TECHNOLOGY
AND GOD'S WORK
I
wish to apologize to all who use this page in their studies. If you use the
page on any regular basis, you are aware that it has not been available
recently.
The
fault is mostly mine. My domain name, biblestudypage.com, expired and was sold
to another person. The expiration occurred because of a series of events and
misunderstandings. After much effort, and some extra cost, I was able to secure
the domain again, and I believe the problem will not repeat itself. I am
sincerely sorry if you have needed any information from the page and it has not
been available.
Now let us consider the
thought expressed in our heading. Jesus charged his apostles, and through them
us, to " Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
always, even unto the end of the world" (Mt. 28:19-20). The work of teaching belongs to all of
us, as far as we have ability and opportunity to accomplish it. The order of
how this happens is given in II Timothy 2:2; "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach
others also."
Not all Christians have
the same ability to teach, and that is according to the plan God had for his
church. "Having then gifts
differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us
prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching (Rom. 12:6,7).
However, teaching can
be done by many methods. Some brethren have a good working knowledge of the
scriptures, but little ability to express it publicly or orally. But these same
brothers or sisters may have great talent in computer graphics, layout and
writing ability. They need to use those talents in our society.
An example has
developed in the vacation Bible school at the Paden City church of Christ.
Usually, our VBS is based on two or three series’ of material sold by
bookstores. But a few years ago, the elders met with members and teachers and
suggested that they try making their own material. The result has been some
excellent material, based on subjects chosen by the teachers and elders. The
ability displayed by some has been amazing and otherwise probably would have
remained unknown.
The point: Look for
ways to use your abilities to teach. Not everyone is a good public speaker
(some said Paul wasn't, II Cor. 10:10), but you may have other talents that can
be useful in this age of technology.
This Web page, as well
as those by many other brethren, is an example of the use of modern technology
to teach. As I continue to build this page, I'm amazed at the work of many of
my brothers who have material on the Web. Congregations also have used this
technology to allow members who have the ability to make Web pages for their
use. They range from the simple to complex, but in most cases they at least
make it easier to find a church in an area or state.
Such efforts offer
opportunities for writing, listing sermon outlines and class materials,
designing graphics, providing directions to the building and the times of
services, and more. Some may be able to use their technology talents to teach
or assist in teaching.
No technology should be
used just because it is available. However, if there is a need, and use of
certain modern technologies will assist in fulfilling that need, then they
should be considered.
Both individuals and
congregations need to consider the responsibility that God gave us to teach. It
might be by writing on the ground (John 8:6), painting charts on sheets,
outlining lessons on the chalkboard, or producing sermons on PowerPoint, but
teach we must.
May we all consider our
talents and make every effort to use them in service to God. What can you do?
Jack