John

Why Do You Go to Church?

March 20, 2023 by Tim Sherfy

Why do you go to church? I am assuming in this dark age that you still make every effort to gather with fellow believers each week. This is, after all, the Lord’s instruction given to us through the writer of Hebrews when he admonishes us to not forsake gathering together (Hebrews 10:24-25). God’s people are to meet regularly with one another to share praises, worship, and burdens.

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We are the family of God (John 1:12; Galatians 3:25-26; Romans 8:16-17) and indeed the very body of Christ in this world (1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 12:4-5; Colossians 1:24). There is great strength and encouragement to be found when we gather among others of like mind and faith. Our brothers and sisters remind us we do not fight the good fight alone.

We Will All Face Persecution

March 2, 2023 by Tim Sherfy

How can I be certain we will all face persecution? First and foremost, I know because Jesus told us we would face it (John 16:33). We need no other proof. Jesus speaks only the truth. He cannot lie and is never wrong. What you may have never considered, though, is the “why” behind Jesus’s proclamation. Jesus established the foundation here. He said the world would hate us because it first hated Him (John 15:18).

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They didn’t just hate Jesus for who He said He was, they hated everything He did. The fact many were following Him incensed them even further. So whether it is Jesus or a follower of His, the hatred of the world will burn hot. But there is still a deeper “why” behind such hatred that if we understand, I think it will help us deal more effectively with the persecution that is sure to come.

Deception

February 23, 2023 by Tim Sherfy

Deception is perhaps the greatest weapon in Satan’s arsenal. It comes in many varieties and strengths. The devil doesn’t need to get you to believe a big lie because a series of small ones will have the same effect. Our recent history shows us the results of generations of deception. Surveys show our trust in the government, media, and even medical doctors has never been lower. The world has deceived us for so long that it becomes nearly impossible to believe anything or anyone anymore!

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When deception is the new standard, where can we go for truth? Thankfully, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change, and there is no deception in Him. We became too accustomed to trusting in the rulers and authorities of this world, turned away from Jesus, and are now bearing the consequences of our misplaced trust.

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A Stress-Free Life

February 6, 2023 by Tim Sherfy

Much of the stress in our lives is brought on by the fact we are focusing on ourselves instead of on God. Trouble will find its way into each of our lives. Difficult, even tragic, circumstances will invade our serenity. Countless outside influences will cause us stress, but I maintain the primary culprit will always be a wrong focus. I know from personal experience that a surrendered heart that is thinking only of Jesus has no room for stress.

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The love, joy, grace, and sufficiency of Christ have an almost intoxicating way of melting away every care and concern. Personal experience also informs me that even a slight glance away from our Lord yields disastrous results. The implication is clear. If you want to live a stress-free life, keep your focus on Jesus.

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A Christianity of Convenience

February 2, 2023 by Tim Sherfy

A reader wrote to me expressing her disgust over the fact so many “people today just want to live a Christianity of convenience.” I share her frustration. The reality is Christianity is never a convenient way to live. If it is, I guarantee you do not understand what it means to follow Jesus. The gospel of Jesus will never be popular or convenient. To follow Jesus is to live at odds with society and the surrounding culture.

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In my lifetime, this has never been more obvious than in the last few years. Christians around the world are murdered every day simply because of their faith. Even in the West, Christians are now being arrested for praying silently to themselves. The culture now views followers of Christ as threats to society. I’d say that’s a less-than-convenient way for us to live.