salvation

Prepared for Persecution

March 31, 2022 by Tim Sherfy

My heart broke when I read about a recent occurrence in North Korea. That country is second only to Afghanistan in being the most dangerous place for Christians to live (see Open Doors’ “World Watch List”). Government officials raided a secret church meeting of believers. Everyone in attendance was arrested and then summarily executed.

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Without warning and without having had the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones, these dear brothers and sisters were removed from the face of the earth. From the moment they gave their lives to Christ, they knew they were living on borrowed time. They knew the risk of meeting together. They prepared for persecution the best they could and found Jesus worth the cost. But the story gets worse.

Still Thankful

November 25, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

In a world that seems intent on destroying itself, what is there to be thankful for today? The amount of evil and violence seems to grow at an exponential rate. The Word of God is no longer seen as the authority by which we govern and live our lives. Innocent life is viewed as something arbitrary and disposable. Where can we find joy? For what can we be genuinely thankful? The answer is the same as it has always been: Jesus.

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No matter what you’ve done, Jesus is waiting to wrap His arms around you. Regardless of how crazy the world seems, Jesus is in control. And no matter how far you think you’ve wandered away from Him, Jesus remains right beside you. Though everything around us may crash and burn, Jesus remains the same as He has always been (Hebrews 13:8). Are you still thankful for that truth?

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Don’t Forget the Good News

October 14, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

In a world inundated with bad news, don’t forget the good news! The good news is, of course, the gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter how much is changing in the world, the good news is Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). While everything around us may feel like the world is constantly shifting like sand beneath our feet, the good news is our feet are actually secure and planted on the rock of Jesus (Matthew 7:24-27).

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These storms and trials will not sweep us away. This will not be the end of our story. For those who proclaim Jesus as Lord, our eternity is already written. There will be no surprise ending. The future is sure and ends with us in the arms of Jesus. That is truly good news!

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.