salvation

Pain and Darkness

December 15, 2025 by Tim Sherfy

One day we are all going to have to answer for the wasted opportunities and squandered blessings in our lives and of our generation. Each of us is aware of the moments we let slip by without seizing them for the glory of God’s Kingdom (Ephesians 5:15–16; Matthew 25:14–30). The memories are so painful we don’t often dwell on them, but we all know they are there in the deepest recesses of our minds.

This reminds me of when Jesus said He would cast all those who reject Him into the outer darkness (Matthew 22:13). That’s a darkness deeper than the blackest night any of us has ever experienced. Imagine combining such darkness with the pain of every regret, sorrow, and evil we have locked away in that deep closet in our minds. That is a small taste of what Hell will be like for all who don’t bow to Jesus as Lord. That pain and darkness will never end.

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Strangers and Aliens

December 11, 2025 by Tim Sherfy

Those who exercise the boldness and courage to proclaim the truth of the Gospel will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). For those who follow Jesus, that is reason enough to reject anyone preaching a message promising health, wealth, and peace. Jesus dispels that belief when He declares He did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34).

We are strangers and aliens on earth, foreigners in every context and location in which we find ourselves (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). This world is not where we belong, and those who do belong here will do everything they can to harm and get rid of us. Life on the narrow path is going to be difficult (Matthew 7:13–14) and we should believe no one who says otherwise (2 Timothy 3:12).

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The Narrow Gate

November 17, 2025 by Tim Sherfy

Matthew 7:13-14

The road to Heaven is not an easy one. Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but almost nobody wants to live for Jesus. Preachers today make it easy for people to think their eternity is secure by preaching a gospel of “easy believism.” These churches are exploding in numbers, and a great move back to God is being lauded in the press. It seems people are coming to Christ in droves.

But Jesus said, the path that leads to life is narrow, and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). What then to make of all these coming to the Lord? The only option is they are coming on the wide path that leads to destruction. It is notable that Jesus’s warning against the wide path comes just before His warning about false teachers (Matthew 7:15).

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Can You Live for Jesus?

November 3, 2025 by Tim Sherfy

Christian persecution is on the rise across the globe. It’s not just in countries where you might expect it, like North Korea, Eritrea, and Iran, but also in places you wouldn’t, like Australia and Great Britain. Perhaps, like me, as you read the horrific accounts of kidnapping, imprisonment, torture, and murder, you contemplate whether you would stand firm for Christ in similar circumstances.

Woman asking herself can you live for Jesus as contemplates her commitment, surrender, and salvation

I think most mature believers would say they are willing to die for Christ rather than deny Him as the Savior He is. I hope that is true of all of us. Even if it is, I must question the sincerity of the claim because there is a tougher question we must answer first. You say you are ready to die for Jesus, but can you live for Jesus?

Walking in God’s Will, Part 3 – Seeking to Know God’s Will

October 27, 2025 by Tim Sherfy

Today we continue to look for ways to ensure we are walking in God’s will. His will is not an unknowable mystery, and it is vital that we understand the will of God for us to live productive and fruitful lives worthy of our calling (Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10). If you are jumping in for the first time, please check out “Walking in God’s Will, Part 1” and “Walking in God’s Will, Part 2,” to see the first five questions to ask when seeking to know God’s will.

Young woman who wants to be walking in God's will without duplicity or hypocrisy but in obedience surrendering to the lordship of the God of her salvation

There is no decision you will encounter in life that God’s Word does not give you the principles to know what you should choose. With that, let’s dive into the next set of questions you can ask to discern God’s will.