“Would Jesus Use Facebook?” by Donna Jackson
Would Jesus Use Facebook?
by Donna Jackson
Several years ago, church leaders from our area were invited to a conference in Atlanta. Breakout sessions for pastors, teachers, and children’s ministry leaders like me offered a wealth of information and new insights. Creative hands-on teaching methods were implemented into our children’s curriculum as promptly as money and manpower allowed. However, one keynote speech from an older, African American pastor with a youthful twinkle in his eye remains stuck to me like a grandchild trying to escape a spanking from his mama. He asked a simple question, “If Jesus began His ministry today, how would He go about it?” His message took aim at leaders who seemed stuck in their ways. He was convinced that Jesus would use every available tool to spread the Good News as far and as fast as possible. Technology, in all it’s many forms, would be one of the handiest tools in His tool chest.
It’s true, nothing can replace the one-on-one, knee-to-knee, eye-to-eye conversations about the mercy of God, the grace of Jesus, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. However, the use of technology should not be overlooked when it comes to sharing our own personal God-stories. I can relate a story of God’s unexplainable intervention over lunch and inspire a handful of friends, but I can share that same story on Facebook and reach hundreds (perhaps thousands) of friends – all for God’s glory! (But, be warned. Satan will try to thwart any and every method used to further the cause of Christ.)
Because I have many amazing Facebook friends, I have the opportunity to be blown away daily by the creative and various ways God chooses to work. Take Brandy Maples’ recent post as an example. Brandy, one of my former students, made my day when she chose to share and challenge each of us. Read Brandy’s recent God-story:
When is the last time you invited someone to go to church with you???
I was selling a bedside table on a FB (Facebook) group, this girl and I were going back and forth about where to meet — she lives in Gadsden and didn’t want to travel all the way to Guntersville — I told her if she wanted to wait until Sunday that we actually went to church in Gadsden and I could meet her afterward, she said that was perfect ! I sent her my number in case something came up and she decided she didn’t want the table. While we were messaging, I told her that if she did not have a church home, we would love to have her and her family visit with us at 11:30 . Not long after that my phone rang with a number I didn’t recognize — I answered it because it was so late and a 256 number. It was her, and she was crying. She said she and her family had been fighting, and that they were just missing pieces in their life. She had been wanting to go to church but wasn’t raised in church and didn’t know how to go about it . She knew about God, but had kinda bargained with Him about “sending signs” — and then she said I asked her to go -During a FB conversation on a yard sale site!!!! – No one has EVER personally invited her to church!!
So I’m genuinely inviting you to Church this Sunday — if you are interested but don’t know where to start please PM (Personal Message) and I will get you with someone in your area that would love to have a guest, OR check us out online at www.churchofthehighlands.com.We have live webcasts.
And if you do have a church home — please invite someone to go with you this Sunday!
Love and blessings to all …now go be a blessing to someone!
Now, doesn’t that encourage you to keep your eyes open for opportunities to share Jesus?
Not long after I saw Brandy’s post I saw what my sweet friend Christine Broadus shared! I don’t know about you, but I am certain that the Holy Spirit is working mightily right now to unite ALL who hold high the banner of Jesus. He longs for us to willingly locks arms and become a massive force of hard fighting soldiers who take aim at the devil and not each other. Read what Christine shared, and watch her video below. There’s more of us than we realize!!!
We were recently on a trip to Gatlinburg and decided to go through Cades Cove. We saw this old Methodist church and decided to go in. There was an old piano and I started playing and my sister Eunice and I started singing. Two others that we did not know joined us and the place began to fill up. The presence of God was so real. I believe God planned this special meeting. Thank you Jesus for unexpected God moments.
Would Jesus use Facebook? I think so.
About the Author: Donna Jackson
Donna Jackson worships with Church of the Highlands in Huntsville, Alabama, but enjoys her coffee and home in the picturesque community of Grant. She and Ron, her husband of 36 years, have two married children and four grandchildren who absolutely delight their days. However, nothing thrills Donna’s heart more than to watch the Spirit do His thing through her writing and speaking. She gives God all the credit for helping her write. Donna would love to connect with you through her blog Perfection Road at :
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