5 Ways to use Social Media this Easter
Technology and Social Media has immense potential in the promotion and advance of the Gospel - as Christians connect with their extended networks, the influence of what they share has the opportunity to reach out to many of their friends or followers who don’t yet know Jesus. The following are some ideas or examples of meaningful ways to share through your digital presence.
1. Videos
A number of different publishers are producing videos that share the story of the Gospel and explain its meaning and application. Videos can easily be passed on to friends and the nature of sharing allows a person to watch in their own time. . When the average Facebook user has 130 friends, that's a lot of potential views of a gospel video per Christian!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxEpTKzdHf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O60Cc6OTJZI
2. Scripture
Romans 10:17 says “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Take some time leading up to Easter to read through the accounts of the Passion of Jesus Christ in the Gospel and post some excerpts. The same could be done with the rest of the New Testaments commentary on the Cross.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:8
3. Seasonal Prayers
Written prayers can be incredibly encouraging and calming for people. Some of the most commented, liked or shared posts that I have had have actually been prayers. These prayers can of course be used year round, but they might have a particular weight with the unchurched during this season.
Lord Jesus Christ, we praise you for your redeeming love and for all that you have done for us. As we bow in penitence before the cross, we gratefully acknowledge the debt we owe. For ours was the sin you bore, ours the ransom you paid, ours the salvation you won. Lord Jesus, accept our thanksgiving and help us to live for the praise of your glory. Amen.
Out of the darkness of Calvary, O holy Son of God, we hear your lonely cry, and we bow in penitence and acknowledge our guilt. You bore our sins in your body on the tree. You were made a curse for us and endured the death that was due to us. Jesus, Lamb of God and Saviour of the world, have mercy upon us, and teach us to know that you were forsaken that we might never be forsaken, but live in the light of God's presence now and evermore. Amen.
Merciful God, who gave your Son to suffer the shame of the cross, save us from hardness of heart, that, seeing him who died for us, we may repent, confess our sin, and receive your overflowing love, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, you have conquered death through your dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant us by your grace to set our mind on things above, so that by your continual help our whole life may be transformed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in everlasting glory. Amen.
4. Music
Audio and Visual Media can be incredibly effective in communicating a point. Why not share one of your favorite Easter Anthems with your friends. Below are three examples.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70D_W8hGBQ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7t3P9ISrE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMx_s8XdfKQ
5. Invitations
You can promote Easter services or events through your profile updates…
For example:
"I'd love you to join me at church this Easter. Jesus death and resurrection changed my life forever. Let it change yours…"
"How will you be celebrating Easter this year? If in Cape Town, join me at church!"
If your church has information on its website about the Easter services you could add a link at the end that people can click on to find out more.
These are very simple ways for Christians to extend a potentially life changing invitation. As a church, we're keen to make it as easy as possible for people to invite their friends - and social media provides just one of these opportunities.
May we use the opportunity of the Resurrection Weekend 2014 to make much of our Lord Jesus Christ!
