Teaching summary
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explain that believers have already been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and placed into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. Living in the reality of that kingdom requires believing God, receiving and expressing His love, and walking in the humility demonstrated by Jesus. God has prepared a table of kingdom blessings and benefits for His children, and it is His pleasure to give them the kingdom now. As believers renew their minds and recognize the power of God working within them, they can experience increasingly more of the abundant kingdom life God has provided.
Bible verses referenced
Matthew 6:10- “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
John 13:1-17- “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
John 13:34- “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
Philippians 2:6-9- “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
Psalm 23:5- “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
Luke 12:32- “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Ephesians 1:15-23- “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Ephesians 3:14-21- “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Continuing the Teaching About God’s Kingdom
- You Were, but Now You Are
- Delivered from Darkness and Translated into the Kingdom
- Three Characteristics of Kingdom Living
- Believing as Children of Belief
- Knowing God’s Love and Loving One Another
- The Humility Demonstrated by Jesus
- Enjoying the Benefits and Blessings of the Kingdom
- Feasting at the Father’s Table
- It Is the Father’s Pleasure to Give Us the Kingdom
- Renewing the Mind and Growing in Kingdom Life
- The Prayers in Ephesians
- Exceeding Abundantly Above All We Ask or Think
- Closing Encouragement and Ministry Information
Continuing the Teaching About God’s Kingdom
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola open the session by greeting everyone and explaining that this teaching is an addition to their previous messages. Pastor Leonard says that the present session will not make complete sense unless listeners also hear the preceding Tuesday session and, especially, the complete sermon from the previous Sunday. Those earlier teachings explored the Lord’s Prayer, with particular attention given to the kingdom of God. One of the central declarations in that prayer is:
Matthew 6:10- “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
The pastors are examining what the coming of God’s kingdom means for believers and what it looks like for God’s will to be accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. This message continues that exploration by focusing on the believer’s transfer into God’s kingdom and the attitudes that help believers experience kingdom life.
You Were, but Now You Are
Pastor Leonard returns to a verse they discussed in the previous session. Pastor Lori reads Paul’s description of the way believers formerly lived.
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the words “in time past.” His repeated message is, “You were, but now you are.” Paul is describing what was true of believers before they entered their new life in Christ. They once walked according to the course of this world and were influenced by the prince of the power of the air, but that former condition is not their present identity. The pastors explain that the word translated “disobedience” carries the idea of unbelief or disbelief. Therefore, continuing to walk in unbelief is like reverting to the old way of life from which believers have already been delivered.
Pastor Leonard stresses that believers are now children of belief. They are people who believe God. Because they believe, they can live in and experience the miraculous and supernatural reality of God’s kingdom. The point is not that believers are trying to escape the old kingdom through their own efforts. Paul says that walking according to the course of this world belongs to their past:
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
Their former condition is described by the words “in time past.” Their present identity is found in Christ and in the kingdom into which God has brought them.
Delivered from Darkness and Translated into the Kingdom
Pastor Leonard connects Paul’s teaching in Ephesians with the declaration found in Colossians. Pastor Lori reads the verse:
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Pastor Leonard calls this a beautiful verse because it clearly expresses the change that has already taken place. Believers were once under the power of darkness, but now they have been translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. He summarizes the transformation by saying, “You were there, but now you are here.” Believers are not waiting for God to deliver them from the power of darkness at some unknown future time. God has delivered them and translated them into the kingdom of His Son.
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
The challenge now involves the believer’s mindset and system of belief. Because believers have already been placed in a new kingdom, their thoughts and beliefs need to agree with where God has placed them. Their minds must move away from the assumptions of the old life and embrace the reality of their new kingdom identity. The believer was once in darkness but is now in the kingdom of Christ. Kingdom living begins when the believer accepts this as a present reality and learns to think, believe, and live accordingly.
Three Characteristics of Kingdom Living
Pastor Leonard asks what it means to walk, live, and experience life in God’s kingdom. He also asks what helps release kingdom life into the believer’s experience. He refers listeners to the account in John 13:1-17. This passage describes the time when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world and return to the Father:
John 13:1-17- “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Pastor Leonard notes the beautiful language in this passage. Jesus knew that the end of His earthly ministry was drawing near and that He would soon go to the cross. Nevertheless, He continued loving His disciples and loved them unto the end.
From this passage and its surrounding teaching, Pastor Leonard identifies three attitudes, examples, or characteristics associated with kingdom living: belief, love, and humility. These provide believers with a gauge by which they can examine whether their thinking and conduct reflect the kingdom in which they now live.
Believing as Children of Belief
The first characteristic is belief. Pastor Leonard declares that believers must believe because they are now children of belief. Their former lives were connected with unbelief and with walking according to the course of this world:
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
That identity belongs to the past. Believers have been delivered from darkness and translated into Christ’s kingdom:
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Jesus encouraged His disciples to believe that He was the promised One. They were to believe that He was the Messiah and that He had ushered in the new kingdom. This belief included an expectation of the miraculous and supernatural. Belief is therefore essential to experiencing kingdom life. Believers cannot continue thinking as though they remain under the old kingdom while expecting to experience the blessings of the new one. Their belief must agree with what God has done. They have been delivered, translated, and made children who believe.
Pastor Leonard’s repeated declaration, “We’re children of belief now,” emphasizes the present nature of this identity. Belief is not merely a theological theory. It is a defining characteristic of those who live in God’s kingdom.
Knowing God’s Love and Loving One Another
The second characteristic of kingdom living is love. This includes receiving revelation about how deeply God loves believers and expressing love toward one another. In John 13, Jesus knew that His time to return to the Father had come, yet He continued to demonstrate His love for His disciples:
John 13:1- “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”
Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Jesus loved His disciples all the way to the end. The cross was drawing near, but His love remained the central reality of His relationship with them. Jesus also gave His disciples a new commandment. Pastor Leonard describes it as the command believers need: to love one another as Jesus has loved them.
John 13:34- “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
The standard is not merely that believers should love other people according to human ability. They are to love one another in the same way that Christ has loved them. Their love for others grows out of their revelation and experience of His love. Later in the message, Pastor Lori observes that the passage surrounding the prayer in Ephesians 3 speaks about God’s enduring, endless, and intimate love. Paul prays that believers will be rooted and grounded in love and enabled to comprehend its breadth, length, depth, and height:
Ephesians 3:14-21- “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Knowing Christ’s love is inseparable from being filled with the fullness of God and experiencing kingdom life. Love is not a minor subject within the kingdom. It is one of the primary characteristics of those who understand where God has placed them.
The Humility Demonstrated by Jesus
The third characteristic of kingdom living is humility. Pastor Leonard points to Jesus as the supreme example. Jesus is the Son of God, the Master, the Teacher, the Lord, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Yet He removed His outer garments, took a towel, knelt before His disciples, and washed their feet.
John 13:3-5- “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”
His act of service showed true humility. Although He was their Lord and Master, He willingly performed the work of a servant. He then told His disciples that He had given them an example to follow.
John 13:12-17- “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Pastor Leonard also refers to Paul’s description of Christ’s humility. Jesus existed in the form of God and was equal with God, yet He humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death.
Philippians 2:6-9- “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
Because Jesus humbled Himself, God highly exalted Him. Pastor Leonard teaches that humility allows the Christ within believers to be seen. It allows the life of Jesus and the grace of God within them to become visible. That grace then springs forth from within the believer and launches the person into the experience of kingdom life. Humility is therefore not weakness or self-rejection. It is a Christlike attitude through which God’s grace can manifest. Belief, love, and humility together represent attitudes and characteristics of someone who is living kingdom life. They also provide a useful gauge for examining the believer’s mindset and conduct.
Enjoying the Benefits and Blessings of the Kingdom
Pastor Lori repeats the concluding thought from their Sunday message. By believing, loving, and walking in humility, believers demonstrate that they no longer walk according to the course of this world or according to the prince of the power of the air. That former way of life was described by Paul.
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
The pastors emphasize that this is no longer the believer’s identity. The believer now belongs to another kingdom.
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Most importantly, living according to this new kingdom identity enables believers to enjoy their kingdom benefits and blessings. Pastor Leonard says that this is their prayer for everyone listening, as well as their prayer for themselves. They want to live kingdom life. Pastor Lori enthusiastically says that she wants all of it because it belongs to her. Their desire is not merely to know intellectually that the kingdom exists. They want to dwell in, partake of, and experience all the blessings and benefits God has placed before His children.
Feasting at the Father’s Table
Pastor Leonard compares kingdom living to a buffet. He humorously explains that when he and Pastor Lori visit a buffet, Lori neatly selects certain items she expects to enjoy. Pastor Leonard, however, tries everything. As a result, he may leave feeling a little bloated. God’s kingdom buffet is different. The blessings and benefits God places before His children will not harm them or leave them regretting that they received too much. God wants His children to partake of everything He has provided because His provision benefits them.
The illustration reminds the pastors of the table described in Psalm 23:
Psalm 23:5- “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
God has prepared a table before His people. At that table, believers can eat and feast. He has placed His kingdom blessings and benefits before them so that they can receive, experience, and enjoy them.
Psalm 23:5- “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
The image of the Father’s table communicates abundance rather than scarcity. God is not inviting His children to approach the table and take only a tiny sample. His desire is for them to feast on everything He has made available through His kingdom. This feast includes the reality of deliverance from darkness, life within the kingdom of Christ, belief in the miraculous and supernatural, revelation of God’s love, the grace that manifests through humility, and the many blessings and benefits of kingdom life.
It Is the Father’s Pleasure to Give Us the Kingdom
Pastor Leonard then recalls Jesus’ words to the little flock. Believers do not need to fear because God intends to give them His kingdom:
Luke 12:32- “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
God is not reluctant to share His kingdom with His children. Giving them the kingdom is His good pleasure. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that God wants to give believers the entire kingdom—all the kingdom.
Luke 12:32- “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The pastors stress that this kingdom is for believers “right here, right now.” It is not only a future destination or a blessing that becomes available after physical death. They have already experienced aspects of kingdom living in their own lives, and they want to experience more. This agrees with the declaration that believers have already been translated into Christ’s kingdom.
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
The verse does not say that God might eventually translate believers into the kingdom. It says that He has delivered them and has translated them. Kingdom life is therefore a present possession and experience. Pastors Leonard and Lori openly acknowledge that they are not yet living in the fullness of all that is available in the kingdom. They have experienced kingdom life and are growing in different areas, but they continue to desire more of its fullness.
Renewing the Mind and Growing in Kingdom Life
Pastor Leonard asks Pastor Lori whether renewing the mind is how believers grow in their experience of the kingdom. She agrees and explains that believers need to continue hearing the truth repeatedly, reading the Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct them. Although believers have already been translated into the kingdom, their minds must be renewed to that reality.
Colossians 1:13- “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
A person can belong to the kingdom while continuing to think according to the old course of the world. This is why the distinction between “you were” and “now you are” is so important.
Ephesians 2:2- “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
The Word repeatedly reminds believers of their new location, identity, authority, blessings, and relationship with God. The Holy Spirit then leads them into an increasingly greater experience of those truths. Renewing the mind is not an attempt to persuade God to give believers something He is withholding. It is the process of learning to believe and receive what God has already provided. God has prepared the table, delivered His people from darkness, translated them into His Son’s kingdom, and expressed His pleasure in giving them that kingdom.
The Prayers in Ephesians
Pastor Leonard says that one of the things that has helped launch Pastor Lori into this life of belief is praying and living in the prayers found in Ephesians chapters 1 and 3. Pastor Lori says she has lived in those passages for approximately twelve years and that they never grow old. The prayer in Ephesians 1 asks God to give believers wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him and to enlighten the eyes of their understanding.
Ephesians 1:15-23- “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
This prayer asks that believers know the hope of God’s calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe. This connects directly with Pastor Leonard’s emphasis that Christians are now children of belief. God’s exceeding power is directed toward those who believe, and it is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places. The prayer in Ephesians 3 asks that believers be strengthened by God’s Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-21- “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Pastor Lori highlights the love described immediately before Ephesians 3:20. It is enduring, endless, and intimate. Paul prays that believers may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and be filled with all the fullness of God. Living in these prayers helps renew the mind. They teach believers to expect wisdom, revelation, enlightened understanding, spiritual strength, a deeper knowledge of Christ’s love, the fullness of God, and the manifestation of His power.
Exceeding Abundantly Above All We Ask or Think
Pastors Leonard and Lori focus especially on Ephesians 3:20:
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Pastor Leonard connects this verse with the buffet illustration. God does not want His children merely to approach the table and sample a few small portions. He can do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what they can ask, think, or imagine.
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
The power mentioned in the verse is not a power originating from human ability. It is God’s power working within believers. Pastor Leonard identifies it with the power and reality of God’s kingdom working in His people. He then connects Paul’s prayer with Jesus’ words in the Lord’s Prayer.
Matthew 6:10- “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
When believers pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done, they are asking for something that reaches beyond their greatest request or imagination. God’s will and kingdom provision exceed anything they could independently conceive. Their greatest imagination and greatest request cannot match what God has prepared. His kingdom and will contain possibilities beyond everything they can ask or think:
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Pastor Leonard’s connection between the two passages can be summarized by placing them together.
Matthew 6:10- “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
God’s kingdom coming and His will being done represent something exceedingly and abundantly above human expectations. The Father has prepared a table full of kingdom blessings, and His power is already working within His people. The pastors express their amazement at the goodness of God’s Word. Pastor Lori observes that the verses immediately preceding this promise concern Christ’s immeasurable love.
Ephesians 3:17-21- “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
God’s abundant work is presented in the setting of His immense love and the believer being filled with His fullness. His ability to do exceedingly abundantly is not separated from His love. It flows from the heart of a Father whose good pleasure is to give His children the kingdom.
Luke 12:32- “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Closing Encouragement and Ministry Information
Pastors Leonard and Lori close by expressing their hope that the session has blessed everyone listening. They again encourage listeners to listen to the earlier teaching from a couple of days ago and the complete sermon from the preceding Sunday. When the messages are considered together, the full teaching about God’s kingdom, the believer’s new identity, and kingdom living becomes clearer.
They invite people to visit their website. Anyone who wants to contact the ministry can use the website to send an email, request prayer, or submit comments. They also thank everyone who financially supports the ministry. Like other ministries, they rely upon the generosity of those whom God leads to give. Pastor Lori describes the ministry’s supporters as God’s hand extended through their giving.
Those prayerfully considering supporting the ministry can visit the website's giving section, where several convenient giving methods are available. The pastors thank their supporters in advance, express their sincere love for everyone, and promise to return with another teaching in a few days.
We hope this article blessed you and helped you understand the abundant kingdom life the Father has prepared for His children. Please share this teaching with others so they can know that God has delivered believers from darkness, translated them into the kingdom of His Son, and invited them to feast at the Father’s table.