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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.
