priorities

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.

[Read more…] about Jesus First

Fear Death?

May 14, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Do you fear death? Many Christians do, and it always makes me scratch my head. I’m not sure what would make a believer in Jesus fear meeting Him. I can’t wait to die. Perhaps that’s too morbid for many to read, but do you understand what is waiting for us on the other side? Why would anyone want to stay in this body a second longer than they have to?

Every good thing we experience in this life will be a thousand times better in Heaven, and every bad thing will cease to exist. (1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4) It’s a deal unlike any other, and reaching our final destination at last should excite us all.

[Read more…] about Fear Death?

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.

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.

[Read more…] about Making Deposits

Hypocrisy

April 20, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

If you paid a stranger to watch the way you live for a week, what would they say was the focus of your life? Would they see Jesus? Would they understand what it meant to be a Christian from watching what you did and listening to what you said? We Christians can talk a pretty good game, especially when we’re cloistered safe inside our places of worship or surrounded by like-minded believers.

The manner in which we exercise our faith is less convincing. There’s an old word for that: hypocrisy. Nobody I know ever wants to be called a hypocrite, but if your actions don’t align with your words, what else would someone call you? To behave like this is the same as looking at yourself in a mirror and then forgetting what you look like the moment you turn away. (James 1:23-24)

[Read more…] about Hypocrisy