1. Do We Miss Anything By Being A Christian? Yes in one sense and no in another. If one thinks the world has something to offer then the answer would be yes- but it comes from a carnal view not a spiritual view. If one wants to ignore the Bible then they will think the Christian life is a prison and penalty the Lord puts on them, instead of a free and peaceful life of joy and comfort.

2. Scripture Phil 1:21- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 3:4-10- Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being

3. What Is Missed- From Worldly View? “pleasures of sin” – Heb. 11- Moses chose to suffer hardship with the people of God than to endure the “pleasures of sin for a season.” When given the choice- Moses chose to do right- and by every evidence we see he never regretted it. Joseph- refused to commit fornication with Potiphar’s wife. She was willing but he said- “how can we do this thing and sin against God and your husband?”

4. What is Missed- Worldly View 2 Knowing what liquor tastes like or experience being drunk. Knowing what it is like to feel the guilt of the fornicator and the empty feeling that comes from sharing your body with others. Never know the resentment that comes after the action is committed. Never know the pain of potential disease-betrayal of a spouse-the hurt that comes from destroying a family and your own life and the lives of others. Knowing what it feels like to abandon all reason and go against everything that is right. Knowing what it is like to wake up in the morning not knowing what you have done or who you were with or what you said. Knowing the fear of jail. Knowing the feeling of the drug addict (meth, cocaine, heroin, marijuana). Knowing what the medicines are like to treat VD- STDS- AIDS Knowing what having multiple sexual partners is like Knowing what it feels like to have someone so angry with you they are willing to kill you or maim you for life.

5. What Is Missed-Worldly View-3 Answering to Others who care for me. Having no true friends who want me to go to heaven. Never having anyone who really cares for my best interest. Being irresponsible and selfish. A tender conscience that helps me reason sanely. Close Family ties with those who really love me (Prodigal son)

6. What Does the Christian Miss- Spiritual View NOTHING OF VALUE. But look at what he gains from being a Christian “what is a man profited though he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” “…peace that passes understanding.” Hope Prayer and assurance Freedom from guilt.

7. What Is Gained By Being A Christian? Salvation of my soul. No sting in death. Pure life free from regrets. Beauty of knowing that “if God is for us who can be against us.” The beauty of commitment to our spouse and growing old in service to the Master all our days together on this earth. Appreciation for what was done for me by Jesus. Friendships with the best people in the world. HEAVEN- the greatest benefit of all.

8. What Is Gained? Everything. Forgiveness No guilt Honest living Long life free of diseases that go with sin and indulgence Riches and blessings in Christ (Eph. 3:1-14) WALKING WITH MY KING AND SAVIOR EVERY DAY- Never alone!

9. Choose You This Day Josh. 24:15- How long will you halt between two opinions? The solution to sin is full commitment to the Lord. Access to the blood of Christ through repentance and prayer for the Christian. Christ invites us all and we still have time today- but no promise of another day. The decision we make has eternal consequences. What will your answer be? Choose God and His way- Life Eternal or Satan and His charms- eternal death?