Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastor Lori Rola shares her transformative revelation of God’s love, emphasizing the righteousness believers have through Christ. She recounts her journey of understanding her identity in Christ, realizing that she is loved as much as Jesus, blameless, innocent, and created in God’s image. She highlights various scriptures that reaffirm God’s unconditional love, urging listeners to embrace their worth and rest in His grace.
Bible verses referenced
-Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
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."
Ephesians 1:4 – "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
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."
John 10:10 – "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 8:32 – "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Ephesians 4:24 – "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
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."
Ephesians 1:4 – "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
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."
John 10:10– "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 8:32– "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Ephesians 4:24 – "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Life-Changing Revelation
- The Power of the Word
- Understanding Righteousness Through Christ
- God’s Love for Us Equals His Love for Jesus
- Our Identity in Christ: Blameless and Innocent
- The Weight of Religion vs. The Freedom of Grace
- The Purpose of Christ’s Coming
- Living in the Reality of God’s Love
9. Final Encouragement: Resting in His Love
Introduction: A Life-Changing Revelation
Pastor Lori begins by sharing how her understanding of God's love has completely transformed her life. She recounts how scripture became alive to her, changing her perspective and leading her into a deep realization of her worth in Christ. This revelation has given her immense joy and confidence in God's love.
The Power of the Word
She references Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing that the Word of God is living, powerful, and actively working in our lives. She shares how, ten years ago, the Bible became alive to her, shaping her identity in Christ and altering her understanding of God’s love.
Understanding Righteousness Through Christ
One of the key verses that changed her life is 2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." She reflects on the magnitude of this truth: as believers, we are made the righteousness of God through Jesus. This realization brought her to tears as she understood that she is fully righteous, not by her works, but by Christ’s sacrifice.
God’s Love for Us Equals His Love for Jesus
Pastor Lori highlights John 17:23, where Jesus prays that we would know the Father loves us just as much as He loves Jesus. She describes how this verse overwhelmed her, causing her to re-read it multiple times. The realization that God's love for us is equal to His love for Jesus is a profound truth that changes how we see ourselves.
Our Identity in Christ: Blameless and Innocent
She references Ephesians 1:4 – "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." She explains how this verse shattered her former view of God as a judge, revealing instead that He sees us as blameless, innocent, and completely accepted.
The Weight of Religion vs. The Freedom of Grace
Pastor Lori shares how she used to believe that her mistakes would disappoint God, requiring her to make amends. However, through Romans 8:30, she learned that God has already justified and glorified us. Understanding this truth lifted the burden of trying to earn God’s approval.
The Purpose of Christ’s Coming
Quoting John 10:10, Pastor Lori explains that Jesus came to give us abundant life. She contrasts this with the misconception that God always watches for our failures. Instead, she emphasizes that God’s love and grace are freely given, with nothing required on our part to earn it.
Living in the Reality of God’s Love
She highlights John 8:32, saying, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." She describes how knowing the truth of God’s love lifted a great weight off her life. She no longer feels the pressure to perform or earn His love, because His love is constant and unwavering.
Final Encouragement: Resting in His Love
Pastor Lori concludes with Ephesians 4:24, which affirms that we are recreated in perfect righteousness and true holiness. She encourages listeners to embrace this truth, letting the resting place of God’s love become the very source and root of their lives. She assures them they are fully loved, righteous, and accepted in Christ.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too can experience the freedom and joy of knowing their true identity in Christ. Remember, you are loved with the same love as Jesus!