The Benefits of Christianity-The Ten Commandments

When one thinks of Christianity they think of those who follow Jesus Christ. They think of the people that they see go to church on Sunday morning. Is Christianity more than that? Is it more that just going to church or being in the pew. Some say I go to church each Sunday as if that accounts for something. The question is does it account for something? The purpose of going to church for worship. It's for the worship of the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe. When one gets up in the morning whether it be Saturday or Sunday to go to church it's not to say that I was just in church today. It's not because of a tradition. The reason why anyone should go to church is spend time with God and to learn of him. When the disciple gather on Saturday morning which was also Jesus custom they went to worship to God, to bless others through His teachings and to experience some incredible benefits.

Christianity and being a Christian is more than custom, a ritual, tradition or something to do when one has problems. It's OK to make Christianity this, but one must remember that this is not all that it's about. Jesus said, "I am come that they (Mankind) might have life and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). What is Jesus talking about here? Are we not having life? Are we walking as dead men and women? What Jesus is saying is this apart from Him you can't and will not enjoy life in its fullness. If we go back to the text and read the beginning of the text the answer is clear that apart from Jesus we are not really living. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...." (John 10:10). The enemy of God (Satan) tricked Eve into believing that she would not surely die if she did something that was the opposite of what God commanded (Genesis 3:1-3). Adam lost faith as his beautiful wife now appeared different in his presence. He then disobeyed his God. They were told in the day that they partook of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they would die. The question is did they die? They eventually died. This was not natural, they were suppose to live forever. So, then what is Jesus saying about us having life and life more abundantly? What he is saying is that we are on a collision course with death. From the day that we are born until our last breath the enemy of God wants to steal from us, kill us and destroy us. He is also saying that if we are not following Him then we have a bent toward death, not life.

It is simple there are two ways God's way and Satan's. Oneway is toward life and life more abundantly which can start now the other part starts when we end up in heaven. That life which Adam and Eve would have had if they never had taken the other road. Now, all of mankind has the same choice. Life and life more abundantly or death. But, what does this have to do with the ten commandments, the benefits of being a Christian and Christianity.

I could give several definitions for Christianity, but for the sake of time I'll make it brief as possible. Christianity, the Christian religion based upon belief in Jesus as the Christ and upon his teachings. So, then a Christian is one who believes in Jesus Christ and His teachings. Jesus once said," if you love me keep my commandments" (John 14:15). He says,"if you keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love". (John 15:10). Then he say this," these things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). Did you get that? Jesus came so that we may have life and life more abundantly. He let's us know that we can't follow His enemy Satan who seeks to steal from us, kill and destroy us. He doesn't leave us without direction on how we can have life and have it more abundantly. This my friend is the real secret that God doesn't want to be a secret. It is His enemy that hides this from us. Jesus makes it plain about life and life more abundantly. This is what Christianity is about. It's about Him loving us and us loving Him. It's about following Jesus and His teachings. What it is also about is joy and our joy being full by our obedience to Him and His blessing extended to us.

One of the benefits of being a Christian is joy. Jesus makes it plain if we obey His Father's commandments than our joy shall be full. But, not only that we shall have life and life more abundantly. So, my friends it's not so bad being a Christian. Who wants to be miserable when all we have to do is follow God's commandment. This is just a part of being a Christian. God let's us know that when a person does this they show their love for him. Show God some love today and enjoy the benefits.

What Is a Christian Anyway?

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN ANYWAY?

Unfortunately, today this question is being asked. Why? Aren’t there enough Christians in the world for anyone to know what a Christian is? The problem here is that it’s almost like the game show “Truth or Consequences”. The point of this show is to figure out who is telling the truth. In some cases the three people claiming to be the same person causes the contestants become puzzled and confused. Eventually, one stands as the person that the three were claiming to be. This is indeed what is going on when it comes to trying to find out what a Christian is. There are in our world many claiming to be Christian displaying many examples, yet only one example seems to be the correct one. That example is the correct one is the one of Jesus the Christ.

So, what is a Christian?

A Christian is a follower of Christ according to the knowledge that he or she has of Christ. But, it’s not knowledge alone. The individual must act upon that knowledge in faith and love. This knowledge is power. This knowledge is life-changing.

A Christian is not just a follower of Christ, but is also friend of Christ.

As a friend one talks to the other and spends quality time together. They respect one another opinion, although at times they may disagree. A friend is willing to die for the other. When a friend is in trouble the one will help the other, he or she will come to the other aid in the time of need. Ask yourself how many people have you kept as friends that have been dishonest with you one time or another? When looking at Jesus as our friend we see a true friend. He is honest with us. He tells us our true condition then he tries to provide the remedy. He sends His Holy Spirit and his Father’s Word. In Him we see one that will die for us, even when we are acting like his enemies. Jesus will go out of His way to help us. But, does Jesus see this in us? Jesus example is the example that the Christian should follow. Are you a representative the way that he would like?

A Christian is a person that seeks to eventually follow all the doctrines, the words and His Commandments of God. Jesus says,” If you love me keep my commandments”.

A Christian is a person of faith and love. The bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God”. My friends without charity we are nothing. When there is no charity our actions have no value. (Heb 11:6, 1Cor 13: 2, 3).

A Christian seeks to please God in God’s way not His own. God says, “My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”(Isa 55:8). But, God doesn’t leave you empty handed. He then says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Php 2:5). In other words he says I want you to think like my Son. I want you to think like me. I want your thoughts to be elevated. One Christian writer puts it this way, “higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His people”(E.G.White). He wants to take our minds beyond human thought, beyond dark and low earthly thoughts to that which is high, holy and lifted up. He wants man to chase off the old man and put on the new.

This is just a few thoughts about what a Christian should be. Despite, the marred character of Christ that is being displayed in our world we must realize that there are absolutes. Why should anyone want to be a Christian? Isn’t it difficult? Sure, it is difficult to live the way that you are not used to living. But, if you compare what God offers and gives compare to that which the secular world offers to you there is no comparison when you look at the benefits.

Remember, you were created by God. He wants the best for you. He has provided us with an instruction manual how to live our lives. While we were yet sinners he died for us. I’ll break it down for you. While we were against him, when we were His enemies he died for us. So, my brother and sister we may slip and fall into sin, but you and I have hope. We have an advocate with the Father who is Jesus. He can and will forgive us of our sins. He pleads to the Father in our behalf.

So, my friend reach out your hand and let Jesus pick you up, brush you off and carry you throughout your life for the rest of your life.

Pray for that brother or sister that lacks the knowledge and the Spirit of God. Show them some love and display that faith that only Jesus displayed so well.

It’s all about that union that was broken between mankind and God. He wants you back. He wants you in him and he longs to be in you. Let’s not let sin separate us any longer.