In this special “Ask the Pastor” session, Pastor Devon Ortiz opens with updates and prayer requests, including support for Brother Noah as he begins deputation for missions work in Brazil, and prayers for Miss Veronica’s recovery. He emphasizes the purpose of these Q&A nights—not to display knowledge, but to inspire the church to study God’s Word more deeply.

Main Question: “How does our past affect our faith now?”

Pastor Ortiz explains that everyone comes from a unique background—some were raised in church, others came to faith later in life—but God uses each person’s past as part of His greater plan. Rather than something to hide, our past is a valuable tool:

• It reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Even in our lowest moments, God loved us.

• It serves as a teacher. Just as Scripture teaches through examples, our own past experiences offer lessons for growth.

• It does not disqualify us. With the exception of grievous sins such as harming children, Pastor Ortiz emphasizes that no past mistake is too great for God to redeem, citing Paul as a prime example.

• It humbles us. Remembering our past keeps us grounded and grateful for God’s grace.

• It brings God glory. God often uses our brokenness to demonstrate His power and redemption.

Follow-Up Questions and Discussion:

1. Jephthah and the Sacrifice (Judges 11)

• The questioner wrestles with how Jephthah could be listed in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) if he sacrificed his daughter.

• Pastor Ortiz clarifies that the context shows Jephthah did not kill his daughter, but fulfilled his vow in a different way. This story serves as a warning against making rash vows to God.

2. Catholics, Mormons, and the True Gospel

• When discerning whether someone from another denomination is a fellow believer, two key tests apply:

• Correct definitions: Who do they say Jesus is? If they follow a different Jesus (as in Mormonism or Jehovah’s Witness doctrine), it’s a different gospel.

• Biblical practice: Do their faith and life align with God’s Word?

• Pastor Ortiz recounts his grandmother, who was Catholic by tradition but had genuine saving faith in Jesus alone.

3. How to Pray for Enemies

• Pastor Ortiz admits that loving and praying for enemies is impossible without the Holy Spirit’s help.

• He highlights how God softens our hearts through prayer, often replacing bitterness with pity for those who hurt us, recognizing their actions often reflect their own inner struggles.

4. Responding to Jokes About Hell

• In response to a concern about people joking about hell, Pastor Ortiz speaks on the seriousness of hell’s reality:

• It is eternal.

• It is void of God’s presence and all goodness.

• It is filled with pain, darkness, and loneliness.

• He reminds us that Jesus warned more about hell than He did about heaven, emphasizing its gravity.

5. How to Biblically Better Ourselves

• A powerful closing discussion tackles the struggle of spiritual inconsistency. Pastor Ortiz outlines key truths:

• Self-effort fails—true transformation comes through surrender to God.

• Renew your mind (Romans 12)—change your thinking by immersing in God’s truth.

• Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh.

• Feed your spirit consistently to weaken fleshly desires.

• Build spiritual habits like prayer, Bible reading, and obedience.

• Stay accountable to others in the church for encouragement and correction.

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