Abundant Life: October 2010

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The Christian in a World of Technology

If there is anything that marks our world today it is the incredible acceptance and dominance of technology. From DVD players to cell phones to GPS navigational systems on the dashboard (or in the dashboard!) everywhere we look we see some kind of gizmo, gadget or device that has a screen and micro-chips and processors and promises to make our life better and easier. Of course, much of the technology around us does precisely that. I don’t miss paper maps at all (who could ever fold those things!). Mapquest.com and my TomTom GPS are much easier. I love my iPod and all the music it can hold. PowerPoint is far superior to old bedsheet charts and overhead projectors. On and on we could go. Technology does improve the quality of our lives in many ways.

Dangers and Temptations of Technology

Technology has brought many changes to our lives. I am sure many people can look back and see how different things were ten, twenty or even thirty years ago. Today, most people have a cell phone, a computer, or even a cell phone that is more advanced that my first computer over twenty years ago! With all of the advancements in technology, our lives have been changed at the same time. We use computers and cell phones to stay in touch with people. Computers make certain parts of our work faster and easier. At the same time, perhaps technology can be a problem in our lives as well.

FaceBook and the Christian

In just over six years of existence, Facebook is the largest social networking website and now boasts over 500 million active users. Facebook is a household word. Two years ago, I jumped in feet first and have amassed over 750 “friends” in that time.

Using Technology to Spread the Gospel

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” (Mat. 28:18,19a). This command of Jesus set the course for the apostles and ordinary Christians alike (Acts 8:4). On foot, by sea, and by letter, the Gospel message spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth.