1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. Why Be A Christian? Three Simple Reasons Prepared by Chris Reeves * Rocky Point church of Christ Gospel Meeting * September 10, 2007

3. 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…?”

4. 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 undergo great persecution for being a Christian (2 Cor. 11:23-28)? Why would a man named Antipas die for being a Christian (Rev. 2:13) There must be a reason!

5. 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.) Let us examine the right reasons!

6. 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 and Savior of the World (Rom. 1:4) There is evidence that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Pet. 1:20-21)

7. Because the Good Life It Offers 1 Timothy 4:8 Your physical health will be better (Prov. 3:1-2; 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)

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 the Good Life It Offers 1 Timothy 4:8

9. 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)

10. 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)

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)