What in the world would we do without the internet? Technology is such an amazing thing, and I marvel at the many applications we have available to us that allow us to communicate with anyone all over the world with the click of a “send” button through a computer or a mobil phone. Today, the internet allowed me to exercise what I love the most: sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others who are seeking Him and trying to understand who He is and what He has already done for all of us.
Because of the power of technology, and because I am in transition having just relocated to Austin 2.5 months ago without a small group to go to just yet, I have been going online over the last month and watching Andy Stanley preach “live” from Atlanta, GA, from 5-6pm CST, and then processing his sermon via the chat room with about an average of 25 participants. I have done this over the last month, and I have been greatly energized by the chatting that follows a sermon. I am reminded on a weekly basis that people are hungry to understand what is really missing in their life and how to fill that void. Each time I have participated, I see the most genuine questions being asked. Today the questions we dealt with from someone signed in as “truthseeker” were:
1. What is the atonement theory all about?
2. Why couldn’t God just forgive us our sins without having to send Christ?
3. Why is it that Jesus is the only way to God?
4. Isn’t sin just “missing the mark”? If yes, why can’t God put up with a little imperfection?
Several of us stayed in the chat room until 7:30 just processing some very heartfelt questions with this one individual because it was important to him, and he needed the support.
I signed off completely energized by this experience as I have each time I have gone to the chat room. I believe God has given me a gift to share God’s word with people who are skeptics, genuine seekers, or anyone who is just wanting to know an answer to a specific question without feeling strong-armed or pressured. I was reminded that God can use me over the internet as well as face to face with individuals.
As we continue to go through the Christmas season, I can’t help but wonder how many FB friends are deep down inside questioning:
The reality of God, or
The reality of His deep love for you, or
His ability to forgive you of your past failings, or
His real interest in having a personal love relationship with you, or
His perceived “absence” in the midst of suffering or loss of a loved one
Does He really hear my prayers?
These are just starter questions, and you may have many more, but I want to invite you to “attend” Andy Stanley’s worship service to hear him share God’s Word. He is NOT boring. In fact, he is very engaging. I feel like I am at his kitchen table having a cup of coffee with him when I listen to him. The link is at http://www.northpointonline.tv/ He comes on every Sunday from 5-6pm CST. I encourage you to go to the chat room following his sermon and create a username that is anonymous (if that is important to you), e.g. abc123, Fred Flintstone, or whatever. Ask your hard questions. There are many of us who want to see you discover your purpose as to why God put you on this Earth in the first place! Since God is in everything and is in control of everything, I want to assure you that He really does have the whole world wide web in His hands. That means that if you are genuinely seeking Him, He will meet you wherever it is safest for you to meet Him. If you want to meet Him through the internet, He has your URL address and will join you there. He assures us in His word that “if anyone seeks me, he shall find me.” (1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 15:2; Jeremiah 29:13)
For my Kansas friends (for that matter any of my friends no matter where you live), I would also point you to a pastor and friend based in Hutchinson, KS, Andy Addis. You may catch him leading a live bible study on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm at http://live.crosspointnow.net/live.php. You may also hear his sermons at http://www.crosseyedlife.com/ and click “This Week’s Teaching” in the right hand column. You will find him to be very engaging and far from boring!
My point is that the internet now opens a door for anyone who is seeking God to easily connect with others and safely explore Christianity without the intimidation of showing up at a church building where you don’t know anyone. I would also like to invite anyone who has questions to feel free to ask me if you feel safe enough to do so. You have my personal email address and phone number in my contact information. I would consider it a privilege to even dialogue with you. In the meantime, please take advantage of the technology. It is my prayer that this Christmas season you will personally discover Christ in CHRISTmas. Jesus is asking you to “ADD” Him as your friend. Please “CONFIRM”.
Blessings,
Lee Ann
