“Sticks and Stones will Break My Bones…”

“Sticks and Stones will Break My Bones…”

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

When you think about those words, they are untrue.

We think we fool ourselves by saying them; but the truth is, words hurt.

There are words of encouragement, but when do we use them? God’s revealed word informs us to continually encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13).

Not only do words cut our heart, they influence others.

Think of all the religious names in your community. Chances are they number more than the fingers on your hand and the toes on your feet. There are too many!

All those names hurt everyone. It is a shame each group cannot throw down their name, their creed, their doctrine and abide in the doctrine of Christ.

Think about this quote from John Wesley:

“Would God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgotten and that we, as humble loving disciples, might sit down at the Master’s feet, read His Holy Word, imbibe His Spirit and transcribe His life into our own…With regard to the name Christian, I would say, there is none like it; give it to me, and in life and in death I would glorify God in this name.”

What about you?

Will you leave all names and just be a Christian?

Will you leave all books and believe the Bible?

Just some thoughts,

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What Does the Bible Say about Social Media?

What Does the Bible Say about Social Media?

You must admit, social media has taken the world by storm. Its presence in the lives of people across the globe is growing every day and businesses have grown and shrunk due to social media engagements. Considering the growth of social media and its future, what does the Bible say about social media?

Today, you can have a conversation with someone across the globe in a matter of moments. A few months ago, I had conversations with people in at least 12 different states, China, Japan, Sweden, England and a few other countries in just one day. We do live in an amazing world. It was not too long ago communication for many was a phone call or a letter. Today, communication occurs through our mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets and even the watch you may wear. Our availability of communication has increased, but has our communication?

So, what does the Bible say about social media?

First, the Bible does not specifically discuss social media, but its words were written long before the age of the internet. However, people were social and interacted with each other. They interacted in the marketplace, the synagogue, the temple and in their homes. Their relationships were personal and tangible.

Second, consider a few verses from the Bible when you post:

  • “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16.24)
  • “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13.3.)
  • “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15.4)
  • “Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11.12)
  • “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” (Proverbs 26.4)

Other Considerations:

  • Remember who and whose you are
  • Remind yourself that you are a light that shines
  • Write the post then reflect on it before posting it
  • Remember, social media is not the greatest thing ever. Jesus is.

Just some thoughts,

Enhancing Communication (Sermon PowerPoint)

Enhancing Communication (Sermon PowerPoint)

I am sure each one understands this, but communication is important. Whether it is verbal or non-verbal, communication affects everything.  For a Christian, our communication is not only towards our brothers and sisters, but it is toward God. Christians have what many consider to be a vertical communication style (our communication with God) and a horizontal communication style ( our communication with each other).

In the end, we know that your communication with God affects all of our other relationships. So, to improve our other areas of communication, we need to first start with our communication with God.

Below is the PowerPoint from Sunday evening. Take a moment and feel free to view it and see what you think.

Thank you for stopping by and seeing the newest Powerpoint lesson. Stop by each week for more.

Just a thought,