Why Be a Christian?• Acts 11:28: “And when he had found him, he

brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

• Acts 26:28: “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

• I Peter 4:16: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

From These References We Learn:

• A Christian is a disciple, Acts 11:26.• The name “Christian” was divinely given.• Paul sought to persuade sinners to become

Christians, Acts 26:28,29.• A Christian is one who is persuaded, Acts

26:28: Persuaded that:– The religion of Jesus Christ is true.– Being a Christian is worth the price one has to

pay.

From These References We Learn (con’t)

• A Christian is one who is willing to suffer for doing right, I Peter 4:16.

• A Christian is one who is not ashamed, I Peter 4:16.

• A Christian is one who glorifies God, I Peter 4:16.

Why Be a Christian?

• Because God wants us to be Christians, I Peter 4:16.

• Because Jesus Christ wants us to I Corinthians 1:11, Luke 19:10; Heb. 2:9.

• Because the Holy Spirit wants us to be Christians, John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13.

• Because the angels in heaven want us to be Christians, Heb. 1:14; Luke 15:7,10.

Why Be a Christian (con’t)

• Because the church, which makes up “the saved,” Acts 2:47, wants us to be Christians, Acts 2:47.– Its Supreme Mission, I Timothy 3:15;

1 Thess. 1:6-8; Rev. 22:17.– When the church ceases to be a soul-

saving body something is greatly amiss!

Why Be a Christian? Because it Pays to be a Christian!• It pays in the here and the now, Matt.

6:33; Mark 10:28-30.• It pays Physically, I Cor. 9:25,27; 2 Tim.

2:22. Contrast Acts 8:39 with Romans 1:26-32.

• It Pays Socially, Luke 2:52; Acts 2:47.– The Christian, as a disciple, seeks to be

like Jesus, Luke 6:40.– The Christian develops those character

traits people admire and respect.

It Pays to be a Christian!

• It Pays Influencially, I Pet. 4:16; Phil. 2:14-15.– Many today are Christians because of the

influence of parents, of a spouse, or a child, or of friends, etc., who were Christians.

• It Pays Nationally, Gen. 18:32; Prov. 14:34.– Why has God allowed our nation thus far to

stand?• It pays Eternally, I Peter 1:3-4.

Conclusion:

• In this study we have dealt with the question, “Why be a Christian.” We cited several valid reasons why one should be a Christian.

• Can you cite one good, sensible reason for one not being a Christian?

• We encourage all who not Christians to “come to Jesus,” Matt. 11:28, and do so upon His terms!