Introduction to a New Column

Like other preachers, writers and bloggers, we have at times addressed the problems of social media, including platforms like facebook.

Too often social media is abused and misused by wasting time surfing through its endless posts. Or engaging in heated arguments, hurling unkind and ugly retorts. Posting immodest pictures. Or just being trivial and frivolous.

However, there is a good side to social media. The Gospel of Christ can be preached. Encouragement offered. Prayers requested. Brethren connected around the world. Bible study material shared. And important thoughts posted that ennoble and inspire us.

Today, we begin a new column, “facebook friday,” where we will share with our readers various posts we’ve seen on facebook. Some posts will be a series of short statements, others longer articles. They may include poems, memes, or cartoons. There will be a mixture of serious, thought-provoking posts along with some simply to provide humor.

Sometimes, we may use a post as a springboard for further commentary. A short application or comment. Other times, we may let the post stand alone.

We begin with some miscellaneous short quotes that we’ve seen recently to challenge and encourage us.

♦“If listening to the gospel preached on Sundays doesn’t effect your Mondays, you’re just going through the motions and that ain’t good,” posted Dan DeGarmo.

♦Good advice seen on Bob and Terry Andrews’ page. “Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.”

♦“Some choose to focus on the harm others have done them,” wrote Tommy Peeler, “but the better focus is the love God has shown to us.”

♦Here’s the intro of a longer post, we will share later from Doy Moyer. “The gospel is still the same today as it was yesterday, 50 years ago, or 2,000 years ago. Changing laws, new governments, and temporary rulers do not change the gospel. Legislating issues that are moral in nature do not change the gospel.”

♦Seen on the Guidepost page. “A boat is safe in the harbor. But this is not the purpose of a boat.” –Paulo Coelho

♦Motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn wrote, “If you don’t like where you are, then change it. You’re not a tree.” This is true mentally, emotionally, materially and most importantly, spiritually.

♦”Just a thought,” from Don Truex. “Let’s never lose sight of the fact that our ‘adversary the devil’ is the only one happy about the racial, political and medical division in our world. Why? Because he wants ‘to steal and kill and destroy’ anything good.”

♦Finally, this wonderful counsel from Max Dawson. “As kingdom leaders, let us never forget the first principle of leadership, indeed, the first principle of wisdom. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ Without reverence for God, and a healthy respect for His wrath, we will fail as leaders. Be wise, my friends. Be wise.”

If you’ve seen something positive or encouraging on facebook, that you would like ThePreachersWord to feature on “facebook friday,” email, text or I.M. me.

Happy Friday everyone!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman