Teaching summary
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize that now is the time for believers to fully embrace the new covenant reality offered through Christ. This message invites Christians to shake off religious bondage, walk unveiled before God, and experience continuous transformation into the image of Jesus. The sermon also highlights the importance of perpetual praise, true identity, and freedom from self-effort and legalism. Through scriptural insights and personal reflections, the pastors urge listeners to leave behind the old and live in the finished work of Jesus.
Bible verses referenced
Zechariah 9:9- "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Luke 19:29 46- "And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither…
2 Corinthians 3:14 16- "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away."
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."
Romans 4:4–5- "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- A Personal Connection to the Body of Christ
- Giving to Grow God's Kingdom, Not Man’s
- The Power of Unveiling and Identity in Christ
- Continuous Praise in Everyday Life
- Palm Sunday Reflection and Prophetic Fulfillment
- The Religious Leaders Missed It
- Removing the Veil Through Grace
- Final Encouragement: Step Into the New
A Personal Connection to the Body of Christ
Pastors Leonard and Lori open the message with heartfelt appreciation for their viewers. They affirm that although they speak into a camera, they feel deeply connected to each listener and carry them in their hearts. The relationship goes beyond digital communication—it’s a spiritual bond built on shared identity in Christ.
Giving to Grow God's Kingdom, Not Man’s
Pastor Lori expresses hesitation about asking for financial support—not because it isn’t needed, but because many ministries focus on growing their own empires rather than advancing God’s Kingdom.
She explains that their financial needs are not for personal gain:
“It is to grow the kingdom of God… the way that you grow his kingdom is by helping his people grow into the fullness and knowledge and increased understanding of their true creation realities.”
This growth is about believers discovering that they are just like Jesus—transformed by truth and free from inferior thinking.
The Power of Unveiling and Identity in Christ
Pastor Leonard teaches that transformation happens when believers behold themselves in the Word and realize they reflect the glory of Jesus.
He references:
2 Corinthians 3:18- "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Religion clouds this reality by insisting, "you still need to…"—but this only leads to condemnation. Instead, God says:
"You are, you are, you are." The unveiling is a spiritual process by the Holy Spirit, not by our effort. The only barrier to transformation is ourselves—and religious traditions that veil us from seeing who we really are.
Continuous Praise in Everyday Life
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the power of continuous praise, inspired by the Palm Sunday moment when the crowd praised Jesus without interruption.
He connects this to:
Luke 19:37–40- "And when he was come nigh… the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen… And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
He encourages believers to maintain an atmosphere of praise in all situations—while walking, driving, doing chores, or even filing taxes. When Jesus is magnified, everything else becomes insignificant.
Palm Sunday Reflection and Prophetic Fulfillment
Pastor Lori reads from:
Zechariah 9:9- "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee…" This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphant entry. Pastor Leonard urges listeners to revisit the Palm Sunday message for deeper insights found in:
Luke 19:29–46- He notes that in the Greek, the verb used for the crowd’s praise indicates it was continuous—with no break or pause. This is a model for how believers can live daily in unbroken praise.
The Religious Leaders Missed It
The Pharisees demanded that Jesus silence the crowds. But Jesus said:
Luke 19:40- "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
Pastor Leonard reflects on how the religious leaders of Jesus’ time missed the signs—even though the Scriptures were clear in:
Zechariah 9:9
– Isaiah (Virgin birth prophecy)
– Psalm 22 (Messianic suffering prophecy)
He empathizes with the people, noting they didn’t have access to Scripture at home. But the leaders had no excuse.
Removing the Veil Through Grace
Pastor Leonard confesses that for 30 years, he too was veiled, reading Scripture but not seeing the truth.
He cites:
2 Corinthians 3:14–16- "But their minds were blinded… when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away."
As long as believers stay under the law or legalistic teachings, the veil remains. But grace removes it, revealing that we are:
-Innocent
-Blameless
-Worthy
-Glorified with Christ
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us: "For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works, lest any man should boast."
And Paul reaffirms in:
Romans 4:4–5- "…to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." It’s not about doing more—it’s about realizing what Jesus already did.
Final Encouragement: Step Into the New
As the sermon closes, Pastor Leonard recounts how during communion, the words “This is the new covenant” hit him with fresh power. Despite hearing it many times, he hadn’t fully stepped into it until he let go of the old.
His message to all believers:
“It’s time to step out of the old once and for all for good, and step into your new, in Jesus’ name.” Pastor Lori echoes, “Enjoy your freedom. Enjoy the new.”
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others who are ready to shed the veil of religion and embrace their true identity in Christ. Let the world know: the time is now—step into the new.