Smug Christians

 

 

Smug... having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements 

 

I once was a smug Christian. I belonged to a "one and only church." I was saved, and everybody that did not worship like me was going to an ever-burning hell to be tortured for all eternity. What a warped view I was taught by preachers about my Heavenly Father's love, mercy, and forgiveness. Praise the LORD, He rescued me from Churchianity.

 

 

As it is written: We are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness is like filthy rags (filthy menstrual cloth); We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities (disregard for the Law of God), like the wind, Have taken us away (from the truth).  

~ Isaiah 64:6

 

Christians have nothing to be smug about. We are not righteous (or saved) people telling other people they need to "get saved," rather we are one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. 

As Paul wrote in Philippians 2:11-13... Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  

 

It's a 24/7 job minding our own business. What others do with the gift of salvation is their business. No Church organization has a franchise on God, or a monopoly on the truth. The Church that Jesus built is not an earthly organization, but a body of Believers who are seeking first the Kingdom of God.

Many people are obsessed with "judging" and being "judged." However, the word "judge" can also mean condemn... as in “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”  ~ John 8:10-12

 

Jesus Testifies to the Churches

“And behold (listen up folks), I am coming quickly (very soon), and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work" (not according to the denomination you joined).   ~ Revelation 22:12

 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12

 

A Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ will change when the Holy Spirit reveals new truth. An indoctrinated follower of denominational Churchianity will not change when presented with Biblical facts, nor will they search the Scriptures to see if it is true.

 

Based on the biblical definition of the word holy which means to be pure, physically sound, clear, unadulterated, pious, uncontaminated, morally righteous, or innocent. There is nothing holy about the country of Israel, the Vatican, Salt Lake City, Mecca, denominations of Churchianity, doctrines contrary to the Bible, or the creeds of religions. ~ Romans 3:23-24

If you would like to learn more about a genuine relationship with Jesus, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

 

The Number 40 in The Bible

 

Significance of “40” in The Bible

In Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc. For example:

• The rain of the Great Flood – the Great Deluge – lasted 40 days and nights.

• Moses fasted for 40 days and nights to prepare himself to receive the Law.

• Moses was atop Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights receiving the Law.

• The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after fleeing the Egyptians.

• The Manna rained down on the Israelites for 40 years.

• The Prophet Elijah walked 40 days and nights to reach the Mountain of God, Horeb.

• Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights to prepare for His public ministry.

• Jesus Ascended into Heaven 40 days after His glorious Resurrection from the dead. 
  
• The Feast of Dedication is 40 days before Passover. 
  

• December 25, 3 BC is 40 weeks to September 22, 4 BC, the birth of Jesus. Learn More
  

 

Synopsis of the Significance of “40”
in Scripture…

So it is, then, that  “40 means something”, as it brings to mind such qualities as repentance, newness, preparation (say, for an important work or task), self-examination, transformation, task fulfillment, escape from bondage or slavery (such as the bondage of sin), nourishment and growth (for example, in the spiritual life), and, finally, personal fulfillment, such as with redemption and salvation, and ultimately, new generation and new life.