• Why Be A Christian?
• A question that deserves an answer.
• Why Become a Christian?

• Introduction
• Most people think if you have money, you have all the advantages in life. The disciples so thought - Mark 10:23-27.
• Jesus showed that riches can be a distinct disadvantage - Mark 10:23-31.
• We want to show that the real advantages in this life are to those who are following Christ.
• Here are some things to consider in answering the question of: Why Be A Christian:

• Our Faith and Hope are in God.
• 1 Peter 1:20-21
• We believe we are made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26- 27).
• We will give an account to our Maker (Romans 14:10).
• Believing that man evolved from animals (organic evolution) doesn't give man much dignity. Humanism declares you are no different from a snail or cockroach.
• We continue to build on our faith (Jude 20-21).

• We Have An Inward Satisfaction.
• There is a personal satisfaction in knowing we are what God wants us to be.
• God wants all to honor His Son (John 5:22-23).
• We do this by wearing His name, becoming Christians (Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:28-29 [the only verses that mention followers of Christ being called Christians]).
• Our inward spirits bear witness with the Holy Spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16-17).
• Our spirits testify that we have done what the Holy Spirit revealed.
• There is something very gratifying in the inner-self in knowing that were are pleasing to our Creator (Philippians 4:7).

• We Have The Forgiveness of Sins.
• One must receive remission of sins before he can become a Christian in the first place (Isaiah 59:2).
• Many will die in their sins - but they don't need to (John 8:24).
• Christians continue to have the blessings of forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2; Through prayer-Acts 8:22).
• Think of the great relief to know that every sin we've ever committed has been forgiven.
• And knowing that God will continue to forgive our shortcomings if we repent and ask for forgiveness.

• We Have The Blessing of Prayer.
• There is help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16; 10:21-22).
• It is the Christian that has access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).
• Would the person who fails to honor the Son by becoming a Christian have access to God?
• Of course not (Proverbs 28:9).

• We Have An Inner Joy.
• 1 Peter 1:8 - "Joy inexpressible" words cannot describe it, nor can it be exhausted with words. One must experience it for himself. "And full of glory" - full of honor and praise, having a sense of dignity and greatness (1 Peter 1:8).
• We should “experience God” (Psalm 34:8).
• “you have tasted" - since you have experienced the delights of the Lord, continue to come to Him (1 Peter 2:3-5).

• We Can And Should Be A Blessing to Society.
• Christians are like salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Employers have learned that Christians make better employees.
• Governments realize that Christians make better citizens.
• Society learns that Christians make better neighbors.

• Able to Cope with Hardships.
• There is a certain amount of adversity and hardship that comes to all (Ecclesiastes. 9:11-12; Job 14:1-2).
• The Christian can have an inward peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
• The Christian faces the same trials and tribulations that are common to all mankind, but handle their situations differently from those of the world.
• One of the messages of the book of Revelation is that when God brings plagues upon the wicked, it will not hurt those who have the seal of God on their foreheads.

• We Have Membership in a Local Congregation.
• First of all, we know that we are not on our own.
• Here we study God's word and increase our knowledge in His will (2 Peter 3:18).
• Here we have help and encouragement toward a common goal (Ephesians 4:15-16).
• There may be some members in the local churches who are hypocrites, but there are also some of the best people in the world.
• We need each other.

• It Makes Us A Better Family Member.
• A Christian makes a better husband, wife, father, or mother.
• Generally, children of Christian parents are better children.
• No greater heritage can be passed down, than Christianity personalized by faithful living.

• There Are Many Blessings In This Life.
• Can you count your blessings and name them one by one?
• You give up in order to receive (Mark 10:29-30).
• All you have to do is ask (Matthew 7:7-11).
• All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

• Because of the Heavenly Reward.
• In the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:30).
• Everlasting joy (Revelation 21:4).
• The reward will far outweigh the price (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
• There remains a rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-11).

• To Avoid Eternal Punishment.
• Jesus solemnly warned against it (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:3-4).
• There is a great day of wrath coming when the adversaries will be destroyed (Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
• We are to fear God (Hebrews 10:31).
• The fear of the Lord causes one to depart from evil (Proverbs 16:6).

• Conclusion
• Are there advantages to being a Christian? Yes, Many! It pays to be a Christian.
• Let us avail ourselves of the blessings.
• None of these blessings can be yours unless you are a Christian.
• You must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized into Christ and continue living faithfully to have these blessings.
• Let us who are Christians remain steadfast so that we can continue to enjoy the blessings (1 John 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

By Carey Scott from an outline by David Riggs

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