HEALING SERVICE

Table of Contents

1. Welcome to the Healing Service: Celebrating God's Grace
2. Worship, Prayer, and the Goodness of God
3. Praying for Healing Through the Finished Work of Jesus
4. Communion: Remembering the New Covenant
5. The Fig Tree: Understanding Faith Without Adding Human Traditions
6. Belief, Unbelief, and the Compassion of Jesus
7. The Gospel of Grace Is the Power of God
8. Receiving the Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness
9. Receiving the Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness
10. Understanding Unmerited Favor: A Gift That Cannot Be Earned
11. Justified, Righteous, and Qualified Through Jesus Christ
12. The First Principle of Healing: Fix Your Eyes and Ears on Jesus
13. The Second Principle of Healing: Know How Much God Loves You
14. The Third Principle of Healing: Understand Your Righteousness
15. Resting in Jesus Instead of Striving for Healing
16. Pastor Lori's Testimony: Healing from Colonic Inertia
17. Closing Encouragement: Look to Jesus, Receive His Love, and Rest

Welcome to the Healing Service: Celebrating God's Grace

Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola begin the service with excitement, gratitude, and an expectation that God will minister to those attending and watching online. Pastor Leonard announces that the day's teaching will focus on amazing grace, righteousness, and how healing is released in the lives of believers.

Pastor Lori welcomes the congregation as saints, blameless and holy ones. Pastor Leonard introduces himself and expresses his appreciation for his wife, thanking God for her presence in his life. Their conversation reflects the joy and freedom they associate with knowing Jesus Christ and understanding the true gospel of grace.

The pastors also thank their supporters for the cards, letters, messages, offerings, and expressions of appreciation received during Pastor Appreciation Month. Pastor Leonard explains that these gifts help New Life Ministry continue sharing the gospel and reaching people who have been burdened by guilt, shame, and condemnation.

He shares that the ministry's Roku channel has received nearly 15,000 views and expresses excitement that the message is reaching people through Roku, YouTube, X, and television networks.

Pastor Leonard explains that many of God's children are weighed down because they have been taught an inferior covenant, a mixture of law and grace, or religious requirements that place attention on human performance rather than the finished work of Jesus.

He also announces the upcoming launch of Deep Grace Bible School, encouraging viewers to explore its courses and opportunities to grow in their understanding of Scripture.

Before worship begins, Pastor Leonard introduces Abigail, a gifted musician whom he believes God has brought to the ministry in answer to prayer. He expresses appreciation for her willingness to serve and her musical abilities, including her singing and playing the ukulele.

He reminds the congregation that Christianity should be characterized by joy because of what Jesus has accomplished. In his view, a believer who continually lives under fear, guilt, and condemnation has not fully understood the freedom of the gospel of grace.

Worship, Prayer, and the Goodness of God

Abigail leads the congregation in an extended time of worship centered on God's goodness, the forgiveness of sins, freedom in Christ, and the beauty of Jesus' name.

The congregation celebrates that God is good, that Jesus has taken away sin, and that believers have been set free. The worship repeatedly directs attention toward Jesus rather than personal shortcomings or religious performance.

The atmosphere develops into spontaneous praise and thanksgiving. The congregation worships Jesus as Savior, Lord, and the source of righteousness, peace, and security.

Another major theme during worship is the assurance of being safe in God's arms. The congregation expresses confidence that even when circumstances seem to be falling apart, God's presence remains with His children.

They also celebrate His goodness, grace, and mercy, recognizing that God is always present and faithful. The worship continues with expressions of gratitude for Jesus and acknowledgment that He alone is worthy of praise. This time of worship prepares the congregation for prayer, communion, and the teaching about receiving healing through the finished work of Christ.

Praying for Healing Through the Finished Work of Jesus

Following worship, Pastor Leonard announces a time of prayer for those who are sick and facing difficult circumstances. He encourages everyone watching to prepare communion elements, explaining that the congregation will remember and celebrate the covenant Jesus established through His blood.

Pastor Leonard begins by thanking the Father for sending Jesus and providing the sacrifice necessary to deal with sin and its consequences. He explains that the blood of bulls and goats could not remove sin or the consequences that came through sin, including death, sickness, and disease. According to his teaching, Jesus accomplished what the old sacrifices could not.

Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus defeated the enemy's authority and made newness of life available to those who believe in Him.

Pastor Leonard reminds the congregation that believers have already been justified and glorified through the work of God.

Romans 8:30 “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

He emphasizes that justification and glorification are the work of God rather than the result of human effort. With this understanding, he begins praying for specific individuals and families who need healing.

He brings before the Father his daughter Allison, his mother, family members, his mother-in-law, and his brothers-in-law Lee and Roger. He prays for healing in shoulders, legs, and lungs, including Roger's struggle with COPD. He also prays for young Miles, asking that God's healing power continue working in his life.

Pastor Leonard then prays for Jenny Reyes, who has received a serious medical report involving cancer and brain tumors. He declares his confidence that God's healing power is greater than the medical circumstances she faces.

He prays for Jacob, asking for complete restoration regardless of whether the condition involves nerves, the brain, muscles, or another part of the body. Other prayers include Joanne Gino's knees, peace and comfort for Jane Ogden, healing for Angela's mind, strength for Vera Ward, restoration of Mick's heart, and healing for Peter in Chicago.

He also prays for Johan, specifically addressing pain in his face and head and the possibility of lingering effects from cancer or nervous system conditions.

Pastor Leonard explains that believers do not always need to be physically present or lay hands on someone to pray effectively. He teaches that they can send the Word, stand in agreement, and pray for one another across great distances. He encourages viewers to join in agreement as the prayers are spoken.

Additional prayers are offered for Ida in Norway, Ranjanna, Joy, Judy, Jeffrey's wife Valerie, Jeffrey's mother, and Uncle Bob. When praying for Uncle Bob, Pastor Leonard speaks personally and compassionately, expressing affection and reassurance despite the difficult medical report Uncle Bob has received.

He continues praying for Christine, Jackie, the Hill family, Francis and her relatives, and Allison Paiser. The prayer time also includes restoration in relationships. Pastor Leonard specifically prays for Vincent and Susan, asking God to remove tension and bring healing to their relationship through a greater understanding of His love.

Throughout these prayers, Pastor Leonard repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus has already paid the price for healing. He rejects the idea that people who are sick must necessarily be doing something wrong or failing to meet a spiritual requirement.

He explains that incorrect religious teaching can lead people to believe their sickness remains because they have not prayed enough, believed enough, confessed enough, or performed some other action correctly.

Instead, he encourages them to rest in God's love and righteousness. His message is that healing should not become another religious burden. Believers should look to Jesus and what He has accomplished rather than continually examining their own performance.

Communion: Remembering the New Covenant

Following the healing prayers, Caprice comes forward to lead the congregation in communion. She explains that communion is a celebration of the life, death, resurrection, and finished work of Jesus Christ. The significance of communion rests in the fact that Jesus completed the work He came to accomplish.

Caprice reads from Matthew 26, describing Jesus taking bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to His disciples.

Matthew 26:26-28 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

She explains that the bread represents the body of Christ and the cup represents His blood, through which the new covenant was established. She thanks Jesus for becoming the sacrifice for sin and for making forgiveness and righteousness available to those who receive Him.

Caprice emphasizes that believers are not merely sinners attempting to become righteous through their behavior. Through Christ, they have been made righteous, whole, and free.

After communion, Pastor Leonard expresses gratitude for Abigail, Caprice, and the other individuals who help make the ministry's services possible. He again thanks Jesus for His sacrificed body and the covenant sealed through His blood.

Pastor Leonard explains that Jesus came to fulfill the Father's will by offering Himself as the sacrifice that would address both the sin issue and the sickness issue. This understanding becomes the foundation for the teaching that follows.

The Fig Tree: Understanding Faith Without Adding Human Traditions

Pastor Leonard begins his main teaching by sharing that he had gone to bed early the previous evening and experienced a dream that caused him to think about the account of Jesus cursing the fig tree in Mark chapter 11.

He explains that the passage has often been used to teach that when a person speaks in faith, the answer may begin working invisibly but take a long time to become visible.

Pastor Leonard questions whether that interpretation is actually supported by the biblical account.

Mark 11:12-14 “And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”

He points out that Jesus spoke to the tree and then continued on His journey with the disciples.

The following morning, the disciples noticed that the tree had withered.

Mark 11:20-24 “And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Pastor Leonard argues that the disciples' observation the next morning does not prove that the tree took the entire intervening period to wither. Jesus and His disciples had turned away and continued traveling. They were not standing there watching the tree throughout the day.

Therefore, Pastor Leonard believes it is an assumption to teach that the tree necessarily required a lengthy process before the effects of Jesus' words became visible. He explains that this interpretation has influenced how many Christians understand healing. People have been told that their sickness is already defeated at the root but that they must continue confessing, believing, and waiting for the visible manifestation.

Pastor Leonard questions whether these additional requirements are genuinely part of the lesson Jesus intended. He believes the central lesson is to hear God's voice, speak in faith, and trust what God has accomplished. Jesus acted according to what He heard and saw from the Father. After speaking to the tree, He continued on His journey.

Pastor Leonard encourages believers to approach healing with that same confidence rather than becoming consumed with whether they are doing enough to produce results.

He explains that telling people their healing may remain invisible for years can create confusion, discouragement, and condemnation. When healing does not appear, people may begin blaming themselves, believing that their faith is insufficient or that they have failed to follow some necessary spiritual formula. He challenges this way of thinking because it shifts attention away from Jesus and places the burden on the individual.

Belief, Unbelief, and the Compassion of Jesus

Pastor Leonard continues by examining the relationship between belief and unbelief. He explains that some Christians are taught that their unbelief cancels out their faith and prevents them from receiving healing.

To challenge this idea, he turns to Mark chapter 9 and the account of a father whose son was tormented by an evil spirit.

Mark 9:22-27 “And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.”

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that the father openly acknowledged both his belief and his unbelief. The man was desperate for his son to be delivered. He believed Jesus could help, but he was also struggling with doubt. Pastor Leonard points out that Jesus did not send the father away and tell him to return after removing every trace of unbelief.

Instead, Jesus demonstrated grace, mercy, and compassion by delivering the child. For Pastor Leonard, this account shows that the compassion of Jesus is greater than the imperfect condition of a person's faith.

He then discusses the man with leprosy who approached Jesus and questioned whether Jesus was willing to heal him.

Matthew 8:2-3 “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Pastor Leonard describes the isolation and rejection experienced by people suffering from leprosy in biblical times. He explains that such individuals could be mocked, mistreated, and excluded from normal fellowship. He describes the cruelty they might encounter, including people throwing garbage and other offensive materials at them. The man who approached Jesus knew that Jesus possessed the power to heal. His uncertainty concerned Jesus' willingness.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Jesus did not reject the man because of that uncertainty.

Jesus responded with compassion and healed him. He uses this account to challenge teaching that portrays God as unwilling to heal certain people or suggests that Jesus' sacrifice was intended for only a select few.

Pastor Leonard strongly rejects such teaching and insists that the heart of Jesus is revealed through His willingness to heal. He also explains that human traditions can weaken people's confidence in the Word of God when those traditions become more influential than the biblical accounts themselves. The lesson he draws from these examples is that people should not allow doubts, uncertainties, or religious teachings to convince them that Jesus lacks compassion toward them.

The Gospel of Grace Is the Power of God

Pastor Leonard turns to the writings of the Apostle Paul to explain what he considers the proper foundation for understanding healing.

He specifically highlights Romans 1:16-17.

Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Paul identifies the gospel of Christ as the power of God. He explains that the gospel is centered on Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, not on a list of human requirements. According to Pastor Leonard, believers need to understand their spiritual union with Jesus.

When Jesus died, believers died with Him. When He was buried, they were buried with Him. When He was raised from the dead, they were raised with Him into newness of life. Pastor Leonard presents this as a spiritual reality that believers need to recognize and embrace. He argues that many teachings about healing have become focused on the individual rather than on Jesus. People are repeatedly told what they must do, how much they must believe, what they must confess, or what they must change.

Pastor Leonard explains that Paul's gospel places the emphasis on what Jesus has already done. He contrasts the gospel of Christ with what he calls a gospel of human works and effort. He also explains that the righteousness revealed in the gospel is essential because it establishes the believer's standing before God. The gospel does not merely announce forgiveness. It reveals that those who believe in Jesus have been made righteous through Him. This understanding becomes central to Pastor Leonard's teaching about receiving the promises and blessings of God, including healing.

Receiving the Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness

Pastor Leonard turns to the writings of the Apostle Paul to explain what he considers the proper foundation for understanding healing.

He specifically highlights Romans 1:16-17.

Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Paul identifies the gospel of Christ as the power of God. He explains that the gospel is centered on Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, not on a list of human requirements. According to Pastor Leonard, believers need to understand their spiritual union with Jesus. When Jesus died, believers died with Him. When He was buried, they were buried with Him. When He was raised from the dead, they were raised with Him into newness of life.

Pastor Leonard presents this as a spiritual reality that believers need to recognize and embrace. He argues that many teachings about healing have become focused on the individual rather than on Jesus. People are repeatedly told what they must do, how much they must believe, what they must confess, or what they must change.

Pastor Leonard explains that Paul's gospel places the emphasis on what Jesus has already done. He contrasts the gospel of Christ with what he calls a gospel of human works and effort. He also explains that the righteousness revealed in the gospel is essential because it establishes the believer's standing before God.

The gospel does not merely announce forgiveness. It reveals that those who believe in Jesus have been made righteous through Him. This understanding becomes central to Pastor Leonard's teaching about receiving the promises and blessings of God, including healing.

Receiving the Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness

Pastor Leonard next focuses on Romans 5:17, which he identifies as a particularly important passage for understanding grace, righteousness, and victorious living.

Romans 5:1 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

He explains that through Adam's offense, sin and death entered the world and affected humanity. He associates the reign of death with sickness, disease, and the suffering experienced throughout human history. However, he emphasizes the words "much more" in the passage.

For Pastor Leonard, these words reveal that what Jesus accomplished is greater than the damage caused by Adam's offense. Through Jesus Christ, believers receive an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.

Pastor Leonard also reads from the Amplified Classic translation to emphasize the overflowing nature of God's grace and the believer's right standing with Him. He explains that grace is not merely a religious concept or a theological term. Grace is revealed through Jesus Christ Himself.

John 1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Leonard describes Jesus as the embodiment of grace. He explains that the law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. This distinction is important because he believes many Christians continue living as though they are under a system in which God's blessings must be earned.

Instead, he teaches that believers have received a new covenant through Jesus. They are invited to receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness rather than attempt to achieve those things through religious performance.

Understanding Unmerited Favor: A Gift That Cannot Be Earned

Pastor Leonard spends considerable time explaining the meaning of unmerited favor. He shares that he previously struggled with the common explanation that grace is undeserved favor.

He believed people often used that expression to suggest that human beings were worthless or unworthy of God's love. Pastor Leonard rejects that conclusion.

To illustrate his point, he shares a personal story about purchasing his white Ford F-150 truck. He explains that he received a postcard advertising a special offer from a dealership. Interested in the offer, he visited the dealership to look at the available vehicles.

However, he had one particular requirement: he wanted a white truck. When he told the salesman this, the salesman pointed outside and showed him a white truck that was available.

Pastor Leonard explains that the truck had a price, and he had to decide whether it was worth paying that price. He uses this illustration to explain how he understands God's decision to send Jesus.

In Pastor Leonard's teaching, the Father considered humanity worth the price of redemption. God's willingness to send His Son demonstrates the value He placed on those He came to redeem.

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Pastor Leonard explains that Jesus died for humanity while people were still sinners.

He believes this demonstrates that God's love was not dependent on people first becoming worthy through their behavior.

He then offers his understanding of unmerited favor. Unmerited does not mean that people have no value. It means that God's grace cannot be earned through human works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Pastor Leonard emphasizes that grace is a gift.

If a person must work to receive something, it is no longer a free gift. It becomes a reward for performance. He illustrates this with a familiar Christmas experience. Someone gives another person a gift, and the recipient immediately feels uncomfortable because they did not purchase a gift in return.

Pastor Leonard explains that people have become so accustomed to exchanging things and earning what they receive that they sometimes struggle to accept a gift freely. He believes this same attitude can influence how believers approach God.

Instead of simply receiving what Jesus has provided, they feel compelled to do something to deserve it.

Pastor Leonard teaches that this thinking can produce guilt, shame, and condemnation because people continually feel that they have not done enough. He encourages believers to recognize that grace is freely given. God's blessings are not wages for religious performance. They are received through Jesus Christ.

Justified, Righteous, and Qualified Through Jesus Christ

Pastor Leonard continues by explaining what happens when a person places faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches that the believer is justified, made righteous, and brought into peace with God.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

He explains justification as being placed in right standing before God. He emphasizes that this is not accomplished through human effort, religious discipline, or the accumulation of good works. It is the result of faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Leonard also explains that righteousness is essential because it qualifies believers to receive the blessings and promises of God.

Colossians 1:12 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

He emphasizes that the Father has already qualified believers to share in their inheritance. They do not have to become qualified through additional religious performance. Pastor Leonard returns to the truth that God has justified and glorified those whom He has called.

Romans 8:30 “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

He explains that the believer's standing before God is established through what God has accomplished. Righteousness is not something believers must continually struggle to achieve. It is a gift they have already received through Christ.

Pastor Leonard believes this truth is essential for anyone who is struggling with sickness or discouragement. When people understand that they are righteous and qualified through Jesus, they can stop approaching God as though they must earn His willingness to bless them. They can instead approach Him with confidence in the finished work of Christ.

The First Principle of Healing: Fix Your Eyes and Ears on Jesus

Pastor Leonard explains that the writings of Paul reveal three important principles for believers who desire to experience healing. He is careful to distinguish these principles from religious laws or requirements that must be performed to earn God's favor.

The first principle is to keep one's attention focused on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Pastor Leonard acknowledges that the authorship of Hebrews is debated and states his personal belief that Paul wrote the book. Regardless of its authorship, he emphasizes that the principle of focusing on Jesus is consistent with Paul's teachings.

He encourages believers to continually hear messages about Jesus, His death, His burial, His resurrection, and their union with Him. Rather than focusing on their sickness or examining everything they believe they must do to receive healing, they should focus on Christ.

Pastor Leonard explains that when believers look at Jesus, they see the resurrected and glorified Lord. Because believers are united with Christ, he teaches that understanding Jesus also helps them understand their own spiritual identity.

He believes that as believers continue looking to Jesus, the Holy Spirit works within them to transform their understanding. Pastor Leonard also points to Peter's description of Jesus in the book of Acts.

Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

He emphasizes that Jesus went about doing good and healing people. This reveals the goodness and compassion of God toward those who are suffering. Pastor Leonard encourages believers to hear this message repeatedly. He then references the importance of hearing the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

He explains that hearing about Jesus allows faith to rise within believers. He observes that many healing accounts in the Gospels involve people hearing about Jesus, seeing His works, and responding in faith. His encouragement is simple: keep looking at Jesus, keep hearing about Jesus, and keep focusing on what He has accomplished.

The Second Principle of Healing: Know How Much God Loves You

The second principle Pastor Leonard identifies is growing in the understanding of God's love. He explains that many Christians believe God loves people generally but struggle to believe that He personally loves them. Some feel unworthy because of their past, their weaknesses, or the difficulties they are experiencing.

Pastor Leonard turns to the prayer of Jesus in John chapter 17.

John 17:23 “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

He emphasizes that Jesus prayed for believers to know that the Father loves them as He loves Jesus. Pastor Leonard considers this an extraordinary revelation. He explains that believers do not have to wonder whether God loves them less because of their struggles or imperfections.

Jesus Himself prayed that they would understand the depth of the Father's love. Pastor Leonard also refers to God's love for the world as revealed in the Gospel of John.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

He explains that the sending of Jesus demonstrates the Father's love. That love was not dependent on humanity first becoming righteous through personal effort.

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that God demonstrated His love while humanity was still in sin. He also explains that the Holy Spirit has been given to reveal God's love within the hearts of believers.

Romans 5:5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

He compares the Holy Spirit's ministry to that of someone continually encouraging and reminding believers of God's love. Pastor Leonard then turns to Paul's prayer in Ephesians chapter 3.

Ephesians 3:16-20 “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 is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

Pastor Leonard explains that Paul prayed for believers to become deeply established in God's love. He emphasizes the breadth, length, depth, and height of that love.

He also highlights that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what believers can ask or think according to the power working within them. Pastor Leonard connects this power with the believer's growing understanding of God's love. He teaches that knowing how deeply the Father loves His children is an essential part of experiencing the life and healing Jesus has provided.

The Third Principle of Healing: Understand Your Righteousness

The third principle Pastor Leonard emphasizes is understanding the righteousness believers have received through Jesus Christ. He explains that many Christians struggle with the idea that they are already righteous.

He imagines visiting churches in his area and asking members whether they consider themselves righteous. He believes many would hesitate or respond by quoting the Scripture that says no one is righteous.

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”

Pastor Leonard explains that believers must also understand what Paul teaches about the righteousness received through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the gospel reveals the righteousness of God.

Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Pastor Leonard teaches that believers have been made righteous through their union with Jesus. They do not have to work to become righteous because righteousness has already been given to them. He explains that this righteousness qualifies them to receive the promises and blessings of God.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Leonard repeatedly emphasizes that righteousness is a gift. It is not earned by keeping religious rules or meeting standards of personal performance. He encourages believers to grow in the understanding that they are already in right standing with the Father through Jesus.

He believes that this truth removes feelings of inferiority, guilt, and condemnation. When believers understand that they are righteous, they no longer need to approach healing as something for which they must become spiritually qualified. They can rest in the righteousness Jesus has provided.

Resting in Jesus Instead of Striving for Healing

After explaining the three principles, Pastor Leonard summarizes their importance. Believers should keep their eyes and ears on Jesus, grow in their understanding of God's love, and recognize the righteousness they have received through Christ. He emphasizes that these are not additional laws that must be followed to earn healing. They are truths that help believers recognize what Jesus has already accomplished.

Pastor Leonard repeatedly challenges the belief that a person must perform more religious activities to receive God's blessings. He explains that some people continually feel they must pray harder, confess more, believe more, or discover something they have done wrong. He believes this mindset creates unnecessary spiritual pressure.

Instead, he encourages believers to rest. He explains that when people rest in the finished work of Jesus, they allow God to work in their lives.

However, when they continually strive to accomplish through their own efforts what Jesus has already provided, they shift their attention away from grace.

Pastor Leonard stresses that the gospel is not primarily about what believers must do. It is about what Jesus has done. He wants those struggling with sickness to understand that they are not being condemned by God for failing to follow some hidden formula.

Rather than living under guilt and fear, they can trust the Father's love, their righteousness in Christ, and the completed work of Jesus. This teaching leads directly into Pastor Lori's personal testimony.

Pastor Lori's Testimony: Healing from Colonic Inertia

Pastor Leonard invites Pastor Lori to share her experience of healing from a serious intestinal condition. He explains that her testimony illustrates the importance of growing in the understanding of God's love and righteousness.

Pastor Lori begins by describing the insecurity she experienced earlier in her life. She explains that she struggled to believe she was worthy of God's love. Even when she considered the possibility that she was worthy, she would immediately feel unworthy for having such a thought. Her insecurity became deeply rooted in how she viewed herself.

Pastor Lori shares that she developed a medical condition called colonic inertia.

She underwent extensive testing, and doctors determined that her large intestine was no longer functioning properly. According to her testimony, the surgeon considered the situation urgent and wanted to schedule surgery to remove her large intestine. She describes how the surgeon took out his scheduling materials and began making arrangements, apparently expecting that the operation would proceed.

However, something had happened the night before that appointment.

Pastor Lori had been sitting at her kitchen table, where various papers, books, and Scripture materials were available. As she began reading, she encountered biblical truths concerning her identity in Christ, God's love, and the righteousness she had received through Jesus. One of the truths that affected her was the teaching that believers are as Jesus is in this world.

1 John 4:17 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”

She also began considering the truth that the Father loves believers as He loves Jesus.

John 17:23 “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

Pastor Lori explains that these Scriptures caused her to question the beliefs she had held about herself for so long. She began to consider that she truly was loved by God and that she had been made righteous through Jesus Christ.

When the surgeon prepared to schedule the operation, Pastor Lori looked at Pastor Leonard and indicated that she did not want to proceed at that time. She recalls telling him that she was not ready to schedule the surgery.

Pastor Leonard was surprised by her decision. They returned home and began studying the Word of God more deeply.

Pastor Lori explains that she continued focusing on Jesus and growing in the understanding of God's love. She began recognizing that the Father loved her as much as He loved Jesus.

She also came to believe that nothing she could do would cause God to love her less, and nothing she could do would make Him love her more. Her understanding of righteousness changed as well.

Instead of believing she needed to become worthy through her actions, she began recognizing that Jesus had already made her righteous.

Pastor Leonard explains that before this change in understanding, Pastor Lori had tried numerous courses, methods, and approaches in an effort to overcome her condition. Each unsuccessful attempt could leave her feeling that she had failed or had not done enough. He believes this is an example of how focusing on personal performance can create discouragement.

As Pastor Lori continued growing in her understanding of Jesus, God's love, and her righteousness, she reports that her condition improved. She explains that she cannot identify the exact day, hour, or moment when her healing occurred. However, she testifies that her large intestine remains in her body and functions.

Pastor Leonard asks her directly whether the doctors ever removed her large intestine. She confirms that they did not. They explain that this experience occurred approximately twelve to fourteen years before the service. Both pastors express gratitude to God for what they understand to be her healing.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that the testimony is not about discovering another complicated formula for healing. Instead, he believes it demonstrates the importance of understanding the finished work of Jesus and resting in the Father's love.

Pastor Lori's testimony becomes a personal illustration of the three principles presented throughout the message: focusing on Jesus, knowing God's love, and understanding righteousness.

Closing Encouragement: Look to Jesus, Receive His Love, and Rest

As the service concludes, Pastor Leonard encourages everyone watching to apply the truths shared throughout the teaching. He reminds believers to fix their attention on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

He encourages them to continue growing in the understanding of God's love.

John 17:23 “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

He also reminds them that righteousness is a gift received through Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Leonard explains that believers should not become consumed with striving, working, or attempting to earn what Jesus has already provided. Instead, they should rest in His love and finished work.

He encourages them to praise God, worship Him, and remain confident in what Christ has accomplished. He also thanks the Father for healing and expresses his expectation that testimonies will come from those who have been touched through the service.

Pastor Leonard thanks everyone for participating and announces that Abigail will lead the congregation in a closing song.

He expresses appreciation for her ministry and mentions that her Instagram information will be made available through the ministry's website so others can follow her music. The service closes with worship, gratitude, and a final reminder that the Christian life is centered on Jesus and His completed work.

We hope this HEALING SERVICE teaching by Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola has encouraged you to recognize the greatness of God's grace, the depth of His love, and the righteousness you have received through Jesus Christ. May you continue growing in the understanding of His finished work and find peace and rest in His promises. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. If this teaching has blessed or encouraged you, please share it with your family, friends, and others who need to hear the good news of God's love, grace, and healing through Jesus Christ.