<description>Matthew 7:21-23 is a stark warning from Jesus about self-deception and the nature of true faith, concluding His Sermon on the Mount. The passage declares that merely professing belief or engaging in religious activities is insufficient for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven". On Judgment Day, many will point to their impressive works as evidence of their devotion. However, Jesus will declare to them the terrifying words: "I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness".
The core issue is not a lack of visible works, but a lack of genuine, personal relationship and heartfelt obedience. True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience, which is an outflow of an authentic relationship with God, not a means to earn salvation. The "will of the Father" involves trusting in Christ alone for salvation and producing the "fruit" of a transformed life, a life that reflects God's love and righteousness, rather than relying on one's own efforts or religious performance. This passage emphasizes that true discipleship requires total commitment and a life that aligns with God's commands and character.</description>

Matthew 7:21-23 is a stark warning from Jesus abo…

Matthew 7:21-23 is a stark warning from Jesus about self-deception and the nature of true faith, concluding His Sermon on the Mount. The passage declares that merely professing belief or engaging in religious activities is insufficient for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven". On Judgment Day, many will point to their impressive works as evidence of their devotion. However, Jesus will declare to them the terrifying words: "I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness".
The core issue is not a lack of visible works, but a lack of genuine, personal relationship and heartfelt obedience. True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience, which is an outflow of an authentic relationship with God, not a means to earn salvation. The "will of the Father" involves trusting in Christ alone for salvation and producing the "fruit" of a transformed life, a life that reflects God's love and righteousness, rather than relying on one's own efforts or religious performance. This passage emphasizes that true discipleship requires total commitment and a life that aligns with God's commands and character.

But We Did It In Jesus' Name

<description>The Bible presents living to a "ripe old age" as both a blessing and a reward for a righteous, God-fearing life. 
One of the most direct promises appears in the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 20:12, honoring one's parents is linked to long life on Earth. Similarly, Proverbs 3:1-2 connects obedience to God's commands with "length of days and long life and peace." This recurring theme in the wisdom literature suggests a strong correlation between morality, divine favor, and longevity.
The New Testament shifts the focus slightly from physical longevity on Earth to the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, as found in John 3:16. While worldly age is still seen as a positive outcome of a faithful life—granting wisdom and respect within the community—the ultimate biblical aspiration transcends a long physical existence in favor of eternal salvation.
In essence, the Bible views old age as a desirable outcome of living according to God's laws, acknowledging it as a grace bestowed upon the faithful.
</description>

The Bible presents living to a "ripe old age" as …

The Bible presents living to a "ripe old age" as both a blessing and a reward for a righteous, God-fearing life. 
One of the most direct promises appears in the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 20:12, honoring one's parents is linked to long life on Earth. Similarly, Proverbs 3:1-2 connects obedience to God's commands with "length of days and long life and peace." This recurring theme in the wisdom literature suggests a strong correlation between morality, divine favor, and longevity.
The New Testament shifts the focus slightly from physical longevity on Earth to the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, as found in John 3:16. While worldly age is still seen as a positive outcome of a faithful life—granting wisdom and respect within the community—the ultimate biblical aspiration transcends a long physical existence in favor of eternal salvation.
In essence, the Bible views old age as a desirable outcome of living according to God's laws, acknowledging it as a grace bestowed upon the faithful.


A Ripe Old Age

<description>From the beginning, humanity was designed for connection, both with God and with one another. The New Testament further defines this as koinōnia, a profound fellowship or sharing that goes beyond mere friendship to a spiritual bond among believers who share a common pursuit of union with God.
The Bible highlights several vital aspects of this fellowship:
Mutual Support: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes the practical strength of companionship: "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his companion". This means actively bearing one another's burdens, as instructed in Galatians 6:2, and providing encouragement during times of failure or discouragement.
Spiritual Growth: Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". Christian companions help each other grow in faith and wisdom, holding one another accountable and spurring each other on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Shared Purpose: The early church in Acts 2:42 devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and teaching, demonstrating a shared life centered on their faith. This unity is a powerful witness to the world, reflecting the love and unity found within the Trinity.
Ultimately, Christian companionship is an essential part of the faith journey, providing the encouragement, support, and accountability needed to navigate life as part of God's household.</description>

From the beginning, humanity was designed for con…

From the beginning, humanity was designed for connection, both with God and with one another. The New Testament further defines this as koinōnia, a profound fellowship or sharing that goes beyond mere friendship to a spiritual bond among believers who share a common pursuit of union with God.
The Bible highlights several vital aspects of this fellowship:
Mutual Support: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes the practical strength of companionship: "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his companion". This means actively bearing one another's burdens, as instructed in Galatians 6:2, and providing encouragement during times of failure or discouragement.
Spiritual Growth: Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". Christian companions help each other grow in faith and wisdom, holding one another accountable and spurring each other on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Shared Purpose: The early church in Acts 2:42 devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and teaching, demonstrating a shared life centered on their faith. This unity is a powerful witness to the world, reflecting the love and unity found within the Trinity.
Ultimately, Christian companionship is an essential part of the faith journey, providing the encouragement, support, and accountability needed to navigate life as part of God's household.

Christian Companionship

<description>In the Bible, thankfulness is not merely a polite custom but a fundamental expression of faith and a direct command from God. Scripture consistently portrays a grateful heart as the natural response of a person who recognizes God's sovereignty, goodness, and constant presence in their lives. The mandate is clear: Christians are called to be thankful in all circumstances, a posture declared to be the very will of God in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Biblical gratitude stems from a deep awareness of God's enduring steadfast love and mercy, which is "forever" (Psalm 136:1). It involves acknowledging that every blessing, from the grand scope of salvation to the seemingly small details of daily life, flows from His hand. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with calls to "sing to the Lord with thanksgiving" and to "enter his gates with thanksgiving" (Psalm 95:2; Psalm 100:4).
Thankfulness in a biblical context is an act of worship, a way of "worshipping God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28). It shifts focus from self-concern and potential bitterness to an adoration of God's character and wondrous deeds. This mindset brings an internal peace, drawing believers closer to God and strengthening their faith, even amidst life's challenges.
Ultimately, being biblically thankful is an eternal practice that will continue in heaven's corridors. It is a discipline exercised through prayer, praise, and a lifestyle that reflects God's goodness to others.</description>

In the Bible, thankfulness is not merely a polite…

In the Bible, thankfulness is not merely a polite custom but a fundamental expression of faith and a direct command from God. Scripture consistently portrays a grateful heart as the natural response of a person who recognizes God's sovereignty, goodness, and constant presence in their lives. The mandate is clear: Christians are called to be thankful in all circumstances, a posture declared to be the very will of God in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Biblical gratitude stems from a deep awareness of God's enduring steadfast love and mercy, which is "forever" (Psalm 136:1). It involves acknowledging that every blessing, from the grand scope of salvation to the seemingly small details of daily life, flows from His hand. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with calls to "sing to the Lord with thanksgiving" and to "enter his gates with thanksgiving" (Psalm 95:2; Psalm 100:4).
Thankfulness in a biblical context is an act of worship, a way of "worshipping God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28). It shifts focus from self-concern and potential bitterness to an adoration of God's character and wondrous deeds. This mindset brings an internal peace, drawing believers closer to God and strengthening their faith, even amidst life's challenges.
Ultimately, being biblically thankful is an eternal practice that will continue in heaven's corridors. It is a discipline exercised through prayer, praise, and a lifestyle that reflects God's goodness to others.

Giving Thanks

<description>“I didn't get anything out of worship at that church”. 
“That church is too political for me”. 
“That church doesn’t feed me what I need”. 
“I don’t need to go to church, I can worship God on my own”.
Notice something about these quotes? Its all about the speaker. What “I” want/need/think. The truth is, the church isn’t about you! It belongs to Jesus, He purchased it with His blood (Eph. 5:25). So when we come together to worship God, we have to worship Him the way He wants to be worshipped. Left up to us, we could do whatever we wanted as worship while claiming that we are doing it in the name of God. Jesus warns us against doing EXACTLY that (Matt. 7:21-23). Rather, God wants unity among His children and for them to worship and serve Him in the way that He determines (Eph. 4:1-6). Its really simple, yet the world has made it much too complicated. Look in God’s word and find out what He says to do and then do it. He hasn’t opened it up for discussion or interpretation, He just wants us to listen to Him and do what He says, much like an earthly father wants of his children. “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person” (Ecc. 12:13)</description>

“I didn't get anything out of worship at that chu…

“I didn't get anything out of worship at that church”. 
“That church is too political for me”. 
“That church doesn’t feed me what I need”. 
“I don’t need to go to church, I can worship God on my own”.
Notice something about these quotes? Its all about the speaker. What “I” want/need/think. The truth is, the church isn’t about you! It belongs to Jesus, He purchased it with His blood (Eph. 5:25). So when we come together to worship God, we have to worship Him the way He wants to be worshipped. Left up to us, we could do whatever we wanted as worship while claiming that we are doing it in the name of God. Jesus warns us against doing EXACTLY that (Matt. 7:21-23). Rather, God wants unity among His children and for them to worship and serve Him in the way that He determines (Eph. 4:1-6). Its really simple, yet the world has made it much too complicated. Look in God’s word and find out what He says to do and then do it. He hasn’t opened it up for discussion or interpretation, He just wants us to listen to Him and do what He says, much like an earthly father wants of his children. “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person” (Ecc. 12:13)

Worship...Its Not About You

The church of Christ in Cortez, Florida is a group of Christians committed to following just the Bible in all that we say and do. Our goal is to be a local church like those found in the pages of the New Testament. Our collective worship and work reflect this focus.

Like those found in the pages of the New Testament, the Cortez church is completely independent of all other churches.

We would love for you to join us for worship. If you have any questions about what we do or concerns about whether we are following the New Testament, we sincerely encourage you to contact us.

Cortez Church of Christ
12111 – 45th Avenue West
Cortez, FL 34215
941-216-6286

Times
Sunday Bible Class: 10:00 AM
Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM
Wednesday Bible Class: 7:00 PM

Cortez church of Christ

Details

Recent Episodes