If one is tempted to sin using Facebook, then one should stay away from it. For whatever reason, some people, rather than work to improve their marriages, start affairs on Facebook. That was not available at the time of Christ, so people would go to the market place, where they could start affairs if they wanted to. But we find Jesus and the apostles preaching the gospel in the market place (Mark 6:56; Acts 17:17). Jesus was with so many “worldly” people that he was called a “friend of publicans and sinners” (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34).

I have about 800 “friends” on Facebook, but only about 40 that I keep close track of—mostly family and long-time friends. Most are church friends—but some are recovered or recovering homeless people whom we have helped in our ministry. Numerous times, I have found somebody who needed help and I answered them with some kind words, a scripture or an article I have written on their subject. I remember one of our former guests lecturing other women on staying away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs when they were pregnant—I encouraged her. Another man, whom I’ve known for 10 years, never thought he would have a wife or family, but I encouraged him as he drifted around the country, and now he is well on his way to a family! I would not be embarrassed for my wife, family or the entire Shepherd’s Voice Magazine readership to read anything I have written on Facebook. I am still learning, but I have learned to talk about God and the Bible to many people without them “unfriending” me. I think it is a wonderful evangelistic opportunity, and hope many computer-happy believers will take advantage of it.