Why Are You On Facebook?

"Why are you on Facebook?" I get asked that from time to time. Sometimes it's, "Why are you on Facebook so much?" Typically this question is posed in a condescending way and to which I am tempted to respond, "Are you going to have a theological conversation with me?" Let's face it it is very difficult to have a nice biblical theological conversation with the average believer these days. Now if we were in the times of the Reformers and Puritans I would bet my house that when they gathered for socialization it was centered on fellowship in Christ, which would mean that the primacy of their conversation was centered on biblical truths. That kind of chit-chat is not easy to come by anymore. I struggle to find believers that are not only willing to discuss theology but also love it. In comes Facebook.

Now let me say that Facebook cannot replace the fellowship of the local church, which is a biblical mandate. Nor does it mean that it can replace private bible reading and prayer. Finally, Facebook should not consume the majority of your time. God and family have priority. We also need to remember that Facebook can be a playground for false teachers looking to find naive Christians. I watched (tried to help) as a young person learning the things of God started off on the right track but got connected with a false teacher and ended up denying the Triune God (this person I believe also did not attend a local church). Young and naive (I know no one likes to see themselves as naive so unlearned will suffice) Christians and those seeking to know biblical truth should not use (nor should anyone else) Facebook as there primary means of learning and studying. Better to seek the council of your pastor and elders who will answer your questions or direct you to sound resources that may help. Any questionable teaching should be brought before church leadership to be looked over or a trustworthy and learned fellow believer. Wives should run it by their husbands.

Now when Paul writes, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph 5:15–16). I do believe that Facebook can fall into redeeming the time. How so one may ask? Paul was a preacher of the Gospel. The proclamation of Christ crucified and risen consumed his time. He hated to waste any second that could be spent preaching the Gospel to sinners and time that could be used being built up and building up fellow saints. He wanted to make the most of every moment for the glory of Christ. He did much traveling in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We have been given an opportunity to share this same Gospel with friends and family, that we have as Facebook friends, from our own home! Some of these people we cannot preach Christ face to face because they will not allow it. They throw up a defensive wall and are quick to change the subject and may even get hostile at the mention of any "religion." Yet, they will read a post on our wall that testifies to the person and work of our Savior. At the very least it is a seed planted and by the grace, mercy and power of God may be the means by which the Spirit draws someone. Facebook is a place where we can freely evengelize the lost. Of course this does not replace sharing the Gospel on a personal face to face level. Yet, it can still be used to redeem the time.

Facebook is also a great place to have good and healthy theological chats. You can share, learn, be edified and challenged in your own theological positions. Numerous  of times I have read posts and links to articles that have helped me further in my own studies. In fact one post from Lane Chaplin, quoting from Calvin, on how faith must come be before repentance "logically" caused me to re-think my position that repentance comes "logically" before faith. I was pretty dogmatic about it before, not so much now. We all agree that they are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. My point is that my position was challenged and I studied further and learned. I was edified. At the same time it can be a place where I share with others. I know quite a few folks that have a misconception or no knowledge whatsoever about Reformed Baptists and what we believe and I have been provided the platform to share. Facebook can be a good thing.

So when people ask me "Why are you on Facebook (so much)?" The answer is because I want to share what I have learned about Christ and I want others share what they have learned about Him. Just trying to redeem the time. Soli Deo Gloria!

For His Glory,
Fernando