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Advantages of Being A Christian. “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). There Are Sacrifices. Though these too can be advantages. The “Thou Shall Not’s”. We can view them as burdens.
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Advantages of Being A Christian “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11).
There Are Sacrifices • Though these too can be advantages. • The “Thou Shall Not’s”. • We can view them as burdens. • The positive acts can also be burdensome. • Plus loss of “friends”, jobs, etc. • The joys outweigh the sacrifices.
Peace of Mind • Phil. 4:7 – What a great blessing! • A gift from God, tho practice improves the quality of that life, and adds confidence. • We all need to improve our life by leaving off certain practices. • “I like to like me when I close my eyes, I like to feel pretty inside.” • I Tim. 4:2 – a seared conscience isn’t the same as a clean conscience.
What Is Peace of Mind • Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms the disciple. John 14:27 • An inner quiet. Anger, panic may disturb it, but it returns quickly as we near the Lord. • David and the lion, bear, Goliath – I Sam. 17:1-11 • Was he afraid? Calm? – Psalm 23
Where Do We Get This Peace • The cleansing of the conscience – Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2, 22 • Accept the invitation – Matt. 11:28ff • Live in a pleasing fashion – I Peter 3:16; I Tim. 1:5 • Vision – must learn to see heaven.
Things Which Destroy Peace • Anger • Jealousy • Selfishness • Is the “peace that passes understanding” boring?