Bo​az Baptist Chronicles

I don’t expect you to understand my world, I barely understand it myself. One day I don’t feel good, the next, I’m fine (better). I started getting bad headaches in January, 1988. Over the last twenty-five years (this writing), my goal has remained the same. Love God, live for God and serve Him. I got saved October 8th, 1972. Since that day, God has called me to preach and pastor, and, even though, like everyone else who is saved, I’ve had my share of problems, I’ve done my best to serve Him.

The reason I am writing this article is why I introduced myself the way I did above. You see, I am an administrator of a Facebook group. That’s what this article will be about. Facebook. I am hoping to clear up a few misconceptions for some people about “Facebook” and its use for Bible-believing Christians. But, before I do, permit me to again be a little personal. The reason that I initially got onto Facebook and eventually started a group of my own was because I was looking to get my materials “out there.” I wanted folks to read what I had to say and, let’s face it, in my observation at that time, that's where all the people who were reading were located. My only interest, now, was to get my materials to someone for the sole purpose of helping them. (I wasn't trying to promote myself, I was honestly trying to help someone see what the Scripture taught on a few subjects the best way I knew how, writing.) It’s important to say here that all during this time I was also preaching and teaching in our then second local Baptist church that the Lord let us establish, headaches and all. This one was located in Pennsylvania. And, given my circumstances of not feeling good much of the time, I/we did the best I/we could do to be in the public's eye as much as possible with our ministry. (The furthest we were able to go in this second work was a home church.)

I said the above, NOT to try to make you feel sorry for me, but so that you might know why I started my Facebook group to begin with and, in my educated opinion, what your involvement should be.

First of all, there is no way that Facebook can replace the local church and pastor. Those that have what some might consider a “Facebook ‘church’” in replacement of a real local assembly of believers are lying to their followers by calling it a church. Let’s face it, how can something this big be local? Moreover, even though someone can get personal on-line, there is no way that a pastor can learn to know his people when you both are hidden behind screens. (A virtual communion table doesn’t work too well, either {smiley face}).

I believe if there is a local church nearby, that it’s a Christian’s duty to support it and its ministries (including gospel ministries and missionaries), simply because someone has to be in the public’s eye, even if you can’t. Paul went from city to city and “house to house,” and so should you. But, if your bad health or similar circumstances preclude you from going, support those who can.

Like any tool, Facebook can be a wonderful instrument for those who use it properly and be detrimental to those who don’t.  For those of you that don't yet understand what I'm saying here, the best thing that you can do for yourself is to close down your Facebook account–yes, even get off of my group–and serve God in and through your local assembly, if you have one that is. A Facebook account is at BEST second to the local assembly.  

Instead of me making a lot of do’s and don’ts out of this article, Christian (you have God’s word and the Holy Ghost to do that), I will end it like this…

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100)

Pastor Bob

For those who might be interested in reading more about the local church and pastor, please read my book entitled, At His Feet.

Post Script: I see many Pastors on Facebook that seem to be able bodied men without health problems (I may be wrong and I’m not judging). To them I say spend more time going out door knocking and witnessing with your extra time. Who knows? You might just “save a soul from hell,” who will be able to support a missionary on a foreign field.

Post Script II:  How Facebook (FB) is Altering Your Mind