Does technology have a part to play in fulfillment of the great commission? The answer is, Yes, it does. Christ said in Mark 16:15-16 “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Before the invention of technology, one may wonder how long (if possible) it will take for the gospel of Christ to get to every creature in the whole world. But today we know that is very possible because of the semi-omnipresent nature of the internet which has the capacity to bring our message in front of thousands and millions of people or community at the same time, with no reduced fervor. When Christ said we should “Go” into all the world, he means touching every sphere of life and system – the political, cultural, traditional etc. and if there is any time to do so, it is now with technology at our disposal. Unfortunately, only a fair number of Christians or assembly are harnessing the opportunity our today world has given us in bringing souls to the Lord; no wonder Christ said in Matthew 9:37 “…The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” because millions of people around the world have access to a mobile device and are connected to the world through their smart phones but we are lacking in the ability to use the same advantage for God’s glory.
It’s a good thing that a number of Christians and churches now embrace technological advent with Christ’s goal in mind as opposed to before. To the glory of God our eyes are becoming open to know the mind of God in using everything we can for the furtherance of his gospel.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 tells us to cast our bread upon the waters, for we shall find it after many days. When we sow in the water we are not sure where our seed might possibly germinate because we don’t know where the water pushes it before it finally takes root. The world is the water and Jesus is that bread that we must sow in it. If this is true, then technology will help us spread it even faster.
Technology in view of the Scripture
Luke 8:5-8 “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
The summary of the verse stated above captures one word – SPREADING. It obviously did not promise us a hassle free spreading of the gospel but a persistent continuity. Whether we are doing this traditionally or via the internet, we would see positive result if we continue in the midst of oppositions.
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
We can be sure that the Savior is fully involved in the work he committed into our hands and will not stop working through us as long as we comply; teaching all nations. Nations as used here means more than just countries but tribes, languages and tongues – drawing its meaning from the original Greek, ethnos. That is to say that the Bible still need to be translated into more and more languages in other to reach men and women in the most remote corners of the earth with the gospel.
It is clear then that the church cannot deny the importance and usefulness of technology neither can it say, “I have no need of you.” (1 Corinthians 12:21) because believe it or not, it is going to aid the fulfillment of the great commission which will lead to Christ’s second coming. From the beginning of creation, He has always discouraged whatever poses a hindrance to his full plan and program for man. As far back as Genesis, when the sons of men embarked on the project of building a city and a tower whose top will reach unto heaven, God came down and their confounded their language because their project was running contrary to the express pronouncement and will of God in Genesis 1:28. They wanted to remain at a spot but it is the will of God that they fill the earth. The same applies to us today. As redeemed children of God, we cannot remain at a spot and think we are paving our way to heaven but by filling the earth with the knowledge of God. When we do this, then are we going to bring the kingdom in no time. So the question is, are you spreading? We have technology at our disposal!
Isaiah 11:9 NKJV
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
Born in the Western part of Nigeria, is a teacher of God’s word and a promoter of purposeful living. She is on a mission to bring humanity closer to God through her inspired God-centered teachings, and help Christians live their lives in full for God’s glory