In this sermon, Pastor Ortiz opens Romans chapter 8 by emphasizing the transformative truth that there is “no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” He explains the theological foundation laid in chapters 1–7: all of humanity is under sin and subject to God’s wrath, but through Jesus Christ, we are justified by faith—made right with God, as though we had never sinned. Justification brings liberty, not to live however we want, but to live fully in Christ.

Pastor Ortiz challenges listeners with the distinction between being “in Christ” versus being merely around Christian things. He illustrates how many believers live spiritually part-time—offering God portions of their lives rather than their whole selves. To be “in Christ” is to be all in, not halfhearted. A true Christian, he warns, doesn’t walk after the flesh but after the Spirit. Those who remain in the flesh live in defeat, joylessness, and instability. But those who walk in the Spirit live in freedom, victory, and purpose.

He compares spiritual inconsistency to being only partially committed—like dipping your feet in a pool instead of diving in. Christians often want the blessings of God without the obedience or relationship required. That’s why many live without joy or fruit; fruit isn’t for ourselves—it’s for others. A fruitless life, he explains, is often a sign of a disconnected, flesh-led Christian life.

The sermon stresses the joy, strength, and gratitude that come from a Spirit-filled life. Pastor Ortiz draws from Ephesians 5 to describe what walking in the Spirit looks like: it produces singing, thankfulness, and consistent joy—even in hardship. Like David in Psalm 51, we must ask God to restore our joy when we’ve strayed. Brokenness can lead to rejoicing if we allow God to work through it.

Finally, the message ends with an urgent call: Get in. Not halfway, not occasionally, not when it’s easy—but fully, wholeheartedly. Being “in Christ” should touch every part of our lives—our work, worship, relationships, and personal walk. Only then will we experience the freedom, victory, and blessings that God promises His people.

‍