1. Mark 10:23-27

2. Why Be A Christian?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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”

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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”