Good Day Rock Church family! Spring has sprung and like most Marches it's cool & windy. The great thing is we know that it will get better and warmer soon. That's good news! My guess is many of us can identify with experiencing struggles with relationships, addictions and general over-stress in our lives. The great thing is we know that with Jesus, that too can get better and healthier soon. That's great news!
This leaves me wondering why it is easier to talk about the weather than the One who created the weather? I mean, we all agree on our first core conviction here at Rock Church Ministries, that EVERYONE NEEDS JESUS, right? So why do we sometimes struggle with sharing the story of the One who can bring us the better (weather) and the best (life)? I believe that if our faith is strong, we can talk about the weather or God, and those who we are talking with will receive both well because we are walking out our faith in a genuine and real way. Now, there are many ways to boldly share the truth of God and His love with others. I want to talk today about one way we can boldly share this truth, social media. I call this my “Ministry of Liking & Sharing.” I know, I know, not everyone is fond of social media, but if used well it really can be a very powerful tool to build relationships and share your personal testimony of transformation in Jesus.
I try to spend time every day on social media to keep up on people's lives. Mind you, not the posts on politics, food choices or the "do this and get blessed” or “if you don't do this you'll be cursed” posts, but rather the posts about what is generally going on in the lives of the people with whom I am walking through this life. I am intentional about liking, commenting or sharing posts to encourage others, promote good things, bear and share prayers needed or recognize great wisdom or insight that others may be sharing. Granted, I am not perfect and I admittedly sometimes miss the opportunity to wish someone "Happy Birthday", but I try to do what I can to further the work of the Kingdom with a few clicks.
Clearly, the Bible does not specifically address how we are to use social media ("Thou shalt like & share this" or “Thou shalt not use Facebook…”) :-) But I do think there are verses that support a good foundation of how we are to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and other forms of social media:
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
-1 Corinthians 10:31b
"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
-1 Corinthians 15:58
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
-Jesus speaking in Matthew 22:39b
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”-Hebrews 13:16
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is good for building up, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."-Ephesians 4:29
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." -Philippians 4:6
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes - Romans 1:16
So I’d encourage you as you go throughout your day to Look for opportunities to make a positive difference for others - whether it seems big or small – with a click or two. Remember, Jesus used a young man's gift of 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed the 5,000 (John 6:1-14). Think about what you might be able to do with your friend list or followers and a few clicks! (Sorry I had to share this pic as i was that GF man!)
Some events at Rock Church Plaistow that you may see on social media that you may be interested in and incorporate into your “Ministry of Liking & Sharing” are:
At Rock Church Plaistow this Saturday, March 25, from 8:30am to 12:30pm is a wonderfully encouraging Prayer Workshop facilitated by our great prayer warrior, Janis Taylor. In an interactive format, Janis will discuss such topics as how to pray creatively, what to pray for and how we can pray with other. Please contact Janis at taylor-jan@comcast.net with questions or for more info.
Then on Sunday March 26th after the 11:11 service (gathering at 12:45 with a hard start at 1:00), our Honduras mission leadership will be sharing an update on our mission work there. Whether you are interested in joining an upcoming team to Honduras, or if you're just interested in knowing a little more about how you can support our ministry to the Honduran people, we hope you will join us!
Lastly, as you may know one of our big outreach opportunities leading up to Easter are our Easter Egg Hunts. As you might imagine, this takes a lot of hands and a LOT of candy! We are in need of donations of candy and plastic eggs and will be collecting donations during Sunday services at the Welcome Desk. The Plaistow PTA is hosting a Pancake Breakfast at the Pollard School Saturday April 15th beginning at 8:00 a.m. Then our Plaistow Recreation Dept. puts on an amazing Easter Egg Hunt on the Plaistow Town Hall Grounds beginning at 10:00 a.m. I hope you can help as Rock Church blesses local families with refreshments and activities before, during and after the Easter Egg Hunt. Or just come connect with our community, enjoy a great breakfast, and join us at the town hall for the egg hunt, refreshments and activities. Feel free to contact me or visit www.joyfuleaster.com if you have questions or would like to help.
We are confident that as our Rock Church family boldly engages in a “Ministry of Liking & Sharing” of good events, uplifting posts, and invitations to our Rock Church Ministries Campuses and LifeGroups, God will multiply our actions and faithfulness so that as many as possible can be reached with the love of Christ. Love is contagious. Sometimes it just takes a kind word, a good story or a random act of kindness (like sharing your meager lunch of 2 fish & 5 loaves) to feed thousands. And sometimes all it takes is a few clicks!
Peace, PJ