Making Your Phone a Blessing, Not a Curse

Harris Creek Baptist Church

January 19, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Genesis 11:1–4

Have you ever stopped to consider whether your phone is drawing you closer to God or distracting you from Him? In his message, JP tackled this question, showing how technology has the power to be either a tool for spiritual growth or a stumbling block in our lives. Drawing from the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis, JP challenged us to set intentional boundaries, eliminate distractions, and embrace accountability so that our devices become tools for glorifying God and strengthening relationships, rather than turning into modern-day idols.

Build boundaries

Remove distractions

Invite accountability

Cultivate community

Keep in touch

Life Group Discussion:

What specific times or situations in your day would benefit most from being phone-free?

What’s one small step you could take this week to declutter your digital life?

Who in your life could you trust to keep you accountable for how you use technology?

What are some ways you could use technology to build up the people around you instead of distracting from them?

Who’s one person you haven’t checked in with recently that you could reach out to this week?

Our Greatest Distraction and Temptation

January 26, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Genesis 2:16–17, Genesis 3:1–7

Adam and Eve broke their connection with God by choosing knowledge and convenience over obedience. As we wrapped up our “Removed” series, JP explains that our phones can act like the forbidden fruit, pulling us away from God with endless distractions, comparisons, and even harmful habits. True peace and purpose come from putting down our devices and prioritizing time with God over everything else Communion with God > Knowing more Communion with God > Convenience Our phones are costing us communion with God Life Group Discussion: What are some ways your phone distracts you from spending time with God? What are practical steps you can take to prioritize time with God over consuming news, social media, or other content? What would it look like for you to “fast” from your phone or social media to focus on your spiritual growth?

Tech and Materialism

January 12, 2025 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Revelation 3

Looking at Revelation 3, Nate encourages us to take a closer look at our spiritual condition. He warns that spending too much time on fleeting distractions, like endless scrolling or tech overload, can leave us feeling spiritually empty and distant from God. Instead of chasing instant gratification, we’re reminded to focus on eternal treasures—things that deepen our relationship with God and give lasting purpose. Through true repentance, we can reconnect with Him and experience the fullness of His love and the meaningful life He has planned for us. Tech consumption can cause spiritual poverty Invest in eternal over instant Repentance results in relationship Life Group Discussion: Can you identify specific ways technology has become a distraction in your daily life? What are some “instant” gratifications in your life that may be hindering your investment in eternal priorities? How do you view repentance—as a burden or an opportunity for renewal—and why?

How Tech is Changing Us

January 5, 2025 • John Elmore • Romans 12:2

As we begin our new series, Removed, John encourages us through Romans 12:2 not to conform to the patterns of this world, like the way technology often overwhelms and distracts us. Instead, let God transform and renew your mind, helping you see life more clearly and embrace His perfect plan for you. By setting limits on tech use, you create space to focus on God’s will and discover the purpose He has for your life. Problem: Tech has rewired us Solution: So God must renew us Application: By reducing tech, God’s will will be further revealed Life Group Discussion: Do you ever feel like technology distracts you from deeper, more meaningful aspects of life? If so, how? What does it mean for God to "renew your mind," and how does that differ from simply taking a break from tech? What specific tech habits could you reduce or adjust to create more space for God in your life?