Hearers & Doers

December 18, 2024
Wednesday Evening
Speaker:
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
No items found.

In this heartfelt sermon, the speaker delves into Romans Chapter 2 to examine themes of faith, obedience, and genuine Christian living. He begins by encouraging believers to reflect on their salvation, particularly during the Christmas season. The greatest gift, he emphasizes, is not the material presents we give or receive but the salvation granted through Jesus Christ, a gift of unparalleled value. The speaker also shares a touching anecdote about his son’s curiosity regarding Jesus’ names and titles, using it to illustrate the depth of God’s love and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

The sermon transitions to a study of Romans 2, starting with the verse, “Therefore, Thou art inexcusable, O man,” highlighting the human tendency to make excuses instead of taking responsibility for shortcomings. He uses a personal story about neglecting to take out the trash to illustrate how easily we justify our actions, a behavior that extends to our spiritual lives. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own excuses when they fail to align their lives with God’s commands.

The speaker addresses the religious Jews Paul was writing to, who mistakenly believed their religious heritage and outward observances made them righteous. He stresses that going to church, tithing, or serving does not inherently make someone a good Christian. What matters is not outward actions but a heart that genuinely seeks to follow God. God, he notes, does not show favoritism but judges all equally based on their obedience and relationship with Him.

Drawing parallels to modern Christianity, the speaker warns against hypocrisy—professing faith but failing to live it out. He emphasizes that living as a Christian involves more than hearing God’s word; it requires doing what it says. He challenges listeners to consider whether their lives would draw others to God or push them away, pointing out that the greatest stumbling block for many is witnessing Christians who fail to live out their beliefs consistently.

The sermon also touches on the freedom found in obedience to God’s commandments. Using examples from parenting, the speaker explains how rules, while seemingly restrictive, provide protection and guidance. Just as a parent disciplines a child out of love, God disciplines His followers to help them grow spiritually. Discipline, he asserts, is not about punishment but about fostering a relationship built on trust and love.

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of a heart relationship with God. Outward rituals like baptism or circumcision mean nothing if they are not accompanied by a sincere desire to follow God from the heart. He encourages listeners to examine their hearts and align their lives with God’s will, noting that true obedience flows naturally from love. As Paul writes in Romans 2:29, “He is a Jew which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.”

Tags
Christian Living
Obedience
Salvation
God's Love
Spiritual Growth
More Recent Sermons
Real Worship
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 17, 2025
Sunday Evening
From Testing To Triumphs
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 17, 2025
Sunday Morning
August 13, 2025
Wednesday Evening
August 10, 2025
Sunday Evening
Old Glory to New Ground
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 10, 2025
Sunday Morning
August 6, 2025
Wednesday Evening
August 3, 2025
Sunday Evening
Beholding To Becoming
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 3, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 30, 2025
Wednesday Evening
Journeying Through Hope
Bro. Zeke Rivera
July 27, 2025
Sunday Evening
Will You Go Away Also?
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 27, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 23, 2025
Wednesday Evening
July 20, 2025
Sunday Evening
Piece of Peace
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 20, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 16, 2025
Wednesday Evening
July 13, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 13, 2025
Sunday Evening
Help Now, Victory Later
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 9, 2025
Wednesday Evening
July 6, 2025
Sunday Evening
July 6, 2025
Sunday Morning
View more
Right Arrow
More From The Speaker
Real Worship
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 17, 2025
Sunday Evening
From Testing To Triumphs
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 17, 2025
Sunday Morning
August 13, 2025
Wednesday Evening
Old Glory to New Ground
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 10, 2025
Sunday Morning
August 3, 2025
Sunday Evening
Beholding To Becoming
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 3, 2025
Sunday Morning
Will You Go Away Also?
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 27, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 23, 2025
Wednesday Evening
July 20, 2025
Sunday Evening
Piece of Peace
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 20, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 16, 2025
Wednesday Evening
July 13, 2025
Sunday Morning
July 13, 2025
Sunday Evening
Help Now, Victory Later
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 9, 2025
Wednesday Evening
Groaning Now, Glory Soon
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 2, 2025
Wednesday Evening
Spiritual Depression
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 29, 2025
Sunday Morning
Stand And Pray VII
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 29, 2025
Sunday Evening
June 25, 2025
Wednesday Evening
Are You Happy
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 15, 2025
Sunday Morning
Stand And Pray VI
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 15, 2025
Sunday Evening
View more
Right Arrow