Hope Fellowship Sermon Notes: March 5, 2006

Pastor Ben posed an simple, but interesting question this past Sunday. Why would a person want to become a Christian? Let's examine it. Here is a person that is spiritually dead, using human reasoning to determine a choice of eternal consequences.

Look around at the Christians you know. I can tell you, some of them are in poor shape. Seeing them would make me want to run the other direction. What do you think an unbeliever sees, or more importantly perceives? Christians are no fun! Christians are always negative and against everything! Christians are so old fashioned and stodgy! Frankly, they have a point if that was all there is to it.

So, I would reshape the question to say it a little differently. Why would a person, looking at Matt Berge, want to become a Christian? Now it is personal! But don't forget the posts below. Remember that the Holy Spirit has a role in this, but Matt Berge has a responsibility as well. Have you ever heard the saying, 'accentuate the positive'?

So what are the benefits of being a Christian?

1. John 16: 23 states that 'In that day you will no longer ask me anything...' referring to the day the disciples realize that Jesus has risen. The benefit is that as Christians we receive full understanding of our salvation. The way to salvation becomes clear. See also Colossians 1: 9 - 12

2. Our prayers are answered. When Christians pray, stuff happens.

3. Christians receive complete joy (John 16, vs 24). Joy that sustains us and cannot be removed! This joy should not be confused with happiness. Happiness is an emotion and can come and go. A Christian is able to have complete joy, even during times of terrible tragedy.

4. Christians know the reality of the love of God the Father. Love that transcends all else. But why does God love us so much? Because we choose to love His Son, Jesus Christ (vs 27).

5. Christians have the assurance that Jesus comes from God (vs 30). Some call it 'faith'. Faith is the evidence of things unseen.

6. Christians know real peace (vs 33, see also Colossians 3:15). That is not to say we will not run into problems, but the peace that we know is because Jesus has already overcome the world. Praise His Name!

So you don't want what is in 1 - 6 above? Fine. It is your choice. But remember that it is not a choice you do for someone else. You do it for yourself. The Bible tells us that the unbeliever stands condemned already and the penalty for sin is death. But Jesus Christ has already paid that penalty for you. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is simply a common sense move.