The early church exploited contemporary technologies for Christ’s eternal kingdom purposes, and we ought to do the same. We can consider Galilee’s commercial fisheries, Rome’s highways and sea lanes, or even “mobile home” manufacturing along the Mediterranean seaboard (see Acts 18:3).

These were but a few of the world’s systems Christians utilized to further the church’s mission—and finance the church’s workers (Acts 16:14; 1 Thess. 2:9). These laborers were connected with the developments of their day as they labored to bring the whole gospel to the whole world. It is no wonder later inventions like printing presses, binderies, radio transmitters, automobiles, airplanes, and now software, web, and social media technologies are now leveraged around the globe by mission-focused, Christ-exalting saints.

We ought to use the internet as a tool—not a toy—in fulfilling the work to which Jesus has called us. Below are the resources I regularly employ in seeking to be a digitally connected Reformed Presbyterian. The aim is not to be controversial or comprehensive.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church is slowly becoming more visible and interconnected in cyberspace. I regularly begin web browsing at www.RPCNA.org, where the RPCNA network of websites can be accessed. www.RPCNA.info (which links to the church’s official Facebook page) is generating more traffic, as more RP members, churches, and even presbyteries are now active on Facebook. Recently, www.RPWitness.org has begun featuring all the content of the church’s news magazine online. For those more research-oriented, RParchives.org has a rich assortment of historical denominational records. I have deeply appreciated the theological reflection of various pastors at www.GentleReformation.com and the archived webinars at www.RPTS.edu/about/webinararchive.php.

In daily devotion to Christ I pursue Scripture study with www.ESVBible.org or www.BibleStudyTools.com. I join other believers in praying for the nations at www.OperationWorld.org/today. I absorb and share sermons with others through www.ReformedVoice.org. I regularly refer people to counseling helps at www.CCEF.org/resources and www.Peacemaker.net. We can stand together with persecuted Christians throughout the world via sites like www.PersecutionBlog.com. Key resources to summarize and interpret current events are www.WorldMag.com and www.LifeSiteNews.com.

Theological research and study is another profitable use of the internet. I deeply appreciate the myriad of resources available from www.Ligonier.org, www.Monergism.com, and www.Theopedia.com. I often consult John Calvin’s writings at www.CCEL.org/ccel/Calvin. I have been deeply blessed by the practical and pastoral reflections of Reformed pastors at www.HeadHeartHand.org, www.Challies.com, www.AlbertMoehler.com and www.TheGospelCoalition.org. Dozens of important courses from a robust Reformed perspective are now free online at www.Itunes.RTS.edu.

I have been particularly blessed by the online ministry of John Piper at www.DesiringGod.org. In recent years some 5,000 resources have been posted on this site. Strategic resources are being aggressively translated into 50+ languages for easy access via the internet throughout the world. Such coordinated and strategic translation and web publishing work by the RPCNA would make our resources available to vast numbers of people.

Another helpful resource is www.KairosJournal.org. This online journal (originally designed for pastors) approaches a variety of world view-related issues from four distinct viewpoints: biblical reference, historical precedents, quotations and writings of key authors, and current trends in culture. I would recommend you consider investigating this free journal, plus other world view resources such as www.TheTruthProject.org, www.Acton.org and Trinity Forum (www.ttf.org).

Our denomination has taken small steps into cyberspace. However, there is much more we could pursue to bring the prophetic voice of Christ’s church nearer to God’s people through the use of web-based technologies. Is it time for our denomination to have a dedicated web developer and/or webmaster? Synod’s prioritized funding of Crown & Covenant Publications could provide additional revenue for such ventures. Let’s continue to hold out this thing called the internet, and consider how we in the 21st Century might exploit its usefulness not for our own pleasures, but for the glory of King Jesus. May His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

—Brad Johnson