O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

THE CHRISTIAN AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY

          Modern technology is proceeding at such a rapid pace that it is presenting society with more options than we can handle. Things which were never issues before simply because they were impossible have suddenly become big issues today. One danger we face is that these increased options may cause us to trespass into forbidden territory – To break God’s commandments or to usurp prerogatives that belong to God alone.

          All around us we hear of new developments in technology, e.g. Self-driving vehicles, Internet of things, Augmented reality, Quantum computing and Gene-editing. The latest development that has taken the world by storm is Generative Artificial Intelligence. It has revolutionized many industries by creating content resembling and even surpassing any work produced by humans. Having aced many top-level exams, AI can generate better quality work than most professionals. This is now causing many workers to struggle with ‘FOBO’ – the fear of becoming obsolete.

          Christians should not accept the fruits of technology uncritically. We must keep a close watch on the ethical issues raised by these technological advances, and not just allow ourselves to be carried along by the tide of progress. Technology is a double-edged sword, which cuts both ways. It can accomplish much good, but in the wrong hands it can accomplish much evil. Nuclear technology can generate enough electricity for whole cities, and to diagnose and treat illnesses through medical radiology. But it can also destroy whole cities and incapacitate people who are exposed to radioactivity. AI is no exception. In the wrong hands, its capabilities can be exploited to scam and steal on a scale that has never been known before!

          Thus, Christians cannot be indifferent to the changes that are now taking place in society through technology but should reject certain unacceptable technological developments. However, those who offer words of caution against certain trends in technology must be prepared to be accused of being like the church in 1632 which tried and sentenced Galileo the Italian astronomer to life imprisonment for teaching that the sun did not revolve around the earth. This and many other similar examples are used as excuses by the world at large today, to turn a deaf ear to the warnings given by God’s people.

          On the other hand, we must not become so skeptical about modern technology as to regard it as a worldly and sinful thing that we cannot touch at all. That would make us technophobes like the Amish people in North America who sincerely believe that since the scriptures command separation from the world, followers of Christ must not use electricity, and not have radios, televisions, computers, cars or any machines. They still use horses and oxen for farming and oil lamps for light at night. To them, technology is part of the ungodly system of the world which will come under God’s awful judgment.

Biblical Perspectives on Technology

1. Technology is the outcome of God’s mandate to man.

There is nothing inherently evil in technology. It is the natural outcome of the mandate which God gave to man in Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

          Man has developed science and technology in response to God’s commands to subdue the earth and to exercise dominion over creation. Science is man’s attempt to observe, understand, and explain the operation of the universe and its inhabitants. Technology is the practical application of the knowledge gained by science for mankind’s benefit, bringing portions of the universe under his control. We are stewards of all of God’s creation, and as such we are responsible to Him for both the preservation and the productive use of all the world’s resources for the benefit of man, and for the glory of God.

2. Technology is to be used for man’s benefit and for God’s glory.

The first technological feat recorded in the Bible was the building of the Ark (Genesis 6:14-16). This benefited not only the human race but also all the air and land creatures that God had made. It also brought glory to God – manifesting His mercy and grace to sinful man.

          However, the next technological feat recorded in the Bible was designed solely for man’s benefit and not for God’s glory. The Tower of Babel was built by men for the purpose of making a name for themselves (Genesis 11:3-5). It was an attempt at self-glory and perhaps even self-deification. Thus, it fully deserved the curse of God. The last book of the Bible tells us that this will happen again in the time of the Antichrist. And this world leader will probably use some aspects of modern technology for his own ends and not for God’s glory. For instance, he may use AI to generate an avatar of himself (‘the image of the beast’) to extend his reach and increase his manipulative power. (Revelation 13:15-17).

          But there is nothing wrong with a godly use of technology. In fact, some of the greatest advances of modern technology have been pioneered by godly men whose aim was both to benefit man and to glorify God. Blaise Pascal, a Frenchman (1623-1662) who invented the first mechanical calculator, the syringe and the hydraulic press, and discovered many important principles of physics and mathematics, was a devout Christian who wrote this prayer: “Almighty God, who gave your servant Blaise Pascal a great intellect, that he might explore the mysteries of your creation, and who kindled in his heart a love for you and a devotion to your service: Mercifully give us your servants, according to our various callings, gifts of excellence in body, mind, and will, and the grace to use them diligently and to your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”

          Modern technology is good and useful when it glorifies the Lord. And this is especially so when it helps to promote the work of God’s kingdom on earth, e.g. in missions, biblical archaeology, and Bible study. The ease of travel and communications which we enjoy today have facilitated the sending and supporting of missionaries.

          Perhaps the most important invention that has facilitated the Lord’s work on earth is the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450. One of the first books to be printed was the Bible. Everyone can now easily own a personal copy of God’s Holy Word and distribute copies of it to others. We can also have access to good Christian literature and articles through the printed page. And now technology has also made it possible to have all that without having to buy shelves of voluminous books – simply by having an electronic library and access to Christian websites.

3. Technology must never replace God as the object of our trust.

Psalm 20:7 brings this out very well: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Chariots were one of the proud accomplishments of ancient technology. As no weapon was regarded in ancient wars to be more formidable than the chariot, many kings and generals put their fullest trust in chariots to guarantee their victory.

         But there were at least two instances when chariots proved to be useless. When Pharaoh tried to pursue Israel with 600 chariots, he was defeated by the descending waters of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:23-25). And when Sisera led his forces of 900 iron chariots against Israel in the Kishon valley, he was defeated by an untimely rain and flood. In both of these instances, Israel’s trust in the Lord proved to be the source of their victory over their superior technologically-equipped enemies.

          Therefore we must be careful not to have a misplaced trust. Our trust should always be placed in God who will never fail us. Technology has been known to fail countless times because of human mistakes, and often with devastating effect. The Bhopal disaster of 1984 resulted in over 15,000 deaths from methyl isocyanate poisoning. The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 brought about a massive nuclear meltdown and hazardous exposure of thousands in Russia to radioactivity. The Fukushima disaster in 2011 resulted in over 1,300 deaths related to the nuclear power plant.

          Modern man mistakenly thinks that he does not need God anymore because he has now achieved a relatively high measure of security in life through technology. The fact is that technology is not worthy of our trust because it is imperfect, and will always remain imperfect as long as man is imperfect. There are also definite limitations to what technology can do, and we must not be held spellbound by the illusion of omnipotence that it sometimes gives. God alone has unlimited power and is worthy of our trust.

          Thus, when we are faced with any problem in life, it is most important that we seek God’s help first, above any available technological solutions, which are often very costly. It is true that God may choose to use technology to deliver us, just as He used the Ark to deliver Noah. But without God, all the technology in the world cannot help us at all.

Addicted to Technology?

          We must be careful not to become addicted to technology, filling our lives with the latest gadgets and gizmos that open up new experiences and possibilities for us. One of the disadvantages of living in a high-tech age is to get so carried away with constant exploring of all the amazing things one can do with the latest upgrades, apps and inventions on the market that we have no time left for the things of God.

          It is ironical that despite all the time-saving devices of our present age that are supposed to free us for more important things in life, people are spending less and less time with their families and friends, and have no time for God. We are tempted to think: “Since I have already spent so much money on this device, I must get my money’s worth out of it by using it and exploiting it fully.” By doing this we unwittingly become slaves to technology.

          One social critic observed that we are trapped in a “Technologically Intoxicated Zone.” He says that people today are “softened by the comforts technology brings to our lives, fascinated by its gadgetry, reliant on its constant companionship, addicted to its steady delivery of entertainment, and seduced by its promises.” (John Naisbitt, High Tech High Touch).

          We should always remember that modern technology is a good servant but a terrible master. Let us therefore make good use of technology as a tool for God’s glory, and not let it use us and distract us away from God. Take careful heed to Colossians 3:1,2 – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

– Pastor 

* * *

THANKSGIVING FROM SISTER CHAN PUI MENG

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

When I left Le Village in September 2021 for Chengko, Sihanoukville, I never thought that I would make a U-turn back to Ban Lung, Ratanakiri, to minister to the High School students from Le Village. By the providential hand of God, He led me back to Ratanakiri in June 2022.

Time flies 

It has been one and a half years in Ban Lung. Many things in our lives, we do not know what comes next but we just take a step at a time as the Lord directs. “A man’s heart deviseth his way but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Prov. 16:9) 

I thank and praise the Lord for giving me many wonderful and blessed times with the students in Ban Lung. Besides Bible studies, fellowship meetings and attending worship services, we also did many things together during the one and a half years in Ban Lung.

As children of God, we delight in the sweetness of Christian fellowship: to enjoy one another’s company, encourage one another, work with one another, uphold each other, and have fun together. 

Spending three years in Ban Lung has helped the High School students to prepare themselves for further studies in Phnom Penh. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to mentor some of them during this short period. 

In April 2023, a mission team from Life B-P Church conducted a two-day youth seminar for the Le Village youths in Ban Lung. During the seminar, it was heartening to witness the High School students carrying out logistics responsibilities willingly, leading the dorm prayers at night and sharing their testimonies. Thank the Lord in transforming their lives. All glory and praise be to God. It is our prayer that they may continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Then in May, I visited the Le Village Church. I came to understand from the church leader that a missionary couple from Nagaland has been assisting in the church ministry. The missionary couple has also helped them to build a church at a new site. In August, they conducted a Baptismal Service and seven students took a step of faith in the baptism. Thank the Lord for working in their hearts.

Why do I leave Ban Lung and return to Singapore? 

In view of what had been happening in the church, I thank the Lord for sending the missionary couple to work with the church leader at a time he needed it. Furthermore, some Le Village High School students will be graduating this December and will further their studies in Phnom Penh next year, but some are still studying in Ban Lung. I trust that they will be in good hands under the current leadership. As I sought the Lord for His will, He gave me Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” and Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

It is time for me to consider returning to Singapore. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:8,9 “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 

I will always remember and miss my students. Thus, I will commit them to the loving hand and watchful eye of our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that our Lord will keep those who are His faithful till He comes.

Future ministry 

I am not in a hurry to commit myself in any ministry yet but it is good to wait upon the Lord to direct my path. Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

I do have a desire to serve as a volunteer at St. Luke Senior Care Center, in a nursing care environment, if God wills as I am still a nurse at heart, and I covet your prayers for me. 

May I encourage the young ones to consider their purpose in life. “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” C.T. Studd

Prayer requests 

1. The Lord will bless the Grade 12 students with good results and able to obtain scholarship to pursue tertiary studies.
2. The Lord will keep the Le Village students faithful and walk closely with Him.
3. The leaders of Le Village and Ratanakiri Love Churches will serve with the fear of the Lord and zeal.
4. The Lord will direct my path to serve and honour Him.

Appointments for the Week

Tuesday, Nov 28

        8.00 pm     Prayer Meeting (Rev Charles Seet)

Thursday, Nov 30

      10.00 am     Ladies’ Prayer Group

Saturday, Dec 2

        2.00 pm     LTF & SF Carolling Outreach

Sunday, Dec 3

  8.00 am     Do You Have a Clear Conscience? Acts 24:1-27 (Rev Charles Seet)

  8.00 am     Choir Practice

  9.15 am     Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  9.40 am Sunday School

10.15 am Coffee Corner

11.00 am Do You Have a Clear Conscience? Acts 24:1-27 (Rev Charles Seet, with Holy Communion)

11.00 am Children’s Ministry

11.00 am Chinese Service (MPH)

12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)

  4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6) 

Announcements

Infant Baptism on Christmas Eve Sunday, 24 December 2023, 9.00am

Parents, please email the church office, with your full names, contact numbers, and your child's name and date of birth by 3 December 2023.

Catechism Class for Easter Baptism on 31 March 2024

will commence on 17 December 2023 at 9.30am. Please pre-register by emailing to Church Office . Those seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership must attend the catechism class. Closing date: 10 December 2023.

Door to Door Evangelism

3 Dec 2023 (Next Sunday) Meet in Beulah Room 2-11, 12.30pm Contact: Desmond  or Amos

ERBL Evening Lectures

Two evening lectures offered from January-May 2024:

1) Old Testament Prophetic Books by Rev Charles Seet (Monday @ 7.30pm)

2) Bible Geography by Ms Lilian Lee (Thursday @ 7.30pm)

It will be conducted on-site at No. 10 Gilstead Road. It is compulsory for all Credit Students to attend lectures on-site and Audit Students can either attend lectures via Zoom platform or on-site. Interested parties can register for the courses online at https://www.lifebpc.com/erbl/

Deadline for registration: 1st January 2024.

YLM 2^nd Anniversary

“Christ our hope in life and death

Date: 31 Dec 2023

Time: 7pm

Venue: Beulah MPH

Speaker: Eld Michael Ong

Sign up at: tinyurl.com/ylm2ndanni

Traffic Wardens

Lifers are invited to serve our Lord as Traffic Wardens on Sunday. Kindly contact Dn Choong  or Bro Kelvin if you are available.

Combined B-P Youth Conference 2023

8 Dec (Fri evening) & 9 Dec (Sat), Beulah MPH. “Jesus Christ, our Treasure” by Rev Mark Chen. Open to all teens & youth! Register at bpilgrims.com/cbpyc2023 by 26 Nov.

YF Camp 2023 

18-22 Dec @ Life B-P Church. “You’ve got a friend in me” Sign up at lifeyf.com before 26 Nov

fAIth in AI? 

30 Dec @ Calvary BPC 10am

Register at ttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcr06nknRhFDhdRHJ8EnmPR8-EFULD0p1V34FTkW-ZBqQnWw/viewform?usp=sf_link

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