What Makes Christianity Great? It all comes down to how we feel and think about it, and the choices we make.

Introduction Some people are under the impression that Christianity is a religion for losers (Ted turner). Religion is the opiate of the masses (Karl Marx). Christians are called many things and most descriptions disparage them and most of them are seen in a negative view. Others say that with Christianity comes burdensome rules, boring times, and bad experience.

Introduction Those who hold such ideas evidently have never tasted the graciousness of the Lord. 1 Peter 2:3 “If you have tasted the kindness of the Lord”. The commandments of the Lord are never burdensome, but a blessing. 1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome”.

Introduction It is a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, are Christians…and I am one of them. (Cyprian, The Bishop of Carthage, 3rd Century)

Introduction Christianity allows people to live out the purpose for which they were created—to glorify God. Isaiah 43:7 ”Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made”. Therefore, satisfaction results as the child of God carries out the mission for which he was made. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”.

Introduction The Christian experience is one of: Newness 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the told things passed away; behold, new things have come”. Busyness 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord”. and Peacefulness Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. ). Christianity is great for so many reasons. Here are a few…

A Savior Christianity offers man an answer to his sin problem (Romans 3:23 ). Jesus was born into this world to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 ). He is the “savior of all men, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10 ). Therefore, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, god supplies man with the necessary power to be what he otherwise could not—saved (Romans 1:16). Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15 ), the Savior Jesus Christ.

A Family Every born again person (John 3:3,5,7) becomes a child of God (1 John 3:1). With that exalted status come membership in the family of God, the household of faith (1 Timothy 3:15). The greatest support group in the world is the church of our Lord (Hebrews 3:13).

A Purpose As already discussed, the Christian, through Christ, and as a member of the church, has opportunity to live out the true meaning for his life, which is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21 ). The Christian can wake up in the morning knowing what he is on earth to do (1 Corinthians 1:31 ). And by doing it, he enjoys great security (Matthew 6:33 ; Philippians 4:19 ) and peace (John 14:27 ).

A Mission The Christian’s mission is three-fold. First, he realizes the importance of preaching the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:19 ; Mark 16:15). Second, he knows how important it is for him to edify his brothers and sisters. Therefore, he loves, encourages, visits, cares for and helps them in any way that he can (Galatians 6:2 ). Third, he knows and sees the need for good works (Titus 3:1,8,14 ). Benevolent acts allow him to let his light shine (Matthew 5:16 ).

A Destiny The Christian knows that a place has been prepared for him (John 14:1-3). The life he leads is referred to as “eternal” (1 John 5:13 ) or “everlasting” (Romans 6:22). Heaven is his true home (Philippians 3:20); and he knows that one day he will dwell there forever and forever.

Conclusion A Savior; A Family; A Purpose; A Mission; and a Destiny. With such knowledge we are prepared for whatever life brings our way. But it is still up to us to choose this life. The Bible tells us if we choose this life, we will have the greatest of all blessings: eternal life. If we choose to ignore the Bible; it will be bad. What is your choice?