John

We’ve Made Jesus too Nice

May 10, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

We’ve made Jesus too nice in our attempt to get more people to put their trust in Him. Our measure of success is now based on numbers rather than commitment. Once again, I defer to the wisdom of A.W. Tozer to say it best: “The meek and lowly Jesus has displaced the high and holy Jesus in the minds of millions. The vibrant note of triumph is missing in our witness…

we've made Jesus too nice,humility,passion,truth,John 16:33,in this life you will have trouble,darkness and light,1 Peter 2:9,called out,peculiar people,Matthew 23:33,brood of vipers,John 2:14-16,overturned tables,cleared the temple

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[The early Church] never presented Him as Savior merely. It never occurred to them to invite people to receive ‘peace of mind’ or ‘peace of soul’. Nor did they stop at forgiveness or joy or happiness.” The Jesus of modern Christianity is the least offensive person in history. This is a far cry from the way Jesus lived and taught.

Expand Your Faith

May 7, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

This may be the most surprising author I’ve ever quoted on this blog, but save the raised eyebrow and appreciate the quote I read from Anais Nin: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” I submit in our walk with Jesus, our life shrinks and expands in proportion to one’s faith. What might we do for Christ if we actually believed what He said about faith? What might we do if we only believed we could do what He said we could? If we want to live a big life for God’s glory, we’re going to need a big faith. I believe Jesus intends for us to trust Him in what He says.

expand your faith,Matthew 17:20,faith to move mountains,mustard seed,mission,prayer,discipline,faith,John 7:18,nothing false in Him,1 Samuel 17:47,battle belongs to the Lord

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He has created us with a unique mix of skills, talents, and passions to accomplish His mission on earth. It should go without saying if He designed us for certain work, He has given us the abilities to accomplish that work. It should excite you to be a part of His mission. If you want to expand the role you are playing in the mission of Christ, it follows you’re going to need to expand your faith.

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To Whom Shall We Go?

April 19, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

The wisdom of A.W. Tozer continues to confound me. I wish I would have had the opportunity to learn directly from the man, but his books and sermons have left a rich legacy. Hear this from the wise preacher: “The faith of Christ will command or it will have nothing to do with a man. It will not yield to experimentation. Its power cannot reach any man who is secretly keeping an escape route open in case things get too tough for him.

to whom shall we go,John 6:68,A.W. Tozer,aw tozer,tozer,commitment,humility,mission,Philippians 1:21,to live is Christ,to die is gain,John 14:6,I am the way,I am the truth,I am the life,way truth life, noone comes to Father except by me

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The only man who can be sure he has true Bible faith is the one who has put himself in a position where he cannot go back. His faith has resulted in an everlasting and irrevocable committal, and however strongly he may be tempted he always replies, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life’ (John 6:68).” How often do we respond to the call of temptation (idolatry) with the words, “To whom shall we go?”

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All Crown, No Cross

March 15, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

Regular readers know I love the teachings of A.W. Tozer. I love the way he pulled no punches and possessed deep insight into the character of God. It’s uncanny how often his writing seems so relevant for today, but in truth was mostly written fifty or more years ago. Here’s something from him which I read recently: “There is something better than being comfortable, and the followers of Christ ought to find it out-the poor, soft, overstuffed Christians of our time ought to find it out!

all crown no cross,discipleship,discipline,commitment,persecution,trials,tribulation,take up your cross,humility,1 Corinthians 9:24-25,only winners receive a crown,John 16:33,in this world you will have trouble,1 Peter 2:22,no deceit in Him,Tozer,A.W. Tozer

There is something better than being comfortable! We… have forgotten altogether that there is such a thing as discipline and suffering.” Along the same lines, he also wrote,” We do not want the cross. We are more interested in the crown.” To put it in simple terms, one could say Christians are “all crown, no cross”.

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You Need Jesus

March 5, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

I read a great quote from Louis Giglio: “Jesus doesn’t give you what you need; Jesus is what you need.” I think we often miss this point in our self-sufficient society. We don’t necessarily tend to think about the help we need, we only think of the stuff we need. There’s always something more we think we need to make us happy. We’re always one step away from being fulfilled.

you need Jesus,purpose,priorities,Matthew 11:28-30,come to me all who are weary,John 14:27,my peace I give to you,Romans 8:16-18co-heirs with Jesus,John 14:1-3,in my house are many mansions,I go prepare a place for you,Matthew 28:18-20,great commission,go ye therefore,Matthew 6:31-33,don't worry about what you will eat drink wear,anxiety,cure for anxiety,Matthew 6:34,don't worry

The common thread is we have this seemingly insatiable hole inside. We can’t seem to ever figure out what will fill it. Nothing makes the ache go away for good, so we settle for temporary substitutes hoping someday one of them will last. If you are tired of chasing after what you think you need and want, you can relax. The answer is simple and immediately available: you need Jesus.

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