Catechism: Social Media & My Messageনমুনা

Most people can tell you about Jesus’ actions--the miracles he performed, his death, and, of course, his resurrection--and while these are obviously important, they tend to overshadow something else: his message. 

In his three years of ministry, Jesus proclaimed one, specific message: “The kingdom of God is near. Repent of your sins and believe the good news.” 

The good news is that Jesus offers salvation to those who believe and a new way of kingdom living that flips the world’s values upside down! Humility and service are valued above pride and dominance. The new humanity created by Jesus trusts God to define good and evil rather than themselves.

Jesus’ death and resurrection inaugurated God’s kingdom on earth. It is here… and it is still coming. We’re living in a sort of “in-between” time. When Jesus returns, his kingdom will fully be here. Until then, we are called to live as citizens of this kingdom. And that means using our lives to continue spreading Jesus’ message: “The kingdom of God is here! Repent, believe the good news, and join in God’s kingdom!”

Read Mark 1:14-18

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever thought of yourself as a “fisher of men?” Just as he promised the disciples, Jesus will show you how to “fish for people.” Take a minute to thank him for showing you how to reach others with the good news of his kingdom. 
2. Think about the flipped value system of God’s kingdom: Humility is valued above pride, love means sacrificing our good for the good of others, and we boast in God’s glory, not our own. Does your life reflect these “flipped” values? If you’re feeling convicted about a particular area, ask God to forgive you and transform the way you think and act so that it reflects his kingdom values. 
3. We’re all telling a story via social media. What story plays out on your social media: the story of your glory or the story of God’s? Ask God to help you proclaim the kingdom of God in every area of your life, both online and offline.