Let's Go Back to the Bible

Paul, Palm Beach Lakes and the Internet

Wow! Were you as impressed as I was with the revelation of our new and improved website this past Sunday morning? What a fabulous tool for the spreading of the gospel! We were so disappointed that someone hacked into our site the second Sunday of October and wrecked the site. Thankfully, we were already planning to update and improve the site this next year and this adversity just enabled us to improve the site ahead of time. Thanks to all of those who worked so tirelessly to make it a reality.

As I thought about the use of the internet, I got to thinking about how Paul used epistles for a “first century internet” connection with others. There are many aspects of the internet—Facebook, Twitter, blogs, emails just to name a few. While these have been used by the ungodly, what a blessing they can be for us as an avenue to do good.

Consider how Paul used that “first century internet.”

He used the internet to let others know he was praying for them and how special they were to him (Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; 2 Cor. 13:7; Eph. 1:16; Phil. 1:3-4; Col. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:3; Phile. 4). If Paul lived in our day, would he not be doing the same? What about you?

He used the internet to give reports and updates on the sick. The church at Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul in Rome. After he arrived in Rome he became sick, so Paul used the internet to let them know of his recovery.

He used the internet to recommend reading material to others. When he wrote the church in Colosse he told them to read the letter he wrote to the church in Laodicea.

He used the internet to send greetings to personal friends. When he wrote the church at Rome he used that “first century internet” to send greetings to more than 20 friends.

He used the internet to publicly praise others. There was that time when Paul was disappointed in the actions of John Mark, but he found a way to let others know that Mark had since proved his usefulness to the Lord (2 Tim. 4:11).

He used the internet to send personal, important messages. Paul told Timothy to bring Paul’s cloak because winter was approaching. He asked the young preacher to bring books and parchment (2 Tim. 4:13, 21).

I hope you see the blessing we have in our day to use technology for good.

Be sure to tell others about our website!