I’ve always been someone who’s enjoyed messing around with technology. I remember our first computer, a BBC Micro. At risk of labelling myself as a ‘geek’, I didn’t just enjoy playing games on it, I also learnt to write programmes for it.

Technology has fast become an integral part of our lives. Tablets, phones, watches and smart devices are all advances that mean technology and day to day life are becoming more and more intertwined.

These aren’t just developments that are happening around us, there is also pressure not to be left behind; to keep up and buy into what is new. Imagine the comments when your phone rings and you pull out an old flip phone from the 90’s. “What’s that, you mean all you can do is talk and text!”

The advertising for these devices is slick and the promises are clear. Here are some statements from leading brands. ‘Life is better with ……’ ‘A whole new way to communicate’. ‘Start making life better’. The companies give us a clear message, if we get these devices our lives will be changed for the better.

Yet, is that entirely true? I remember the excitement when I got my first laptop. It was a reconditioned one and I ordered it from America. The doorbell rang, I opened it and there was the parcel guy with the parcel in one hand and a customs invoice in the other. That was disappointment number 1. I hadn’t factored in that I would have to pay import tax.

I got the computer set up and began finding my way around. It worked well and was quicker and more powerful than anything I’d had before. Two weeks later things didn’t look so good. I turned it on and was greeted with a blank screen and smoke rising from the middle of the keyboard.

Could I get it repaired? Yes, but not for less than I paid for it in the first place. I decided to park it as a failed experiment. It promised much, but in the end just disappointed and frustrated.

Have you ever been in that place? You get something new and there is the initial excitement and the promise, this thing is going to change my life and make it better. Yet over time the attractiveness, happiness and enthusiasm gets less and the promise evaporates.

As a Christian I want to tell people about Jesus because he’s different to other things in our lives. The Bible makes an extraordinary claim about him. That unlike everything else in our lives, he can satisfy and bring lasting happiness. He said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and life to the full’.

I don’t know what you think about that claim? During our morning services in November we’re going to be looking at some of the big claims that the Bible makes about Jesus. If you want to come along and find out more, you’d be more than welcome. The talks will be available on our website at www.whittleseybaptist.org.uk.