HI-TECH FAMILY Modern Families Connect Through Technology.

HI-TECH FAMILYModern Families Connect Through Technology

Families in the BibleFamilies in the Bible

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

Families in the BibleFamilies in the Bible

Observations - - -Not all families are “healthy”Some families are connected – Noah,

Hannah, Samuel, TimothySome families are not connected – Cain, Lot,

Prodigal

Family Connection is ImportantFamily 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 ImportantFamily 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 needsFamilies 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 3:20-21 20 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 TechnologyThe 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 TechnologyConcerns 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, 2011Barna 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 email, talk or text while in bed

1/5 of adults do the same

½ of both groups talked, texted or sent an email during a meal

Technology and Family ConflictTechnology 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 CommunicateUsing 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 CommunicateUsing 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 NeutralTechnology 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 problemTechnology 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 NeutralTechnology 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 NeutralTechnology 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 ?