When Jesus was leaving this earth He commanded His disciples to spread the gospel around the world. Mark 16:15 "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
The ancient Roman roads started around 500 B.C. and spanned more than 250,000 miles. They enabled both their empire to grow and the gospel to advance rapidly. Fast forward ...... today's Roman roads are the Internet, smartphones, tablets, and social media. While the ancient roads connected hundreds of towns and cities, the new roads connect millions of homes and individuals. The new roads are ready for travel and technology has changed the game. In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg and Martin Luther both wanted to get Scripture into the hands of the masses. Centuries later, now in a new millennium technologies far exceed any they could have imagined. Not only do billions around the world now have access to the Bible online, and not only are many of them actually reading it, they're also actively engaging with the Word of God and with one another. While the message of the Gospel has not changed, the delivery of it has. No longer do we ask the question, "How many Bibles do you own?" but, "How accessible is the Bible to you....in various formats?" On your bookshelves you may have 3 hard copies but your smartphone may hold 400+ versions. Johannes Gutenberg and Martin Luther called the printing press "God's highest … act of grace, whereby the business of the gospel is driven forward." I wonder what they would think of computers and iPhones?
We are living in a time when technology is emerging faster than the church can comprehend, balance, or integrate. A 2012 statistic (it's now 2017) states that the first and last thing most people do every day– 80% of people between the age of 18 and 44, is check their phones. When they want to know an answer to a question, they use Google to find the answer. Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds has become a regular fixture of leisurely activity. Technology in evangelism started with the printing press, then the radio, next television, and now to the Internet to reach people for Christ like we’ve never been able to reach them before. Just look at the amazing advances in information and the technological changes we’ve witnessed in just the last few years! Technology has advanced to the point where we can literally reach across the entire world. As a matter of fact, Billy Graham’s last crusade was broadcast through the Internet and radio literally to every country on the planet. He had more people with the potential to listen to that crusade than any time in human history. It is my personal belief that in this end time; the age in which we are living, the Lord is giving the Church as an institution and His people the means to fulfill the need - go out and reach people for Christ using the new technologies that are at our disposal.
When I look at the statistics for this blog, as well as another blog MyFathersSermons@blogspot.com (anointed sermons by the former Rev. David A. Raynor Sr.) we know the truth. We have people literally all over the world coming in and checking out the Gospel message that we’ve put just on these two websites alone. You must keep in mind that the main reason people go on these platforms is to gain knowledge, whether they want to learn what their friends or other people are posting, watch a video or to interact with their favorite brands or personalities. We as Christians have something to share just like everyone else who goes on these platforms! Don't you agree? However, the church should always remain focused on the primary calling but social media can certainly help spread The Word. Remember, it is our mission to give hope and advance the Kingdom of God. Many people are starving for an encouraging or hope filled word. Let's give them something to hear about Jesus that will point them in the right direction and potentially change their lives forever.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalms 19:14).
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