Hearers & Doers

December 18, 2024
Midweek Service
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
Remind Me To Obey
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 6, 2026
Midweek Service
Handling Fire
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 3, 2026
Sunday Evening
The Theology of Limits
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 2, 2026
Sunday Morning
Politics Of Jesus
Bro. Jacob Romkee
July 29, 2026
Midweek Service
July 26, 2026
Sunday Evening
July 26, 2026
Sunday Morning
Even Us
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 22, 2026
Midweek Service
Joy Ends Where It Began
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 19, 2026
Sunday Evening
Choked Out
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 19, 2026
Sunday Morning
How Different Is Our God
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 15, 2026
Midweek Service
July 12, 2026
Sunday Evening
Close Is Not In
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 12, 2026
Sunday Morning
Return and Repent
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 8, 2026
Midweek Service
Remember Therefore Pt. 2
Ptr. Bruce Robinson
July 5, 2026
Sunday Evening
Remember Therefore Pt. 1
Ptr. Bruce Robinson
July 5, 2026
Sunday Morning
June 28, 2026
Sunday Evening
June 28, 2026
Sunday Morning
Trust The Lord
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 25, 2026
Midweek Service
June 21, 2026
Sunday Evening
Father's Pride
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 21, 2026
Sunday Morning
View more
Right Arrow
More From The Speaker
Remind Me To Obey
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 6, 2026
Midweek Service
Handling Fire
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 3, 2026
Sunday Evening
The Theology of Limits
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
August 2, 2026
Sunday Morning
July 26, 2026
Sunday Evening
July 26, 2026
Sunday Morning
Even Us
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 22, 2026
Midweek Service
Joy Ends Where It Began
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 19, 2026
Sunday Evening
Choked Out
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 19, 2026
Sunday Morning
July 12, 2026
Sunday Evening
How Different Is Our God
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 15, 2026
Midweek Service
Close Is Not In
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 12, 2026
Sunday Morning
Return and Repent
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
July 8, 2026
Midweek Service
June 28, 2026
Sunday Evening
June 28, 2026
Sunday Morning
Trust The Lord
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 25, 2026
Midweek Service
June 21, 2026
Sunday Evening
Father's Pride
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 21, 2026
Sunday Morning
The Command Of Joy
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 14, 2026
Sunday Evening
Finishing Strong
Ptr. Devon Ortiz
June 11, 2026
Midweek Service
June 14, 2026
Sunday Morning
View more
Right Arrow