It is no secret that there are dangers in technology. However, the technology isn’t the problem. Smartphones, computers, and other modern technology are merely tools. Those tools can be used by our sinful desires to accomplish many evil things. I believe that Tony Reinke’s new book, 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You, is an excellent resource for evaluating the use of your smartphone.
However, he has hidden statement in the conclusion that says,
…to benefit from my phone, I must not use all the features all of the time. (pg.198)
The key to using our smartphones well is to exercise discernment, discipline, and purpose. In the future, I’d like to share some apps and features that I believe are benefits to the Christian, but today I’d like to highlight one app that I think is a huge benefit to Christians in today’s era.
The Podcast app has many advantages for the Christian. This app allows us to take in audio that builds up the body of Christ and spurs on the believer anytime they are on their computer or have their phone. Podcast allow us to take in content while we mow, wash the dishes, drive, or any everyday task. In an age of information, we can let so much information drown out Word-centered truth. This app keeps them on the tips of our ears. (It should be noted that we cannot, nor should not live on podcasts alone. Being an active member in a local church is vital to growth in discipleship. Courtney Reissig offers some good words here.)
Some of you may be saying, “Why not just use the radio?” The radio has been a great tool across time and still has its place, but you and I are limited to listening to the stations that are available and what they deem best. With a podcast, we choose what we listen to and when we play it. In 2015 there were over 250,000 podcast stations, and I’m certain the numbers have grown exponentially. That means there is a multitude of resources in a variety of categories at our fingertips whenever we have time. I have included some of my favorite below.
My All Time Favorite
Paul David Tripp has always been a favorite author, speaker, and teacher of mine, Benjamin Leonard. Having the opportunity to be his grader at Southern Seminary gave me an even greater appreciation for his ministry. He can connect the power of Christ to everyday life in a way that captures readers and listeners.
His podcast is no different, while he doesn’t currently preach weekly at any one church, this podcast is a record of several of his sermons recorded during his tenor at Tenth Presbyterian Church. I do wish he would bring back his older Paul Tripp Ministries Podcast because it had some of the best resources.
Church Leadership
Rainer on Leadership is a bi-weekly podcast with Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway Christian Resources, and his host Jonathan Howe. They discuss trends, pitfalls, and helpful tools for church ministry. One additional perk to this podcast is the guests they bring on. These guest are typically boots on the ground individuals discussing things they are passionate about and skilled in accomplishing. If you want to grow in your understanding of ministry and leadership, you need to subscribe to this one.
Preaching
Sermon of the Day provides one classic John Piper sermon or conference message for each day of the year, based on listener recommendations and feedback. Piper is the founder and teacher of DesiringGod.org and is the author of more than 50 books. His sermons, books, articles, and more are available free of charge at DesiringGod.org.
The passion of John’s preaching is uplifting and encouraging in life’s everyday drag. He calls you to a bigger view of God with a compelling view of Christ. You won’t regret subscribing to this podcast.
News and Information
The Briefing is a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian Worldview. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the most pressing news stories across the globe. However, he doesn’t do so for social commentary. Rather takes each event through the grid of Christian worldview to evaluate a Biblical evaluation and response to these events. In my estimation, this program is one of the most underrated resources for the modern Christian.
Video Podcast
Look at the Book is different from the other podcast because it is video based. However, it is well worth your time. Its simple design will leave you saying, why didn’t someone do this before. In each video, you will find the text of Scripture on the screen with a voice over walking you through the text. While you listen, you can watch John Piper mark the text and help you learn to read the Bible for yourself.
This tool will prove beneficial for your time in the word and help you to see things in a whole new way.
