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