Christianity in the age of Social Media

 


1 Thess 2:1-6

You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed — God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

As I peruse Facebook, YouTube and network television it strikes me how much the world hates and actively attacks Evangelical Christianity. It seems as though we have lost an entire generation. The attacks are direct and lack any kind of subtlety because they do not fear any kind of backlash.

Some denominations, in an attempt to win the younger generations, have decided to compromise their theology and accept clearly defined Biblical sin as normal. They even go further to say that accepting certain behaviors is showing Christian love.

On the other side of the theological divide there are sects that in their legalistic approach to Scriptures go on the attack and make no distinction between the sin and the sinner.

I think the Bible, especially the New Testament is very clear as to what is sin and what is expected of Bible believing, Spirit-led Christians.

Sin is sin and cannot be condoned or re-interpreted to make right. However, pointing the finger at someone only serves to put them on the defensive and to shut down any effective communication of the Gospel.

Hate the sin, love the sinner. This is the message of Christ as modeled through His action while on earth.

He ate with tax collectors and prostitutes. He interceded on behalf of the woman caught in adultery. He then told her to sin no more. By the same token he exposed the sin of the woman at the well without shaming her. It so impacted her, that she went into town and brought people back to hear the message of the Gospel.

Jesus did not condone their sin. He just understood that they were powerless over their sin without God intervening in their lives.

As a church we often say come as you are and we mean it. Our first task is not to point out the sin of newcomers but to introduce them to the love of Christ. Come as you are, but Christ loves you too much to let you stay as you are.

The Apostle Paul and his companions shared the Gospel truthfully and lovingly. For that they were attacked. Instead of defending themselves or lashing out, they allowed God to be their defense. The result was an established church in Thessalonica that was growing and thriving despite its opposition.

Love people into the Kingdom of God and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin. Be there to help them grow and understand how to turn from their sin so that they can mature in Christ and be effective witnesses to others like themselves.

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