Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is
something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
(NIV)
I am fascinated by the current cinematic
trend of remaking or re-envisioning old movies. For the last couple of years,
it’s been difficult to find an original story or completely new series of
pictures. Hollywood seems pre-occupied with retelling old tales with new actors
and brilliant special effects, yet no matter how wonderful these remakes appear
to be, it’s just the same old story presented in a different style or new media
form.
As I watch crowds of people lining
up at the movie theaters, it makes me wonder if the church could not learn something
from this post-modern phenomena. Are there new ways to retell God’s stories?
Should we seriously consider using innovative media techniques to present our
worship, our Bible studies, our programs, and our missions in order to reach a
wider community?
The answer is, of course, ‘Yes.’
Christianity has always been good at adapting its faith to new innovative
processes. The Gospel writers used commonly spoken Greek instead of obscure
Aramaic to spread Christ’s message. The Reformers employed the printing press
to produce Bibles in distinctive European languages to expand Protestantism.
Missionaries travelled the entire world using ships, trains, automobiles, and
planes to take the Gospel to other nations and indigenous peoples. And today,
Christian pastors use the internet by uploading sermons, writing blogs, and
posting pictures to reach people in their homes all over the world.
A long, long time ago, in Galilee far
away, Jesus Christ lived, bringing a message of hope to His people and the rest
of the world. His story is our history and we are the messengers of His words,
works, and ways in our own homes, churches, and communities today. The Gospel
may be almost 2000 years old, but its teaching is still relevant for every human
being on this planet. As Christians, it’s up to us to present that old message
in new forms, whether it be by texting Bible texts, sharing prayers on
Facebook, or writing devotional blogs. The opportunities are both amazing and
boundless: it’s up to us to use them to glorify God and expand Christ’s Kingdom
across the globe.
Questions for personal reflection
How has my faith
been shaped by current technology? How am I using that technology to share my
faith?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we live in amazing times
and have wonderful resources to share Your Gospel message with our families and
friends, as well as our neighbors and strangers. Grant us new opportunities to
express our faith in positive ways using the technology at our disposal. In
Your Holy Name, we share and pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to ask questions or share your ideas about today’s message,
please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest Christmas drawings called “Messenger of the
Miracle.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this
link: Messenger.
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