Teaching summary
Bible verses referenced
John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
John 17:21–23 “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.” “And the glory which thou gives me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. “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.”
Isaiah 52:14 “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:”
Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Hebrews 10:1–4 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.” “But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.” “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
Hebrews 10:5–10 “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” “Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;” “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.” “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:17 “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
2 Corinthians 3:7–9 “But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:” “How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?” “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”
Acts 7:58 “And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.”
Acts 8:1–3 “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” “And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.” “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Acts 9:1–2 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,” “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
Acts 9:17–20 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou calmest, hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:2 “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”
1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Romans 4:6–8 “Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works,” “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Table of ContentsIntroduction: Gratitude, Ministry Updates, and the Covenant of GraceJesus' Prayer and the Reality of Our New CreationRighteousness Is Already Ours Through Jesus ChristThe Blips on Our Radar: Why Believers Struggle with Past MistakesJesus Took Every Sin and Paid the Full PriceHebrews 10: The Difference Between the Law and the Finished SacrificeRenewing the Mind and Removing the Consciousness of SinSaul's Past: Persecution, Condemnation, and the Stoning of StephenPaul's Declaration: “I Have Wronged No Man”Becoming a New Creation and Leaving the Old Identity BehindWashed, Sanctified, and Justified Through Jesus ChristStop Looking Backward and Begin Seeing Yourself as God Sees YouGod Remembers Our Sins No MoreLiving Free from Guilt, Shame, and CondemnationClosing Encouragement and Ministry Announcements
- Introduction: Gratitude, Ministry Updates, and the Covenant of Grace
- Jesus' Prayer and the Reality of Our New Creation
- Righteousness Is Already Ours Through Jesus Christ
- The Blips on Our Radar: Why Believers Struggle with Past Mistakes
- Jesus Took Every Sin and Paid the Full Price
- Hebrews 10 The Difference Between the Law and the Finished Sacrifice
- Renewing the Mind and Removing the Consciousness of Sin
- Saul's Past: Persecution, Condemnation, and the Stoning of Stephen
- Paul's Declaration: “I Have Wronged No Man”
- Becoming a New Creation and Leaving the Old Identity Behind
- Washed, Sanctified, and Justified Through Jesus Christ
- Stop Looking Backward and Begin Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
- God Remembers Our Sins No More
- Living Free from Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
- Closing Encouragement and Ministry Announcements
Table of Contents
Introduction: Gratitude, Ministry Updates, and the Covenant of Grace
Jesus' Prayer and the Reality of Our New Creation
Righteousness Is Already Ours Through Jesus Christ
The Blips on Our Radar: Why Believers Struggle with Past Mistakes
Jesus Took Every Sin and Paid the Full Price
Hebrews 10: The Difference Between the Law and the Finished Sacrifice
Renewing the Mind and Removing the Consciousness of Sin
Saul's Past: Persecution, Condemnation, and the Stoning of Stephen
Paul's Declaration: “I Have Wronged No Man”
Becoming a New Creation and Leaving the Old Identity Behind
Washed, Sanctified, and Justified Through Jesus Christ
Stop Looking Backward and Begin Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
God Remembers Our Sins No More
Living Free from Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
Closing Encouragement and Ministry Announcements
Introduction: Gratitude, Ministry Updates, and the Covenant of Grace
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola begin their teaching by warmly welcoming everyone and expressing their appreciation for those who continue to support New Life Ministry. Pastor Lenny explains that their Tuesday teachings typically revisit and expand upon the message shared the previous Sunday.
He encourages viewers who have not heard Sunday's teaching to go back and listen because it presented a powerful comparison between the prayer of Jesus in John chapter 17 and the truths later confirmed by the Apostle Paul. Before continuing, the pastors express their heartfelt gratitude for the cards, letters, emails, gifts, and offerings they receive. Pastor Lori often describes their ministry partners as God's hands extended, recognizing that their generosity makes the ministry's work possible. They also announce the release of several new e-books. Those interested can request the books, while individuals supporting the ministry will automatically receive them.
Pastor Lenny then introduces Deep Grace Bible School, explaining that the school was established to provide affordable biblical education for individuals and families. Having personally attended two Bible schools, he emphasizes that Deep Grace Bible School will present important biblical truths and distinctions that many believers have never been taught. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the differences between biblical covenants and recognizing what makes the covenant of grace so extraordinary.
Pastor Lenny explains that believers belong to the covenant of grace. They are not under a mixture of grace and law, nor are they required to live according to religious legalism. This understanding becomes the foundation for the remainder of the teaching: believers must recognize what Jesus has already accomplished and learn to live according to their new identity in Him.
Jesus' Prayer and the Reality of Our New Creation
Pastor Lenny returns to the previous Sunday's message, which examined the prayer Jesus offered shortly before completing His earthly ministry. In John chapter 17, Jesus prayed with the knowledge that His earthly work was nearing completion and that He would soon return to the Father, once again occupying His fully glorified position of authority.
Pastor Lenny emphasizes how significant this prayer is because the Apostle John recorded Jesus' words, allowing believers to understand what Jesus desired for those who would believe in Him.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
The pastors explain that Jesus' prayer reveals the sanctification, unity, and spiritual standing that believers would receive through Him.
John 17:21–23 “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. And the glory which thou gives me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 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.”
According to Pastor Lenny, everything Jesus prayed for concerning believers is confirmed through Paul's teachings about the new creation. Paul's writings explain the spiritual realities believers now possess through their union with Jesus Christ.
These realities include righteousness, holiness, sanctification, perfection, and oneness with Christ. The pastors emphasize that these are not merely future promises believers must struggle to achieve. They are present realities made possible through Jesus. The connection between Jesus' prayer and Paul's teachings provides a powerful foundation for understanding who believers truly are.
Righteousness Is Already Ours Through Jesus Christ
Pastor Lenny focuses on the first major point from Sunday's teaching: Jesus has already sanctified believers. He explains that faith in Jesus Christ has made believers righteous with the very righteousness of God. This righteousness is not something believers must earn through their own efforts or gradually achieve through religious performance. Rather, it is the righteousness of God Himself, given through faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lenny asks several important questions.
Do believers have to become righteous?
Do they have to work for righteousness?
Do they have to continually strive to achieve righteousness?
His answer to each question is no. Believers must instead believe what Jesus has already accomplished. The challenge, however, is that many Christians continue to struggle with accepting this truth. Although they have been made righteous, they often evaluate their spiritual standing according to their behavior, thoughts, emotions, and previous mistakes.
Pastor Lenny explains that believers must learn to distinguish between their true identity in Christ and the old patterns of thinking that may still remain in their minds. Their righteousness comes from Jesus, not from a flawless record of personal behavior. This distinction is essential to understanding why believers can release the guilt and shame associated with their past.
The Blips on Our Radar: Why Believers Struggle with Past Mistakes
To explain why Christians sometimes question their righteousness, Pastor Lenny introduces an illustration he calls “blips on our radar screen.” These blips represent thoughts, reactions, habits, memories, and behaviors associated with the believer's former way of thinking. As the mind becomes renewed to the truth of God's Word, remnants of the old mental programming may occasionally surface.
Pastor Lenny explains that these old patterns are in the process of being removed as believers grow in their understanding of their new creation realities. The problem arises when believers interpret these temporary blips as evidence that they are not truly righteous.
For example, someone might become angry while driving and make an inappropriate gesture toward another driver who cuts them off. Another person might entertain a negative thought or become upset during a disagreement at home.
Pastor Lori points out that even seemingly small things, such as thinking bad thoughts, can cause believers to question their standing before God.
Pastor Lenny shares a personal example from his marriage. Although he and Pastor Lori enjoy a wonderful relationship, he acknowledges that there have been occasions when he became upset or snapped at his wife. In the past, he might have interpreted those moments as evidence that he was not holy or righteous.
However, Pastor Lori consistently reminded him of his true identity in Christ. She would leave encouraging notes around their home reminding him that he was righteous and holy.
Pastor Lenny mentions a note he keeps near his computer that reads, “I love you, Mr. Righteous.” This affectionate reminder illustrates the importance of continually reinforcing the truth of one's identity in Christ.
Pastor Lori then expands the discussion beyond everyday mistakes. She explains that many Christians carry memories of serious failures and painful decisions made before they became believers. Others continue to remember mistakes they made even after becoming Christians.
Some of these blips may be significant, but the pastors emphasize that their size does not change what Jesus accomplished. The believer must stop using past mistakes as the measurement of present righteousness.
Jesus Took Every Sin and Paid the Full Price
Pastor Lori explains that the memories of past failures remain in the mind, which she describes as part of the soulish realm. She emphasizes that believers must recognize what happened to their sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Referring to the prophetic writings of Isaiah, she explains that the sins of humanity were placed upon Jesus.
Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Pastor Lori describes the tremendous weight of sin that Jesus carried. She references Isaiah's description of the suffering Messiah, whose appearance was so disfigured that He scarcely resembled a man.
Isaiah 52:14 “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:”
To emphasize the extent of Christ's sacrifice, she asks listeners to consider not only their own mistakes but also some of the most terrible acts committed by humanity. She references the perpetrators of the September 11 terrorist attacks as an example of extreme wrongdoing. Her point is that Jesus bore the sins of humanity, including those committed by the worst offenders. He paid the price for all of it.
Therefore, Pastor Lori reasons, if Jesus carried the full weight of humanity's sin, He also carried every personal mistake and failure that a believer continues to remember. She explains that believing in Jesus' death necessarily involves believing that He truly took those sins upon Himself. If Jesus took them and paid for them, believers must accept that the debt has been settled.
Pastor Lori emphasizes that this truth must become established in the believer's thinking. If the Father no longer holds those sins against the believer, the believer should not continue holding them against himself or herself.
Pastor Lenny agrees, affirming that believers truly are righteous. This understanding becomes a central reason for letting go of the past.
Hebrews 10 The Difference Between the Law and the Finished Sacrifice
Pastor Lenny turns to Hebrews chapter 10, describing it as one of the most powerful chapters believers can read. He explains that this chapter contrasts the sacrificial system under the law with the completed sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Under the old covenant, the blood of bulls and goats was offered repeatedly.
However, those sacrifices could not permanently remove sin.
Hebrews 10:1–4 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
Pastor Lenny explains that people who brought their sacrifices under the old covenant still departed with a consciousness of sin. The sacrifices did not completely remove their awareness of guilt. He also emphasizes that Hebrews declares God did not desire those sacrifices or take pleasure in them.
Hebrews 10:5–10 “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
The pastors emphasize the enormous difference between those repeated sacrifices and the single sacrifice of Jesus. Through His one offering, Jesus accomplished what the old sacrificial system could never accomplish.
Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Pastor Lenny highlights the words “perfected for ever.” He explains that believers have been perfected and sanctified through Jesus' sacrifice. This is not something they must repeatedly obtain through their own performance. Jesus has already accomplished it. The challenge now is to renew the mind so that believers recognize and accept what is already true of them in Christ.
Renewing the Mind and Removing the Consciousness of Sin
Continuing his explanation of Hebrews chapter 10, Pastor Lenny emphasizes that believers should no longer live with an ongoing consciousness of sin. He returns to the contrast between the old covenant sacrifices and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:2 “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.”
Pastor Lenny explains that Jesus' sacrifice has accomplished the purging that the old sacrifices could not provide. Therefore, believers should not continually focus on their mistakes, failures, or what he calls the blips on their radar screens.
Instead, they should focus on the truth that they have been made righteous and sanctified. He also references Paul's description of the old covenant in 2 Corinthians chapter 3.
2 Corinthians 3:7–9 “But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”
Pastor Lenny describes the old covenant as a ministry associated with condemnation and guilt, contrasting it with the righteousness available under the covenant of grace. He emphasizes that believers should not continue living under condemnation when Jesus has already provided freedom through His sacrifice.
The way to overcome an ongoing consciousness of sin is to continually remember, think about, and praise God for the righteousness received through Jesus. Rather than rehearsing past mistakes, believers are encouraged to rehearse the truth of their righteousness.
Pastor Lenny stresses that this should become a consistent practice. The mind must be renewed through an ongoing awareness of what Jesus has accomplished.
Saul's Past: Persecution, Condemnation, and the Stoning of Stephen
Pastor Lenny introduces the Apostle Paul as a powerful example of someone who did not allow his past to determine his new identity. Before becoming known as Paul, he was Saul, a man who actively persecuted followers of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lenny recalls the events recorded in Acts chapters 7, 8, and 9. Saul was present when Stephen, a faithful servant among the early believers, was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death.
Acts 7:58 “And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.”
Pastor Lenny describes Stephen as a wonderful servant of God who served both the apostles and the people. Nevertheless, Stephen was condemned by those who opposed him. Saul stood alongside the persecutors and approved of Stephen's death.
Acts 8:1–3 “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Saul's persecution did not end with Stephen. He continued pursuing believers, entering homes, arresting men and women, and separating families.
Pastor Lenny describes Saul traveling toward Damascus with authorization to arrest followers of Jesus.
Acts 9:1–2 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
The pastors emphasize the seriousness of Saul's past. He was not simply someone who had made a few minor mistakes. He had participated in persecution, imprisonment, and the death of an innocent follower of Christ. Yet his story demonstrates the extraordinary transformation that can occur when a person becomes a new creation in Jesus.
Paul's Declaration: “I Have Wronged No Man”
After describing Saul's history of persecution, Pastor Lenny introduces a statement from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. He asks listeners to consider the significance of Paul's words in light of everything Saul had previously done.
2 Corinthians 7:2 “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”
Pastor Lenny emphasizes Paul's declaration that he had wronged no man. He reminds listeners that this was the same individual who had previously persecuted believers, imprisoned people, broken up families, and approved of Stephen's death. Yet Paul could make this declaration.
Pastor Lenny explains that the significance of Paul's statement lies in his understanding of his new identity. Paul was not continuing to live according to the person he had been before encountering Jesus. He understood that he was a new creation. The pastors discuss the change from Saul to Paul, acknowledging that they do not know precisely when or how the change of name occurred.
Pastor Lenny suggests that it may have been associated with the time Ananias prayed for Saul, although he presents this as his own assumption. They recall the account of Ananias laying hands on Saul, his sight being restored, and his being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:17–20 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou calmest, hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”
Pastor Lenny points out how remarkable this transformation was. The man who had used the Scriptures in opposition to believers was now using those same Scriptures to proclaim Jesus Christ. His life had changed completely.
Pastor Lori agrees that the change from Saul to Paul provides a vivid illustration of becoming an entirely different person. The pastors clarify that believers do not need to change their names, but they do need to understand that their spiritual identity has changed.
Pastor Lenny returns to Paul's declaration.
2 Corinthians 7:2 “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”
He emphasizes that Paul was not allowing his former actions to define who he was in Christ. This becomes one of the teaching's most important illustrations of what it means to let go of the past.
Becoming a New Creation and Leaving the Old Identity Behind
The pastors continue discussing the dramatic difference between Saul's former life and Paul's identity as a believer.
Pastor Lori describes the transformation as becoming a completely different person. Pastor Lenny repeatedly emphasizes the expression “new creation.”
Paul's past included terrible actions, yet he did not continue identifying himself according to those actions. He understood that the person he had been was not the person he now was in Christ. The pastors explain that believers must develop this same understanding. A person may remember what happened in the past, but those memories should not become the foundation of their present identity.
Pastor Lenny asks listeners to imagine someone confronting Paul about the people he had imprisoned, the families he had separated, and the persecution he had supported. Yet Paul understood himself according to the new creation rather than his former life.
2 Corinthians 7:2 “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”
The pastors present Paul's words as an illustration of someone who had fully embraced the reality of being made new. They emphasize that believers must be purged of the old consciousness of sin.
According to Pastor Lenny, this happens through understanding the revelation of righteousness and sanctification. As believers recognize what Jesus has accomplished, they can stop identifying themselves with their former mistakes. Their new identity is not determined by their past. It is determined by their union with Jesus Christ.
Washed, Sanctified, and Justified Through Jesus Christ
Pastor Lenny invites Pastor Lori to read 1 Corinthians 6:11.
Pastor Lori reads from The Passion Translation, which Pastor Lenny describes as a translation she frequently uses. The wording she reads emphasizes that some believers once lived in certain sinful lifestyles but have now been purified, made holy, and given a perfect standing before God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The King James Version expresses the passage as follows.
1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Pastor Lenny draws attention to the distinction between what believers once were and what they now are. He emphasizes that Paul does not address believers according to their former lifestyles.
Instead, Paul identifies them as saints, holy ones, righteous ones, sanctified, perfected, complete, and glorified. Pastor Lenny mentions the Greek word “hagios,” explaining that Paul repeatedly refers to believers as saints throughout his letters.
The pastors emphasize that Paul consistently teaches believers to recognize their identity in Christ rather than their previous way of living. Returning to the verse, Pastor Lenny focuses on the fact that believers once lived according to certain lifestyles but have now been purified from sin.
1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
He explains that the words describing the believer's former condition belong to the past. The believer's present standing is one of purification, holiness, and righteousness. Pastor Lenny asks whether this transformation happened through personal works and effort.
The answer is no. It happened through the power of the name of Jesus Christ and through the believer's union with Him by the Spirit of God. This is why believers must learn to see themselves as God sees them.
Stop Looking Backward and Begin Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
The pastors begin applying these truths to the everyday struggles believers experience.
Pastor Lenny explains that many people interpret their present difficulties through the lens of past mistakes. When something goes wrong, they may immediately assume that the problem is connected to a poor decision or failure from years earlier. They might ask why they are experiencing certain circumstances and then conclude that their past must be responsible.
Pastor Lenny challenges this pattern of thinking. He emphasizes that believers must stop returning to their former mistakes and allowing those memories to control their understanding of the present.
Pastor Lori strongly reinforces this point. She encourages believers to keep their eyes forward rather than looking behind them. Her encouragement extends even to the mistakes of yesterday.
The pastors explain that the believer's focus should remain on what Jesus has accomplished and the new identity that has resulted from His sacrifice. They return to the truth expressed in Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Pastor Lenny emphasizes that believers have been purified from sin and given a standing before God that does not depend upon their personal efforts. This understanding changes the way believers should think about themselves.
Rather than continually asking what they did wrong in the past, they should recognize what Jesus has already done right on their behalf. The pastors encourage listeners to release the old identity and begin living with an awareness of their righteousness in Christ.
God Remembers Our Sins No More
Pastor Lenny then explains why believers should no longer continually bring up their past sins. He points to the repeated declaration in Hebrews that God no longer remembers their sins and iniquities.
Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
Hebrews 10:17 “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
Pastor Lenny emphasizes the significance of this declaration. Jesus paid an enormous price to deal with humanity's sins. If God has declared that He will remember those sins no more, believers should not continue bringing them forward as though they remain unresolved. The pastors explain that repeatedly rehearsing past failures reveals that a person has not fully released those memories.
Pastor Lenny also refers to Romans chapter 4, where Paul explains that God imputes righteousness apart from works and does not impute sin to the forgiven person.
Romans 4:6–8 “Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”
Pastor Lenny emphasizes that God is not holding the believer's past sins against them. He explains that God has no record or remembrance of those sins in the sense being discussed in the teaching. The question he raises is why believers continue remembering and condemning themselves for things God has already dealt with through Jesus.
The pastors identify a lack of understanding about the new creation as the reason many believers continue struggling with guilt. When people do not recognize who they truly are in Christ, they continue thinking according to their former identity. The answer is to become established in the truth of righteousness, sanctification, and the finished work of Jesus.
Living Free from Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
As the teaching approaches its conclusion, Pastor Lenny explains the purpose behind the ministry he and Pastor Lori have been called to fulfill. They believe the Holy Spirit has led them to teach God's children who they truly are in Christ. Their desire is for believers to understand their spiritual identity, their abilities through Christ, and what they have already received through their union with Him.
Pastor Lenny emphasizes that many Christians continue living under unnecessary guilt, shame, and condemnation because they do not fully understand their new creation realities. The pastors want believers to recognize that righteousness and holiness are not distant goals. They are realities established through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
They also want believers to understand that God is no longer holding their sins against them.
Romans 4:8 “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”
This understanding is essential to releasing the past. The pastors encourage believers to stop defining themselves by their mistakes and begin seeing themselves according to the truth of God's Word. They explain that renewing the mind involves continually remembering and praising God for the righteousness received through Jesus.
Instead of focusing on past failures, believers should focus on their sanctification, their union with Christ, and their standing before God. The pastors' message is that the freedom Jesus purchased should become part of the believer's daily experience. They want God's children to live without the burden of continually condemning themselves for sins Jesus has already paid for. This is the freedom available through the covenant of grace.
Closing Encouragement and Ministry Announcements
As the teaching concludes, Pastor Lenny again encourages viewers to release their past and embrace the truth of their new identity in Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has already paid the price for their sins and that believers should not continue carrying guilt and condemnation for what has been forgiven.
The pastors remind viewers that understanding the new creation is central to their ministry. Their desire is for believers to know who they are, what they have, and what they can do through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lenny then shares an announcement concerning their Facebook presence. He explains that his previous Facebook account had been removed, causing him to lose followers and the ability to broadcast live through that account. The ministry had established a new Facebook page, which he identifies during the teaching as Rola Ministries. At the time of the recording, the new page had approximately 40 followers.
Pastor Lenny explains that reaching 100 followers would allow them to resume live broadcasting through Facebook. He encourages viewers to find and follow the new page so the ministry can continue reaching people through live teachings. He also reminds everyone to visit Deep Grace Bible School to explore the available courses and opportunities for biblical education.
The teaching concludes with Pastor Lori offering a simple but meaningful encouragement:
“Enjoy being the new creation that you are.”
Pastor Lenny agrees and expresses their love and appreciation for everyone watching.
The closing message reinforces the central truth of the entire teaching: believers are not required to remain trapped in the memories, guilt, and failures of their former lives. Through Jesus Christ, they have been made righteous, holy, sanctified, and complete. Their responsibility is to believe these truths, renew their minds, and begin enjoying the life and freedom that belong to them under the covenant of grace.
The message of “MIRACLES THROUGH LETTING GO OF THE PAST” is a reminder that yesterday's mistakes do not have to determine today's identity. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, believers can release the burden of guilt, shame, and condemnation and embrace the righteousness and holiness they have received through Him. Just as Paul no longer defined himself by Saul's former life, believers are encouraged to stop looking backward and begin enjoying the reality of being new creations in Christ.
We hope this teaching from Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola has blessed and encouraged you. If you know someone who continues to struggle with regret, guilt, or painful memories from the past, please share this message with them. Help others discover the freedom, righteousness, and peace available through Jesus Christ and the wonderful covenant of grace.