In a recent sermon delivered on September 15, 2024, at Grace Family Church in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pastor Ben shared a powerful and personal message titled “Why I Believe in Christ – Benefits of Being a Christian”. The talk explored both spiritual and material benefits of accepting Christ, emphasizing the transformative nature of faith.
The Historical Foundation of Jesus Christ
One of the main pillars of Christianity is the historicity of Jesus Christ, particularly His crucifixion. The death of Jesus is not just a fable story but a historical event supported by external sources:
- Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote about Jesus in Antiquities of the Jews (93 AD), acknowledging the crucifixion.
- Tacitus, a prominent Roman historian, mentioned Christ’s crucifixion in his work Annals (116 AD).
These non-Christian sources offer strong historical evidence for the life and death of Jesus, reinforcing the credibility of the Bible’s accounts.
The Benefits of Following Christ
The spiritual benefits of being a Christian can be likened to the benefits an employee receives when starting a new job. There are several key benefits Christians enjoy when they accept Jesus as their Savior:
Reconciliation
The first and most essential benefit is reconciliation with God. Just as reconciliation mends relationships between friends, the sacrifice of Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God.
We were estranged from God because of sin, but through Jesus, we are brought back into a loving relationship with Him.
This reconciliation is a foundational belief in Christianity, as highlighted in Colossians 1:20.
Strength
Life can be challenging, filled with various pressures—whether financial, family, or health-related. Christians have an inner strength, sourced from Christ, to endure life’s storms.
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This strength enables Christians to remain steadfast in faith, even during difficult times.
Divine Healing
I have a personal testimony of being miraculously healed from malaria as a young believer in 1998. This healing experience showed me that divine intervention and health are possible through faith in Christ.
God has set a number of days for us on Earth, but within those days, He promises divine health for those who believe.
Eternal Hope
One of the greatest promises in Christianity is the return of Christ. We are filled with assurance that Jesus will return, and those who have accepted Him will rise again.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “The Lord himself will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
This eternal hope brings comfort, knowing that death is not the end for believers.
The Call to Salvation
How do I gain access to these benefits? It’s simple! God has invited everyone in the world to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. And all it takes is a simple prayer of repentance and belief in Jesus. If you’re reading this article, this is a great chance for you to embrace the benefits of Christianity.
Just say this prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
This prayer marks the beginning of a transformative journey in faith.
Key Takeaways
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Reconciliation | Restoring the broken relationship between humanity and God. |
| Strength | Spiritual strength to endure life’s challenges. |
| Divine Healing | God’s promise of health and healing for those who believe. |
| Eternal Hope | Assurance of eternal life and resurrection after death. |
| Salvation | Simple confession and belief lead to eternal security in Christ. |
Final Thoughts
This sermon beautifully captures why we believe in Christ and outlines the numerous benefits that come with being a Christian. From historical evidence to spiritual healing and eternal hope, the message is clear: choosing to follow Jesus brings unparalleled peace, strength, and joy.
If you haven’t yet made the decision to follow Christ, you can take that step today by simply praying and inviting Him into your heart. The benefits, both in this life and the next, are profound.
Have you experienced these benefits in your life? Feel free to share your thoughts and journey in the comments below!
