Empowering Isolated Believers Through Digital Media and Prayer
Summary
This morning, we gathered to discuss the importance of our partnership with SAT 7 and the significant role it plays in spreading the gospel to isolated believers in the Middle East and North Africa. These isolated believers are individuals who cannot worship freely due to their circumstances, either because the gospel is hard to reach them or because they face severe restrictions on their religious practices. Despite these challenges, our church's efforts in raising and sending out children to the mission field are crucial. We are not just nurturing our community but also preparing them to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world.
We began by reading from Acts 14, focusing on the mission work of Paul and Barnabas. They entered the synagogue in Iconium and spoke in such a way that many Jews and Greeks believed. This passage underscores the importance of going to the right place to worship the Lord and proclaim His name with knowledge and truth. We then read Acts 14:27, which highlights how Paul and Barnabas gathered the church together to declare all that God had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This is a powerful reminder of our mission to be sending agents, spreading the gospel to those who have not yet heard it.
SAT 7 has been instrumental in this mission, using satellite and digital media to broadcast the gospel to millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa. The organization started 28 years ago and has since grown to reach 550 million people, many of whom have never met a Christian or heard about Christianity. Through satellite TV and smartphones, SAT 7 delivers the gospel directly into people's homes, making it accessible even in the most restricted areas.
The vision of SAT 7 is to allow Christians in the Middle East to witness their faith in a way that is relevant to their culture and society. The mission involves partnering with local churches to provide theological education and resources, even for children. This approach mirrors the work of Paul and Barnabas, who started in small synagogues but whose message eventually reached millions.
We also discussed the significant impact of digital media. Almost everyone in the Middle East and North Africa has a smartphone, which has become a vital tool for spreading the gospel. SAT 7's digital content, available through apps like SAT 7 Plus, allows people to access Christian teachings on demand. This is particularly important for the younger generation, who are more likely to use digital platforms.
During the lockdown in 2020, SAT 7 saw a dramatic increase in viewership. The isolation many of us experienced gave us a glimpse into the lives of isolated believers who cannot freely share their faith. Despite these challenges, the number of people engaging with SAT 7's content grew significantly, demonstrating the hunger for the gospel in these regions.
We concluded with a powerful visual demonstration. Everyone in the congregation turned on their phone lights, symbolizing our prayers for the isolated believers in the Middle East and North Africa. This act of solidarity was captured in a photo to be shared with those believers, showing them that they are not alone and that we are praying for them.
We also watched videos of children from Iran and Afghanistan praying for their nations, highlighting the impact of SAT 7's work on the younger generation. These children, despite their difficult circumstances, are learning to pray and support each other, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
In closing, we were reminded of the importance of our prayers and support for SAT 7 and other mission organizations. Every prayer and contribution helps to spread the gospel and bring hope to those who need it most. Let us continue to worship the Lord and proclaim His name, fulfilling our mission as His disciples.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Isolated Believers: Isolated believers are those who cannot worship freely due to their circumstances. They face severe restrictions and often risk their lives to practice their faith. Our mission is to support these believers through prayer and by spreading the gospel to them. This is a crucial aspect of our partnership with SAT 7, which uses satellite and digital media to reach these individuals. [49:54]
2. The Role of the Church in Missions: Every church and believer has two important tasks: to worship the Lord and to proclaim His name. Our church plays a vital role in raising and sending out children to the mission field, preparing them to share the gospel with the world. This mission is exemplified by the work of Paul and Barnabas, who spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. [50:39]
3. The Power of Digital Media: SAT 7 uses satellite TV and digital media to broadcast the gospel to millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa. This approach allows the gospel to reach even the most restricted areas, making it accessible to those who have never heard it before. The use of smartphones and digital platforms is particularly effective in reaching the younger generation. [55:40]
4. The Impact of the 2020 Lockdown: The lockdown in 2020 gave us a glimpse into the lives of isolated believers. During this time, SAT 7 saw a significant increase in viewership, demonstrating the hunger for the gospel in these regions. This period highlighted the importance of digital media in spreading the gospel and the need for continued support and prayer for isolated believers. [01:07:04]
5. The Transformative Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that can change lives and bring hope to those in difficult circumstances. The act of turning on our phone lights symbolized our prayers for isolated believers, showing them that they are not alone. The videos of children from Iran and Afghanistan praying for their nations demonstrated the impact of SAT 7's work and the importance of raising the next generation to support each other in faith. [01:09:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:54] - Isolated Believers
[50:39] - Role of the Church in Missions
[55:40] - Power of Digital Media
[01:07:04] - Impact of 2020 Lockdown
[01:09:48] - Transformative Power of Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 14:1 - "Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed."
2. Acts 14:27 - "And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the outcome of Paul and Barnabas speaking in the synagogue at Iconium? (Acts 14:1)
2. How did Paul and Barnabas share their mission experiences with the church upon their return? (Acts 14:27)
3. What are some of the challenges faced by isolated believers in the Middle East and North Africa as mentioned in the sermon? [49:54]
4. How has SAT 7 utilized digital media to spread the gospel in restricted areas? [55:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue to preach, and what does this teach us about choosing the right place to share the gospel? (Acts 14:1)
2. How does the act of Paul and Barnabas gathering the church to share their mission experiences inspire modern-day mission work? (Acts 14:27)
3. What does the increase in SAT 7's viewership during the 2020 lockdown reveal about the spiritual hunger in the Middle East and North Africa? [01:07:04]
4. How does the use of digital media by SAT 7 reflect the adaptability and innovation needed in modern missions? [55:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of isolated believers. How can you personally support these believers through prayer or other means? [49:54]
2. The sermon emphasized the role of the church in raising and sending out children to the mission field. How can you contribute to this mission within your own church community? [50:39]
3. Considering the power of digital media, what are some ways you can use your own digital platforms to share the gospel or support mission work? [55:40]
4. The 2020 lockdown gave us a glimpse into the lives of isolated believers. How did this experience change your perspective on the importance of community and faith? [01:07:04]
5. The act of turning on phone lights symbolized prayers for isolated believers. What are some other creative ways you can show solidarity and support for persecuted Christians around the world? [01:04:46]
6. Watching videos of children from Iran and Afghanistan praying for their nations was powerful. How can you encourage and involve the younger generation in mission work and prayer? [01:09:48]
7. Reflect on the transformative power of prayer. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily life, especially in supporting global missions? [01:09:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Supporting Isolated Believers
Isolated believers are those who cannot worship freely due to their circumstances. They face severe restrictions and often risk their lives to practice their faith. Our mission is to support these believers through prayer and by spreading the gospel to them. This is a crucial aspect of our partnership with SAT 7, which uses satellite and digital media to reach these individuals. [49:54]
In many parts of the world, believers face severe restrictions on their religious practices. They cannot gather openly for worship, and sharing their faith can lead to persecution or even death. These isolated believers often feel alone and forgotten. However, through our prayers and support, we can stand with them and provide the encouragement they need. SAT 7 plays a vital role in this mission by using satellite and digital media to broadcast the gospel directly into their homes. This allows isolated believers to access Christian teachings and worship services, even in the most restricted areas.
Our partnership with SAT 7 is a powerful way to support these believers. By praying for them and contributing to the mission, we help spread the gospel to those who need it most. Let us remember that our prayers and support can make a significant difference in the lives of isolated believers, providing them with hope and strength to continue their faith journey.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV): "For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead."
Reflection: Think of a specific country or region where Christians face severe persecution. Spend time today praying for the believers in that area, asking God to strengthen and protect them.
Day 2: The Role of the Church in Missions
Every church and believer has two important tasks: to worship the Lord and to proclaim His name. Our church plays a vital role in raising and sending out children to the mission field, preparing them to share the gospel with the world. This mission is exemplified by the work of Paul and Barnabas, who spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. [50:39]
The church is called to be a beacon of light in the world, worshiping the Lord and proclaiming His name to all nations. This involves not only nurturing our own community but also preparing and sending out individuals to the mission field. The example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 shows us the importance of going to the right places to share the gospel and doing so with knowledge and truth. They entered the synagogue in Iconium and spoke in such a way that many Jews and Greeks believed.
Our church has a responsibility to raise and equip the next generation to continue this mission. By teaching our children about the importance of sharing the gospel and providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can ensure that the message of Jesus Christ reaches every corner of the world. Let us be diligent in our efforts to worship the Lord and proclaim His name, following the example set by Paul and Barnabas.
Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Reflection: Consider how you can support the mission work of your church. Is there a specific way you can contribute, whether through prayer, financial support, or volunteering your time and skills?
Day 3: The Power of Digital Media
SAT 7 uses satellite TV and digital media to broadcast the gospel to millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa. This approach allows the gospel to reach even the most restricted areas, making it accessible to those who have never heard it before. The use of smartphones and digital platforms is particularly effective in reaching the younger generation. [55:40]
In today's digital age, media plays a crucial role in spreading the gospel. SAT 7 has harnessed the power of satellite TV and digital media to reach millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa. This innovative approach allows the gospel to penetrate even the most restricted areas, where traditional methods of evangelism may not be possible. By broadcasting Christian teachings and worship services directly into people's homes, SAT 7 makes the message of Jesus Christ accessible to those who have never heard it before.
The use of smartphones and digital platforms is particularly effective in reaching the younger generation. Almost everyone in the Middle East and North Africa has a smartphone, making it a vital tool for accessing Christian content. SAT 7's digital content, available through apps like SAT 7 Plus, allows people to engage with the gospel on demand. This approach not only reaches a wider audience but also provides a convenient and flexible way for individuals to explore their faith.
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Reflection: Think about how you use digital media in your daily life. How can you leverage your online presence to share the gospel and support mission work like that of SAT 7?
Day 4: The Impact of the 2020 Lockdown
The lockdown in 2020 gave us a glimpse into the lives of isolated believers. During this time, SAT 7 saw a significant increase in viewership, demonstrating the hunger for the gospel in these regions. This period highlighted the importance of digital media in spreading the gospel and the need for continued support and prayer for isolated believers. [01:07:04]
The global lockdown in 2020 was a challenging time for many, but it also provided a unique opportunity to understand the experiences of isolated believers. During this period, SAT 7 saw a dramatic increase in viewership, as people turned to digital media for spiritual nourishment. This surge in engagement highlighted the deep hunger for the gospel in regions where religious practices are restricted. The isolation many of us experienced during the lockdown gave us a small taste of what isolated believers face daily.
This period underscored the importance of digital media in spreading the gospel. With traditional methods of evangelism hindered by restrictions, digital platforms became a lifeline for many seeking to connect with their faith. SAT 7's ability to broadcast Christian content directly into homes provided much-needed hope and encouragement to isolated believers. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue supporting and praying for these efforts, recognizing the vital role digital media plays in reaching those who need the gospel most.
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
Reflection: Reflect on your own experience during the lockdown. How did it affect your spiritual life? How can you use this experience to empathize with and pray for isolated believers who face similar challenges every day?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can change lives and bring hope to those in difficult circumstances. The act of turning on our phone lights symbolized our prayers for isolated believers, showing them that they are not alone. The videos of children from Iran and Afghanistan praying for their nations demonstrated the impact of SAT 7's work and the importance of raising the next generation to support each other in faith. [01:09:48]
Prayer is a powerful and transformative tool that can bring hope and change to even the most challenging circumstances. During our gathering, we symbolized our prayers for isolated believers by turning on our phone lights, creating a visual representation of our solidarity and support. This simple act showed isolated believers that they are not alone and that we are standing with them in prayer. It was a powerful reminder of the impact our prayers can have on those who are struggling to practice their faith.
The videos of children from Iran and Afghanistan praying for their nations further highlighted the importance of prayer and the impact of SAT 7's work. Despite their difficult circumstances, these children are learning to pray and support each other, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. By raising the next generation to be strong in their faith and to support one another, we can ensure that the message of Jesus Christ continues to spread and bring hope to those who need it most.
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a specific person or group of people who are facing difficult circumstances. Spend time today praying for them, asking God to bring hope and transformation to their lives.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The news outlet. Usually. Usually gives you some news, right? We all listen to the news, but they're not giving you the good news. They can't broadcast the good news. Do you know why? Because if they broadcast the good news, they will run out of business. But in God's business, you don't hear anything but the good news." [01:02:23]
2. "So if one of your neighbors speak any of those languages, if you, somebody stopped you speak any of those languages, tell them to download this app and that will be the first time or their way to know about Jesus. So please take that and, uh, do that. I know that you're praying for people over there because before I let you hear from people in the Middle East and North Africa, and since your phones. Are up, would you do me a favor and turn your phone to where there is something called the light shows the light like that." [01:04:46]
3. "So you met one. At least from your family, if you're next door, you were isolated. You were getting a little bit of what people are suffering back in the Middle East and North Africa of being not only isolated at home, but isolated in their beliefs. They cannot share. Otherwise they'll be killed." [01:07:04]
4. "So basically, if you forgot all what I said, and then you remember one thing about seven, I would like you to repeat with me this phrase that you're going to show in a second. So why this model is unique? Because we deliver theology through technology. Say with me, theology through technology. So it's the theology, but it's also the technology through the technology." [01:00:39]
5. "So remember these things. Isolated believers, worship the Lord, and proclaim his name. Now, you will help me with a couple of things over here. One is to read the verses with me. And two is whenever you see a red color on the verse, you raise your tone a little bit more. Okay? There is a reason for that. And it will help you to have some certain of joy and certainty as you read that." [51:44]
### Quotes for Members
1. "But here's the numbers. 2020 lockdown. But here's the increase of the number 90% of the kids, 90% of the kids channel viewers, 120% of the Turkish channels. People would like to know more about Christ and then the education and because no schools were created online schools for school for kids, then that was over 300,000. Can you imagine that? 97% of those never heard the gospel and now getting to be served and numbers are growing." [01:07:04]
2. "So to the third video. might actually come true one day yeah that was worth watching right yeah it is very encouraging to see that the life of Christina was turned a couple of times one when she was watching set seven as a kid to when she lost her dad broken she got broken before get great things happens so if you haven't heard this message yes last week from Pastor Guy please go back and read it about she was broken before she is now helping other kids so Christina is your child you raised her up you made her who she is right now so thank you church for standing with all the missionaries represented in all the tables on there and please when you get out from here stop at the table take one" [01:19:53]
3. "So you met one. At least from your family, if you're next door, you were isolated. You were getting a little bit of what people are suffering back in the Middle East and North Africa of being not only isolated at home, but isolated in their beliefs. They cannot share. Otherwise they'll be killed. But here's the numbers. 2020 lockdown. But here's the increase of the number 90% of the kids, 90% of the kids channel viewers, 120% of the Turkish channels. People would like to know more about Christ and then the education and because no schools were created online schools for school for kids, then that was over 300,000. Can you imagine that? 97% of those never heard the gospel and now getting to be served and numbers are growing." [01:07:04]
4. "So if one of your neighbors speak any of those languages, if you, somebody stopped you speak any of those languages, tell them to download this app and that will be the first time or their way to know about Jesus. So please take that and, uh, do that. I know that you're praying for people over there because before I let you hear from people in the Middle East and North Africa, and since your phones. Are up, would you do me a favor and turn your phone to where there is something called the light shows the light like that. Can you turn the lights on? If we can them a little bit of the light on the stage, that would be great. And if you allow me, this is, we'll show the lights, but it's not going to show your faces, but I will want to take a picture and send it to the people of Middle East and North Africa and tell them that every light in that place is praying for you. So that will be the message from the church to the suffering church in the Middle East and North Africa. Would you be okay to do that? Okay, let me take pictures. Wow, that's beautiful. And you know what? I cannot really resist taking a selfie here with you guys. Thank you. Thank you, church. Every time you do that or turn on your lights, remember to pray for some of the believers in Middle East and North Africa. What are the numbers that we're talking about? Since we're talking about millions of peoples, do you think, okay, our contribution is very little. We're not doing much here as a church or people." [01:04:46]
5. "So basically, if you forgot all what I said, and then you remember one thing about seven, I would like you to repeat with me this phrase that you're going to show in a second. So why this model is unique? Because we deliver theology through technology. Say with me, theology through technology. So it's the theology, but it's also the technology through the technology. Well, if you were here like maybe three weeks ago, Pastor Guy said something very unique. He always say unique stuff, but that was very, very contributing about the knowledge and about wisdom. Right? So the knowledge is a theology. The wisdom is how do you send the theology through technology? So one of the. One of the good things he said, it's about tomato. Do you remember that? Anybody remember the knowledge and wisdom about tomato? No. Okay. So knowledge is knowing that tomato is fruit, right? But the wisdom is knowing never to put tomato in a fruit salad." [01:00:39]
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