Mark 1; John 15
Intro: Have you ever heard of a Luddite?
1811 Nottingham, response to loss of jobs in textile industry
Because of wide-framed automated looms… Blame the new
Technology, resist the industrial revolution, Destroy machines!
Luddite = People opposed to industrialization, automation, computerization and technology in general!
• Nine days with no TV, Wi-fi, phone service… Paradise!
T/S – I want to spend a few weeks discussing the subtle dangers of our
New technologies—
Hand held computers that keep us constantly connected
First, Acknowledge the Benefits… Many and significant…
ν Luther and the Press; Graham and the TV
t/s – Consider with me… Could there be some traps, some subtle slippery spots, in this new ground?
• Text Neck; Smartphone Syndrome; Blackberry thumb; ipad shoulder… Researchers from Harvard’s school of public health, Temple University & American Public Health Association… Physical conditions caused by chronic use.
t/s – If subtle physical impacts not anticipated… could there
also be SUBTLE social, relational & spiritual injuries..
How are these smart phones impacting the way we
View the world; Live; relate to our families, to God?
T/S – I see some Subtle Spiritual Traps of New Technologies
• Attracted to Information Avoid Intimacy
• Pursue Wide Exposure/Fame Neglect Depth/Fruit
• Welcome Filtered Fantasy Lose appetite for Reality
• Embrace the Global Ignore the Local
• Strive for Significance Shun Service
• Abundance of Awareness Utter Lack of Focus
• We are Everywhere, Anywhere, Elsewhere… No where!
t/s – I offer Two Words to Warn about these Technology Traps..
Be Present (Bright Orange Road Sign at Every Turn of Day)
The Essential Connections of Life.
ILL – Flight from Dallas (30 minutes)
• 40 year old man forced by stewardess to turn off phone
• As soon as tired touched runway…fumbled for phone!
• Really? Like it was his only source of oxygen!
What are the Essential Connections of Life?
Today, First, Connecting at the Core; Connecting with the Lord
Learning to Be Present with the Lord.
John 15: 1-5 Our Lord’s Instruction
“Abide” = connect!
• Not knowing (ideas), but Knowing (intimacy)
• Not Fame, but Fruit
• Disciples Live Connected with Me!
ILL – Transfiguration (Mark 9:8)
This Is My Beloved Son; Listen to Him!
Ill – Apple’s “Bars” measures the strength of connection.
(how many decibels in signal from tower)
Connection = Signal from tower & Noise from congestion
App – In Connection with Christ….How Many Bars do you Have?
• Distance and Congestion… Close and Clear
Mark 1: 35-38 Our Lord’s Example
Exp – Disciplined, intentional boundaries of Time and Place to Pray;
to Maintain His Connection with the Father!
His Connection at the Core protected Him from …
…the pressures and pulls of His Peers and the Public.
Everybody had a good idea for Jesus… He Lived with Focus!
Today, New Technologies bring a 24 hour, all access onslaught that respects few boundaries.
We need Boundaries of time and place, AND Technology!
ILL – I stopped using my phone as Scripture guide
(I am too weak!)
Text, Call, Message…. Beep or Buzz…
….Miles away on the World-wide Web!
App – Are you Living, Listening to Jesus? Do you Abide in Him?
Boundaries
• No Smart Phone until QT finished in AM
• No Smart Phone of Sunday!
• Build some No Phone Zones (times & places)
Concl./Inv. – We are Created for Connection!
Jesus Died on Cross to Bring You to God.
The Essential Connection…Core Connection!
I Love the Post-Resurrection Accounts in NT (Risen Lord)
• Disciples in boat recognize Jesus on shore!
• John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
• On shore Jesus has a little fire, coals, fish & bread; He invites them to breakfast by the Sea of Galilee as the sun rose in the morning…
• Imagine… Sitting with Jesus, listening, being fed…
ν Now, phone begins to vibrate in you pocket!
Build some boundaries Brother.
Be Present with the Lord… Maintain a strong Connection at the Core.
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