Shining Light in the Digital Mission Field

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we have come together to explore the intersection of faith and the burgeoning world of Web3. As believers, we are called to be the light in the darkness, and this digital space is no exception. It is a realm that often seems dominated by negative forces, but it is precisely here that our light must shine the brightest. We are not mere spectators in this digital revolution; we are active participants, called to bring the transformative power of the Gospel to every corner of the digital world.

The parable of the sower in Mark chapter four reminds us that the Word of God is like a seed that requires the right conditions of the heart to grow and bear fruit. The lamp mentioned by Jesus is not meant to be hidden but placed on a stand to illuminate. Similarly, the revelations we receive from God are not to be concealed but shared boldly. As we delve into the complexities of Web3, let us seek not just information but divine revelation, and let us place it on a stand for all to see.

We are reminded that the church is not merely a fortress against darkness but an advancing force against the gates of hell. We are called to be on the offensive, bringing hope, reconciliation, and restoration to a world in desperate need of God's light. This means embracing innovation and being at the forefront of technological advancements, just as John Wesley was in his time.

Our mission is to carry the revelation of God's kingdom into the darkest places, using the right spiritual measure to receive and multiply that revelation. We are each given an assignment by God, a purpose for which we have been placed where we are. It is our duty to shine for Jesus and give Him all the glory.

Digital Wesley, our platform, is a testament to this mission. Born out of the necessity to reach our congregation during the pandemic, it has grown into a tool for spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We are called to be bright lights, and through initiatives like hackathons, conferences, and partnerships, we equip God's people to shine wherever they are placed.

As we engage in this conference, let us be united in our diversity, drawing near to God in worship and anticipation of the revelations He has for us. Let us be inspired by the words of John Wesley to do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can.

Key Takeaways:

- The digital space is a new mission field where we must shine the light of Christ. As we navigate Web3, we are not just passive observers but active participants in God's redemptive plan. Our presence in this space is a testament to our commitment to being the light in the darkness. [06:08]

- The parable of the sower teaches us that the Word of God requires a receptive heart to bear fruit. In the same way, we must be open to receiving God's revelation and placing it on a stand for all to see, especially in the digital realm where it can have a profound impact. [08:17]

- The church is called to be on the offensive, not defensive, against the forces of darkness. We must push against the gates of hell with the hope, reconciliation, and restoration that comes from the Gospel, daring to innovate and lead in technological advancements for God's glory. [42:02]

- Each of us has a divine assignment from God, a purpose for our placement in this world. We must embrace our calling with courage and determination, using our God-given talents and opportunities to further His kingdom. [40:16]

- Digital Wesley serves as a beacon of our mission to spread the Gospel through technology. It is a platform that empowers believers to be bright lights in the digital world, fostering a community that is co-creative, problem-solving, and gospel-advancing. [34:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 4:1-25 (Parable of the Sower and the Lamp on a Stand)
2. Matthew 16:17-18 (Jesus' words to Peter about the church prevailing against the gates of hell)

#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the sower, what are the different types of soil mentioned, and what do they represent? (Mark 4:1-20)
2. According to Jesus, where should a lamp be placed, and what is its purpose? (Mark 4:21-22)
3. What does Jesus mean by "the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more"? (Mark 4:24-25)
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in the digital space? ([06:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the different types of soil in the parable of the sower be seen in the context of our engagement with the digital world? (Mark 4:1-20)
2. What does it mean to place a lamp on a stand in the context of sharing God's revelations in the digital realm? (Mark 4:21-22)
3. How can the church be on the offensive against the gates of hell in today's technological landscape? ([41:20])
4. What does it mean to use the "right spiritual measure" to receive and multiply God's revelation? ([08:49])

#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes being a light in the digital space. What are some practical ways you can shine the light of Christ in your online interactions? ([06:03])
2. Reflect on the parable of the sower. What type of "soil" do you think your heart represents, and how can you cultivate a more receptive heart for God's Word? (Mark 4:1-20)
3. The sermon mentions that the church should be on the offensive, not defensive. How can you personally contribute to pushing against the gates of hell in your community or online? ([41:20])
4. Digital Wesley is described as a platform to spread the Gospel through technology. How can you use your skills and talents to support this mission or similar initiatives? ([34:49])
5. The sermon calls for embracing innovation for God's glory. What new technologies or platforms can you learn about or engage with to further God's kingdom? ([42:02])
6. John Wesley's words inspire us to do all the good we can. Identify one specific way you can do good in your digital interactions this week. ([42:22])
7. The sermon encourages us to be united in our diversity. How can you foster unity and collaboration within your small group or church community, especially in the context of digital engagement? ([28:13])

Devotional

Day 1: Illuminating Web3 with Christ's Light
In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3, believers are called to be more than passive onlookers; they are to be active bearers of Christ's light. This new digital frontier, much like the physical world, is rife with shadows that can only be dispelled by the radiance of the Gospel. The presence of Christians in this space is crucial, as it represents a commitment to extending God's kingdom into every sphere of human interaction. By engaging with Web3, believers have the unique opportunity to showcase the transformative power of their faith, bringing hope and truth to a platform that is rapidly shaping the future. [06:08]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: How can you specifically use your online presence to reflect the light of Christ in the digital spaces you frequent?

Day 2: Receptive Hearts for Digital Sowing
The parable of the sower teaches that the Word of God flourishes in a heart that is prepared and receptive. In the digital realm, this truth remains constant. Believers are encouraged to not only seek information but to be open to divine revelation, which can then be shared boldly across digital platforms. The impact of God's Word can be profound in this space, where messages travel swiftly and reach far. By placing these revelations on a digital stand, Christians can contribute to a harvest that spans the globe, touching lives and nurturing souls in the virtual fields of Web3. [08:17]

Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV)
"Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."

Reflection: What is one piece of divine revelation you have received that you can share online to encourage or challenge your digital community?

Day 3: Advancing Against Darkness
The church is not a static bastion but a dynamic force, advancing against the darkness and bringing the light of the Gospel to the world. This offensive stance calls for innovation and leadership in technological advancements, mirroring the boldness of historical figures like John Wesley. By embracing new tools and platforms, believers can push back against the gates of hell, offering hope, reconciliation, and restoration to those who are searching for meaning in a broken world. The digital age is a battlefield where the church must dare to lead and shine. [42:02]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV)
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: In what innovative ways can you contribute to the church's mission to advance the Gospel through technology?

Day 4: Embracing Our Divine Assignment
Each individual has been given a divine assignment, a unique purpose that aligns with God's grand design. This purpose is not random; it is a strategic placement that allows each person to shine for Jesus in their specific context. Embracing this calling requires courage and determination, as well as a willingness to use one's talents and opportunities to further the kingdom of God. The fulfillment of this assignment is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory that glorifies God and impacts the world. [40:16]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What is your divine assignment in this season of life, and how can you actively pursue it starting today?

Day 5: Empowering Believers in the Digital Mission
Digital Wesley stands as a beacon of the mission to spread the Gospel through technology. It is a platform that empowers believers to be luminaries in the digital world, fostering a community that is co-creative, problem-solving, and gospel-advancing. Through initiatives like hackathons, conferences, and partnerships, Christians are equipped to shine wherever they are placed, ensuring that the message of Christ reaches every corner of the earth. This digital mission field is ripe for the harvest, and every believer has a role to play in this grand endeavor. [34:49]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: How can you utilize your unique gifts and talents to contribute to the digital mission field through platforms like Digital Wesley?

Quotes

- "We serve a God who speaks to us. But we also serve a God who has an assignment for us." [37:10] (Download | )

- "We live in a dark world that needs the Lord. Fires and destruction. We see that happen. Wars and rumors of wars. We look at the web free space. We look at blockchain and crypto. We see so much darkness." [39:42] (Download | )

- "God has an assignment for you. God has placed you where you are for a purpose, for a reason. To shine for Jesus and give him all the glory." [40:16] (Download | )

- "We are called to be on the offensive, not on the defensive. And my prayer is that we will dare to be on the offensive today." [42:02] (Download | )

- "Digital Wesley really is a platform, we believe, to help people bring the gospel to the ends of the earth." [34:49] (Download | )

- "It's so important for Christians to arise and shine for the glory of God, especially in the digital space where often there's so much darkness." [06:08] (Download | )

- "We seek revelation. Amen? Even as you come to this CW3 conference, if you understand web 3, I pray that God will give you revelation." [08:17] (Download | )

- "You will bring that revelation to places that are dark. That God's light may penetrate. Remember this. Consider the measure that you will use." [09:13] (Download | )

- "We serve a God who has an assignment for us. When I first came to know the Lord, I was just six years old. And as I began to walk with the Lord, the Lord began to talk to me." [37:10] (Download | )

- "We do see ourselves as a platform to be able to help equip God's people to be brighter lights shining for him wherever the Lord has placed us." [36:13] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?