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'Winging It

    by Stan Smith

Religious Relationship
Date Posted: May 17, 2017

Christians know the Good News. We're all sinners (Romans 3:23), but while we were sinners, God sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). If you place your trust in Him, your sin can be forgiven and you can be given the righteousness of His Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). Good news, indeed.

But, as, we are often reminded, "It's not a religion; it's a relationship."

Imagine, then, this Judge before Whom we stand clothed in sinner's rags. "How do you plead?" He asks. You can answer nothing but, "Guilty." But your trust is in Christ Who stands alongside. "Yes, Judge, but I paid for it. His crimes are pardoned and he is now as pure as the driven snow and as righteous as I." The Judge slams the gavel. "Case dismissed!" Then He gets up from the bench. He comes around to where you stand. He removes the dirty garments and places new, clean robes on you. He puts His arm around you and says, "I'm adopting you. You will come home with Me and be My son." (Galatians 4:4-5)

If "religion" is defined as "a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices", Christianity is a religion, without a doubt. But if the essence of Christianity is a personal relationship with Christ, an adoption by the Father, a partaking of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), then it is far more than a religion; it is a relationship worth celebrating for eternity.

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"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism

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Biography Information:
Born and raised in a Christian home, I've been treated to immersion in the Word and squandered it. 'But God ...' I love the phrase. God has been faithful when I was unfaithful. At every turn He has crowded me to Him.

I'm married with four grown children and (currently) four grandchildren. My wife and I live in sunny Phoenix by choice. I hope to encourage people with my words and to share with others what God has shared with me.

For more writings you can see my blog at birdsoftheair.blogspot.com.
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