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Like, Share, and Follow Christ: What Would Jesus’ Followers Post on Social Media?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the disciples of Jesus had access to social media? Imagine scrolling through your feed and seeing Peter's latest fishing adventure or John sharing his profound reflections on love. Join us as we bring the ancient stories of Jesus’ followers into the digital age, offering fresh perspectives and timeless lessons along the way.

Insta-Grace

Peter: @fishingwithpete
Peter, known for his passionate and impetuous nature, would have an alluring social media presence. Through his updates, followers would gain insights into the power of redemption, the value of faith, and the grace that allows us to rise after falling.  Peter's profile would demonstrate that faith is abundant with missteps and monumental growth, and would remind us that even our greatest failures can lead to our most significant spiritual breakthroughs.

John: @igotafriendnamedjesus
The Beloved Disciple, John’s post would attest to the foundational power of love, the triumph of good over evil, and the significance of having an intimate relationship with Christ. His online presence would reflect his deep understanding of love, faith, hope, and revelation; prompting followers to see love as a command that transforms, revealing the heart of the Gospel. 

Paul: @paulsinternationalcrusades
Paul became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul became a passionate apostle and left this world with a noble and momentous legacy through his letters and missionary journeys. His posts would showcase his zeal for the spreading Gospel and his deep theological insights; emphasizing themes of joy, gratitude, and spiritual warfare. 

Thomas: @thefaithfulskeptic
Thomas’ account would capture a compelling perspective on faith, doubt, discovery, and belief. His posts would provide insight into human struggles, the role of doubt in spiritual growth, and the grace extended to those who seek truth with sincerity; challenging us to confront our doubts, embrace genuine inquiry, and ultimately find faith and commitment in Christ.

From Scrolls to Screens

Despite the unique touch of imagination and humor, each disciple would present profound insights into the human condition, faith, and our relationship with Christ. Their posts piece together their personal journeys’ and illustrate that faith is a dynamic and often challenging matter, marked by doubts, revelations, and encounters with God’s grace. Embracing the messages embedded in each post allows us to glean timeless wisdom and inspiration found within the pages of scripture.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Values for a Secure Marriage Grounded in Faith

Marriage is a sacred covenant established by God Himself, designed to reflect the union between Christ and His Church. The significance of building a strong and lasting marriage cannot be overstated. It is through the bond of marriage that couples are called to grow together in love, faith, and mutual support, becoming catalysts for each other's spiritual growth and transformation. In this post, we thumb over key elements in building a marriage that honors God and stands the test of time.

Submit to One Another Out of Reverence for Christ

Prioritize God in Your Marriage: Prioritizing God in your marriage is paramount, as it establishes a strong foundation built on faith, love, and spiritual unity. When God is at the center of your relationship, His wisdom and guidance shape your decisions, strengthen your bond, and infuse your marriage with purpose and meaning.

• Start each day with prayer together as a couple.
• Attend church and engage in spiritual activities together.
• Seek guidance from teachings on marriage and relationships.

Strengthen Communication and Transparency: Healthy communication and transparency are essential pillars of a thriving marriage, fostering trust, understanding, and emotional intimacy between partners. By openly sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns, couples build deeper connections and navigate challenges with empathy and respect, laying the groundwork for lasting harmony and mutual support.

• Practice active listening and empathy towards your spouse. 
• Schedule regular times for open and honest communication. 
• Be transparent with each other about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Amplify Unconditional Love and Forgiveness: Cultivating unconditional love and forgiveness in your marriage creates a safe and nurturing environment where grace and compassion abound. By embodying Christ-like forgiveness and embracing unconditional love, couples can overcome conflicts, heal wounds, and strengthen their bond, fostering a relationship grounded in grace and mutual acceptance.

• Embrace the Biblical concept of agape love in your marriage. 
• Practice forgiveness as Christ forgave us.
• Let go of grudges and past mistakes and shift focus toward reconciliation and growth.

Serve and Support Each Other: The importance of serving and supporting your spouse lies in embodying the selfless love modeled by Christ, fostering mutual respect and appreciation within the marriage. By prioritizing your partner's needs above your own and offering unwavering support through life's challenges, you not only strengthen your bond but also create a foundation of trust and unity that sustains the relationship through every season.

• Look for opportunities to serve your spouse selflessly. 
• Encourage and uplift each other in times of need. 
• Work together as a team to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.

Prioritize Quality Time Together: Prioritizing quality time as a couple strengthens the bond between partners and enhances intimacy in the marriage. By setting aside dedicated moments for meaningful connection and shared experiences, couples deepen their understanding of each other, create cherished memories, and nurture a relationship that thrives on mutual love and companionship.

• Schedule regular date nights and meaningful activities as a couple.  
• Disconnect from distractions and focus on each other during quality time. 
• Make time for shared interests and hobbies that strengthen your bond.

Establish Boundaries and Commitments: Establishing boundaries and keeping commitments in your marriage is crucial for fostering trust, security, and respect between partners. By clearly defining expectations and honoring promises, couples create a framework for healthy communication, mutual respect, and emotional safety, sustaining a strong and resilient relationship built on trust and accountability.

• Set healthy boundaries to protect your marriage from external influences. 
• Agree on mutual commitments and priorities within your relationship.
• Honor your vows and remain faithful to each other in all circumstances.

Seek Guidance and Support: Sometimes seeking guidance and support for your marriage is vital for navigating challenges and nurturing growth as a couple. Whether through counseling, mentorship, or spiritual guidance, reaching out for help demonstrates humility and a commitment to the health and longevity of your relationship, allowing you to draw wisdom and encouragement from trusted sources as you journey together.

• Surround yourselves with a supportive community of fellow believers.
• Seek counseling or mentorship from trusted Christian leaders or couples.
• Be open to seeking professional help when needed to address marital issues.

Love Always Protects, Always Trusts, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres

Building a strong and lasting marriage requires intentional effort, dedication, and reliance on God's guidance. By prioritizing God at the center of the relationship, fostering healthy communication, cultivating unconditional love and forgiveness, serving and supporting each other, establishing boundaries and commitments, seeking guidance and support, and prioritizing quality time together, couples can lay a solid foundation for a marriage that continually grows in love, faith, and unity. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

Whispers of Wonder: 30 Quotes About Christmas

Today we are to relish in the enchanting words of pausing Christmas sentiments that hold a unique power to stir our hearts and kindle the Christmas spirit within. Eloquently capturing the essence of the season, the timeless expressions below promise to illuminate Christmas celebrations and warm the soul. 

The Quotes

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills

“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it, you know it, you believe it.” – Kevin Alan Milne

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” – Washington Irving

“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Valentine Davies

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” – Dale Evans

"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." — Ruth Carter Stapleton

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

“Christmas is not a story of hope. It is hope.” — Craig D. Lounsbrough

“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future." — Agnes M. Pahro

"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.” — Unknown

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” — Freya Stark

 "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” — Roy L. Smith

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” ― Steve Maraboli

“If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return.” ― Toni Sorenson

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans—and all that lives and move upon them.” ― Sigrid Undset

“Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” —Norman Vincent Peale

“Christmas—that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance—a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.” —Augusta E. Rundel

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you."—Saint Teresa of Calcutta

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Weaving together joy, love, and goodwill, may the tidings instill a lingering impression that carries you throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, peace, warmth, and promise, 
Your friends at Torrance Church of Christ