I remember one time someone called me to talk about a difficult situation and they said, “Man, if one more thing happens, I don’t know what we’ll do.” One more thing did happen and I had to break the bad news to them. We were alright, but it was one of those times where you just didn’t think it could get any worse. The way these last two years have gone, I would be more inclined to wonder why something bad wasn’t happening. I know that is a pessimistic attitude, but it’s more in tune with our current context.
Our culture, our churches, and world are becoming more and more fragmented and individualistic. Being individualistic rules. “Be you.” “Don’t let anyone tell you what to do.” “Stay true to your heart.” You know. Stuff like we hear ad nauseum. It doesn’t help that now we have all these platforms available for anyone with a phone and a voice. But not everyone should have this voice. If you want to think biblically, think James 3. The warning is that not everyone should quickly rush out to become a teacher. Especially in the church. One of the qualifications of an elder or pastor is that they must not be a recent convert. So there should be time, evidence of maturity, biblical knowledge, and leading a life that matches up with scripture. They should be able to explain it and point to their life as an example of practically doing it. James 3 talks about that and the danger of what your words can do. In James 1:19, we’re told to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.
I set that all up to mention what is currently happening. People are flocking to all these outlets to let their voices be heard. But what is coming out of this is a new wave of skepticism and liberalism. It’s becoming increasingly popular to call yourself a deconstructionist or (now) an exvangelical. So people are no longer listening to sound doctrine (that almost sounds like something biblical?), but instead are gripping onto 59 second videos as their teaching and life coach. I’m referring to TikTok. As I write this blog, I never thought that this would be a subject worthy of my writing. However, I also never thought aliens could be the next potential unreached group to reach with the gospel. I’m kidding! Maybe.
So why bring up TikTok? Because it is an area that the church must invade with the truth. I am currently diving into this world myself. Now, if you don’t know much about it, it is not just for doing crazy dances and acting like a fool. It is a legit place to engage, discuss, teach, dialogue, and even debate. Ideas are being shared. But the reason I bring it up is that a lot of bad, progressive theology and anti God rhetoric is taking over. We have the greatest news ever and we must find every chance we can to speak it where it’s not being spoken. I have personally seen connections made through videos I’ve made that have led people to truth and away from false teachings.
It’s a different world for sure. The church is still the church and is still called to be the church wherever we can. We need/must take the gospel to every area and crevice on this planet. That includes the online places. Nothing replaces a one on one interaction and conversation with a person. Nothing replaces meeting together physically. And nothing should replace that. This is merely another evangelistic opportunity that we have at our disposal. The harvest is plentiful! Rise up church. Go make disciples!
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