OK, so I gotta say something.
Today I was speaking to someone I have known for years. Let's call her Lucy!
As we were talking, Lucy essentially told me that she did not think that someone should be able to write about their personal faith in Christ or "religious stuff" on Facebook. Lucy told me that someone she knew was doing this ... and that this someone professed to be a "born-again" Christian. In fact, this "born-again" Christian was even shoveling her driveway for her during this recent snow storm. Lucy found his Facebook page and saw that he was speaking about "religious stuff" and she said she thought that it should not be allowed and that it "creeped" her out.
Lucy has told me a couple of times that she believes in Christ so I was really kinda surprised.
I told Lucy for about the hundreth time that I was one of those "born-again freaks"! I told Lucy that I often speak about my faith in Christ on this photo website. I even showed Lucy exactly where to locate my words about my faith in Christ. Maybe I did this so I could creep her out on a more regular basis.
I told you that to tell you this.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, it is recorded that he came to the disciples to commission them. In Matthew 28:18b-20, it reads:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus was saying, "Hey, ... Now go tell the world what you have seen and what you have heard. Don't worry because I am going with you and I will be there with you to the very end".
Jesus didn't say ... "Hey, It would be cool if you mentioned that you thought I was a pretty nice guy to a few people".
Now I told you that to tell you this.
You may think I am a complete fool! And if you wish to mock me I will post your reply. I am not trying to edit out objectors as long as you aren't profane.
I am telling you that I believe in Christ. I love Him! And I want there to be enough evidence in my life to convict me of being one of His believers. But, if I say I believe in Him and ... and I really do ... shouldn't I want to tell you? Even if it's on Facebook?
Folks, ... The reason I want to tell you about Christ is because I really believe it. I really believe that YOU must receive Christ as your Savior. Some people may not tell you that so directly ... but that is what I believe because that is what the Bible says.
Jesus Christ sets people free today. I am a flawed man. I am not smarter than you. I am not cooler than you. Take a look at my photo, I am surely not better looking than you! The only thing I have going for me eternally speaking is the blood of Christ has covered my sin. I AM FORGIVEN! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Don't look at me as a model of how to live. I will let you down. The Bible says we are to look at Christ as our example on how to live.
Lucy! I care about ya! Don't live your life so close to me for all these years and miss the message of Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and life. John 14:6.
God bless you all.
NikonSniper Steve
45 comments:
Great post, Stephen! I appreciate the stand you've taken for Christ! And you're right, telling others about our amazing Savior is a command, not a suggestion! Keep pointing others to Him! God bless!
Well said!
Amen!
Yep folks Steve speaks the truth. I kid you not. Don't be fooled and find out when its to late.
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well said!
This is a wonderful country that we live in Stephen. We have freedom of speech and freedom to choose a religion...or not. Personally I feel that if someone wants to say something about Jesus on facebook, or a blog, or whatever, they have this right. It is their opinion. If I choose to read it or not, is my choice. I made the choice to read your post and I am happy that I did. Just my opinion :)
A great post! :)
I count it a privilege to praise Him. Very well put and thanks Stephen!
Great post!
You said it just right, and good for you for doing so! Great post and a great testimony.
Amen. I agree, with you.
Thanks Mr. Steve. Lord bless, and thank you for being a witness, everywhere you go, even here on the internet! It's very encouraging to me.
Fight the good fight! Lord bless :D
--Abigail
I personally don't understand why a person would think we shouldn't talk about Jesus or our beliefs on Facebook. I do it all the time. :-)
Yeah, what they said... 8-]
And how is it that so many people think Christians should not post such things, yet the same people feel it's perfectly OK to post anything and everything else? Gotta wonder...
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^
Thank you for sharing your belief so beautifully. Christ makes all the difference.
well said, it is sad to realize so many people get upset under the guise of their own fears....... Jesus is real today as yesterday and tomorrow... Amen
Wonderful post! Praise God!
God Bless,
Lon
We are now getting to a point where people are afraid to say what they believe in.
I believe that everyone should be free to speak about and believe in whatever it is they believe in. I don't think it should be forced upon anyone but then again, if you don't like what you read or hear, why keep on reading/listening?
No one is forcing you.
Personally I'm an atheist but I have respect for those who believe in God.
Me too! Thank you for that post Steve. One thing that's got me wondering as well - if Lucy doesn't like what she's reading - why is she drawn to reading it?
It was very neat for me to read your post this morning as late last evening I did my post and expressed what I believe to be the path to being able to deal with this life on earth and all the challenges that bombard us. I have to admit that I was wondering during the night what kind of reaction I would get, if any! Then I opened your post and thought... wow... here's my answer, no matter what kind of comments I get over the next day or two. Of course I knew that, but it's as if the Lord through you had validated what I was trying to say on my post!
I do appreciate all that you do and say here is blog land... Larry
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ indeed! Stephen I am so moved when I read your posts about your faith. The point unbelievers keep missing is that we are commissioned to spread the good news of salvation, not try to force them to belive. How will they ever know what treasures lie ahead if we don't tell them? Blessings to you for all you do for the Lord!
Rock on Nikon Sniper! Personally I like your faithful posts. They're a light in my day. In this one I really like this line: "I want there to be enough evidence in my life to convict me of being one of His believers." It speaks to me. God Bless!
Amen! And well said!! Keep it coming. We all need to hear it over and over! I want my friends and family to be with me in heaven and we need to tell them how to get there!! Thanks!
God Bless...I pray Lucy will take the time to read and not judge her Christian friends.
I post about prayer for someone all the time on FB. In fact there is a group named Call For Support. People are asking for and praying for someone all the time. There is not a specific name of a particular religion named. If you believe in God and have been saved by his blood no matter what type of religion you are then you are going to be ok. I also ask for prayers on my blog for my family, me and others also. I am not above asking for prayers for animals either. They get sick and hurt just like we do.
Thanks for this post. Very good. Have a blessed day, Helen
"WELL DONE, my good and faithful servant, WELL DONE."
Those are the words we all long to hear from Jesus when we reunite in Heaven....And I think He would totally dig anyone talking about Him and giving Him glory anytime, anywhere. Even on Facebook. :0)
Keep shinin' His light!
Your sister in Christ,
Becki
You don't know the whole situation or the person. He's kinda creepy to begin with. Every person has a right to free speach. I do believe, but I personally do not choose to push my beliefs on others. I just think a social network, is for casual socializing. I also said I don't like to post personal political views. Politics and religion are very touchy subjects. I just choose to do it on a more personal level than social networking.
L
I attend a church that believes "we are culturally Christian and spiritually unlimited". We have Five Principles (1) that which we call God is the source and essence of all that is (2) as human beings we have a spark of divinity within us, the Christ spirit within (3) thought has formative power (4) prayer is creative thinking that changes us so that we can recall the truth of God's presence and power in all situations and (5) knowing and understanding the laws of life, also called truth, is not enough. We must live the truth that we know. So...I do not necessarily believe in the Trinity but in One God. I think, for me, that is all that is important...that I believe that we all come from Source and we all have "God" within us.
Well said! {Much virtual cheering going on this side of the blogoshpere}
@ Anonymous;
A social network is just that, a social gathering. There are no restrictions on what you talk about that is a personal opinion. Yes, it is better to talk face to face but then if that is the case shouldn't all talk be face to face, chit chat encluded?
Pushing a belief is a very tough accusation. Talking about a belief is a whole new thing. I have been around Muslum people who in truth do push their belief to the point of killing you, but Christianity? No that is not pushing but talking. If you have a child that you are very proud of you boast about them. Do you call that pushing your opinion of them on other people? No way! :) This is the same, we are so humbled and proud of what Jesus did on the cross for all of us that, for me personally, I must speak about it or burst.
When the lies that the world have fed people melt away then all will see the pure, sweet light of Jesus Christ and just how much He loves all.
Praying for unbelievers everywhere before the time is up,
<><
Amen, Brother! HE expects us to live our faith and talk about it as easily as other subjects we discuss with others. Lucy is like many of us who one time were under conviction to grow deeper in our faith and boldness. We will pray for her to take that next step.
Thank you Stephen. It is so refreshing to run across someone who is not afraid to proclaim his faith. More of us should be as open. As far as posting your beliefs on FB, isn't that what FB is about. I believe that it is my prerogative to posts my what I believe in on FB or any other social network site.
Praise the Lord and His infinite love and wisdom.
Thank you for sharing your faith and His promises through your post! It's so refreshing to read and see Christians IN action and ALIVE in Christ! By His grace and through His power we can go and tell others how much He loves ALL people, and what He has done on and off the cross to demonstrate His love! Your words make me smile so big! I pray that at least one person (and maybe lots more) gets to know Jesus through your strong witness here! Thank you!
I'm sure there are a few on Facebook who've hidden my posts! Praise God, NikonSnipter Steve! It's all to His glory!
Great post!
If Lucy Is a Beleiver why does it creep her out when other folks talk of their faith?
A true christain isnt ashamed of their faith.
Amen to this Steve - well said!
May God bless you Steve for strengthen me and bringing light to my soul. This morning was incredibly difficult, and it is my faith in God that raises me up, my faith in Jesus Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice that fills me with hope. Others sharing their faith with me reminds me of God's Eternal Love, and invariably it's at a time when I desperately need the reminder, so thank you for being a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior.
That's a very thoughtful post.
I'm comfortable being around your blog, Stephen and I'm comfortable with my friends who post religious and political posts on FB. Don't agree with all of them, but then I don't have to reply.
I am glad they have the freedom to post - in many countries they wouldn't.
So glad to read this. I have thought alot how do we witness in this new technology world. What if someone just happens upon our sites and likes pictures so they explore and see what is important to us. What if they read the first time about the love of God and we point them to a verse that speaks to them. It might be that seed that we sow that shows them the road to our Lord.
We have a sweet young man, (college student), at our church who often wears blue jeans and a Christian message t-shirt to church. The little old ladies are always racing over to him, so they can READ his latest shirt. He is adored. His clunker of a car is covered in biblical messages. I'm sure he has a facebook page . . . and I have no doubt the message is there too!
Write on!
Inspiring and ever so refreshing, thanks for your bold witness!
Great post! I think it's our choice to post what we want on our own FB pages. And it's the other persons choice if they want to read it or not. Post away!
Way to go Steve! The world needs more people like you to proclaim the truth!
Thanks for your post today, I needed it!
Kate
Good words, brother in Christ.
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