Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola discuss the significance of being created in God's image and likeness. They emphasize that believers should reject the lies that tell them they are unworthy or that they must work to earn God's favor. Instead, they should embrace the truth that they are already one with Christ, fully loved, and transformed into a new creation. The sermon encourages believers to guard their hearts from evil, which often comes in the form of teachings that diminish their identity in Christ.
Bible verses referenced
John 17:15 – "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
1 John 4:20 – "If a man says, I love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"
John 1:16 – "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."
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."
John 1:12 – "But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding Our Worth in Christ
- The Lies That Keep Us from the Abundant Life
- Embracing Our Identity in Christ
- Guarding Our Hearts from Evil
- The Oneness We Share with Christ
- The Power of Belief and Transformation
- Walking in Our True Image and Likeness
- Closing Encouragement and Invitation
Introduction: Understanding Our Worth in Christ
Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori begin by expressing their love and appreciation for the congregation. They emphasize that believers are deeply valued by God. The message of grace is foundational to understanding the abundant life in Christ
The Lies That Keep Us from the Abundant Life
Many believers struggle because they have embraced an "evil mindset"—a mindset rooted in the false belief that they are unworthy or must work for God’s favor. These lies include:
– "You are not good enough."
– "You sin too much every day."
– "You will always be just a sinner saved by grace."
However, John 1:12 declares: "But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name."
Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Instead of believing lies, believers must embrace their identity in Christ. They are not merely sinners saved by grace but new creations in Him
2 Corinthians 5:17 states: "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new."
This means:
– They are fully loved and accepted by God.
– They are no longer slaves to sin but children of God.
– They are made in God's image and likeness.
Guarding Our Hearts from Evil
Jesus prayed in John 17:15: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
Evil, in this context, refers to any teaching that diminishes our identity in Christ. Believers must guard their hearts against false doctrines that promote self-effort over grace.
The Oneness We Share with Christ
Jesus emphasized that believers are one with Him John 17:20-23:
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
This oneness means:
– Believers are not separate from Christ but united with Him.
– They are a reflection of God's glory.
– They are fully accepted and loved in the same way the Father loves Jesus.
The Power of Belief and Transformation
Salvation is not about works but about believing in Jesus’ finished work.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says: 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 and Pastor Lori encourage believers to meditate on these truths and allow the Holy Spirit to make them real in their heart
Walking in Our True Image and Likeness
Believers are called to walk confidently in their true identity. The sermon concludes with a reminder to reject religious teachings that impose legalism and instead embrace the grace of God fully. John 1:16 declares: "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."
Closing Encouragement and Invitation
Pastor Lori encourages everyone to reread John 17:20-23 and meditate on their oneness with Christ. The message of grace is not just theological knowledge but a life-transforming reality. They also invite everyone to their Sunday service, where Jean Tringale will minister healing and prophetic encouragement.
This sermon reinforces the truth that believers are fully accepted, loved, and made new in Christ. By embracing their true identity and rejecting religious bondage, they can live the abundant life that Jesus has provided. Amen!