Mark 10:23-27

Why Be A Christian?

Our Faith and Hope are in God 1 Peter 1:20,21 Made in His image – Genesis 1:26,27 Believing that man evolved from animals doesn’t give man much dignity We Continue to Build on Our Faith- Jude 20,21

Inward Satisfaction There is personal satisfaction knowing we are what God want us to be. God want us all to honor is Son- John 5:22,23 We do this by wearing His name- Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:28,29 Our spirit bears witness with the Holy Spirit that we are children of God- Romans 8:16,17

Forgiveness of Sins Must receive remission of sins before becoming a Christian John 8:24 – Many will die in their sins – but they don’t need to Continue to have blessings of forgiveness- 1 John 1:9; 2:1,2; Acts 8:22 Think of the great relief to know that every sin we’ve ever committed has been forgiven

The Blessing of Prayer Help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16; 10:21,22 Christian has access to the Father – Ephesians 2:18 Would the person who fails to honor the Son by becoming a Christian have access? Proverbs 28:9

An Inner Joy 1 Peter 1:8 “Joy inexpressible” 1 Peter 2:3-5 “have tasted that the Lord is gracious” Since you have experienced the delights of the Lord, continue to come to Him

A Blessing to Society Christians are like salt and light – Matthew 5:13-16 IF you were hiring someone, would you rather have a Christian or a worldly person working for you?

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 inward peace- Philippians 4:6,7

Membership in a Local Congregation This is where we study Gods word and increase our knowledge in His will We have help and encouragement toward a common goal Association with the best people in the world

Manifold Blessings in this Life Mark 10:29,30 “houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands” Matthew 7:7-11 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”

Because of the Heavenly Reward Mark 10:30 “In the age to come, eternal life” Everlasting Joy – Revelation 21:4 “wipe away every tear…. no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying… no more pain” Reward far outweighs the price – Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Hebrews 4:9-11

To Avoid Eternal Punishment Jesus Warned – Mark 9:43-48 Luke 12:4,5 “Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, feat Him!” Romans 2:5 “wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” 1 Thessalonians 1:10 “the wrath to come” Hebrews 10:31; Proverbs 16:6

Are There Advantages to Being a Christian? Must be baptized into Christ – Galatians 3:26,27 Romans 6:3,4 “baptized into His death” 1 John 1:7 “walk in the light as He is in the light” 1 Corinthians 15:58 “always abounding in the work of the Lord”