Thanks to everyone who has been sending through questions. This week, we’ll be looking at how we can rely on God as we navigate the digital nature of our society and as we continue to sin.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

QUESTION 1.

WE CURRENTLY LIVE IN A DIGITAL AGE THAT IS OVERLY DEPENDENT OF VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. AS A CHRISTIAN, WHAT IS THE BEST ATTITUDE TO HAVE TOWARDS THESE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS ALREADY DEEPLY INTEGRATED INTO OUR DAY TO DAY LIVES?

I’ll say something very obvious, but important to keep in mind. Platform is neutral; it’s what we do on it that matters. See, you knew that. It’s also about control. Just like anything in life and market economy, there are producers and consumers, and sellers and buyers. But consumers and buyers are not powerless as they can make choices that affect not only themselves, but also the behavior of the producers and sellers of online content. Some of us may even be content producers and purveyors.

Here are some things we can think about and even do: (1) Know that you have the on/off switch at your fingertip. You are not helpless. You have as much control and potency as anyone else. From time to time, turn your devices off and go for a walk. Face physical reality, breath in fresh air, and touch the ground you live on, then gain some perspective on your online life/behavior pattern. (2) As with any products and information before the digital age, know that you can discern and discriminate the contents online. You are not forced to consume, like drinking water out of a fire hydrant. (3) As a Christian, know that God alone still has the “words of eternal life” [John 6:68], and that nothing is as powerful. Therefore, let the gospel and God’s Word dominate and wash over you through many means (Bible reading, Christian books, podcast, apps, church fellowship, bible studies, discipleship, evangelism, etc.), and limit the consumption of social media accordingly (I won’t recommend a concrete number here).

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life
John 6:68 (ESV)

Sometimes we like to feign helplessness and lack of control because then we think we can blame something or somebody else. No! You are responsible for your own earthly actions at all times, and God will hold you accountable. But also, with God’s eternal grace, there is moment by moment forgiveness, love affirmation, and power to overcome our sin and problems. People are not always gracious, but God is, so we always face forward every moment and every new day!

Also, check out this link here.

QUESTION 2.

I’M SO DEATHLY AFRAID BECAUSE I BELIEVE I HAVE COMMITTED THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN, BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I WAS VERY ANGRY ONE DAY AND QUESTIONED HOW I CAN TELL OTHERS GOD HELPS THEM WHEN HE CANNOT HELP ME. I’M SO SCARED OF AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS BUT I FEEL THERE IS NO LONGER A POINT IN ME LIVING IF I AM DAMMED FOR ETERNITY.

If you actually care about what Jesus says and care about offending Him, then it may indicate that you also believe in Jesus and His gospel, which is the life-death-resurrection-ascension-return testimony.

Yes, Jesus does say in [Matthew 12:30-32]

“30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
Matthew 12:30-32 (ESV)

But this “blasphemy” and “speaking” against the Holy Spirit has to do with rejecting the gospel testimony of the Holy Spirit, which in essence is unbelief. It is only unbelief in the gospel of Christ which is unforgivable, because the gospel requires repentance of sin and trust in Jesus [Mark 1:15; Matt.16:24]. “Speaking out” words of faith is counter to unbelief according to [Rom.10:9-10] –

“9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

So, do not be afraid. God of grace and patience will not “zap” you to condemnation because of a moment’s anger and hard words. In the arc of life, you will find that your faith, even in inconsistent and feeble form, is an indication that God has placed His grace on you.

(Questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.