1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. The Christian and Social Media (1)
Lights in every area

3. What is it? Creation social interaction through electronic means, primarily the internet.
Communicating with friends and acquaintances, in many cases involving groups greater than our friends.
Social Media

4. In 2015, 1.581 Billion users, with over 1 billion logging in EVERY day
It is here to stay!
Stats on Facebook
In 2015, Billion users, with over 1 billion logging in EVERY day
72% of adults visit at least monthly
91% of millennials (15-23) on Facebook
Social Media

5. As of 2018, 2.414 billion monthly users, 244 million in US & Canada
It is here to stay!
Stats on Facebook
As of 2018, billion monthly users, 244 million in US & Canada
2/3 use it daily, 50% of adults over 50, 80% ages
Social Media

6. There are 1.7 billion adherents to Islam
It is here to stay!
Stats on Facebook
As of 2018, billion
There are 1.7 billion adherents to Islam
There are about 2.5 billion professed believers in Jesus*
By 2020, it is estimated there will be more Facebook users than believers in Jesus
Social Media

7. Social media is morally neutral
It is not sinful to be on social media and it can accomplish much good.
As with many things (such as money), it is about HOW you use it
Social Media

8. What good can social media do?
Opportunity to communicate instantly around the world. Connect with old friends and acquaintances
Opportunities to evangelize, promote good will and good works (cf. Mark 16:15)
Effective advertising
Social Media

9. What good can social media do?
Disseminate good information in rapid fashion
It can be used to encourage and make a positive mark in our society
A great way to learn about what is going on
Social Media

10. Problems with Social Media
Opportunities to communicate and connect with old friends, etc. Documented instances of adultery, and other sinful activities
Opportunities to disseminate BAD information
Social Media

11. Problems with Social Media Potential impact on mental health
Low self-esteem and confidence
Depression
Envy, jealousy, bitterness, etc.
Addictive behavior
It doesn’t solve your social problems and often intensifies them
Social Media

12. Problems with Social Media It is permanent
Whatever you post is documented FOREVER! Even if you delete it, likely someone saw it and will remember it
We are living in a time when one’s past will be used against him/her
Employers
Social Media

13. Problems with Social Media It often reflects the real you
Modesty, language (including emojis and acronyms – e.g. OMG), entertainment preferences, who your friends are, what is really important to you, etc.
Social Media

14. Problems with Social Media It can be a great waste of time!
Daily usage
We are often obsessed with it. How much do we use our phones?
Do we neglect more important things?
Social Media

15. Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego
Perhaps one of the greatest problems. It can become about self-advancement (e.g. how many likes will I get?). Some go to great lengths to get them
Bully messages (e.g “If you don’t like this then…)
Social Media

16. Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego
Often falsely inflated validation. Most surround themselves with friends they agree with who tell them they are ok (even if they are not)
Social Media

17. Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego
How many are truthful with their posts (only positing the good things, or their spin) OR, posting their problems seeking attention.
Social Media

18. Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego
Bragging – to make oneself appear better than others
NOTE: This problem has to do with motives when one posts. Only you can HONESTLY reveal your true motives
Social Media

19. Problems with Social Media It affects personal interaction
A problem we have today is a lack of face to face interaction.
We don’t really get to know each other as we need to
IT is easier to attack, bully or belittle someone when you are not face to face
Social Media

20. Problems with Social Media It can become addicting
Many depend so much on social media, they “have to” be on it continually.
It is this addictive attitude that promotes many of the issues we have addressed.
Social Media

21. How can social media affect my example? In so many ways!
It is communication, just like everything else we say
It reveals your heart, and who you really are
OR worse, leaves a wrong impression
Social Media

22. How can social media affect my example?
When we post without thinking or investigating it can harm our influence and possibly damage opportunities to teach the gospel
It may be your FIRST impression!
Social Media

23. The Bible and social media
Proverbs 4:23, keep your heart with all diligence
All that we do need to be governed by our spiritual heart.
What is the world seeing in us?
Social Media

24. The Bible and social media Matthew 5:13-16, Philippians 2:14-15
You are ALWAYS being an influence to others
Even when you are online
Social Media

25. The Bible and social media Ephesians 5:16
We are to manage our time wisely.
Even good things can be wasting time or not doing what you should. (e.g. I see many preachers who seem to spend all day answering every doctrinal dispute they come across)
Social Media

26. The Bible and social media
Revelation 21:8, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 15:18-19
We are to control our tongues.
We should not lie (make sure what you share is truthful)
We should not be hateful, bitter, etc with our language
Social Media

27. The Bible and social media James 3:13-16, Ephesians 4:31
What is your attitude when you are online? Are we ugly and hateful, bitter, selfish, envious, etc?
OR are we kind?
Social Media

28. The Bible and social media 1 Corinthians 15:33
Who are you associating with – online?
Your “friends” can influence you in many ways, and you may be influencing them
Social Media

29. What does your online activity say about you?