By Gigi Kotze
05/06/2025
At INcontext, one of the foundational Scriptures of the organisation has always been 1 Chronicles 12:32 (AMP): “Of the tribe of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, two hundred chiefs; and all their relatives were at their command.”
The men of Issachar possessed a profound understanding of the times in which they lived. They were divinely gifted with the wisdom to discern what God was doing and what action they needed to take in alignment with His will. Their awareness of God’s purposes, and their obedience to them, led to significant impact during a pivotal moment in Israel’s history—the transition of kingship from Saul to David.
In our present-day context, we too must seek to understand what the Lord is saying to His Church. We are called to remain faithful to the Gospel, even as we adapt to the times, without compromising its truth or losing relevance in the world around us.
Earlier this year, I attended a Baptist Union Missions Consultation that greatly inspired this reflection. The keynote speaker shared, “For missions to be impacting, it must take into consideration the context within which it is carried out… This is a new age characterised by globalisation, urbanisation, science and technology, the sex revolution, world Christianity, and a paradigmatic shift in terms of missional centres. Therefore, the missional Church in reading the signs of the times, must discern the leading of the Spirit as to how to respond to the current rapid, complex, and sometimes confusing changes.”
As a ministry, we have identified eight key signs of the times that we wish to highlight in a two-part article series. Our aim is to provide the Body of Christ with a clearer understanding of the times we live in, accompanied by Kingdom insights. In this first article, we will explore the following themes: artificial intelligence and technology, entertainment, business, and politics.
1. Redeeming Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology:
We live in an era of unprecedented technological advancement. Artificial Intelligence (AI)—which refers to machines or systems that simulate human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, language understanding, and learning—has become a defining feature of our time. Alongside it, broader technological developments are reshaping nearly every area of society, from communication and healthcare to finance and warfare.
However, it is important to recognise that while AI can mimic human behaviour and processes, it can never possess true consciousness or self-awareness. Genuine consciousness—the breath of life, the capacity for moral reasoning, and the ability to relate to God—comes from the Creator alone. As Genesis 2:7 (NIV) declares: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” No machine, regardless of how advanced, can replicate the divine act of breathing life into a soul. Only God creates life with purpose, identity, and eternal value.
Understandably, AI has stirred concern within parts of the Church. Popular media and movies often portray AI as a force that could bring about the end of the world. Such portrayals can inject fear into our hearts and cloud our judgement. However, as followers of Christ, we must anchor our understanding in Scripture rather than speculation.
The Bible is clear about how the world will end—not by machines overtaking humanity, but by the divine judgement of God. As 2 Peter 3:10 (NIV) reminds us: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” This truth should reframe our fears. The ultimate destiny of the world is in God’s hands—not in the hands of technology.
Like any tool, AI and technology can be used for good or evil. In the wrong hands, they can cause great harm, enabling surveillance, manipulation, warfare, or the spread of lies and deception. We need to safeguard ourselves and our children against such things. But in the hands of the righteous, they can bring hope, healing, and restoration. When we use technology to glorify the Lord, it becomes a vehicle for Kingdom purposes.
The Body of Christ faces a choice: to shy away from digital spaces out of fear, or to step boldly into them with the wisdom and discernment of the Spirit. If we do not engage, we risk becoming irrelevant, watching from the sidelines as culture and influence are shaped by others. Romans 12:2 urges us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” We are not called to conform, but neither are we called to retreat. Instead, we must be present, discerning, and redemptive.
AI and technology are not to be feared but stewarded. Used rightly, they can amplify the Gospel, enhance discipleship, support missions, and serve humanity. Now is the time for the Church to innovate, to lead, and to bring light into the digital realm – “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16, NIV).
2. Engaging the Entertainment Industry for Kingdom Impact
The entertainment industry has grown exponentially and become one of the most influential forces in the modern world. From films and video games to sports like football, rugby, and cricket, and from music and celebrity culture to digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube—entertainment now shapes values, worldviews, and lifestyles across generations.
This widespread influence presents both a challenge and a remarkable opportunity for the Church. If this is the direction the world is heading, then we must be present within these cultural spaces—not to conform, but to transform them. Jesus Himself prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15, NIV). We are called to remain in the world, bringing light and truth into every sphere, including entertainment—praying for God’s protection from the evil one and avoiding falling into traps of greed, materialism, and pursuing our own glory rather than God’s.
God has gifted His Body in diverse and creative ways. Many within the Church are naturally talented in areas such as acting, music, media production, sports, storytelling, and digital communication. These gifts are not to be hidden or reserved only for Sunday services or the workplace—they are meant to be used to influence culture and reflect God’s glory in the world. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).
We must learn to share the Gospel through compelling and creative means—not by watering it down, but by presenting it in a way that resonates with today’s culture. Entertainment can be a powerful vehicle for discipleship, truth-telling, and hope. The aim is not to glorify ourselves, but to exalt Christ in every arena we enter.
Practical Ideas for the Church to Engage Entertainment:
- Short-form Gospel content: Create Christ-centred videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts that speak to real-life issues—identity, anxiety, relationships, hope—with biblical truth.
- Christian music and storytelling: Support or produce music and films that uphold godly values. The Chosen series is a prime example of how storytelling can deeply impact faith journeys.
- Video game development: Develop games with redemptive themes, Bible-based narratives, or moral decision-making mechanics to reach the gaming generation.
- Faith and sport initiatives: Encourage Christian athletes to live out and share their faith publicly. Start local sports clubs, leagues, or fitness groups that incorporate prayer and discipleship. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- Online discipleship: Use Zoom, Discord, or livestreams for Bible studies, prayer rooms, or Q&A sessions that meet people where they are—especially those who may never walk into a traditional church.
- Church media teams: Equip creatives in your congregation to produce quality media content—videos, podcasts, blogs—that reflect biblical truth and address current cultural issues.
A young person may never step into a church building, but through a video on their phone, they might hear the Gospel for the first time. A sports fan might never attend a Sunday service, but they could encounter God through the testimony of a Christian player on the field. These are no longer peripheral ideas—they are central strategies for a Church that understands the times and knows what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32).
3. Business as Mission: Transforming Workplaces and Nations
Business is one of the most powerful forces shaping the world today. It drives innovation, creates employment, influences culture, and crosses borders—often more effectively than politics or even traditional missionaries. In this globalised era, the Church must recognise that business is not merely a secular activity but can be a divine calling—a strategic platform for the Gospel.
The concept of Business as Missions (BAM) encourages believers to view their work not simply as a way to make a living, but as a vital part of God’s Kingdom mission. In the end, all our money and worldly things will fade—only what we did for the Kingdom of God will remain. In many nations where traditional missionaries are restricted or banned, businesses remain welcome. In such places, faith-driven entrepreneurs and professionals have a unique opportunity to live out and share the Gospel in ways that Pastors or church workers cannot.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV): “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Christian businesspeople can reflect Christ by conducting business ethically, treating employees and clients with dignity, and creating a culture rooted in integrity, generosity, and service. When businesses operate with excellence and biblical values, people take notice and ask, “What makes you different?”—creating natural opportunities to point to Christ.
Pastors and church leaders have a vital role to play in this. While they may not have daily access to boardrooms, university classrooms, shop floors, or office buildings, they can equip and empower marketplace believers to be missionaries in their spheres of influence. As Ephesians 4:11–12 reminds us: “So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
When business leaders embrace this mindset, they become Kingdom ambassadors—carrying the message of Christ into places where the Church might never otherwise reach. Whether through entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, or small enterprise, the marketplace becomes a mission field.
Practical Ways to Embrace Business as Mission:
- Mentor Christian entrepreneurs: Establish church-based initiatives that mentor and support believers called to business, providing spiritual and practical guidance.
- Start businesses with a Kingdom purpose: Launch companies locally or globally with the express aim of creating jobs, blessing communities, and pointing people to Christ.
- Equip the Church for the marketplace: Offer teaching, seminars, or workshops on how to live out one’s faith at work—with integrity, compassion, and boldness.
- Support mission-led enterprises abroad: Partner with Christian entrepreneurs in countries closed to traditional missions but open to business investment.
- Encourage ethical business practices: Teach biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and God-honouring principles in handling money, people, and time.
- Use business platforms for discipleship: Create intentional spaces within your company for prayer, mentorship, or faith-based discussions where appropriate.
The marketplace is not secondary to God’s mission—it is central. As we understand the times and seek to impact them for Christ, we must raise up men and women who see business not just as a job, but as a calling. Through their work, lives can be changed, communities transformed, and nations reached.
4. Kingdom Influence in Politics: Called to Pray, Called to Participate
Politics plays a powerful role in shaping society, influencing everything from education and healthcare to justice, economics, and personal freedoms. Laws enacted by governments directly impact the lives of individuals, communities, and even the Church. The Bible does not instruct believers to avoid politics; on the contrary, it calls us to pray for and honour those in authority, recognising that ultimately God is sovereign over all human governance.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV) instructs us clearly: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Furthermore, Daniel 2:21 reminds us that: “He (God) changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
God is not afraid of politics—He governs over it. His hand is at work, even in the corridors of power.
Yet, many Christians have adopted the belief that politics is “too messy” or “too worldly” for believers to be involved in. This mindset has often caused the Church to withdraw from political spaces, leaving them to be dominated by voices and agendas that may not align with biblical values. While not every believer is called to hold political office, we are all called to engage—through prayer, discernment, and, where appropriate, action.
What Can We Do?
- Pray intentionally for local and national leaders, regardless of personal political views. Ask God to give them wisdom, righteousness, and integrity.
- Vote prayerfully and responsibly, seeking God’s guidance on which leaders and policies best reflect justice, mercy, and truth (Micah 6:8).
- Support and disciple Christians called to serve in public office, policymaking, or governance—encouraging them to be salt and light in those influential arenas (Matthew 5:13–16).
- Educate yourself and others on key issues from a biblical perspective to engage in informed, respectful, and God-honouring dialogue.
- Consider the call: Perhaps God is stirring your heart—or someone in your church community—to step into local council, school boards, parliament, or public service. Esther 4:14b (NIV) reminds us: “…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Christians in government can shape policy, defend the vulnerable, and stand for truth in moments of national significance. The goal is never political power for its own sake, but the advancement of righteousness and justice. Proverbs 14:34 (NIV) says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”
In these days of rapid political and social change, the Church must rise up—not in fear, but in faith. Let us be a people who pray earnestly, vote wisely, speak truth boldly, and, when called, step courageously into the structures of power to bring the influence of Christ.
As we seek to be like the sons of Issachar—those who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—may we become people of discernment and action. The Church is not called to retreat but to rise, to engage with courage and wisdom in every sphere of society. Whether through technology, entertainment, business, or politics, God is calling His people to influence the world with the light of Christ.
Let us not be overwhelmed by the complexities of our times, but instead be anchored in God’s unchanging truth, empowered by His Spirit, and faithful to His mission.
A Prayer for the Global Church
Heavenly Father,
We thank You that You are sovereign over all things—nations, industries, and generations. We pray for Your global Church, that You would awaken us to the times we live in and equip us to respond with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Help us to use tools like artificial intelligence and digital platforms for Your glory. May we not fear these advancements but steward them wisely to share the Gospel, disciple others, and bring light into dark places.
Raise up creatives in Your Church—musicians, athletes, storytellers—who will boldly reflect Christ in the media and cultural spaces. Use their gifts to reach hearts and shift worldviews with truth and hope.
Empower Christian entrepreneurs and professionals to live out their faith in the marketplace. May businesses become platforms for Your Kingdom, transforming lives and communities with integrity and compassion.
Give wisdom to those in authority and raise up believers to lead with righteousness and justice. Help us as the Church to pray, vote, and speak truth boldly, shaping society according to Your will.
Anchor us in Your truth, empower us by Your Spirit, and use us to shape the future for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
In our next article on this topic, we will explore globalisation and urbanisation, global instability, deception, and the significant shifts taking place within global Christianity—so be sure to look out for it in the coming months!
