What differences will being a Christian make in this life? What are the differences being a Christian will make in this life (on earth not entrance into heaven or hell)?

Or is it just a group identity of a hopeful passage into Heaven upon the next life and really will not make much difference on this earth if it is ruled by the fall of man?
I'm not sure what you mean by "on a personal scale".

Being a Christian can (should!) change oneself to model oneself more closely on Christ and follow his teachings.

It can also affect others on a personal scale: William Booth and Edith Cavell are two modern examples who come immediately to mind, but there are many, many more stretching back into antiquity (for example, monastic orders who provided education and healthcare).

It's not simply a group identity as you propose, although of course there is the sure and certain hope of resurrection to new life. However, even if someone should like the idea of Heaven in the next life, or feel there should be more to this present life than they have, it's my experience that investigating that by joining a congregation will convince them of what it is to know Christ and that is their entry to Heaven. That sounds really evangelical; but I'm Roman Catholic.

This probably won't be sufficient. Could you expand on your question?