TRUTH OR TRADITION? – Why Be A Christian? #7 #184
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) Means making proper preparation for Heaven; 6) Means preparing for eternity.
A Million Years From Now.
Some author, unknown to me, wrote a gospel song that asks the question: “Where will you be a million years from now? Will you be happy? Will you be singing? While ages roll throughout eternity, I ask this question: Where will you be?” Something to think about. So often we get so involved with the cares of this life, we fail to plan for the next one.
A Life Without Profit.
Jesus once asked the question: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) . When facing death, how much of his fortune would a millionaire give for one more year of life on earth? In Luke 16, Jesus told of a rich man who died and was buried, “And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments.” How much of his wealth do you suppose he would have given, for the opportunity to return to earth? What has a man really gained if he loses eternity? Is there anything in this life worth missing heaven for?
What Then?
“A youth and an old man talked one day Said the boy, I think I’ll go away From the father’s old farm, don’t know just when. The old man listened, and asked, What then? I guess I’ll have some fun in town The first few years, then settle down And get a job and earn a lot. The old man smiled, and asked, Then what? Why then I’ll invest in bonds and stocks, That’s where they say opportunity knocks. Maybe by that time I’ll be governor. And the old man asked, And then what more? Then I guess I’ll retire, if I please And travel and live a life of ease. The old man thought as he scratched his head. Then what will you do, my son? He said. For a moment the lad made no reply, Then he answered slowly, I guess I’ll die. A deep silence followed as both of them thought. Then the old man asked softly, My boy…..then what?” Author unknown.
Why Be A Christian…..TODAY?
1) The Church needs you. It needs your influence and service. 2) You need The Church. The Church will exist without you, but you will die spiritually without The Church, because The Church is The Saved (Acts 2:47). 3) Delay means loss of spiritual blessings in this life. Those blessings are found only in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3) . 4) Delay means loss of spiritual reward in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-21) . The longer you delay, the less treasure you lay up. 5) Because life is short and uncertain, and we have no promise of tomorrow. (6) Because death is fearful and certain. 7) Delay calluses the conscience.
Today Is The Day Of Salvation.
Jesus knew: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) . “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Heb. 3:7- 8, 15; 4:7) . “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2) .
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™ •
Congratulations to Hunter Ashley for getting a 2nd place in the Discus throw. He may be a Freshman, but he can definately out throw a lot of sophmores, Juniors and seniors. Way to go Hunter. Practice always pays off. Proud of you.