salvation

This Generation

August 23, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

I worry about this generation of believers in the West. We’ve been brought up with a gospel married with an Americanized version of Christianity that has little resemblance to what Christ taught during His time on earth. Jesus taught we would face persecution and have to endure all kinds of trouble (John 16:33; Mark 13:11-13). Many contemporary churches teach deliverance from trouble through Jesus. A number of popular ministries go even further teaching if you have enough faith, you will be healthy and wealthy.

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The Bible teaches those who are in Christ will be a peculiar people, aliens and strangers in their own lands (1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 2:11). Our churches have taught us how to set goals, dream big dreams, and succeed, just like people in the world. We’ve traded the cross of Jesus for a life of comfort and security. What will we do when the world is no longer safe or comfortable for those professing faith in Jesus Christ?

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Impact or Distraction

May 6, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

Everything we think, say, and do will impact others for Jesus or distract them from His truth. Our lives will be all about Jesus or about nothing at all. If we want to impact others for Jesus, we must live like Jesus. We won’t impact them in our power, because we have no answers on our own.

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It is only the blood of Jesus that can cleanse people of their sins. It is only the love of Jesus that can redeem them from their brokenness. So, if we aren’t showing them the love of Jesus and telling them of His sacrifice on their behalf, then we are only distracting them from the truth with whatever else we say or do.

The Life of a Disciple

September 7, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

Every day we must choose whether we will follow Jesus. There are so many things that pull at us as we go throughout our day. Things we enjoy, things we’d like to purchase, and various ways to relax. Life is hard, and sometimes we just want to zone out and not do anything. But this isn’t an option in the life of a disciple. We are to live our lives like that of Jesus.

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We don’t get days off, and we shouldn’t want them. Every second of our lives, time is ticking down. Time is running out to tell others about Jesus. If we don’t act today – and every day – we could be responsible for someone not hearing about Christ.

The Plan of Salvation

June 25, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

If you grew up in the church or have ever taken a traditional discipleship course, you’re probably familiar with the so-called, “plan of salvation.” It’s interesting to note while the Bible shows us how to find salvation in Jesus, it has nothing to do with the 20^th century man-made “plan of salvation”. There is a way to eternal life with Jesus, but it involves a lifelong commitment, not a two-minute prayer. The plan of salvation can be useful in helping someone understand their need for Jesus, but it does nothing to prepare them for the sacrifice and difficulties they will encounter because of their decision to follow Christ.

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We are doing a grave disservice to untold numbers of people who, upon being presented with the plan of salvation and praying the sinner’s prayer, think that’s all there is to it and it saves them for eternity. We’re creating people who think they know Jesus, but that same Jesus may cast them from His presence if that prayer is all they ever do for Him (Matthew 7:22-23).

Can You Be a Christian Without Being a Disciple?

February 13, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

I heard a caller on a radio show ask, “Can you be a Christian without being a disciple?” I have been wrestling with this same thought of late. Before diving in, we should define the terms, so we are all on the same page. The term “Christian” now means many things in our world, but for this discussion, I mean someone who has trusted Jesus is who He says He was and has surrendered their lives to His Lordship.

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A disciple, again for our discussion, is someone who is constantly and consistently pursuing Jesus, desperate to live their lives as He lived His. My inclination is to say you cannot be a Christian if you are not a disciple. I could be wrong but let me give you some reasons for my belief, and then I’ll say a few words about why I might be wrong.