What are the benefits of being a Christian? Why should I become A Christian?
 

***You should copy and paste or print this page for later use in case it gets deleted or something.

What's in it for me? This is a common question in our modern world. I will try my best to explain the benefits of being a Christian. When I say "Christian" I do not mean it in the common watered down way, as just a form of religious practice, i.e. being Christian as opposed to being Buddhist. Here Christian means the same as it did nearly 2000 years ago in Antioch, Syria where the term was first used. Then it meant, "followers of Christ," the risen Savior, the Son of God, followers who have entered into a personal relationship with God through Jesus.

Death

When most people contemplate their death, they have difficulty visualizing what will happen. The grave seems like a black wall, an end of existence, or a great unknown. It is difficult to contemplate and makes one shudder at the possibilities. It seems impossible to accept the end, the finality of our existence.

The benefits of being a Christian are numerous. As a Christian, a born again believer, I know what there is beyond the grave. The Bible tells us that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This tells me that no matter how wonderful I picture eternity in heaven, it's even better. This gives me, as a Christian, a great peace, knowing that the future is better than the present.

Life

Have you ever wondered why people who seem to have everything, mess up their lives with artificial happiness, or commit suicide? I used to, until I realized that it is because their lives are empty. They have money, fame, looks, health, attractive companions, yet their lives are so empty that they turn to drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, and all other manner of worldly stimuli to find relief from the emptiness. Some, who find no fulfillment at all, take their own lives. Everybody who does not know Jesus as their Savior knows this emptiness to one degree or another. It is especially noticeable when one contemplates the meaning of their life. When a person understands that no matter how famous they are now, how loved by their family, how big their bank account, what they built, even how many children they have, a hundred years from now the mention of their name will bring a quizzical, "who?" as a response. Then, it is realized that fame, family, and fortune are all fleeting and life has no meaning beyond now.

In Christ we have a fullness and a purpose in our lives. No matter how mundane our present life is now, there is still a heavenly purpose if we are walking close to Jesus. Galatians 5:22 tells us that, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In Philippians 4:7 the Apostle Paul tells us that, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." We have an inner peace and joy that comes only from knowing Jesus as Lord of our lives. Its called a joy inexpressible in 1 Peter 1:8 and is given as a promise of our life in Him. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." (1 Peter 1:8) I can absolutely testify to this joy, it is true, words do not describe the joy I have in knowing Jesus in a personal way. It far exceeds any happiness I ever had from any outside sources.

Views of Life

The Evolutionist View: If one accepts the common evolutionary view of life, then life really doesn't have any meaning. We as humans are no more than the result of an indeterminable number of chemical accidents and reactions, nothing more. Our existence is strictly here and now, there are no later consequences for anything one does on this life. There is no right or wrong, these are just concepts that were thought up by some other human or humans. The only thing a person must do, is avoid getting caught, and paying for what society says is one shouldn't do.

The Christian View: The world and everything and everybody in it are the creations of God. We have been put on this Earth for the purpose of serving and loving God. There are eternal standards of right and wrong, and we will bear the consequences of our choices in eternity. We can come to know Jesus in a personal manner and thereby secure our existence in heaven for eternity. We live in the peace, joy, and forgiveness that was purchased by Jesus on the cross.

The Great Gamble: I hold the Christian view. If I am wrong, then I have lived a life of peace and joy. I have given some of my time and treasure to a church in the belief that I am serving God. These personal sacrifices only add to my joy. I don't miss the time or money spent in service to my God. When I approach death, it will be with an sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. When I die, I die without fear, because I have faith that I will be in the presence of the one I worshipped for eternity future. If I am wrong, I have lived in peace, died in ignorance, AND I WILL NEVER KNOW THAT I WAS WRONG.

If I held the atheist view, I may be able to live in peace. I may help financially and physically with some charities, for the betterment of mankind. I will always know, that my life has no real meaning beyond today. No matter what I do, I will eventually just be forgotten history. The only way my existence has any meaning is in the genes that I pass on to my progeny. When I approach death, I will be approaching the end of all consciousness, but I may have fears and doubts because of religious people I have met, or religious material I may have read. When I close my eyes for the last time, that will be it. If I am wrong, I WILL KNOW FOR ALL ETERNITY THAT I WAS WRONG. I WILL REGRET FOR ALL ETERNITY NOT MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION.

There is the great gamble, as a Christian, I am in a no lose situation. My beliefs and faith give me peace and joy that is inexpressible. If I am wrong, I don't care now, and I will never care later.
The atheist non Christian is in a no win situation. He has no joy, because his life is, in reality, without meaning. He has no peace, because of the infinitesimal doubts that he may be wrong. In eternity he will forever have to pay the consequences of rejecting salvation through Jesus Christ.

So my question to you is, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Is that your "final answer?"

Makes "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" seem inconsequential.

You can become a Christian and share in all the benefits that come with it.

This passage in the Bible says, "For ALL HAVE SINNED, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Let's see if you have ever "sinned." We will do so by looking briefly at the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a lie? If you have, then you are a liar. Have you ever stolen something (value is irrelevant)? Then you are a thief. Jesus said if you look with lust, you have committed adultery in your heart. If you hate, then you have committed murder in your heart. Have you loved God above all else? Have you made a 'god' to suit yourself (having your own beliefs about God)? Have you used God's name to curse, kept the Sabbath holy, honored your parents, or been greedy? Judge yourself--have you broken the Ten Commandments? Knowing that God has seen your thought-life, and every deed done in darkness, will you be innocent or guilty on Judgment Day? You know you will be guilty. So, will you end up in heaven or hell? Don't look to God's "goodness" to save you from hell. If God is good, He will punish murderers, rapists, thieves and liars. He is so righteous, He will punish all sin.

The only thing you can do to be saved from His wrath, is to repent and put your faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. When He died on the Cross, He took the punishment for our sins. He stepped into the Courtroom and paid the fine for us. Then He rose from the dead, defeating death.

The Bible says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5 : 8 )

This passage explains how to be saved, "For if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

You can be saved right now and on your way to Heaven if you will open your heart to Jesus and pray the sinner's prayer out loud.

Sinner's Prayer

(Say out loud) "Jesus, I need You. I agree with You that I am a sinner. I believe You love me and want to save me. I believe that You bled and died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe God raised You from the dead. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life."

If you prayed the prayer and meant it, God heard you and has come into you. He has saved you and has given you a new life, because you've been born again and your name is written in the lamb's book of life. You are now a born again believer and a Christian son or daughter of God and you will spend eternity in heaven. Welcome to the family of God.

Here are some websites with free online Christian videos.
Edited - SPAM LINKS REMOVED. -Z-man.

Here are some more Christian websites for you.
Edited - links removed. -Z-man.

God bless you,
A Friend!

If Christ were here he would pimp-slap your ass for annoying people in his name. :mad:

Re: What are the benefits of being a Christian? Why should I become A Christian?
 

Wow, what a coincidence! I was just wondering that as I was digging around trying to find a razor blade while the tub filled up.

But reading your post, I began to think, hey, this Earth stuff sucks, I've got to get to Heaven as soon as possible. then it dawned on me, if I commit suicide, I won't be able to get into Heaven. :(

So, I've decided to drive around here in Boston on Thursday, it's supposed to snow, with slicks on the car, maybe, if I'm lucky, someone will hit me and I will be killed, and I'll get to go to heaven.

Thanks!SmileWavy

Not again. As a Christian, seeing this kind of stuff here probably pisses me off more than most. If the rest of you want to fire up the age old tradition of feeding Christians to the lions, I've got a pretty good idea where to start. You'll probably even get some of us to help.

<img src="http://www.fasterfasterfaster.com/fadedBob.bmp">

This has to be the same nut bag that has posted silly rants prior becuz I refuz to think that every week a new wing nut finds this site.

WTF? Did you flunk out of seminary school or somthin? Go feed a homeless person or teach a kid to read.

hay Afriend - what p-car do you sport? ya, thought so...

Forgive them Father for they know not what they say.

deeds speak volumes...words pretend

Donations must be down. This is nothing more than plain old solicitation -no relevant questions are being asked. By policy they should delete these threads and ban the user...

rjp

the only thing this wingnut is missing is asome sort of South Africa thingy dealing with some cashiers checks ..

This isn't the only board being blasted with religeous spam :(

yeah, donations must be down, or maybe they are running out of people to save .. guess we better get started on "bad things " so we need to be saved

Has anyone noticed that there is a counter on the post ???

so they must be getting paid per 10,000 views ( tracked by image / counter server )

Not that I support this kind of evangelism, or believe in Christianity for that matter, but (admittedly not reading the whole thing) this guy at least posted in a legible way, and one that might make you go “hmm”, if you already buy the idea of God & Christ.

The Seminary part of Lube’s post was a little ignorant though. Nothing will challenge a person’s faith like seminary. Most, of course w/ exceptions, come out respecting all ideas and religions with knowledge and understanding that most of us will never come close to achieving, regardless of how many times you read the Bible & Koran.

It’s too bad that many Seminary graduates cannot ever express their greater understanding because of the politics of religion. Quite ironic imo.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1107935728.jpg

Are the lions hungry enough yet?:D

have to agree jeff,

this is a trolling spammer, I'd bet any money this is posted on other groups, again look at the number of Posts !

same as that bloody kitty kat.

gives all xstians a bad rep.

ignore it will go away

Did anyone notice the tbn.org link? That might clear some things up.

For the first time, I actually have to admit feeling sorry for the genuine Christians on this BBS.

Let me put it on the record that I understand this idjut does not represent what you stand for. Or at least I sincerely hope not.

My father used to say the empty barrel made the most noise when you tapped it. Do you suppose that holds true with people?
Les

Sir - you are kind, I have been accused of far worse. But need I brag!

Seminary school, or any other discipline that requires one to closely examine a treatse and be able to convey that point to a wide range requires numerous talents. The troll's message, when read through, is sound enough. The problem here is that the rant is tidious. If he wants to get his message out or preach the word, do it the effective way - this way is just stupid and counter productive.
They teach you better than that in seminary school - which is why I think the troll flunked out.

I have a very strong passion for this sort of thing and I cannot tolerate some hack who has no chops!

Bob

Jeebus, save me from your followers!

Cool t-shirts?

"Too many born-again Christians, not enough born-again lions"......... :rolleyes:

Some religious banter for all:

"For Christ's sake, shove over"

"You're blaspheming again, I don't have to work with a blasphemer"

......who knows the movie?

would that be Bad News Bears?

a christian moderator may fear doing such a thing, for gods wrath may be his... toby 4:20

When did off-topic stop being off topic? May I remind you gents:

"Off Topic Discussions"
"Ok, here is where you can post just about anything about any topic at all!"

Life of Brian, right? Monty Python. Follow the Shoe!

Seriously guys, don't be too hard on the Christians, ok? There are many rooms in my Father's house. Some of them are reserved for obnoxious loudmouths. Some are reserved for gentler souls. I hope there are more than a few for those who believe the perfect fusion of form and function on earth is an aircooled 911 at redline. Think about it a little and maybe you'll find a room that suits you. I hope there's one for me, but I admit, i hope it's a ways away from Afriend's.

Why does the above counter not agree with Waynes count of views or replies.

Must be a miracle at work!

Makes me want to go pray for a new P-car. Or pray that this poster would go away!

KB

The poster has gone away. And I'm sort of sorry he did. A spirited response to the spirited responses would have been interesting. I'm with MRM. What is the harm. I don't feel especially imposed upon by a cordially fervent challenge to faith. It happens much less often than rudely fervent solicitations for money. Peace.

We are, for the most part, passionate practioners of performance. If we wern't, we would have our Porsches. Tha being said, Christianty is fantastic, and praising its glory is fine, doing mission work is compelling provided it is done correctly. Posting long rants that are tough on the eyes is not the way. There are several guys on this site that are true prationers of the faith and by their compansionate threads and sutle ideas speak the word very well. That is what works, shoving a rant just shows that the dude is a hack and has no chops. I really don't care for that.

My objection to these posts is based primarily on the net return they earn. I very seriously doubt that anyone is ever converted to faith by reading a post like this. On the contrary, I believe these posts serve to further galvanize folks against Christians. The Word is out there for anyone to find, and I believe everyone has a pretty good idea where to look. Those that are curious and unafraid will go have a look. Those who have no interest certainly do not appreciate getting hit between the eyes with it in places they feel they should be safe from it.

I understand, Jeff. My point is whether Christianity or Shamanism, the free marketplace is and should be what it is, and that trumps other concerns. We're not subscribers who pay dues, but participants in an open forum. If we don't agree or our eyes glaze over, we may either respond, tune out or turn elsewhere.

I enjoy the free play of all these possibilities. I enjoyed some of quite funny replies to the original post. Thus, I am sorry our friend "Afriend" didn't pipe up again.

each time we view the thread it clicks waynes counter.. the counter on the post probably looks at IP ?

I just hit refresh, and it jumped from 29 to 50 .. so it must be tracking multiple posts etc ....

*** any other spam would instantly be deleted .... but I would imagine that there is a very slight chance that some noobie had the need to post something like that ... so it may be a genuine (non-spam) post ... but I doubt it

I feel the need to spam the TBN message board with a link to this ... is their name crap

Thank you, Victor.

A college professor, an avowed atheist and active in the ACLU, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that for once and for all he was going to prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted:

"GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes!!!!!"

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Ten minutes went by.

"I'm waiting God, if you're real, knock me off this platform!!!!"

Again after a few more minutes, the professor taunted God saying,

"Here I am, God!!! I'm still waiting!!!"

His count down got down to the last couple of minutes when a NAVY SEAL, just released from the Navy after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and newly registered in the class, walked up to the Professor. The SEAL hit him full force in the face, and sent the Professor tumbling from his lofty platform. The Professor was out cold!! The students were stunned and shocked. They began to babble in confusion. The SEAL nonchalantly took his seat in the front row and sat silent. The class looked at him and fell silent.....waiting. Eventually, the professor came to and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the SEAL in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked:

"What the hell is the matter with you?!" " Why did you do that!?"

"God was really busy protecting America's soldiers, who are protecting your right to say stupid $het and act like an *******!!! So he sent me!!"

ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!!!

Perfect!

Screw that!-Here's your huckleberry:

http://www.shatnerology.com/image/suspend3.gif


first church of shatnerology

I agree 100%. Sometimes I don't express what I'm trying to say all that well, so I'm sorry for any missunderstanding. I agree that anyone should be able to post whatever they want here (I still miss red...). If anyone else doesn't like it, or dissagrees with it, they should be free to respond, ignore, or whatever they want to do. My problem with the "religious" posts is that they never do seem to get the results hoped for by the poster; they drive more people away than they attract. Tolerance for them seems to be the lowest of any possible topic that can be posted. These posts spark more negative response than any others. Maybe they strike a nerve more than most topics; all one has to do is go back through the archives to see the sheer volume of response these get to see that. We can post any amount of tasteless, rude, crude, disgusting, offensive material (all in good fun, of course)and never evoke the responses of outrage and sheer hatred that the "religious" posts attract. It's funny that in our enlightened age of diversity, where we are expected to embrace any and all lifestyles and beliefs, that Christianity has become the one left off the "short list" by the very factions touting acceptance of all. They seem to be wholey unable to resist any opportunity for a jab at Christianity, and posts like this simply provide yet another opportunity for that, while never actually inspiring anyone to consider looking into what it has to offer.