WWW..LAZYLAODICEAN.COM
Reposted January 21, 2012
(Reprinted from The Eagle's View Issue Number 0032)
I would like to begin this article by sharing with you the heart of it, and that is, "Modern media
technology is designed to lead the church astray."
Revelation 3:17-18
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
In the last twenty years media technology has advanced further than the previous six thousand years. It
is mind boggling how fast technology has progress. New media inventions promise to do more for church
evangelism than the printed page, tape machine, radio, and television combined together. So, I feel
this topic is worthy of a close examination.
We find that each new media invention was adopted by the church as a tool for spreading and promoting
the Gospel. In every case, it was at first the heavenly answer. Yet, over time, what was a step forward
often became two steps backward. Even the printing press invented in 1450, turned out to mostly help
the political order of that time (247-4 Church Age Book).
Only one age reached the height of missions (great missions is the promise of modern technology) and that
was the Wesleyan age. This age brought holy men to the forefront (374-3 Church Age Book). Later, we
will examine God's way of spreading the gospel.
We should all know without a question, that Satan is a mental genius and a master at inventing. To
simplify, God allows media inventions for the spread of the Gospel, but the devil always leads it astray.
Let us first look at the effect technology is having upon the American society. America claims great
success, yet our twelfth graders finished nineteen out of twenty-one countries in math and science.
A recent power black-out left our computer driven economy totally helpless. All of our systems is now
replaced by intellectual illiteracy due to our reliance. upon the computer (346-1 Church Age Book). At
the end of this age, we are seeing mindless lazy Laodicea at its best (This Day This Scripture. 65-0219).
Let us look at the church. Foreign mission is one of the main areas that will suffer the most. Why? Because
the computer and the Internet promises the church that we can accomplish more with less personal effort.
While we sincerely try, these inventions, little by little is taking the burden and vision away from us.
What is the vision? Go or support men that will go and demonstrate the gospel in spiritual power, which
will awaken others to preach the gospel to their own. This is the only scriptural avenue and has worked
wonderfully for thousands of years, and more so now, for we are in the gleaning season of the Gospel harvest.
Not to long ago, cassettes were reaching more people than previous technology. As science progressed,
we found a better way. Soon there will be another better way. The reality is, missions will not be able
to stay mechanically up to date. Laziness continues to grow, while foreign mission founder and the church
accepts and heralds the mirage that more will be accomplished with less men on the field.
In our nation, we sit in our churches and watch the slides and video screens to keep our minds focused
upon the Word. Our attention span requires attractions or the mind will miss it. Pastors are finding
it harder to reach hearts, than it was just a few short years ago. Participation in the worship service
is programmed by the screen. The old worship songs are becoming fewer and fewer. We are glad not to have
to hold the old song book anymore, or try to remember the words. We are making less and less physical
contribution to the service. All the modern things of our homes and cars have drifted into the church
building. Lazy Laodicea is growing and many think the church is spiritually growing because, to them,
"God has allowed a better way."
The scariest thought is the promise concerning the churches of the future. Soon folks will be able to
sit in the comfort of their home or car and interact live in Internet church services. We proclaim
these conveniences to be wonderful, though there is no scripture for them. With these new inventions
has come the greatest responsibility ever handed to the five-fold ministry, to use them in the
correct way
Simply, modern inventions are all about creating an easier way to live. We must remember, God's
people have always lost spiritually when they traded God's way for conveniences. Praying all night
for the answer or a revelation from God, is God's way and was Brother Branham's way, and should be
ours. Convenience over the last few years is widely manufacturing the gospel like never before.
In closing, we realize this is all in God's plan. It is also in His plan for us to be aware. (1) There
are exceptions, but they do not rule. Many lives have been miraculously changed due to modern media.
Voices may proclaim the blessings loudly, but it still does not change the standard, and will not be
an excuse for those who depend upon technology, instead of the Holy Ghost way. (2) What affect is the
micro world having upon our personal relationship with Christ? What influence is it having upon our
family? What affect is it having upon our time? Note, the Internet, the latest manmade marvel, has
corrupted more lives, in it's short span of time, than all past communication devices combined.
I realize that the economy demands us to stay up-to-date, and we owe it to the Lord to make the
best of these new inventions. But are we really going forward? The salute to the Laodicean age was
for each individual, "TO BUY" - make a sacrifice, "TO ANNOINT" - the call to God service. To
arise from this laziness will be the big challenge of our time.
Eagle Christian Church ' P.O. Box 1510 LaVergne, TN 37086 USA
Pastor James Tidwell
Pastor James Tidwell