HI-TECH FAMILY Modern Families Connect Through Technology

Families in the Bible Adam's family – Genesis 2-4 Noah's family – Genesis 5-9 Lot's family – Genesis 19 Samuel's family – 1 Samuel 1 The Prodigal's family – Luke 15 Timothy's family – 2 Timothy 1:5 ; 3:15

Families in the Bible Observations Not all families are “healthy” Some families are connected – Noah, Hannah, Samuel, Timothy Some families are not connected – Cain, Lot, Prodigal

Family Connection is Important Family is a type of community (a social group) Individuals make up the family Each individual has a role within the family Each either adds to or takes away from the family community (connection)

Family Connection is Important 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

Families have basic needs Love – 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Commitment – Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Togetherness – Colossians 3: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

The role of Technology What is technology? Anything that man invents and uses to improve or impact life to make a task easier or to make something more available. Rock tools to iPads Radios, TV, streaming video Carts, trains, automobiles Telegraph, telephone, cell phone, iPhone Abacus, calculator, computer

Concerns of Technology Will it isolate us ? Does it connect us or disconnect us ? When are children old enough for __________ ? 38% of parents said 16 for a cell phone Facebook requires a person be 13 or older to have an account (If younger they have to lie to use it.)

Barna Research – May 23, 2011 Parents and teens depend on technology Most feel technology is positive, useful or neutral Very few take breaks from technology - Vacation, bathroom, bedroom, church ½ of students check , talk or text while in bed 1/5 of adults do the same ½ of both groups talked, texted or sent an during a meal

Technology and Family Conflict 17% of teens say parents are bringing work home becuase of technology 39% of parents think technology makes communications more difficult IRONIC: Things invented to aid communication, may be the greatest hinderance to communicating

Using Technology to Communicate Facebook / Twitter Connects family across miles Connects with friends at any distance Know your child's account Cellphones When needed – not a toy Set rules about texting, talking while driving Turn it OFF at bedtime

Using Technology to Communicate Video Games Wii – Do you play together as a family? Are the games suitable for that age child? Are they playing with others or alone?

Technology is Neutral We can use technology to connect / communicate We can use technology to keep in contact with family and friends Use of technology can be a good steward of time and finances We can use technology to share the Good News around the world

Technology is not the problem The problem is not some new gadget Technology – computers, internet, cell phones, iPad, video games – are not the problem The issue of communication in the family, in the church, among our friends is at stake. Use technology – for good

Technology is Neutral Technology can also be used for evil Plan or carry out a crime Sell drugs Pornography Lie, Gossip, Ruin reputations Hi-Tech stealing – hacking accounts

Technology is Neutral Use the tools we have available – Preach and teach around the world – Use technology to speak the truth in love – If Jesus were on earth today Would He use Facebook and Twitter ? WWJD ?