1. Benefits of Being A Christian The Christian Is A New Creation –II Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2. Benefits of Being A Christian The Christian Is A New Creation –II Cor. 5:17 new creation “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” –There Are Many New and Joyful Aspects of the Christian’s New Life

3. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Gift –Forgiveness of Sins Problem? Sin! Solution? Being a Christian! The Ultimate Gift – Clear Conscience I Peter 3:21 – Washing of Sins Acts 22:16; I John. 1:7 – Added to Church Acts 2:47 – All Spiritual Blessings Eph. 1:3

4. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Freedom –Victory Over Sin Christians – No Longer Slaves To Sin Rom. 6:17-18 Freedom In Christ Pertains To Inner Man Sin No Longer Controls Our Thoughts and Actions

5. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Outlook –A Triumphant Frame of Mind Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Matt. 19:26 “…with God all things are possible.” Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

6. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Self Image –A Sense of Personal Worth Created In the Image of God Genesis 1:26 Purchased With Blood of Christ I Peter 1:18-19 God’s Possession I Cor. 6:20 God’s Children Rom. 8:16-17; I John 3:1

7. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Potential –Usefulness in the Lord’s Work Created For Good Works Eph. 2:10 –Good Steward I Peter 4:10-11 –Good Influence I Tim. 4:16 Teaching Helping Example

8. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Quality of Conduct –The Christian’s New Way of Life Christian = Christ Like Romans 6:4 Character II Tim. 1:9 Putting God First Matt. 6:33 Serving Others I Tim. 6:18-19 “The Ultimate in this life is enjoyed only when one ceases to make this life their ultimate concern!”

9. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Fellowship –Communion with God and Fellow Christians Relationship With God Romans 5:10-11 –As Sinners – Separated From God –As Christians – Reconciled To God Relationship With Christians –Fellow Citizens Eph. 2:19-22 –God’s Family the Church Acts 2:42-47

10. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Strength –The Christian’s Hope Hope = Desire + Expectation I Peter 1:3-5 Mansion In Heaven John 14:1-3 Keeps Us Faithful Rom. 15:13 Crown of Righteousness II Tim. 4:7-9 “I Can Do” Attitude Phil. 4:13

11. Benefits of Being A Christian A New Gift A New Freedom A New Outlook A New Self Image A New Potential A New Quality of Conduct A New Fellowship A New Strength

12. Are You Enjoying The Benefits of Being A Christian?

13. By Bob Gard – Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.org Lesson From Gary Henry www.brasstacks.org