This 1:48 min video reviews how difficult it is to know and what we don't know about the coronavirus pandemic. Then, what we know for sure, the known known that we can trust the Sovereign God regarding the virus.
What really can we say that we know for sure as the global pandemic creates a new reality?
This coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented.
Political leaders and public health professionals are scrambling because they’ve never seen this before, not in modern times anyway.
The problem is not with their actions. The problem is with their humanity, meaning that like me they are not omniscient, so outcomes cannot be foretold, only that there will be outcomes.
Remember Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld? In a 2002 press conference referencing the Iraq War, Rumsfeld described decision making as a matter of known knowns, known unknowns, unknown unknowns.
What God’s purposes are in this pandemic is a known unknown.
What lasting ripples of this pandemic will be are an unknown unknowns.
But the known known, what we can embrace with assurance, is what the Bible says,
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).
© 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 him at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.
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.
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.
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.
© 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.
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.
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.