The Gospel and Technology

Marshall Ballantine-Jones: Technology, Addictions and Affections

How does Christ love us to use our time? And how do we recognise when our technology habits are diminishing our discipleship? Marshall Ballantine-Jones discusses the nature of compulsion and how Christ nurtures us in love and self-control.

Marshall has worked as a publisher, Anglican pastor, youth worker, financial analyst, and programmer. He has completed a PhD on reducing the negative effects of pornography and sexualised social media behaviours on adolescents. He is currently the CEO of DigiHelp Publishing who develop school-based solutions for online behaviour challenges. He is also founder of Resist Ministries, an initiative that assists churches to address online sexualised behaviours.

Podcast Discussion Questions

Read Titus 3:1-14. What are the best ways to use our time under the Lordship of Christ? How do we recognise when our time, relationships and desires are ruled instead by compulsive technology use and the pursuit of pleasure?
What do we need most in order to change our compulsive behaviours and grow in self-control (Galatians 5:16-26; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7)?
What are some ways you need to grow in righteousness and self-control in relation to technology? How will you go about confessing and putting your sin to death?
How can you grow in your affection for Christ and all he has done for us through his Word? What plans can you put in place to grow in love for Christ and glorify him (John 15; Ephesians 4:15-17)? And what conversations can you have with Christian brothers and sisters to encourage godly use of technology?

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