THE SIN OF SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE

Social media sources, like Facebook and Twitter, give us the freedom to express ourselves and enjoy friendship with others.  Social media gives Christians the ability to share the Gospel and enjoy fellowship with other believers. 

I am not ashamed to post quotes, pictures, and videos that reflect my Christian faith.  As a matter of fact, I believe that a Christian should use all of his social media outlets to proclaim the Gospel.  At the same time, old-fashioned common sense should be used.

I am very alarmed at the abuse of social media that is prevalent today.  Many professing "Christians" are using social media to personally attack others. It is time for Christians to think twice before posting ideas on Facebook or Twitter.

Let me quickly share some thoughts with my Christian brethren:

1.  NEVER USE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR PERSONAL ATTACKS

This is unbelievably wrong.  Despite the personal attacks I see on Facebook and Twitter, it is rare that I ever see an apology afterwards, which is more disturbing.  Do not air out your dirty laundry before everyone.  Unbelievers see what you write.  It is better to delete your accounts than to use them to viciously attack others.  Even if you do not name the person you are angry with, it is wrong to deal with your anger in this manner.  Jesus taught us what to do when someone offends us (Matthew 18).  When you use social media to personally attack others (whether you name them or not), you are sinning!  It is time to repent.

2.  NEVER USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE UNGODLINESS

If you profess to be a Christian, you are wrong to use profanity, offensive humor or attach suggestive photographs.  Some may "like" or "retweet" you, but this is a disgrace to the Christian faith.  

3.  NEVER USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE HOSTILITY

I have strong beliefs, but I show respect to those I disagree with.  For the most part, I rarely post anything political on my social media accounts.  I feel that the Gospel is far more important than politics.  I am not saying it is wrong to post your political feelings.  However, do not get hostile if someone disagrees with you.  For instance, I was once part of a Facebook group for my old high school.  One night, the group administrator posted a remark about corporal punishment in school.  This created a debate about whether corporal punishment should be permitted in school.  The remarks posted became heated.  The group administrator threatened to delete any remark he didn't agree with.  Eventually, the entire group was removed.  If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.  While ungodliness and personal attacks are wrong, freedom of expression should be permissible without hostility.  In fact, here's something to think about:  you are not always right.  There have been times I've learned a lot from those I disagree with. 

4.  SOCIAL MEDIA SHOULD NOT BE A PLACE FOR GOSSIP

Gossip is wrong.  Quite honestly, I am not interested in the sordid details about the personal lives of others.  Don't add to the pain that others are enduring by spreading their problems all over the internet.  There are some things that are better left unsaid. 

I know that some may disagree with what I've written.  That's fine.  We can agree to disagree. 

If we claim to be Christians, shouldn't our Facebook and Twitter accounts reflect this?  Look back over your Twitter and Facebook pages.  Are there posts, pictures, or links that are disgraceful to Christ and His Church?  If so, remove them and repent.

Believe it or not, when you stand before God, you WILL be accountable for your social media accounts!

DRY EYES & DRY BAPTISTRIES

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." - Psalm 126:5

The Church in America is facing a crisis.  Statistics show that most churches are not growing.  A majority of Bible-believing churches did not baptize one convert during the past year.  The data from "mega-churches" seem impressive until you realize that they are reaching a smaller percentage of their city than the rural churches.

When I was a little boy, it was not uncommon to drive by a river on a Sunday afternoon and see a crowd gathered for a baptism.  That is rare these days.  Even though most of our churches have "upgraded" to the use of a baptistery, our number of baptisms have diminished greatly. 

What has happened to protracted revivals and mass baptisms?  These days our churches seem to have little impact on our communities.  What has happened?

Obviously there are many reasons for the crisis that churches face today.  I want to focus on one glaring issue.  Our baptisteries are dry because our eyes are dry.  When we fail to weep over the lost, they will fail to weep over their condition.  In most churches, tears are rare.  Here's a personal question:  when was the last time YOU wept over sinners?  If all the tears you've shed for sinners were collected together, could they fill a baptistery?  Could they even fill a thimble? 

I love Psalm 126.  Some refer to this psalm as the revival psalm.  The hymn, "Bringing In The Sheaves," was based upon the last two verses of this psalm.  As we see in this psalm, tears play an important role in an expected harvest.

Do you expect to see a harvest of souls?  Let's look at the final two verses of Psalm 126 and learn how the psalmist viewed the process of receiving a harvest.

1.  GOING

First of all, we must be "going."  "He that goeth forth..." (Emphasis added).  Jesus gave us the Great Commission.  The first word of His command was, "Go..."  (Mat. 28:19).  If we expect to see a spiritual harvest we must go.  Too many believers are looking for sinners to "come."  If you want sinners to "come," you must first, "go."  We have too many armchair Christians.  They are spectators but not participants in God's work.  The Church is called to go.  Believers are commanded to go.  Don't expect the harvest to jump into your lap as you sit in your recliner.  You must go to the harvest field.

2.  SOWING

Secondly, there must be sowing.  "They that sow in tears will reap in joy," (emphasis added).  Before you can expect a harvest, you must first sow seed.  Most Christians are looking for a harvest, yet they have never scattered any seed.  When Jesus gave us the parable of the sower, He revealed that the seed we should sow is "the Word," (Luke 8:11).  You'd think a farmer is crazy to expect a harvest when he has never plowed the field or planted any seed.  It is just as crazy for believers to expect a harvest when no seed has been planted.  We must sow the seed.  Notice that this seed is to be sown, "in tears."  Weeping saints are often reaping saints.  Do you care for lost souls?  Are you burdened for them?  Do you really long for their salvation?  Such a burden should prompt us to pray with many tears.  Yet such a burden would prompt us to sow the seed as well.  Sow generously.  Paul wrote, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6).  Solomon wrote, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." (Ecclesiastes 11:6).  Go and sow!

3.  KNOWING

In verse 6 the Bible says, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing..."  (Emphasis added).  The sower had confidence that God was going to bless his efforts.  We should have confidence in the power of the Word.  The Gospel has the power to change lives.  Share the Word with expectancy.  Sow the seed knowing that God's seed produces a harvest.

4.  GLOWING

Finally, the sower returns rejoicing.  "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."  There is nothing more exciting than seeing a person get saved --- especially someone you've witnessed to. 

One reason our baptisteries are dry and unused is because we lack the passion to see souls saved.  Evangelism and revival begin in the prayer closet but never stays there. 

Each person you meet will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.  Can you bear the thought of them going to hell?  Let your love for Jesus and compassion for their souls lead you to weep over them in prayer.  I believe that if we had such a burden for souls, we'd boldly share the Gospel with them.

I long to see a great harvest, don't you?

AMERICAN IDOLS

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:21

When we think about idols, we tend to remember reading about idols that the Israelites worshiped in the Old Testament.  We're tempted to think that idols are only manmade statutes or images.  Technically, anything that is worshiped, except the true God, is an idol.

I believe that all Americans, even atheists, worship on a regular basis.  However, we don't always have the same object of worship.  Most Americans worship idols. Very few actually worship the only true God. 

John closed his first epistle with a warning to believers:  "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."  It seems strange that born again believers would need to be warned about idol worship, yet I believe the warning is needed -- especially now. 

It is easy for us to spot idol worship among the pagans.  It is much more difficult for us to identify idol worship in our own lives.  Perhaps you're thinking that you're immune to idol worship.  If so, consider the following:

1.  MONEY. 

Most believers that I know are not wealthy.  Money can be an idol for people of any income bracket.  There's a fundamental reason why I believe money is an idol for many believers:  stinginess.  By and large, Christians have a bad reputation for being stingy.  As recipients of God's grace, we should be the most generous people on the earth!

2.  FAMILY.

I realize that this subject may make some angry, yet it needs to be addressed.  Jesus said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26).  Jesus is not teaching us to hate our families.  Instead, He is teaching us that our love for Him should be far greater than our love for family.  In fact, compared to our love for Jesus, our love for family should seem like hate.  Quite honestly, many professing believers will sacrifice everything for family members but will do virtually nothing for Jesus.  Does that tell you something?

3.  HOBBIES. 

I understand the need to unwind and relieve stress, but hobbies should never become idols.  Whether it is hunting, fishing, or restoring an old car, these things should never receive the love and loyalty that belongs to Jesus.

4.  SPORTS.

Do I need to write much about this?  Many Americans will spend a lot of money and travel long distances to sit and cheer their team on.  They'll paint themselves and act crazy during the game.  Yet very few have that kind of devotion and vocal participation in church.

5.  TELEVISION.

Many people are slaves to their television.  Despite the awful programs that are broadcast, many spend countless hours watching TV.  Lester Roloff used to refer to TV as the "one-eyed monster."  You may think it is foolish for a person to worship a cow or a statute, yet it is just as foolish to worship a TV set.

6.  THE INTERNET.

The internet has bypassed television as being the biggest time-waster in America.  I am shocked at how much time others spend on the internet.  Sadly, the internet has become more than a way of life for some --- it is their lives.

7.  ME.

The most popular idol in America is "me."  That's right.  We worship ourselves.  We live for ourselves.  We act as though it is all about us.  We look out for "number one."  We need to change the identity of number one.  Jesus should be number one, not us.  Selfishness and pride are symptoms of "me-ism." 

Perhaps you can identify with one or more of these issues.  Maybe you feel a degree of conviction.  Let that conviction drive you to your knees in repentance.

In the Old Testament, great revivals usually began when people tore down idols and returned to the Lord.  It is time that we tare down the idols in our lives.  In your heart there is a throne that God alone should occupy.  Be aware, He will not share it with anything else. 

Do you want a time of refreshing?  Do you yearn for God to do a great work in your life?  Do you long for revival?  If so, the starting point is your own life.  Identify the idols.  Confess your idolatry.  Repent and remove the idols.  Then begin living an idol-free life.  A life dedicated completely to the Lord Jesus Christ. Today would be a great day to start.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

"... to obey is better than sacrifice..." (1 Samuel 15:22)

It seems that many have compromised the Gospel in an attempt to make it more appealing to a depraved world.  It is ridiculous to think that we can make the Gospel more appealing while robbing it of its power.  Those who water-down the Gospel are hoping to make Jesus more attractive to a lost culture.  A lost culture hates God and our attempts to make Jesus "more appealing" will only bring tares into the church.  A person will not find Jesus appealing until his heart has been changed by the power of the Gospel.  Then the changed man will love Jesus.

Among the subjects omitted in a water-downed gospel is the subject of obedience.  There is nothing more disgusting to the nature of man that the concept of obedience.  Sinful man embraces independence and hates submission.  Sadly, this wicked attitude of fallen humanity has become prevalent in the American church.  The commands of Scripture are treated as options to be considered rather than commands to be obeyed.  Issues like baptism, communion, church attendance, forgiving others and witnessing are treated like options.  The commands of the Bible have become a buffet for people to pick and choose from.     

At the core of the matter is the Lordship of Christ.  Many professing Christians refer to Jesus as Lord, but their lack of obedience shows that he is not Lord of their lives.  In Luke 6:46, Jesus said, "why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

When king Saul offered only selective obedience to the Lord, Samuel responded, "... to obey is better than sacrifice..."  The Lord's message to Saul teaches us something:  selective obedience is NOT obedience at all. 

We need a fresh revival of obedience.  In his song, Keith Green wrote, "To obey is better than sacrifice, I want hearts of fire, not your prayers of ice."  Obedience (or lack thereof) is a reflection of the heart.  If a person truly loves Jesus, this love will be demonstrated through obedience.  Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

Revival in our churches will not come until we get serious about obedience.  We tend to obey God if His commands do not require us to leave our comfort zone.  We are often guilty of selective obedience, which is not obedience at all.  

God demands our obedience.  He is Lord.  Our lack of obedience demonstrates rebellion against His Lordship.

Just think how different America would be if professing Christians took God seriously and obeyed Him completely.

Satan may whisper, "It's okay to disobey ... you can always ask for forgiveness later."  This lie has misled many and has brought so much pain.

Here's the bottom line.  Obedience is costly, but disobedience is more costly.  Obedience may make me us uncomfortable, but disobedience will always lead to greater discomfort.  In the end, obedience is rewarded but disobedience brings severe consequences.

"To obey is better than sacrifice."   

THE GREAT OMISSION

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19-20

Recently, a prominent Baptist pastor stirred up controversy about revival through his writings on his Twitter page.  At the time, he wrote that believers should not be praying for revival, but "get busy."  After a great outcry, he later tried to clarify his remarks. 

I believe that we need a spiritual awakening in America.  We need a mighty move of God that sweeps millions of souls into the Kingdom.  Also, we need revival among believers.  American Christianity is more American than Christian.

Here's the bottom line.  We do need to pray for revival because we need God's power.  It is wrong to falsely assume that programs, strategies and personal effort can produce eternal results.  Only God can produce eternal results.  On the other hand, God does expect us to live and walk in obedience.  Praying for revival is not a substitute for obedience.  At the same time, activity is not a substitute for prayer.  We need to live prayerfully and obediently. 

With that in mind, today, I want to address a major flaw in American Christianity.  The Great Commission has become the Great Omission.  Christians are no longer evangelistic.  Evangelism is nearly extinct in our country.

Today, I want to show you four main reasons why the Great Commission has become the Great Omission.

1.  DISTRACTIONS.  One reason that evangelism is no longer a vital part of Christian living is because there are so many distractions.  Christians are continually bombarded with things to do.  Additionally, there are so many pleasure-providing venues that attract the attention of people --- and waste precious time.  Activities like sports, hobbies, television and the internet are classic examples of distractions that lure people away from the Father's work.

The devil is shrewd.  He knows that if he keeps people busy, they'll lose sight of important matters.  Evangelism is now considered a secondary issue, if it is considered at all.  We've sacrificed eternal matters on the altar of busyness.

Most church members consider evangelism to be an option rather than a command.  Distractions have turned the Great Commission into the Great Omission.

2.  DISCOMFORT.  A second reason evangelism is no longer practiced is because of the discomfort involved.  Our society emphasizes pleasure and comfort.  To be rather honest, evangelism is not naturally easy.  It is hard work.  It requires effort.  To put it bluntly, most church members are lazy.  Comfort has become a hidden idol in the lives of professing Christians.

3.  DISCOURAGEMENT.  Too often we lose sight of the fact that it is our job to liberally sow the Gospel seed.  It is God's job to make the seed grow.  We should encourage ourselves with faithfulness and have faith in future fruitfulness.  It takes time for seed to grow.  Paul wrote, "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not." 

4.  DOUBT.  This final issue is probably the most important.  Most church members are not convinced that evangelism is important.  Some erroneously believe that it is only the pastor's job to do evangelism.  Here's what I've observed.  Most Christians are not fully persuaded that every person they meet is either heaven-bound or hell-bound.  We no longer look at people with eternity in mind.  Like unbelievers, we have fallen for the lie that everyone is going to live forever here on earth.  It comes as a shock when a family member, neighbor, co-worker or friend dies.  Even worse, most funerals are conducted as if the deceased is in heaven, even if there was nothing in the deceased person's life to indicate a Christian faith. 

Professing Christians are apathetic about evangelism because they are not totally convinced that hell is real and that people are going there.  When confronted with this reality, many claim to believe the Bible, love the Lord and embrace the truth.  Yet their actions speak otherwise.  Until people are convinced that hell is real & souls are going there, they will remain apathetic.  Until believers are convinced that time is running out and most people around them are hopeless lost, church members will continue living as if evangelism is unimportant.

That is why we need to pray for revival.  Christians need to be awakened by the Holy Spirit.  Pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, Christian workers and the rest of our church members need to be shaken to the core.  We need God to stir us and revive faith in the lives of believers.  When Christians soberly face the reality and urgency of the situation, then we will pray with desperation and share the Gospel with intentionality.

Then the Great Omission will become the Great Commission in America again.