Armour

 Our Weapons Are Not Carnal – A Call to Arms in Christ

There’s so much noise right now — from war in the Middle East to confusion across the globe. Everyone has a voice, an opinion, a headline. But in the middle of the noise, my heart doesn’t turn to the media or politics — it turns to the King.

Not just any king — but the King of Kings. The King of the Bible. The King of the Jews. The Saviour of the world. Jesus Christ, eternal and all-powerful, glorious and holy, full of compassion, truth, and righteousness. He is unmatched. He is undefeated. His name is beautiful, and His love is relentless.

He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the broken, and the Defender of those who believe. That truth stirs something deep inside me — a sense of wonder, reverence, and unshakable joy. That this Jesus would lay down His life for someone like me?

Why me?
A man so flawed, scarred by bad choices, foolishness, and failure. I’ve fallen, missed the mark, and yet… He called me. He saved me. He carries me still.

The grace of God, who can fathom it?

 

Faith:

Why do I believe when others don’t? It’s not because I’m clever or good. It’s grace.
Faith is a gift. But here’s the thing — once it’s given, it’s your responsibility to use it.

It’s like getting a brand-new bicycle as a kid. You didn’t earn it — it was just handed to you. But once it’s yours, you’ve got to ride it. You can’t leave it parked and expect to grow. It’s yours to use, to grow, to ride through the storms of life.

As I read through the Gospels, I noticed something powerful: Jesus referenced “your faith.”
That hit me. The faith came from God, yes. But once received, it became their weapon, their shield, their way forward. Do you remember the girl with the "issue of blood"? There were hordes of people in the crowd, and the Lord turned and said to his disciples, "Who touched me"? She made every effort to touch the Lord's garment, believing she would be healed. She pressed forward because she was willing to put her faith into action.   

So how do we strengthen our faith? Through grace.
Grace strips away pride. It reminds us that the strength, the wisdom, the endurance we walk in — it’s not ours. It’s all from God.

This journey isn’t about being gifted — it’s about being faithful. Spiritual gifts are not natural talents. This is warfare, not a show.

 

The Armour of God: Gear Up for the Fight

We’re in a battle — like it or not. It’s spiritual. It’s intense. It’s real.

“Put on the full armour of God…” — Ephesians 6:11

Not some of it — all of it. Because our enemy isn’t flesh and blood — it’s the unseen powers of darkness. And if we’re going to stand firm, we need supernatural protection.

 

1. The Belt of Truth

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” (Ephesians 6:14a)

This belt holds everything together. Without it, the soldier’s gear falls apart. Truth anchors us.

And not just “your truth” or “my truth.” God’s truth.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

🛡 Application:
Know the Word. Let God’s truth keep you steady when everything else shifts.

 

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” (Ephesians 6:14)

The heart is a vital target. The breastplate guards it.

We don’t wear our righteousness — we wear Christ’s (2 Corinthians 5:21). But we also need to walk it out. Live in alignment.

🛡 Application:
Guard your heart. When you mess up, repent fast. Don’t play games with sin — it costs too much.

 

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

“…feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

Roman soldiers needed sure footing for battle.

That’s what the gospel does for us. It makes us ready. Grounded. Mobile. We’ve got good news — now we’ve got to carry it.

🛡 Application:
Be ready to speak. Share what God has done. faith comes by hearing.

 

4. The Shield of Faith

“Take up the shield of faith…” (Ephesians 6:16)

The enemy’s firing arrows — doubt, fear, lust, anxiety, shame. But faith blocks them.

Faith says: “I still trust God.” It’s not about how you feel — it’s about what you believe.

🛡 Application:
When the lies hit, lift the shield. Speak the Word. Stand on His promises.

 

5. The Helmet of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:17a)

This protects your mind — where there are doubts and fears.

Salvation speaks louder: You’re forgiven. You’re His. You’re secure.

🛡 Application:
Capture your thoughts. Don’t let lies live in your head rent-free. Fill your mind with truth.

 

6. The Sword of the Spirit — The Word of God

“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

This is our only offensive weapon. The Word isn’t just text — it’s powerful, alive, and sharp.

When Jesus was tempted, He didn’t argue — He said, “It is written.”

🛡 Application:
Learn the Word. Speak it. Declare it. The Word is your weapon — don’t leave it on the shelf.

 

And Finally — Prayer

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions…” (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer isn’t listed as a piece of armour, but it activates everything else. It connects us to Command.

No prayer = no power. I am weak in this area, so please pray for me...

🛡 Application:
Pray when things are good. Pray when they’re not. Stay connected. Cry out. Intercede. Listen.

 

The Final Word: Stand Your Ground

We don’t stand because we’re tough. We stand because He is faithful.

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4

• Start with grace.
• Live by faith.
• Fight with truth.
• Stand in hope.

The battle is on — but we are not alone.
And the victory is already won.

Let’s not leave our armour on the floor. Put it on. Live it. Walk in it.
And when you’ve done all — stand.

Grace and peace,

Signing off
Tyrone

#amour #armourofGod

CONFESS HIM… OR BE ASHAMED LATER

CONFESS HIM… OR BE ASHAMED LATER

"Confess Me before others, and I too will confess your name before My Father."
Have you ever truly considered the weight of that statement? Not just read it, but meditated on it—let it get under your skin, challenge you, expose you? Now, ask yourself: Have you put that into practice in your daily life? Or do you shrink back when your faith is on the line? Are you playing the “character card”—you know, “I’ll just let my actions speak louder than words”? That’s not what’s being asked here.

The instruction is clear. The result is astounding. Confess Jesus now—and He confesses you before the Father. What a trade! What grace!

One of the things I absolutely love about my God—He cannot lie. Ever. It's not even in His nature. That’s a big deal when you're surrounded by a world soaked in deception. Lying comes naturally to mankind—but not to God.
Hebrews 6:18 reminds us:

“…in which it is impossible for God to lie…”

When I hear that, I fist-pump the air. That’s my God! Unshakeable. Pure. Holy. Trustworthy.

Let’s be honest—who hasn’t lied to wriggle out of a sticky situation?
Let’s refine that further: who, as a believer, hasn’t softened the truth under pressure, maybe to avoid a confrontation or save face? Yes, we’re new creations in Christ—born of the Spirit—but make no mistake: there’s still a lot of dying to self that needs to happen.
Colossians 3:9 says:

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”

The temptation is real. But the command is louder: Don’t do it.

 

WHY CHRISTIANITY?

Let’s unpack a big one: Why Christianity? Why not just follow any other religion? They all seem to point to the same goal—heaven, peace, enlightenment, whatever name they give it. But look closely: every other religion depends on you. Your effort. Your “goodness.” Your performance. That’s the formula.

But Christianity? It’s the complete opposite. It’s a message to those who realise they can’t do it. It’s for the man or woman who's broken, failing, and honest enough to admit they need saving—from themselves!

Picture this: you’re caught in a raging fire. There’s no escape. Smoke’s choking you, heat’s rising. Death is near. Then… a voice cuts through the noise:
“Fire Department! Call out!”
You don’t hesitate—you cry out with every breath you’ve got.
That’s the gospel. That’s the invitation. And Jesus is the only Rescuer.

 

THE JUDGEMENT TO COME

Make no mistake—God will judge all sin. Every last bit of it. No sin will go unaccounted for. And that’s why Jesus came. He lived a perfect, sinless life—and then took the full wrath of God for our sin.

If you think you’ll stand before God and argue, “Well, I wasn’t as bad as that guy…”
Forget it. It won’t hold water.
Sin is sin. Even the secret kind. Even the one you’ve convinced yourself doesn’t matter.
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 couldn’t be clearer:

“Fear God and keep His commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Unless…
You’re wearing the white robe of righteousness.
Unless Jesus has clothed you.

And this isn’t something that happens after death. You must accept that robe now—here, in this life. Because once death comes, repentance is too late.

THE EXCLUSIVE CLAIM

Why Christianity? Because only Jesus Christ bore the punishment for sin. No other religion, no other spiritual system, no guru or teacher or prophet makes that claim.
Only Jesus—God in the flesh—stepped in, took the fall, and rose again.

Romans 10:9–11 says:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved… Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

We who believe will face judgment too—but not for our sins. Christ already bore that sentence. The price was beyond anything we can imagine.
Mark 15:34 records the moment the Father turned His face away from the Son:

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

That wasn’t just sorrow—it was wrath. The wrath we deserved.
Jesus paid it. For me. For you.

So, I’ll ask you plainly:
Where do you stand?
Still trusting in your own goodness? Still hoping the universe “has your back”? Or are you clothed in Christ?

The fire is not far off. Call out now, while you still can.

 

Signing off,
Tyrone

These are all my own original thoughts. I do use AI to fine-tune the end result.

Born Again: More Than a Phrase, It’s a Turning Point

Born Again: More Than a Phrase, It’s a Turning Point
by Tyrone Arthur

Let’s get straight to the point. Unless a person is born again, they can’t even see the kingdom of heaven—let alone enter it. That’s not me saying it, that’s straight from the Word of God (John 3:3). And yet, this truth gets misunderstood more often than we care to admit.

Some think being born again is just a label you carry or a club you join. Others treat it like a magic spell—say the prayer, tick the box, and you’re good to go. But the reality? It’s deeper. It’s spiritual. And unless this encounter becomes real in your life, heaven will always just be a hope, not your reality.

Let’s talk Nicodemus. This was a man of the law, a thinker, a leader. He came to Jesus by night, curious but cautious. Jesus hit him with something heavy: “You must be born again.” Nicodemus tried to wrap his head around it logically, asking how a grown man could climb back into his mother’s womb. He didn’t get it—at least not then. But many believe he eventually did. His story changed.

Some of us, like Nicodemus, have had our fair share of encounters with the gospel. Maybe you heard the truth but pushed it aside. Maybe you convinced yourself there’s still time. Maybe you’re reading this right now feeling that tug again. That’s grace, friend. That’s God still knocking.

Let’s anchor this in Ephesians 2:8:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Here’s where it hits home:

Grace? That’s God’s doing. Not ours.
Faith? Also, God’s doing.
The salvation that results from both? 100% a gift.

You can’t hustle for it. You can’t earn it. And you don’t deserve it. That’s what makes it grace. It’s not a prize for the religious or a badge for the perfect. It’s a lifeline for the broken repentant sinner. Do you understand that you are a sinner and in need of God's forgiveness?

Now, let’s be honest—different church circles interpret this verse a little differently. Let’s break it down:

? Saved by Grace Through Faith: What Ephesians 2:8 Really Means.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8

Few verses in the Bible pack as much theological power into a single sentence as Ephesians 2:8. It’s quoted from pulpits, printed on T-shirts, and used in countless conversations about salvation. But what does it mean? How is it interpreted?

Let’s unpack this verse phrase by phrase—and explore how different denominations understand what it means to be “saved by grace through faith.”

 What Does the Verse Say?

1. “For by grace…”

This is where everything begins—not with us, but with God. Grace means undeserved kindness or favour. It’s not something you earn. It’s not a reward for good behaviour. It's God's initiative, His generosity toward people who could never save themselves.

2. “…you have been saved…”

In the original Greek, this phrase is in the perfect passive tense, which is a fancy way of saying: “This already happened, and it still has lasting effects.”
In other words, salvation is a completed act with continuing results. You’ve been saved—and you still are.

3. “…through faith…”

Faith is the instrument, not the cause. It's the means through which we receive God's grace. Salvation is like an open hand—faith doesn’t earn salvation; it simply receives it. It’s not about how strong your faith is; it’s about what—or who—you place your faith in.

4. “…and this is not from yourselves…”

Here’s the clarifying punchline: you didn’t produce this. Not the grace, not the salvation, not even the faith. The whole process—from start to finish—is not you’re doing. It’s a divine gift.

5. “…it is the gift of God.”

The gospel isn’t a transaction. It’s a gift—completely free, completely unearned. Salvation isn’t a reward for good people; it’s a gift for those who realise they’re not.

 How Christians Around the World Interpret This

This one verse is central to Christian theology, but it’s interpreted slightly differently depending on the theology. Here's a look at how various streams of Christianity view it:

 Evangelical & Reformed (e.g., Baptist, Presbyterian)

These traditions emphasise God’s sovereignty in salvation. They teach that both grace and faith are gifts from God. You don’t choose God first—He chooses you, enables you to believe, and secures your salvation forever.

Key idea: You’re not saved because you believed; you believed because God saved you. This is where I have landed

 Arminian (e.g., Methodists, many Pentecostals)

Arminian theology agrees that grace is essential but believes humans must freely respond to it. God gives prevenient grace (grace that goes before), enabling every person to believe, but not forcing them.

Key idea: Salvation is available to all, but we must choose to accept it.

 A Final Thought

Ephesians 2:8 is a stunning reminder that salvation is not about us climbing up to God—it's about God reaching down to us. Whether you come from a theological understanding that emphasises God's sovereignty or human response, the heart of the verse remains:

You can’t earn grace. You don’t deserve it.
And yet, God gives it freely—through faith in Jesus and what HE achieved through a life of sinless perfection and the finished work of the cross...

 What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re carrying the pressure to “be good enough” or to “do more” to earn God’s favour—this verse is your lifeline. The gospel is not about what you do; it’s about what Jesus already did.

Grace saves. Faith receives. God gives.

And that changes everything.

 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

 Signing off

 Tyrone

 

The Return of the Lord – True Believers vs Pseudo Believers

The Return of the Lord – True Believers vs Pseudo Believers

Let’s speak honestly. Life is a journey. Some walk a straight path early on. Others? They crash, fall, and take years to get back up. I know because I’ve been there.
But here’s the hope—God is gracious, and He meets us where we are. Not where we pretend to be.

The return of Jesus Christ and the rapture of His church are not just ideas—they’re biblical facts. Whether people believe it or not doesn’t change the reality. It will happen. Some might lose faith, some might mock it, but the promise still stands.

That’s why the words spoken by John the Baptist over 2,000 years ago still resonate today:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” — Matthew 3:2

If it was urgent then, how much more now?

But here’s the issue—we’ve become guilty of nitpicking sinners, pointing fingers at specific individuals while ignoring our own mess. Sin is sin, and all of us—yes, all—need to seek forgiveness. I am also guilty as charged. That’s why repentance must be at the core of our message and our lives.

Now, with that in mind, there’s a clear difference between those truly walking with Jesus and those merely pretending. Let’s break it down.

1. Living Faith vs Head Knowledge

True believers live out what they believe. Their faith influences their choices, their mindset, and their sense of urgency.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22

Pseudo believers? They may know the right words, but there’s no life behind them. Just theory. No fire.

2. Fruit or Front?

God’s not asking for perfection, but He is looking for evidence of growth.

“You will know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” — Galatians 5:22-23

The pseudo believer might have the appearance, but not the life.

3. Watchful vs Distracted

The genuine believer is spiritually alert, like the wise virgins with oil in their lamps.

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” — Matthew 25:13
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:4

The pseudo-believer is distracted, caught up in life and the here and now.

4. Obedient vs Careless

Obedience means surrender. Not perfection—but progress.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” — Titus 1:16

Pseudo-believers exploit grace as an excuse, not as motivation to change.

5. Hope vs Indifference or Fear

Those walking with Jesus look forward to His return—it brings them peace.

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness… to all who have longed for His appearing.” — 2 Timothy 4:8
“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” — Isaiah 57:21

Those not right with Him either avoid the topic or live in quiet fear.

6. Prepared vs Unprepared

Being ready means walking in repentance and maintaining a relationship with Jesus.

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” — Luke 12:40
“And the door was shut… ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But He answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’” — Matthew 25:10-12

The unprepared gamble on “later”—not realising that “later” might never come.

No one is beyond grace. The door is still open—for now.

While we have breath we have hope...

Repent. Believe. Stay ready.
Jesus is coming, and His Word will not return void.

Signing off
Tyrone

Saving Faith

David’s Understanding
(Psalm 40:6) “Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.”

When I think about the burdens borne by God’s people in the Old Testament, I am struck by the heaviness of their spiritual journey. Forgiveness required blood sacrifices repeatedly. With every sin, an animal's life had to be taken. A cycle of death, ritual, and guilt was the only way to seek favour with Jehovah. Yet even then, there was no guarantee of peace with God.

But then David writes something shocking for his time:

“Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.”

This wasn’t rebellion—it was revelation. David had seen what many missed. He recognised that true righteousness could never come from ritual, only from relationship.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, God’s expectations were clear. Obedience was the path to blessing. The Law laid down every regulation—how to live, how to worship, how to be clean. And yet, even with all their religious effort, Israel’s heart wandered.

By the time of Jesus, the people still practised the law, but their hearts were hollow. Jesus looked at their spiritual leaders—the Pharisees and Sadducees—and exposed the truth:

(Matthew 3:7) “...Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

They wore religious robes, but they lacked repentance. They clung to tradition but had no trust.

They were self-righteous, and the self-righteous rarely find salvation.

Here’s the danger we face today:

We replace saving faith with religious activity.
We talk about grace, but live as if we must earn it.
Or worse, we abuse grace, using it as a license to continue in sin.

(Romans 6:1-2) “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”

Grace is not permission to live however we want.
It is the divine power to live as we ought.
God doesn’t save us so we can sin freely—He saves us so we can live freely under His rule. This process is designed for all to learn from and aspire to holy living. Although we will continue to fall short, we must strive to find grace to put off the filth of the flesh. Our fallen natures will always seek to assert themselves.

And who finds that freedom?
The sinner who knows he needs saving.
Not the proud. Not the polished. But the broken. The humble. The desperate.

That’s why we so often hear of prisoners, addicts, and outcasts finding Christ. They are not pretending. They know they are lost. And because of that honesty, God reaches down with mercy.

Jesus didn’t come for those who think they’re righteous—He came for those who know they’re not.

David knew this. He sinned greatly, yet instead of hiding behind sacrifices or religious performance, he cried out to God. He understood that forgiveness didn’t come from slaughtering an animal—it came from a surrendered heart.

(Psalm 51:17) “A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

He knew the law could not save—it only revealed his need for a Saviour. That’s why his words in Psalm 40 are so powerful:

“Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.”

David looked beyond the altar and saw grace. He trusted God long before Calvary, before the cross, before the resurrection. And what fuelled his faith?

Faith, love, and trust—three sisters that never walk alone.
If one is missing, the others are weakened.

·         Without faith, love loses its anchor.

·         Without trust, faith becomes mechanical.

·         Without love, trust is shallow.

David had all three. He loved God. He trusted Him. And he had faith, not in what he could do, but in who God is.

So, I ask you: Will you live like David?
Will you trust God’s grace, but not abuse it?
Will you love Him—not just with your lips, but with your life?
Will you walk by faith, and stop trying to earn what can only be received?

Let’s remember: We are not saved because we are good. We are saved because God is good.
And that goodness leads us not into sin, but into surrender.

Father, give us hearts like David—soft, repentant, and real. Teach us to walk daily with faith, to love You deeply, and to trust You completely. Keep us from the trap of self-righteousness. And may we never use grace as a cover for rebellion, but as power to live in obedience.

Signing off,
Tyrone