1. Why Be a Christian? Acts 11:28: “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 26:28: “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. I Peter 4:16: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

2. From These References We Learn: A Christian is a disciple, Acts 11:26. The name “Christian” was divinely given. Paul sought to persuade sinners to become Christians, Acts 26:28,29. A Christian is one who is persuaded, Acts 26:28: Persuaded that: –The religion of Jesus Christ is true. –Being a Christian is worth the price one has to pay.

3. From These References We Learn (con’t) A Christian is one who is willing to suffer for doing right, I Peter 4:16. A Christian is one who is not ashamed, I Peter 4:16. A Christian is one who glorifies God, I Peter 4:16.

4. Why Be a Christian? Because God wants us to be Christians, I Peter 4:16. Because Jesus Christ wants us to I Corinthians 1:11, Luke 19:10; Heb. 2:9. Because the Holy Spirit wants us to be Christians, John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13. Because the angels in heaven want us to be Christians, Heb. 1:14; Luke 15:7,10.

5. Why Be a Christian (con’t) Because the church, which makes up “the saved,” Acts 2:47, wants us to be Christians, Acts 2:47. –Its Supreme Mission, I Timothy 3:15; 1 Thess. 1:6-8; Rev. 22:17. –When the church ceases to be a soul- saving body something is greatly amiss!

6. Why Be a Christian? Because it Pays to be a Christian! It pays in the here and the now, Matt. 6:33; Mark 10:28-30. It pays Physically, I Cor. 9:25,27; 2 Tim. 2:22. Contrast Acts 8:39 with Romans 1:26-32. It Pays Socially, Luke 2:52; Acts 2:47. –The Christian, as a disciple, seeks to be like Jesus, Luke 6:40. –The Christian develops those character traits people admire and respect.

7. It Pays to be a Christian! It Pays Influencially, I Pet. 4:16; Phil. 2:14-15. –Many today are Christians because of the influence of parents, of a spouse, or a child, or of friends, etc., who were Christians. It Pays Nationally, Gen. 18:32; Prov. 14:34. –Why has God allowed our nation thus far to stand? It pays Eternally, I Peter 1:3-4.

8. Conclusion: In this study we have dealt with the question, “Why be a Christian.” We cited several valid reasons why one should be a Christian. Can you cite one good, sensible reason for one not being a Christian? We encourage all who not Christians to “come to Jesus,” Matt. 11:28, and do so upon His terms!