Teaching summary
In this message, Pastor Leonard Rola teaches that true mountain-moving faith does not come by striving harder, commanding, or trying to grow faith like a muscle. Instead, it is released through surrendering to the extravagant love of Christ. When we yield ourselves fully to His love, guilt and condemnation lose their hold, and the power of God becomes the source that fuels faith. Living surrendered to Christ’s love energizes us beyond imagination and allows faith to express itself through love.
Bible verses referenced
Romans 8:1- "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 5:17- "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 1:21- "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God."
Ephesians 5:2- "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor."
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,"
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Lori’s Absence and Setting the Stage
- The Problem of Striving for Faith
- The Trap of Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
- The Gift of Being “In Christ”
- The Key: Surrender to the Extravagant Love of Christ
- Love as the Power Source of Faith
- Mountain-Moving Faith Expressed Through Love
8. Closing Encouragement and Invitation to Give
Introduction: Lori’s Absence and Setting the Stage
Pastor Leonard begins by sharing that Pastor Lori is still in South Carolina assisting her mother after the recent passing of her father. He expresses gratitude for the prayers, cards, and gifts sent to the family. With Lori away, Leonard leads the session alone and introduces the theme: continuing the discussion on faith, connected to Sunday’s powerful message.
The Problem of Striving for Faith
He notes that many Christians are taught to treat faith like a muscle—working it, growing it, and using authority to command results. While these teachings are not wrong, they are incomplete. Despite such efforts, many believers still experience sickness, disease, or unanswered prayers, leading them to wonder why their faith “isn’t working.”
The Trap of Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
This struggle often leads believers into guilt and condemnation. Leonard reminds us that condemnation never comes from the Lord. He quotes:
Romans 8:1- "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." He emphasizes that guilt, shame, and condemnation are never God’s tools but are lies the enemy uses when believers feel their faith has failed.
The Gift of Being “In Christ
Leonard explains that when we believe in Christ, God Himself establishes us in Him. He reads:
2 Corinthians 5:17- "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 1:21- "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God." At salvation, we were placed “in Christed,” receiving everything He is, including His faith. Faith is not something we build by effort—it is already deposited within us because of our union with Christ.
The Key: Surrender to the Extravagant Love of Christ
Leonard reveals the central truth: mountain-moving faith is released not through striving, but through surrender. He turns to:
Ephesians 5:2- "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." To “surrender” means yielding to another’s power and control. Here, it means yielding to the extravagant love of Christ. “Extravagant” means love that exceeds reason and necessity—always more than enough for every situation.
Love as the Power Source of Faith
When we surrender to Christ’s extravagant love, that love becomes the power source of our lives. Leonard highlights:
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." This marvelous power energizes us continually. By yielding to His love, our faith is energized, enabling us to live beyond our wildest dreams or imaginations.
Mountain-Moving Faith Expressed Through Love
Finally, Leonard points to the relationship between faith and love:
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." Religious obligations, commands, and demands do not produce mountain-moving faith. True faith rises from within when fueled by surrender to Christ’s love. Faith then naturally expresses itself through love.
Closing Encouragement and Invitation to Give
Leonard thanks listeners for their prayers, encouragement, and support of the ministry. He acknowledges the ministry’s financial needs and invites those whom the Holy Spirit leads to give, not out of obligation or expectation of return, but out of gratitude for what God has already given. He provides the giving options and blesses the audience, encouraging them to continue living surrendered to Christ’s extravagant love.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too may discover the power of living surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ.