Years ago I worked with a young man who was not married but he fell in love with a young girl and they got married.

A year or so later they began to have children. He loved the work we did but it did not have very good benefits especially for his wife and children.

He told me he was looking for another job but one with good benefits. I told him that this was very important in this day and age.

That conversation reminds me of something every Christian has available. When we accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior some benefits go along with it.

First, all of our sins are all blotted out or erased or forgiven (Matthew 26:28, Acts 10:43). Second, we get a new nature - the spirit of the living Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Today everyone is concerned about medical coverage. That is also included with salvation because we get protection from and healing if we have diseases (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3).

We are not alone or without help because God gives us joy and peace and sends us a very special helper (John 14:26; Romans 15:13). We become part of a new family (Matthew 12:47-50). Many good things can or will be given to us in our lifetime (Psalm 103:5).

And, maybe most importantly, we have the promise of a wonderful future (Psalm 23:6, 32:10). And my favorite - Hebrews 13:5&6. See you in Church next Sunday.