Matthew

Jesus First

May 28, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

We who call ourselves Christians espouse putting Jesus first in our lives. It’s not that we are trying to be deceptive, but how true is that statement for most of us? When I was a younger boy, my father wore a pin on his suit jacket that said, “Jesus First.” I recall they were popular in church circles in the late 70s and early 80s.

I also remember being thrilled when my dad gave me a pin of my own. It became part of my Sunday wardrobe and even sometimes when I would go to school. Wearing something like that can make one more mindful of their conduct, but ultimately it does nothing to make it true in our lives. Only our actions can do that.

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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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Making Deposits

April 30, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

No matter what we do, we are making deposits into an eternal account or throwing away the time given to us. We fill our days with decisions ranging from what to wear, what to eat, what to say, what to think about, or what to do. Every moment carries with it the choice to honor God or worship ourselves. Satan chose to worship himself, and look how that continues to turn out for him.

Despite being the most beautiful of all the angels (Ezekiel 28:12-15), he considered himself greater than his creator. (Isaiah 14:13-14) The tragic results of such pride are eternal separation from God, unending torment, and no hope for the future. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10) The same fate awaits all who refuse to bow their knee in worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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