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Why Be A Christian? Three Simple Reasons Prepared by Chris Reeves * El Bethel church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 21, 2008

Many Are Asking Young people are asking “Why…?” Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. are asking “Why…?” Skeptics are asking “Why…?” Weak Christians are asking “Why…?”

Is There A Reason to Be a Christian? Why were 3,000 baptized on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41)? Why would a man named Paul change and undergo great persecution for being a Christian (2 Cor. 11:23-28; Phil. 3:5ff)? Why would a man named Antipas die for being a Christian (Rev. 2:13)

Some Improper Reasons It’s just the “thing to do” I feel pressured to please someone (parent, friend, preacher, spouse) A selfish motive (social influence, physical assistance, etc.)

Because the Evidence Demands It Luke 1:1-4 There is evidence that there is a God (Psa. 19:1-2; 139:13-14; Rom. 1:20) There is evidence that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:4-8) There is evidence that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Pet. 1:20-21)

Because the Evidence Demands It Luke 1:1-4 There is evidence of true conversion to God (Phil. 3:5ff; 1 Tim. 1:12-16)

Because the Good Life It Offers 1 Timothy 4:8 Your physical health will be better (Prov. 3:1-2,16; 4:10; 10:27; Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 3:10) Your job / finances will be better (Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11-12)

Because the Good Life It Offers 1 Timothy 4:8 Your friends will be better (Mk. 3:33-35; 10:29-30; Acts 4:23; 1 Pet. 2:17) Your mental health will be better: joy, peace and comfort (Phil. 4:4-7; Heb. 13:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:8)

Because Membership Has Its Privileges Ephesians 1:3 Forgiveness (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn. 3:4; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 8:22) Answered prayers (1 Pet. 3:12) Assistance (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:16; Phil. 4:19; Acts 2:44-45) Hope of Heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-4)

You Can Be A Christian Today… Hear the gospel (Acts 15:7) Believe Jesus is God’s Son (Jn. 8:24) Confess Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10) Repent of sins (Acts 17:30) Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21) Live faithfully to the end (Heb. 3:6; 6:11)

Why Be A Christian? There are three simples reasons… It is the only way to glorify God (Acts 11:26; 26:28-29; 1 Pet. 4:16) Life is short (Jas. 4:14), judgment is sure (Heb. 9:27), and eternity is long (Mt. 25:34,41,46)