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New Life Ministry teaching

LOVE AND FAITH

July 24, 2025

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Teaching summary

In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the inseparable connection between love and faith. They teach that God’s perfect love casts out fear and that true faith is not something we strive to produce, but a gift given by God’s grace. The pastors encourage believers to rest in God’s love, recognizing that both grace and faith are gifts, and there is no boasting in what we have received freely. They explain the law of faith as a new covenant reality, replacing the law of works, and stress that all believers share the same measure of faith in Christ.

Bible verses referenced

  • 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

  • 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind."

  • 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 3:27-28: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

  • Deuteronomy 28:1-2: "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God."

  • 2 Corinthians 10:12: "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

  • 2 Peter 1:1: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

  • Romans 12:3: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

Teaching notes

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Loved, Holy, and Blameless
  2. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
  3. Resting in God’s Love
  4. Faith as a Gift of Grace
  5. The Law of Faith vs. the Law of Works
  6. Equal Measure of Faith for All Believers
  7. Operating in God’s Faith, Not Our Own
  8. Closing Encouragement

Introduction: Loved, Holy, and Blameless

The sermon opens with reminders of identity in Christ: "I’m holy. I’m worthy. I’m innocent. I’m blameless." Pastor Lori emphasizes the importance of believing and trusting in God’s love regardless of life’s challenges. This truth is not based on our actions but on God’s unchanging love. As she states, “There’s nothing I can do to stop him from loving me. Nothing. He can’t love me any less, and He can’t love me any more. It’s perfect, awesome love.”

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Pastor Lori quotes 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." She explains that fear brings torment and that God’s desire is for us to live free from fear through His perfect love. Pastor Leonard adds that 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and a sound mind." This reassurance allows believers to trust God’s love even in times of anxiety and worry.

Resting in God’s Love

The pastors share personal experiences to illustrate resting in God’s love. Pastor Leonard admits to having moments of discouragement, but Pastor Lori’s steadfast declaration of God’s love and righteousness pulled him back into faith. Her unwavering stance — "I am staying in His love, I am the righteousness of God, I am holy and blameless" — highlights that resting in God’s love brings peace and victory.

Faith as a Gift of Grace

The pastors emphasize that faith is not something we generate through effort. Pastor Leonard explains, "For by grace through faith are we saved. Grace and faith saved us. And it’s a gift." Quoting 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." He reminds listeners that both grace and faith are gifts from God, not achievements of our own.

The Law of Faith vs. the Law of Works

Pastor Leonard teaches from Romans 3:27-28: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." He contrasts this with Deuteronomy 28:1-2: "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God." While Deuteronomy speaks of blessings tied to works, the new covenant is based on faith and grace — not performance.

Equal Measure of Faith for All Believers

Pastor Leonard points out that all believers have been given the same faith, quoting 2 Peter 1:1: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." He also references Romans 12:3: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." There is no room for boasting because faith is not a personal accomplishment but a shared gift from God.

Operating in God’s Faith, Not Our Own

Pastor Leonard warns against trying to operate in "our own" faith, which can lead to striving and even failure. True faith, he teaches, comes from resting in the faith of Christ deposited within us. He emphasizes that faith should flow from God’s word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, not from human attempts to prove belief.

Closing Encouragement

The sermon concludes with a reminder that salvation and faith are gifts, not rewards for good behavior. Pastor Leonard states, "Your salvation is not a reward for good behavior. It was a grace thing from start to finish." Believers are encouraged to rest in God’s love and allow His faith to work through them, knowing that His perfect love casts out fear and His grace sustains every aspect of life.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs encouragement today, and remember that God’s love and faith are gifts freely given to you through Jesus Christ.