I John

Focus on the Mission

May 18, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

The more life wears you down, the more difficult it can become to focus on the mission. Too often we forget that this life is not about us. It’s not about doing what we want to do, building empires, or even just experiencing as much pleasure as we can. That’s what the world pursues and what Satan wants you to believe. (1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 2:1-3)

For those who accept the truth of Christ’s Lordship and understand what He did on our behalf, our life is different. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:19-20) We live for Him in everything we think, say, and do. There is nothing we engage in that we do not do on His behalf and for His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17) Nothing. You will never experience the truth and hope of His peace until you come to understand that.

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Three Requirements for Following Christ

May 14, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

There are three requirements for following Christ. They aren’t the only three, of course, but these three serve as the foundation for all the others. Jesus spelled out these commands in Luke 9:23: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

Three simple rules, all with massive implications and responsibility. If you wish to follow Jesus, this is what it takes. Most will say, “It’s too much, it’s too hard, and it’s too far.” Remember what Jesus did for you. He gave up everything. He suffered, bled, and died. These three requirements are nothing compared to what He already did for you.

Consistency

May 7, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Consistency is what most hinders us from living a life that looks like Christ. We can live for Jesus in the moment, maybe even for a day or a week, but given enough time, we waver. Old habits creep in, and new habits get lost in the busyness of our day-to-day lives. Before we know it, and despite our best efforts, we are once again stuck in a pattern of life that looks much more like the world than it does Jesus.

What’s wrong with us? We know what He did for us. We love Him. Why does it never seem to be enough? I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but I don’t. I do have some ideas, though.

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Good Enough Is Never Enough

April 27, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Because Jesus is in Heaven, we sometimes forget how close He is. What if He were still on earth in His physical form? If He gave you a task to do, how urgent would you be in getting it done? Would you put it off until a more convenient time or jump right on it? What sort of effort would you expend to accomplish it? Would you cut corners and do just enough to call it done?

I think every one of us would do whatever we could to put in our best effort to present Jesus with a result that reflected how much we revere and love Him. Shouldn’t we do the same even though He is not speaking to us in His human flesh? When serving Jesus, good enough is never enough. (Colossians 3:23-24; Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Never for Nothing

April 23, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Do you ever grow discouraged in your walk with Christ? People who reject Him, spit on His image, and defame His name go unpunished and even seem to live more carefree and happy than we do. Are you ever tempted to ask, “Is this all worth it?” Wouldn’t it be easier to just stop trying to follow Him and swim against the tide than to always seem to face conflict and struggle? (Psalm 73:3-5)

Maybe you wonder if the payoff will be worth the price? When the world is intent on wearing you down (John 16:33; 1 John 5:19), doubts will creep into the hearts of even the most steadfast. But following Jesus is never for nothing. It is worth the struggle, and He is always worth the pain. (Romans 8:18; Hebrews 12:11)

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