Screens & Souls Week 1: Blessings Message Summary: While it is easy to turn the latest technology into the latest villain, the Bible (and Christians who love the Bible) see the blessing in scientific progress. Think of what animal hides, parchment, and ink meant to the prophets and the apostles. Think of what the printing press meant to Martin Luther. Think of what the Bible App means to us today. Let us thank God for those who develop new ways for the Word to reach to the ends of the earth and fulfill Jesus’ great mission for his Church! ✦ Technology is a tension for the world. ✦ Matthew 28:19-20 — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ✦ Romans 1:10-13 — …and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. ✦ 2 Timothy 4:13 — When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. ✦ Paul leveraged technology for roots. ✦ Romans 10:14-15, 17 — How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”…Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. ✦ 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 — I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. ✦ Technology is a tool for the Church! Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Have you ever thought of the New Testament letters as the apostles’ way of leveraging technology for the sake of Jesus? What other ways did the early Christians use the latest inventions in their mission to make more disciples? GROUP — Use some form of technology to encourage at least five people this week. For example, copy and paste a Bible passage and text it to a friend who needs some hope in their life. GROW — Do you have the YouVersion Bible App downloaded and located in a visible spot on your devices? If not, get connected to the world’s most popular Bible app. GIVE — Many followers of Jesus find that technology helps them be consistently generous with their money. Do you believe that auto-give features are a blessing or a bad thing when it comes to our faith? GO — Use some form of technology to invite at least one person to join you for church next week. Homework: Psalm 101:1-4