As You Enter the Information Age

In the last twenty years, man has made so many advances in communications that some are calling our day a new revolution, like the Industrial Revolution of the latter 1800s. We are entering-and indeed, are already in-the information age.

Our age has become one of cordless and cellular phones, modems, laptop and palmtop computers, networks, downloading, surfing the net, chips, megs, hard drives, software, video clips, CD ROMs, e-mail, and the list could go on and on.

To the uninitiated, the wide array of electronic gadgets and capabilities can be bewildering. And those in the know tell us more is on the way: computers will get smaller and more powerful, communication capabilities and options will keep increasing.

But in spite of man's technological advancement, he has not solved his sin problem. Only the truth can help him. God's truth remains unchanged. God's Word-the Bible-is truth. Whether we read it in a book, hear it on a cassette or record, display it on a computer screen, receive it over the airwaves, or memorize and recall it from memory, God's Word is truth.

Information is necessary for living. But in our pursuit of knowledge let's not become like those the Bible tells about who are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). We dare not neglect the most important knowledge-God's truth. Only in God's Word can we find the truth about the things that really matter: eternity, heaven, and hell. God's Word alone gives reliable information on how to know Jesus Christ and to be saved from sin and its penalty-eternity in hell. If you do not learn this truth and come to know Jesus Christ, all the information in the world will be of no use to you even a hundred years from now. You will have wasted your life in useless pursuits and entered eternity unprepared.

Go beyond mere human information. Make sure, before it is too late, of the things that are important. Go to God's Word; seek the truth. Jesus promises, "Seek and ye shall find"; and "him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (Matthew 7:7; John 6:37).

If You Wonder About Technology

Some types of technology lend themselves so well to satisfying man's sinful nature that God's people are better off without them. Many Christians have recognized that the evil influence of television so far overrules any good influence it may have that they have chosen not to own or use it. They have made the commitment the psalmist made: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me" (Psalm 101:3).

As the information age progresses, alert Christians are seeing that the dangers of some new technology far outweigh its practical usefulness in their homes.

Parents who are concerned about raising sons and daughters who will be an asset to God's kingdom will exercise caution in bringing new technologies into their homes.

When looking at the pros and cons of owning a new technology, we should ask ourselves some questions: "Where will this lead us?" "What negative effects might this have?" "Will the spiritually negative effects of having this outweigh the positive benefits?" "Will it have a positive or a negative effect on my relationship with God?" "Will the use of it draw me (or my children) toward God, or toward the world's way of thinking and living?"

If we are to avoid Satan's traps in the information age, we must act prudently, cautiously, and with foresight. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:3).

If You Want to Enter the Way of Truth

Jesus gives eternal life.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten SON" (John 3:16).

"He that hath the SON hath LIFE; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John 5:12).

"I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

Conditions for Receiving Eternal Life

Repent of your sins, believe on Christ, and confess Him as your Lord.

"REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19).

"He that BELIEVETH on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

"If thou shalt CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).

After Receiving Eternal Life

Rejoice, and continue following Christ in a Bible-believing brotherhood.

"Your heart shall REJOICE, and your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16:22).

"If ye CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:31, 32).

"Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, WITH THEM that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).