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:t 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

Love’s Attributes – A Reflection from 1 Corinthians 13

(1 Corinthians 13:1)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

There are two important truths we must consider from this powerful verse. First, it speaks of the “tongues of men and of angels” — in other words, the languages spoken by both humans and heavenly beings. Second, Paul warns us that if love is absent, even our most eloquent speech becomes nothing more than empty, harsh noise. A clanging cymbal might be loud, but it carries no melody — it grates the ears rather than blesses the heart.

This morning, I want to focus our hearts on love, the essence of Christian character. Paul’s teachings on the matter are clear. Unfortunately, debates and divisions within Christian circles over spiritual gifts, particularly tongues, have often overshadowed the unity we should have in Christ.

(1 Corinthians 14:39)
“So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

Paul clearly affirms the gift of tongues, but equally stresses the need for order and interpretation.

(1 Corinthians 14:27)
“If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.”

There seems to be a scramble in understanding the interpretation of tongues. Some say it is a language, which it certainly is, while others argue that the interpretation is not a direct translation but rather a Spirit-led rendering of what was spoken — conveying the heart of the message, not necessarily the word-for-word structure. This distinction is vital, as it reminds us that interpretation is a gift, not a mechanical process. It flows from the Spirit’s prompting and aims to edify the church, not to entertain or impress.

It’s important to note that spiritual gifts are never meant to cause chaos. No one should claim they are powerless to control the gift. That idea is unbiblical.

(1 Corinthians 14:32)
“And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.”

This verse confirms that the gifted one can exercise that gift responsibly. There may be a strong prompting from the Spirit to speak, but never an uncontrollable force. God is not the author of confusion.

The only time I have ever seen someone completely lose control of their faculties was during demonic possession. I witnessed voices change and aggression rise up in ways that were completely out of character for the individuals involved. It was not emotional exaggeration or theatrics — it was something unnatural. In one instance, I saw a man speak in a woman’s voice. After the encounter, when I questioned those involved, they had no recollection of what had transpired. That kind of loss of control is not of the Holy Spirit — it is of the demonic. This is why I am convinced that true spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues, do not override the believer’s will or composure.

It’s also worth understanding that speaking in tongues is not the ultimate evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. There is a distinction between receiving the Holy Spirit as a believer and being granted the gift of tongues, which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:30)
“Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

The answer is clearly “no” — not everyone does. I trust this helps clarify the difference.

But wherever you land on the subject of tongues, we must not allow it to become a stumbling block that hinders our love for one another. Without love, we’re just making noise. Love and truth must walk hand in hand, for they cannot be separated.

Love has a beautiful face, one that can soften even the hardest of hearts. Picture Jesus hanging on the cross, enduring the mockery of sinful men. Imagine Him looking into the eyes of one of His accusers and saying:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
(Luke 23:34)

What power must have flowed from that look of compassion! What could the mocker say in return?

Even in our bitterness or when we’re wronged, the love of Christ must be the pattern we follow. This is what Christian living is all about — laying down our lives, not for the sake of compromise, but for the sake of redemptive love.

Yes, truth matters deeply. But truth without love can become a weapon. The goal is not to win arguments but to win souls.

God alone sees the heart. He knows whom He will draw to repentance. And here we must make something clear — election is not the result of man’s choice, but of God’s sovereign will. It is He who chooses, He who calls, and He who gives the gift of repentance.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6)

Let us never forget that we are not saved by our own decision, but by the mercy of God. He loved us first. He called us when we were dead in sin. And we responded only because His Spirit made us alive. Every aspect of our salvation — from beginning to end — rests in His will, not ours.

Let us remember that all we are and all we have is by His grace. There’s always a temptation to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, especially if we’ve lived cleaner lives than others. But self-righteousness is a dangerous trap.

Paul puts it bluntly:

(1 Corinthians 4:7)
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”

True love acknowledges God’s mercy and grace in all things. It is humble, patient, and kind. Let’s meditate on love’s beauty as Paul describes it:

(1 Corinthians 13:4–8)
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”

May God grant us this love — a love so deeply rooted in truth that we never compromise, and so rich in compassion that it moves us to weep for the lost.

Let us hold fast to this calling:

(Jude 1:21)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”

May the love of Christ silence every doubt, soften every hard heart, and cause us to remember — always — the price paid at Calvary: His broken body, His shed blood, all for us.

Bless His glorious name.

Yes, I say — BLESS HIM!

Amen.

Signing off,
Tyrone

 

Amour of God

 Put On the Whole Armour of God

“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

Following on from yesterday’s thoughts, it would be prudent to take a closer look at the armour of God—what it is and how we are to use it profitably. 

What is the Armour of God? 

The armour of God is the provision given to every believer to equip them for battle.

This armour is not made of earthly materials but is spiritual in nature—truth, righteousness, readiness given by the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Each piece is essential, designed to shield us from the assaults that come against the heart, mind, and soul. The imagery is intentional: armour signifies our vulnerability without it and our protection when clothed in it.

The call to “put on” implies not only possession but active participation—we are invited to intentionally clothe ourselves daily, much like a soldier preparing for battle. Passive hope will not suffice; vigilance and discipline are required to appropriate this divine provision.

The instruction to put on the whole armour makes it clear—we are at war. Let no one fool you into believing otherwise. The battle is fierce, and it rages daily.

Who Is the Enemy?

We face enemies both within and without. James gives us insight into the inward struggle:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” — James 1:13–15

This is a reality for everyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or background. No one is exempt from the internal struggle of desire, which, if left unchecked, leads to sin.

Then there is the external conflict—the allure of the world. The Apostle John describes it plainly:

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:16–17

Why We Need the Armour

With temptation from within and seduction from the outside world, it becomes clear why we need God’s armour. It is divine aid that, when fully embraced, enables us to fulfil God's will. It shifts the focus away from ourselves and onto the glory of God through our example.

Jesus Christ is our perfect model. He laid down His own will for the will of His Father:

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” — Luke 9:58

The Spiritual Battle

Not only do we wrestle with internal desires and worldly distractions, but there is also a fierce enemy with one clear goal: to disobey. Satan, the adversary, has always opposed God. Before mankind even existed, he led a rebellion in heaven, taking a third of the angels with him.

Cast down to earth, he roams with purpose:

“The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where have you come?’
Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’” — Job 1:7

What is he doing? Looking for God’s favoured ones—those who walk by faith. He seeks permission to test them, hoping they will curse God under pressure, just as he hoped Job would.

“Stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” — Job 1:11

A Real War

We must face the truth of our condition:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12

We are in a spiritual war, and yes, at times it is overwhelming. It is important to recognise that success is not achieved through individual effort alone, but rather through reliance on the one who has already prevailed, namely, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise His wonderful name!

Who Can Access God’s Armour?

This spiritual armour is not for everyone. It belongs to those born of the Spirit—those who believe in their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Him as Lord. Many stumble here: they try to use some of the armour, instead of the whole armour.

But God’s Word is clear:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

I encourage all to spend some time in this Chapter, unpack it for yourselves, and let the WORD wash and revitalise your souls.

So then, until next time…

Signing off,
Tyrone

The War is Fierce...

🛡️ Understanding the Battlefield

 

📖 Highlighted Scripture & Foundation Truth

🟨“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
(Ephesians 6:11–12)**

🟨“We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves.
Finally, my brethren (Eph. 6:10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers.”
— Matthew Henry**

🧠 Who Do You Talk to the Most?

We often think it's our spouse, our children, or those we interact with daily—but truly, we speak to ourselves the most.
And this internal dialogue is where the battlefield begins.

In my walk, I find myself constantly engaging my mind regarding my standing before a holy God.
The battle is fought—and either won or lost—in the mind.

But what chance do we have if we don’t even understand the battlefield?

⚔️ Satan's Strategy: Doubt and Confusion

Satan’s approach is subtle—he inserts just enough doubt to cause havoc.
🟨 Remember Eve’s encounter in Genesis? That single moment of deception introduced sin into the world—a disaster greater than any virus.

Those who do not understand the battlefield have zero chance.
But by the grace of God, the Christian stands.

I’m constantly reminded not to become conceited about my salvation.
🟨 It’s the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. Why one and not another? God knows!

🌌 The Spiritual War is Real

Paul affirms that there is a spiritual war taking place—an unseen but real battlefield.

"We must not overlook the unseen enemy,
their objective is to get us to fail."

These forces are on assignment by their king—Satan—to challenge daily life and target believers, just as he tried to get Job to curse God (See Job 2).

🧿 1. Possession (Demonic Possession)

Definition:
Demonic possession is when a demonic spirit takes full control over a person's body and actions.

Key Characteristics:

• The individual loses control of their will, voice, actions, or even physical strength.
• The demon operates through the person, often resulting in destructive, supernatural, or bizarre behaviour.
• This is not possible for a true, Spirit-filled Christian, because:
• 🟨 "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• God does not share His dwelling place with demons.
• Examples:
• Judas Iscariot: “Then Satan entered Judas…” (Luke 22:3)
• Gerasene Demoniac: Mark 5:1- 20 (Legion inside the man)

🕯️ 2. Oppression (Demonic Influence)

Definition:
Demonic oppression is when external spiritual forces influence a person—mentally, emotionally, or circumstantially—but do not take over their will or body.

Key Characteristics:

• It affects thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and temptations.
• The person still has control but is heavily pressured or manipulated.
• It is common among believers, especially when we’re spiritually vulnerable.
• Examples:
• Peter: Jesus rebuked him with “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23) when Peter unknowingly aligned with Satan’s agenda.
• Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”: Called “a messenger of Satan to buffet me” (2 Corinthians 12:7)

😈 Possession vs Oppression

Have you ever witnessed demonic possession? It’s real—where a spirit enters and controls a body.
🟨 But all of us have experienced demonic oppression—acting contrary to God's will at some point.

How?
Satan entices us using our weaknesses—that persistent thorn in the flesh.
We either yield to it or fight for grace to withstand it.

❌ Can a Christian Be Demon Possessed?

🟨 No! A demon cannot possess a Christian.
🟨 Yes! A Christian can be influenced (oppressed) by demonic forces.

Let’s consider two biblical examples:

1. Judas Iscariot – Possession

He walked among the disciples, handled the money, and was influenced by greed.
But eventually:

🟨 “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot…” (Luke 22:3)
From that moment, he sought to betray Jesus. Fruit of possession.

2. Peter – Oppression

Peter wanted to protect Jesus from suffering, but Jesus responds:

🟨 “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23)
This wasn’t possession, but oppression—influence with intent to derail God's plan.

⛪ Misconceptions in the Church

Churches that are constantly casting out demons from believers often misunderstand Scripture.

🟨 A Christian’s body houses the Spirit of God.
Would God allow Satan to dwell in His temple?

No!
Satan may try, but he will never succeed in possessing a true believer.

However, if we leave the door slightly open, oppression and chaos will follow.

🛡️ The Call to Arms

So, what must we do?

🟨 Stand firm in the finished work of Christ!
🟨 Put on the full armour of God.

Dressing for battle is an act of faith that feeds hope.

👑 Awaiting Our King

Very soon, we’ll witness our King reigning in glory.
Every knee shall bow.
Every tongue shall confess.

🟨 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Even so,
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

 

Signing off,
Tyrone