in his son Jesus Christ.
Faith gives us assurance Providence knows us individually.
As the Scripture says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10).
© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2020
*This blog and video may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers at www.rexmrogers.com/. Follow at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.