1. Facebook Christians Computers, Social Networks, the Internet and Christians

2. 2 Introduction For those who don't know – Facebook  Sign up with a log in and password  Find “friends”  Post a comment and all your friends will read it  Quick way to communicate with many at once Average user – 130 friends (I have 300+) Average user – spends 55 minutes a day here

3. 3 Introduction Facebook is a wonderful thing  Keep in contact with friends around the world  I have several Russian friends on Facebook  Many I have not seen for 25 years or more Facebook can help families and churches keep in touch There can be a “down side” - like any good thing, it can be abused and cause harm

4. 4 Introduction This sermon is not about computers, the internet or the dangers of them I am going to ask some questions to help us be who we should be on Facebook Not on Facebook? The application is the same for personal contact (phone, mail, or in person)

5. 5 What if Jesus sent you a friend request? This is how Facebook works. You choose who to invite to be on your friends list. You send them a request They can choose to accept or reject that invitation

6. 6 What if Jesus sent you a friend request? Would you have to clean up your page first?  Embarassing photos of a party?  Profanity, dirty stories?  Where you got angry at someone and told them off?  Harsh, critical, spreading gossip? NEWS FLASH – Jesus is already there. He already knows about those photos and angry, harsh language

7. 7 Am I being careful about my influence? Facebook can be a tool for evangelism  I use it to share my sermons, Power Points and class materials  I use it to communicate with family and friends  I use it to plan my trip to Russia Any of the 700 million Facebook users in the world can see what I write – THINK ABOUT THAT!

8. 8 Am I being careful about my influence? Facebook can be a tool for evangelism Are there things on your Facebook page that are inconsistent with what you are professing as a Christian? Are you using this tool to encourage others, teach them, and bring them to Christ? Are you using this tool to demean, be critical, and cause trouble?

9. 9 What if I see something inappropriate on your page? Hebrews 10:23-24 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

10. 10 What if I see something inappropriate on your page? You do not have to harsh in your rebuke Just send them a private message Let them know that you are concerned about how others will view their claim to be a Christian

11. 11 How much time are you spending on Facebook? Average user is on Facebook 55 minutes each day – 7 days a week When you consider – sleep, eating, work, school, social life, church activities – almost an hour a day = a lot of time I am not opposed to Facebook – I am on it Like anything else – it can consume our time, energy and life.

12. 12 How much time are you spending on Facebook? Here is the point -  Some don't have time to study the Bible  Some can't attend Wednesday night  BUT they spend an hour on Facebook Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What is more important in your life – Christ and His church OR Facebook?

13. 13 Conclusion: Final thought: What would happen if I asked Jesus to be my friend? John 15:14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. Our CLAIM does little good if our LIFE is not according to His will.

14. 14 Conclusion: Matthew 7:21-23 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

15. 15 Conclusion: Do you want to be the friend of Jesus? I am not talking about Facebook I am talking about life – here and in eternity As we sing the invitation song – here is the question for you to answer: AM I A FRIEND OF JESUS? AM I A FRIEND OF JESUS?