2. What's So Great About Being a Christian?
Introduction
Some view Christians as depressed sourpusses.
They believe God wants to drain all the “fun” out of life.
First century Christians abounded in joy: 1 Pet. 1:8; Phil. 4:4-7
The eunuch experienced this joy: Acts 8:35-39
Paul and Silas experienced this joy even in prison: Acts 16:25-34; Jas. 1:2
Even when persecuted, first century Christians “rejoiced”: Acts 5:41
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

3. What’s So Great About Being a Christian?
What’s So Great About Being a Christian?
Philippians 4:4-7

4. Recipients of God’s love
God loves us and wants all men to be saved: 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9
But, only Christians taste the goodness of God’s love: Heb. 6:4-5
We cannot save ourselves: Psa. 46:1
Do you ever consider your life before becoming a Christian? Rom. 6:21; 5:8-9
God’s love has solved our greatest problem: Rom. 8:31-32
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

5. What's So Great About Being a Christian?
Christ died for us
What is the greatest degree of love we can demonstrate towards another? Jn. 15:13
Our country’s highest medal of valor is the Congressional Medal of Honor.
God’s love is far greater! A love we didn’t deserve: Rom. 5:6-8
It would do us well to think of our sins and the price that had to be paid for them: Matt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 18
If there was ever a reason to rejoice, this is it! Rom. 5:8; 6:23; Heb. 2:14-18; 9:22; 1 Pet. 1:18-21; Heb. 10:19-22
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

6. Jesus is our High Priest
We, as sinners, cannot come before God and plead our case alone, but Jesus can: 1 Jn. 2:1
The Levitical High Priest entered the tabernacle (Holy of Holies) and offered blood for his sins and the sins of the people: Lev. 16:14-15
The Holy of Holies was a type of heaven; Jesus entered the true Holy of Holies and offered His perfect blood! Heb. 5:1-3; 2:17
Wonderful blessings accrue to us as a result of Jesus’ High Priesthood actions: Heb. 4:15-16; 10:19-25; 7:23-25
We should rejoice having Jesus as our High Priest!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

7. True meaning and purpose of life
Every thinking person that ever lived asked the question: “What’s the purpose of life?”
By ourselves we are incapable of answering that critical question: Jer. 10:23
One ancient philosopher sought high and low for the purpose of life; he looked at riches, great wealth and possessions, “wine, women and song” and came up empty-handed.
But, finally he found the true purpose of life for all men: Eccl. 12:13-14
So many wander aimlessly in life; and it’s directly traceable to a loss of faith in God and in Christ: Rom. 12:1 (logikos)
Finding the true purpose of life is something to be joyful about!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

8. Fellowship with other Christians
Everybody needs someone they can depend on! Rom. 14:7
Fact: as Christians we are “one in Christ”: 1 Cor. 1:10; 12:25-26; Eph. 4:16
First century Christians lived that unity: Acts 4:32
We need one another: Phil. 1:27; Psa. 133:1
Our togetherness as Christians is a great source of comfort: Rom. 15:5-6; 2 Cor. 1:3-4
By myself I might not be able to stand, but with other Christians I can: Eph. 4:16
Now, that’s something to celebrate!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

9. What's So Great About Being a Christian?
It brings peace
We live in a world filled with turmoil, anger and strife; peace is coveted, but a rare treasure.
Christ is our source of peace: Isa. 9:6; Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14-16
God provides us inner peace in many ways people of the world cannot understand: Matt. 6:24, 33
Christians experience the joy of peace even when surrounded by turmoil and chaos: Jas. 1:2; Phil. 4:4-7
This kind of peace is something to write home about!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

10. The assurance of heaven
Life here, with all its problems, temptations & turmoil, is tolerable only because of our hope of heaven.
What a glorious thought: Jesus is preparing you and me a place in heaven! Jn. 14:1-3
Our hope is not centered here, but in heaven: 1 Pet. 1:3-4
The child of God lives with the glorious vision of eternity in his heart: Rev. 2:10; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:4-5
What’s so great about being a Christian? Heaven!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?

11. What's So Great About Being a Christian?
CONCLUSION
What’s so great about being a Christian?
Christians are the recipients of God’s love.
Christ died to save us.
Jesus is our great High Priest.
Christians find the true purpose of life.
Christians have fellowship with other Christians.
Christians alone have the assurance of heaven.
This makes the trials and tribulations of life but a “light affliction”: 2 Cor. 4:16-17
Are you a Christian? You’re missing what life is all about!
What's So Great About Being a Christian?