One of my favorite television programs to watch is called Wild West Tech. It chronicles the technological advancements that helped shaped the old west. It can be anything from a safer train to better ways of execution. What fascinates me about this program is the willingness of the people in the 1800’s to accept these advancements to help improve their everyday lives. After all, who doesn’t want to be hung from the gallows in the most efficient way?
Technology interests me, especially in preaching the Gospel. We have been given the task to take the Gospel into all the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16) whether in the local pulpit or across the ocean, and the advancements in technology help us do that. I’ve used just about all of them. I’ve written sermons using pencil, pen, typewriter, computer and most recently with the iPad. I’ve used bed sheets, chalk boards, white boards, overhead projectors and PowerPoint to give the lessons a visual effect. I’ve recorded sermons on tape, CD and the Internet. I have and will probably continue to seek out and use the latest technology in my work as a minister.
However, there is something that will never change—the pure, unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ. The reason being is because Jesus and His Word never change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Yes, the methods by which the Gospel is transmitted may change, but the Word of God will not change. Take note of what Jeremiah wrote. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Some will even go so far as to minimize the Gospel as the power of salvation in favor of the technology, claiming that it is the draw to Christ. However, this is not what Paul wrote in Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
The message of Jesus Christ must always be our focus. Technology can help us deliver the soul-saving message of God, but when it supersedes the Great Commission, it must be left behind. The Gospel of Christ takes a backseat to no visual display!
