Cortez church of Christ

In Acts 7:39-40, Stephen reminded the Jewish leaders that although Israel had been delivered from Egyptian bondage, “our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” While their bodies remained in the wilderness, their hearts longed for the life they had left behind. This serves as a powerful warning for Christians today. Turning back in the heart often begins long before outward actions appear. Jesus taught that the heart is the source of a person's conduct (Matthew 15:18-19). When believers begin to desire the sinful pleasures of their former life, they are following the same dangerous path as Israel. The Israelites remembered Egypt’s comforts but forgot its slavery (Numbers 11:4-6). Likewise, Christians can become tempted to look back longingly at a life from which Christ has freed them. Jesus warned, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The writer of Hebrews commended faithful believers because they were not seeking a return to the country they had left behind (Hebrews 11:15-16). Instead of looking back, Christians must press forward toward the heavenly prize (Philippians 3:13-14), keeping their hearts devoted to Christ and His kingdom.

4 - Never Forget Who You Were by Cortez church of Christ

2 - When Pigs Fly by Cortez church of Christ

John 1:1–14 opens with a profound declaration about the eternal nature and identity of Jesus Christ. It begins by calling Him “the Word,” emphasizing that He existed in the beginning, was with God, and was fully God. Through Him all things were created, affirming His role as the divine agent of creation and the source of life. This life is described as the light of humanity, shining into the darkness that cannot overcome it. The passage then introduces John the Baptist as a witness sent to testify about the Light so that people might believe. Though John had an important role, he was not the Light himself but pointed others to Christ. Despite Christ’s divine origin and His presence in the world He made, many did not recognize or receive Him. Yet those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God—born not by human will, but by God’s power. Verse 14 forms the climax: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This affirms the incarnation—God entering human history in tangible form. Through Jesus, people behold God’s glory, full of grace and truth. The passage presents Christ as eternal God, creator, revealer, and redeemer who brings light, life, and new birth to all who believe.

The Bible consistently presents rising early as a practical and spiritual discipline that supports diligence, purpose, and faithfulness in accomplishing goals. Scripture often contrasts early, intentional effort with procrastination and complacency. Proverbs 6:6–11 urges the sluggard to learn from the ant, which prepares its food in season, warning that lack of initiative leads to poverty. Early rising reflects foresight and responsibility—qualities necessary for meaningful achievement. Several biblical figures model this principle. Jesus Himself rose early to pursue His mission. Mark 1:35 records, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” His early mornings were not hurried but purposeful, grounded in communion with God before engaging in demanding work. Similarly, Psalm 5:3 declares, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly,” showing expectation and intentional planning at the start of the day. Proverbs 20:13 directly links love of sleep with lack, implying that discipline in time management is essential for success. Ultimately, getting up early in the biblical sense is not about legalism but stewardship—using time wisely (Ephesians 5:15–16) to pursue God-given goals with diligence, clarity, and faith.

The New Testament teaches that the Law of Christ has replaced the Law of Moses, not by abolishing God’s moral will, but by fulfilling and completing it through Jesus. The Mosaic Law was given to Israel as a covenant, serving as a guardian until Christ came (Galatians 3:23–25). Once Christ fulfilled the Law through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, believers were released from that covenantal system (Romans 7:4–6). Jesus Himself declared that He came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Through His fulfillment, the old covenant was rendered obsolete, replaced by a new and better covenant founded on grace and truth (Hebrews 8:6–13). The apostle Paul teaches that Christians are no longer under the Law of Moses but under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:20–21). The Law of Christ is centered on love—love for God and love for others—which fulfills God’s righteous intent (Matthew 22:37–40; Romans 13:8–10). Believers now live under this law by walking in the Spirit, not by adherence to ceremonial regulations or legal codes (Galatians 5:16–18). Thus, salvation and righteous living flow from faith in Christ, who perfectly accomplished what the Mosaic Law could never fully achieve.