Alona

Alona Smith is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who believes that life’s true purpose is found in knowing Him and making Him known. She is passionate about sharing God’s Word with clarity and compassion, helping others see the beauty of the gospel of grace revealed through the Apostle Paul.

Grounded in Scripture and led by the Spirit, Alona seeks to live out her faith in practical ways—showing kindness, extending forgiveness, and walking in love. Whether serving in her local church, encouraging a friend in need, or simply living as a light in her community, she strives to reflect Christ in both word and deed.

The Mystery Program in Paul’s Letters

Sometimes when I dive deep into Paul’s letters, the concept of the “mystery” he talks about feels like a locked treasure chest just begging to be opened. You’ve probably seen Paul throw around the word “mystery” and wondered, “What’s he even getting at?” It’s not some secret club handshake or hidden code tucked away for … Read more

One Baptism, One Body

There’s something beautifully perplexing about the phrase “one baptism, one body.” You’ve probably come across it in Ephesians 4:5, nestled inside Paul’s letter where he’s addressing the messy, diverse, bustling church in Ephesus—and no less messy, diverse, or bustling than today’s gatherings. It’s more than a slogan or a neat theological bullet point; it’s a … Read more

Philemon 1:6 – Today’s Verse for October 21, 2025 Tuesday

Reflection on Today’s Verse Faith isn’t only what we believe in our hearts—it’s what we live with our lives. Paul reminds us that our faith becomes effective when we recognize and acknowledge the good things Christ has already placed within us. Often, we pray for more strength, more courage, more joy—forgetting that through Christ, those … Read more

How Grace Produces Good Works Without the Law

There’s this fascinating tension in the Christian life that trips up a lot of folks: How do good works come about if we’re not under the Law? It’s not a “do good things so you’re saved” kind of deal, because that’s exactly what grace laughs at. But at the same time, grace isn’t a free … Read more

The Body Has Many Members

Ever notice how the body works? Each part doing its thing, sometimes quietly in the background, other times clearly indispensable. Paul knew this well when he spoke about the body having many members. It’s as if he took the human body—this intricate, miraculous unity—and used it to sketch a divine blueprint for the church, for … Read more

Why We Are Ambassadors for Christ

Honestly, when Paul calls us “ambassadors for Christ” in 2 Corinthians 5:20, it can feel like an intimidating title. Ambassador sounds official, serious, even distant—someone draped in diplomatic protocol, navigating politics in a foreign land. But here’s the catch: we aren’t representing a government, a political party, or a nation with shifting agendas. We’re representing … Read more

Not I, But Christ Lives in Me

There’s something profoundly unsettling about the phrase “Not I, but Christ lives in me,” yet it’s also powerfully liberating. It’s one thing to say you’re a Christian, to nod at the idea of Jesus living in your heart. But to actually live like Christ is alive within you? That’s a commitment that shakes your entire … Read more

Paul’s Unique Gospel: Not After Man

You ever notice how some sermons or Bible studies toss Paul’s epistles into a general “Christianity” bucket without really stopping to ask what makes his message tick? It’s like we all know Paul’s letters are important, but few truly grasp that his gospel isn’t just another version of the same old salvation story. It’s a … Read more