The gospel of Jesus and technology

Posted on October 16, 2015 by | Comments Off on The gospel of Jesus and technology
© Pamela Hodson Dreamstime Stock Photos

Image © Pamela Hodson Dreamstime Stock Photos

Technology is all around us and can be a very powerful tool, increasing our productivity or even expanding the reach of the gospel. It can also be a great distraction, often keeping us from being as productive as we possibly could be throughout the day. Earlier this morning as I was on Facebook taking a break from grading exams, I and an acquaintance of mine began discussing whether the Lord would approve of Christians linking the gospel of Jesus and technology. Folks, keep in mind that I have never been to Bible college or any seminary. I simply began studying the Bible the way that I studied for the various exams in graduate school. In other words, I approach the Bible with an understanding based on common sense and that the Bible says what it means.

Jesus and technology – an implied understanding

Within the Bible there is no mention of the use of contemporary technology such as television, radio, Internet, or even text messaging. We all have seen the postings on Facebook that tell us that if we really love Jesus we will post something on our wall or share it (and I can tell you this, posting a picture of a cross or of some artist’s interpretation of what Jesus looks like does not mean the person sharing it is a Christian). Yet, various radio ministries have been in existence for nearly a hundred years. In fact, KHJ-AM Radio which began broadcasting in April 1922 (the three-letter call sign was the initials for Kindness, Happiness and Joy, a part of the Immaculate Heart Radio Network founded in the early 1920s) was the first FCC licensed Christian broadcaster in the nation. From those humble beginnings of early mass communication, the gospel of Jesus has expanded its reach as new mediums for mass communications have become available. With each new development, there are men and women who feel led by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel using the latest developments in mass communications technology. In fact, even in the days of the disciples, the gospel of Jesus and technology have always had a close relationship.

Within the book of Acts, it is recorded that Jesus told His disciples: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). As they heard Jesus charge them with spreading the gospel message to the uttermost parts of the world, there had to have been a feeling of being given an overwhelming challenge. In our era and with the use of modern technology, today’s Christian can actively participate in the spread of the gospel to those uttermost parts of the world. Even this website is viewed in eighty-six countries – more countries than I could ever visit in one lifetime! Whether it is through a website such as this one, a YouTube channel, or through a simple text message, technology can and should be used to expand the reach of the gospel.

Jesus expected the disciples to use whatever means they had at their disposal to spread His gospel. Paul wrote, And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15) as a testimony to the most obvious means of sharing the message of Jesus – the feet of the believer. The other way the disciples possessed is stated by John, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13). One involves being there in a literal presence, sharing the gospel by presenting to a specific audience. The other is to send the message of the gospel to be presented by some other indirect means of presentation – such as the writing of this letter by John. With either case, we see the gospel of Jesus and technology working together to reach the lost. It reminds me of the verse, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

Technology does not excuse us from personal evangelism

While it is possible to reach others for Jesus through Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, our use of technology does not excuse us from our responsibilities of personal evangelism. After Jesus’ resurrection, He met with the remaining eleven disciples and he charged them, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). The disciples were given the personal responsibility to go out and to share the gospel with all they would come across. Our personal evangelism efforts must be sincere. Each of us have a story of what the Lord has done for us; without any great training, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29). The book of John tells us this woman at the well, after meeting Jesus and realizing she was in the presence of the Messiah, went out and immediately brought others to Him.  She had experienced the saving grace of Jesus and wanted all around her to experience the same peace, joy, and forgiveness she enjoyed. 

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Bringing out the best in others

Posted on September 28, 2015 by | Comments Off on Bringing out the best in others

best in othersBringing out the best in others seems to be something that every Christian must be focused. In our society today we often witness the opposite happening in our homes, churches, schools, and the workplace. It seems that wherever we go, we witness people tearing others down. Even in our churches, we see the results of envy, jealousy, and strife as Christians take part in this strange and worldly ritual. Paul, often considered as the one apostle that had the most influence over the formation of the New Testament church, wrote, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:23-24).

According to the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, provoke means to arouse to a feeling or action, to call forth, to stir up purposefully, or to offer stimulation for something. As I began to think about this passage of scripture, it became clear to me that Paul is reminding Christians to encourage others to not only be faithful to the style of living that Christ has called them to do, but to pass on the encouragement to others. If we look at this principle when applied to other areas of our life, such as dieting and exercise, programs like MyFitnessPal, the Veteran’s Administration’s program, “Let’s Move,” and Weight Watchers all share some common concepts – people are more likely to lose weight when they are part of a group of people who share the same goal. Each program uses positive peer encouragement to encourage each member to lose weight. It is this very idea that Paul is trying to encourage Christians to do for one another.

Paul continued in his encouragement, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). I’ve heard many preachers discuss this verse as referring to regular church attendance – especially on Sunday, but I have become convinced that it is so much more than that. If we are truly to bring out the best in others it cannot be left to just an hour or two on Sunday. It is within the context of Paul’s second letter to Corinth where he writes, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).  Again, I have heard pastors and evangelists use this verse as a basis for Christians not marrying other Christians, but I think there is much more to this verse than that. As Christians, we are to seek one another out especially as we begin to see the trials, temptations, and personal tribulations approaching. We are also to seek each other out as we watch society deteriorating around us and evil, ungodly practices becoming more mainstream. For this reason, Paul warns us not to be unequally yoked with non-believers. I think of the story of Lott and how at first, he pitched his tent towards Sodom but by the time of the city’s judgment and destruction by God, Lott was living within the walls of Sodom and living comfortably within a sin-sick society.

What Lott was missing was a person of similar faith to strengthen his resolve to live in the way that would be pleasing to the Lord. Solomon, considered as the wisest of all the kings of the ancient world, wrote Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). I know that many will point towards his wife and say that she should have been his balance and should have been able to encourage him to stay strong in his faith. In reality, that rarely works, which is why programs like Promise Keepers, Weight Watchers, and others encourage us to get people other than our spouses and family members to whom we become accountable. We are not being honest with ourselves when we try to take short-cuts in this area. We need the ability to be frankly honest with whomever is our spiritual accountability partner and they must feel complete freedom to edify and teach us as well. It is through this that Christians are to bring out the best in others.

I’ve got a few men in my life who I will often ask them for guidance, opinions, and prayer simply because they are men of a similar faith to mine. Just as Solomon wrote, our friendships should be those which sharpens our faith, improves our walk with the Lord, and encourages us in our relationship with the Lord and with our family. 

 

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The just shall live by faith

Posted on September 14, 2015 by | Comments Off on The just shall live by faith

bible_and_candle_krx5 In the book of Hosea there’s a verse that reads, Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein (Hosea 14:9). As I was doing my personal Bible reading and study on Friday, there was a phrase that caught my eye, “and the just shall walk in them.” I immediately thought of the verse that the Holy Spirit laid upon the heart of Paul as he wrote, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

The Bible speaks of being just and sets the standards

I decided to do a key phrase search of the Bible using “just shall” as a starting point. What amazed me is that there are seven verses with that exact phrase; three of them are found in the New Testament. Of all the verses where this phrase is used really stands out: Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10:38). This is one of the first standards we must have when it comes to our faith in Jesus. Even Jesus warns us of splitting our loyalties: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). There have been times in my own life that I’ve tried to serve the Lord while at the same time trying to appease the world. Instead of fully understanding or even attempting to understand what the Lord would have me do, I didn’t realize God had placed a higher standard on me than even my employer had: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Colossians 3:23). When we simply accept, by faith, that everything we do, whether it be for our children, our spouse, or even our employer, we should have the attitude that we are doing it for the Lord. It then becomes clear that “good enough for government work” simply doesn’t measure up to the standard of the just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38a).

Paul, in explaining the purpose of faith in Jesus, wrote, But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11). Paul is explaining the meaning of a verse written by the prophet Habakkuk: Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4). What the Old Testament prophet is telling us is the very same thing John the Baptist was trying to teach those who listened to him: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him (John 3:36). Our faith comes in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; this is what the verse in Habakkuk means – our souls are lifted up by nothing that we do of ourselves. It does not come from inside us but comes from the Lord. Because of this, the just – those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior – the Lord lifts up our souls. We are no longer weighted down by the wages of sin.

So, the three standards that seemed to be the most obvious to me are: 1) Once we become a born-again believer, we are to forsake any standard but the ones set by the Lord. 2) We must accept that anything we do we are doing it for the Lord. Anything else would be like having two masters. 3). Realize that our faith and our walk are to be a product of what Jesus has done for us through the gift of salvation. When we adopt these three scripturally based standards, we become liberated from the constraints of the world: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36). We become the servant of only one master, performing all of our responsibilities to one set of standards, and are able to keep a clear conscience as we live from day-to-day.

And the just shall walk in them…

The verse I shared at the beginning of this entry, Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein (Hosea 14:9), has another standard that we often miss in our day. Hosea essentially asks the reader questions about who is wise and will understand – and then provides the answer. He tells us that those who are just will not only understand the teachings of the Lord, but will also understand they are right and will do what has been taught. Jesus taught this very concept during His earthly ministry: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). It doesn’t do any good to call ourselves Christians if we are unwilling to live by the principles and standards that Jesus sets before us. What I take from this verse is that if I am going to call myself a follower and disciple of Jesus then I must be willing to live according to His plan.

Continued on next page.

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