Scratch

 

How often do we find ourselves in the stories of Scripture? As we turn the pages of the greatest book ever written, characters leap out at us—not because they mirror us perfectly, but because their sins, their responses, and God’s dealings with them echo our own. There is so much to learn from how they fell, how they repented, and how God responded—sometimes in mercy, sometimes in judgment.

So, here’s my question: are we genuinely seeking understanding, or are we quick to pass judgment—accusing others while excusing ourselves? My desire isn’t to judge but to learn, and then to find the grace to apply it. And what a privilege that is: that through Christ we have been given the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Pause on that for a moment. The Almighty God, the Righteous Judge, the Creator of the universe, has drawn near to us so intimately that we can call Him “Abba”—a child’s cry of trust, love, and dependence. This is not sentimentality; it is the fruit of Calvary. At the cross, Christ removed every barrier, silenced every accusation, and opened the way for sinners to become sons and daughters.

David was called “a man after God’s own heart.” What does that mean? God’s heart is vast—mercy, justice, holiness, love—so rich that we’ll only ever scratch the surface. But scratch we must. That’s why shallow one-liners won’t suffice. Many unbelievers dismiss God with lines like, “If God allows children to starve, I want nothing to do with Him,” or “If He’s loving, why is there suffering?” These aren’t sincere searches for truth; they’re convenient exits from accountability. Reducing the Almighty to a sound bite is easier than seeking His heart—but it is not honest.

Scripture shows a God who is unchanging in character yet relationally responsive—especially to repentance and intercession. Consider these moments:

• The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:9–14): After Israel’s idolatry, God announces judgment. Moses intercedes, and “the Lord relented from the harm” He had said He would do. Mercy met covenant faithfulness.
• Sodom (Genesis 18:22–33): Abraham pleads down from fifty to ten righteous. Though the city fell, God’s willingness to spare reveals His mercy toward the righteous.
• Nineveh (Jonah 3:4–10): From king to commoner, they repent in sackcloth, and “God relented from the disaster” He had threatened. Mercy met humility.
• Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1–6): A death sentence becomes fifteen more years when the king turns his face to the wall and weeps. “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears.”
• Kadesh Rebellion (Numbers 14:11–20): God says He will strike and disinherit; Moses appeals to God’s name and mercy. “I have pardoned according to your word,” yet consequences remain.
• David’s Census (2 Samuel 24:10–16): Judgment falls, then “the Lord relented,” saying, “It is enough; now restrain your hand.”
• Amos’s Visions (Amos 7:1–6): Twice the prophet pleads, “O Lord God, please forgive!” and twice, “the Lord relented.” Intercession matters.

Now anchor this in David’s own house. After his sin with Bathsheba, the child is condemned (2 Samuel 12:13–23). David fasts, lies on the ground, refuses food—because he knows God’s heart: “Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?” David understood that God sometimes overturns declared judgment in mercy. But when the child dies, David rises, washes, worships, and eats. He accepts God’s final word without bitterness: “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” Seeking mercy is never wasted; presuming on mercy is. David does the first, never the second.

As I grow older, I look back on mistakes that still drain me to remember. Those days are gone, but I am accountable for them. How do they shape my life today? The answer isn’t in cynicism or excuses; it’s in understanding God’s heart—coming to Him with truth, repentance, and hope. He is the same God who pardoned at Moses’ plea, added years to Hezekiah, spared Nineveh, stayed the angel’s hand for David, and heeded Amos. And He is also the God who, at times, leaves a consequence in place for our good and His glory.

 

God give us all a hunger to scratch,

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone

Sinful Desires

 The Apostle Peter is clear: life on this earth is spiritual warfare. And the battle? It rages within — our sinful desires. Too often, we miss this. We think the enemy is “out there” somewhere, but Peter reminds us: the conflict is right here.

What are sinful desires? Beyond the obvious — greed, pride, lust, selfishness — it can be summed up in three words: me, myself, and I. At the root of it all is self-gratification. And when that root is exposed, laid bare before God, the error of our ways comes into the light. Peter knew this well, and that is why he begins by anchoring us in God's mercies. We are not left hopeless! God has caused us to be born again into a living hope — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

And so, let me say this clearly: I am speaking to those who have tasted that mercy.

But beware of the victim mentality. It is a trap — a deadly one. The world is filled with such traps, with its psychobabble and its “woe is me” mindset. The struggle is real, but let us not deceive ourselves. Our sisters especially are in the line of fire, being targeted daily by these lies. That is why we must stand together, grounded on the WORD, upholding them with prayer and support.

Peter points us beyond our trials to our hope — heaven and all its glory. That’s the endgame! Yet trials are unavoidable. And here’s the truth: no one enjoys them, especially when we’re unprepared. But let us not forget — what pushes hardest against our hope is not just the trial itself, but our sinful desires. They whisper relief. They promise escape. But it is fleeting — temporary.

There is a better way. Peter doesn’t sugarcoat it: be holy, as God is holy. That is the bar. That is the mindset. Holiness is the goal. Trials will come, but they are opportunities to find grace… or to fail.

Here’s the danger: if we misunderstand the theory, we cannot live out the practice. Fail to grasp this truth, and you’ll fail the test every time. No reward comes without trial. Scripture prepares us for this:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13)

This isn’t strange. This isn’t random. It’s the way of Christ.

Let this sink in. Meditate on it. Chew it like a cow chews the cud — slowly, repeatedly — until it becomes nourishment for your soul.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Suffering is not failure. Suffering is the test. And grace is the power to endure it. When the struggle feels overwhelming, remember this simple truth: this too will pass.

Here is my conclusion: we face two options. We can surrender to our old ways and live like we once did, or we can find the grace to overcome. It begins in the mind. The world says: “Dig up the past. Blame your parents, your childhood, your circumstances.” But God says: Forget what is behind. Press forward.

And with that, I leave you with Paul’s words, which echo down through the ages with strength and clarity:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14)

Keep pressing on, and love to all who confess Jesus as Lord

Signing off

Tyrone

You are exactly where you need to be

Since yesterday—actually, almost the moment after I hit “publish” on my last post—a thought has refused to leave me:

“You are exactly where you need to be.”

That truth is not just for me; it’s for all of us who believe that God is Sovereign, which He is!

Yet I still ask myself: why do doubts, questions, and restless thoughts keep bombarding my mind? The onslaught feels endless until I anchor myself again with this simple but profound reminder: “You are exactly where you need to be.”

God is omnipresent, but for our limited human understanding, imagine Him as the director of a blockbuster film. Before a single scene is shot, the script is already written, the plot set, and the ending known. The cast may not yet see the full picture, but the director does.

Before creation, God had already mapped out the entire story. The Godhead embraced the plan in its fullness. Scripture gives us glimpses: in Genesis, God spoke creation into being. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” He is revealed as personal, active, and the very One through whom all things were made.

Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The question is—do you believe that this means everyone will die at some point? Or the exact time and place have already been set by God, written into the script of your life?

I believe the latter. When your appointed time comes, it comes—no human effort can alter it. Yet the Director reserves the right to rewrite a scene. Throughout Scripture, we see moments where God, in His mercy, changed what had been declared.

Our view of these hinges on how we see God. His brilliance is beyond anything we can imagine. Our human minds shrink Him down, but His intelligence and wisdom far exceed our comprehension. One day, when I see Him, I know I will fall to my knees in tears of joy, overwhelmed by His holiness, grateful beyond words that He saved a sinner like me.

Here’s my unshakable conviction: God never leaves anything to chance. Every detail is under His control, including the names written in the Book of Life. That truth leads me back to my starting point—you are exactly where you need to be.

So I choose to hold onto that truth in times of trouble. For I know in Whom I have believed.
ALL HAIL KING JESUS, MY KING!

Signing off,
Tyrone

#peace #predestination #KingJesus #YouAreExactlyWhereYouNeedToBe

Testings

The Tests of Life: Dressed for Battle

Everything in life is driven by testing.

Think of a baby taking its first step — the mother positions the child, encouraging them to try again. She’s not just enjoying a milestone; she’s continuing the test to see if the child can walk. That is life in miniature. Our journey is filled with tests. Existence itself is a continual assessment, shaping who we are.

We often say, “the trials of life.” But perhaps we should say, “the tests of life.”

If we know what our armour and weapons are, we must dress for battle. We are in a war — and if we don’t realise it, we’ve been deceived.

Yes, we live in the flesh, but our war is not against the flesh. Our struggles often play out in the flesh — anger, malice, deceit, lust — but those are only the fruit of defeat. The real battle begins in the mind.

A thought must be stopped before it becomes intent. It must be snubbed at inception — and that’s exactly what the armour of God does for us when used correctly.

Paul teaches this vital truth, and John expands on it. Testing should never feel strange to us — it is necessary for growth.

Peter writes:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)

James adds:

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3)

Are we starting to see the picture?

How often have Christians questioned why their life isn’t going according to their understanding? But what is our goal? Surely it’s heaven and all its glory.

James reminds us:

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

And Paul exhorts:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2)

Even discerning God’s will in our lives is learned through testing.

So instead of asking “Why?” we should be asking, “What is the lesson?”

Grace is our aid in times of need. The life of Job stands as a striking example — utterly devastated, stripped of all comfort, yet he humbled himself before God. Job understood: It’s about the long game, not just this life.

We are commanded to hallow God’s name, especially under pressure. That’s the heart of the test — to praise His mighty name even when it hurts.

All hail King Jesus!

Signing out,
Tyrone

 #testings #thewillofgod #heaven

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 6:14)

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 doubts and fears reside.

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 #amourofgod

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