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.

“Jesus + Something” Is Not Grace

There’s a mistake I keep running into in conversations about grace, especially among folks who are serious about Jesus. It’s the idea that if you tack on just a little something else—“Jesus plus something”—you still have grace. But here’s the deal: you don’t. That’s not grace; it’s a religion in disguise. I get why it’s … Read more

How to Spot Legalism in Modern Christianity

Sometimes you walk into a church or scroll through social media, and the vibe feels a little… off. Something’s heavy, rigid, maybe even guilt-trip-ish. Yet everyone talks about faith, grace, and love like that’s what it’s all about. If you’re like me, you’ve probably scratched your head wondering: is this really faith, or is this … Read more

Faith Rests; Works Brags

Sometimes, the clash between faith and works comes off like an old theological showdown that just won’t quit. You hear that phrase—“faith without works is dead”—and it’s almost drilled into your head, like a spiritual drill sergeant barking orders. But what if we’re missing the nuance? What if the enemy isn’t just misunderstanding, but a … Read more

Grace and the Collapse of Self-Confidence

Sometimes, the idea of self-confidence feels like building a castle on sand. We all want to stand tall, head high, believing in ourselves—but what happens when that sure footing crumbles? Grace, in its dazzling mercy, has a way of unraveling self-confidence, but not to break us. It tears down the fragile self we build and … Read more

The Cross Ends Boasting: Romans 3 Applied

Sometimes, the hardest thing to accept is that there’s no room for us to brag about our spiritual achievements. Romans 3 pulls no punches here — it shatters the illusion that anyone can boast in their own righteousness. When Paul writes, “There is no one righteous, not even one,” it’s not a complaint; it’s an … Read more

Why Confusion Comes From Blending Covenants

Sometimes, when I dive into Scripture, it feels like walking into a maze where the walls shift every time you blink. Why? Because many Christians mix up the covenants—thinking the Old Testament law dances with the New Testament grace like they’re on the same page, when actually, they’re chapters apart. This blending isn’t just an … Read more

The Peril of “Mixing Programs” in Scripture

It’s amazing how easy it is to confuse God’s distinct dealings with humanity throughout Scripture—and how dangerous that confusion can be for anyone trying to walk by faith. This all comes down to what I call the “mixing of programs.” It’s when people blend the distinct covenants, dispensations, or Biblical economies as if they operate … Read more