Following Jesus in Digital Babylon (01.20.22)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re going to be talking about how to be faithful disciples in our digital society. A few days ago I finished reading the book, Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock. The focus of the book was about raising young people in our current culture to be faithful as they grow up, but the principles in it will apply to all of us. So we’re going to talk about some of the lessons from this book today.Continue Reading

Book Review: The Wisdom Pyramid

The Wisdom Pyramid (cover)With the rise of the internet and the instantaneous communication and continuous stream of information that is now available to us through our computers and smart phones, there is a real danger that we may be consuming too much of what is harmful, frivolous, inaccurate, and inferior, and not enough of what can provide us with the wisdom that comes from above. As we learn how to manage our use of such technology, we need to make sure we keep it in its proper place so that (1) it does not hinder our pursuit of God and His wisdom and (2) we can actually derive some benefit from this technology. (Yes, both are possible.)

After seeing a recommendation for this book – The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken – I immediately put it on my reading list because it seemed like an essential topic. I finished reading it about six weeks ago and would definitely recommend it.Continue Reading

The Ancient Paths in a Digital Age (09.23.21)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

Last week we talked about one of the wrong ways to use social media. However, just because there’s a wrong way to use it does not mean that we should not use it at all. There is good that can be done IF we use it the right way. We’re going to talk about how we can do that today.

The episode today is from an article that I posted a few months ago – The Ancient Paths in a Digital Age. We’ll be going over the points made in that article today.

Related material:

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The Number of Adults Who Are “Almost Constantly” on the Internet (05.06.21)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re going to be talking about how much Americans use the internet – particularly those who say they are “almost constantly” online. This is an opportunity to examine ourselves and our use of the internet. It also gives us something to consider as to what opportunities this puts before us in terms of reaching people with the gospel.Continue Reading

The Ancient Paths in a Digital Age

Man with Phone and Bible

Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it”’” (Jeremiah 6:16).

In the context of the passage above, God’s people had departed from His ways; therefore, judgment was coming against them. However, God offered them an opportunity to repent and avoid calamity – to return to the “ancient paths.” Sadly though, they were not willing to do this.

Today, while so many have turned from God, there are still faithful individuals like Jeremiah who echo this call – to return to God and His word and to follow the Lord’s ways. Even with all of the changes and advancements that have taken place in our society, this message is still just as needed.

Regarding the changes and advancements we have seen in our time, perhaps the most significant is the rise of the internet and social media. It has been noted that we are living through “the biggest communication shift in the last 500 years.”* We are now able to communicate with people all around the world and do so instantly. We have access to more information than at any time in human history. The advent of the internet and social media has been as significant in our time as the invention of the printing press was in its time. Of course, not everyone was able to read then, just as not everyone uses the internet and social media today; but its impact is undeniable.

There are many potential uses for digital communication and social media – news, information, entertainment, sports, connecting with family and friends, and so on. However, what we want to focus on here is how we can potentially use these mediums for good and to help lead others to Christ.Continue Reading

Modern Methods of Giving

Texting

[Note: The following article was included in the updated edition of my study, Now Concerning the Collection: A Study of Giving. I am posting it here for the benefit of others who may be considering different methods of giving that have been made available by our modern technology.]

I wrote the original study, Now Concerning the Collection, in 2006 after preaching a lesson (by request) on the topic of giving. At that time, the standard practice for churches to take up the collection – at least the congregations where I had attended – was to pass a basket down each pew into which those in attendance would place their contribution, either in the form of cash or check. This was the way we took up the collection.

Over the fourteen years since then, we have seen many changes that have taken place in our world – including changes in how we use money and make transactions. Many churches now offer online giving that allows someone to give using a credit or debit card online. Other churches offer the option of text giving (via text message) or a mobile giving app.Continue Reading

Social Issues (Part 10): Technology

Social Issues

Technological advancements continue to be made all around us. Innovations in transportation, construction, medicine, warfare, communication and more have dramatically changed the lives of all.

Technology in itself is neither good or bad. We are to judge whether any given technological advancement is helpful or detrimental based upon two factors: (1) what the technology is helping us do and (2) what our attitude is toward the technology. If technology is helping us do something that is sinful, then it is wrong – not because the technology is bad, but because the behavior is. Attitudes toward technology can vary widely from those who reject nearly all modern conveniences (ex: the Amish) to those who eagerly and without consideration embrace every new technology that comes along.Continue Reading