TRUTH OR TRADITION? – Why Be A Christian? #6 #183
Spiritual Blessings.
If the Christian must suffer the same trials and tribulations as the non-Christian, then why be a Christian? Being a Christian: 1. Gives meaning and purpose to life. 2. Gives meaning and purpose to suffering. 3. Means special blessings from God. 4. Means showing my gratitude to God. 5. The only way to properly prepare for Heaven.
The Dream Of A Better World.
From the time Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden, man has longed for a better world. Some have even put their dreams in writing. In 1516 Sir Thomas Moore published a book in which he described a community or society with a perfect social and political system which he called “Utopia”. In the novel “Lost Horizon”, published in 1933, author James Hilton pictures a hidden valley in the Himalayas, which he called “Shangri La”, where people live in peace and harmony years beyond the normal lifespan. In both cases, the words “Utopia” and “Shangri La” have come to mean an earthly paradise.
The Modern Dream.
The modern dream of a great many folks is a thousand year reign of Christ here on earth in perfect peace and harmony. That dream is about as realistic as the other two, inasmuch as Jesus made it clear that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) , and that the kingdom of God is “within you.” (Luke 17:21) . His reign is spiritual not physical. His warfare is not “against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12) . It’s doubtful that Jesus will ever set foot on this earth again, inasmuch as when He comes again the righteous will be caught up together to meet him in the air, and so shall EVER be with the Lord. (1 Thess 4:16-17) .
The Promise Of Heaven.
Before ascending back to the Father, Jesus promised: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” (John 14:2-3) . That place is indescribable, for Paul writes: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9) . That place is prepared only for those who love God.
The Savior Of The Body.
The saved are added to the church by the Lord Himself. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47 NKJV) . The church is the body of Christ. “…and gave him to be head over all things to the church, Which is his body…” (Eph. 1:22-23) . “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (Eph. 5:23) . When He comes again He is going to save the body. Since the body is the church, if I want to go with Him to Heaven, I’ve got to be part of the church, a member of the body. Why be a Christian? Only Christians…the saved…members of the church, the body…will go to heaven.
Steer Creek Church of Christ, 3466 Rosedale Road, Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone: 304.462.0384 E-Mail: “ghmiller@rtol.net” Web Site: steercreekchurchofchrist.org
Community • Gilmer County • Shock • Stumptown • Religion | G-MM™ •
