Teaching summary
Bible verses referenced
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Colossians 3:1 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ seated on the right hand of God.”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Colossians 3:3 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:4 “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
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.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Gospel of Grace and Freedom from Condemnation
- Thought Thursday: Why Our Thoughts Matter
- Training the Mind to Recognize Good
- The Connection Between Thoughts, Emotions, and Physical Well-Being
- Jesus and the Power of Joy in the Midst of Suffering
- Colossians 3 Becoming Acquainted with Throne Room Realities
- Our Life Hidden with Christ in God
- Relocating Our Thinking into Our True Identity
- Focusing on the Eternal Rather Than the Temporary
- Living, Moving, and Having Our Being in Christ
- The Coffee and Water Illustration: Renewing the Soul
- Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
- Continuing to Grow in Grace and Revelation
- Closing Encouragement: Living in the Miraculous Realities of the Soul
Introduction: The Gospel of Grace and Freedom from Condemnation
Pastor Leonard Rola opens the teaching by warmly welcoming viewers and introducing his wife, Pastor Lori Rola, who will lead most of the day's message.
He emphasizes that their ministry is guided by the Holy Spirit and that their desire is to communicate what God has for the body of Christ. Their purpose is to help believers become free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. Many Christians, Pastor Leonard explains, struggle with feelings that they have not done enough, worked hard enough, tried hard enough, or fulfilled all their responsibilities. These feelings can weigh heavily on believers and interfere with their understanding of God's love.
The pastors continually return to one central truth: the Christian life is about Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished. Rather than presenting Christianity as a system of religious effort, they emphasize the gospel of grace and the covenant of grace. Pastor Leonard specifically distinguishes this covenant from the law, explaining that believers are not meant to live under a mixture of law and grace. The focus is on understanding what Christ has already accomplished, including the believer's righteousness, union with Jesus, and freedom from condemnation.
Pastor Leonard also introduces Deep Grace Bible School, explaining that it was established to help Christians understand the covenant of grace, its meaning, and how it applies to everyday life. He encourages viewers to visit DeepGraceBibleSchool.com and explore the courses, noting that many of the concepts taught are truths he himself did not understand for decades.
Before turning the teaching over to Pastor Lori, he thanks those who support the ministry through encouraging messages, emails, letters, and financial gifts. He describes their support as God's hand extended through His people, helping the message of grace reach more people and freeing believers from guilt, shame, and condemnation.
Thought Thursday: Why Our Thoughts Matter
Pastor Lori introduces the teaching as another installment of “Thought Thursday,” continuing her exploration of the importance of thinking, thoughts, and speaking. She explains that she has been increasingly fascinated by the power of thoughts and their influence on everyday life. One of her discoveries is that thoughts may have an even greater influence than spoken words because thinking precedes speaking.
Pastor Leonard adds an observation: people can say things they do not actually believe, but their private thoughts often reveal what they genuinely believe. Someone might speak positively while inwardly entertaining fear, doubt, or discouragement. According to Pastor Leonard, these internal beliefs can be especially influential in how the body responds.
This leads to an important distinction in the teaching: changing what we say is valuable, but becoming aware of what we genuinely think and believe is equally important.
Pastor Lori wants believers to understand that their thoughts are not insignificant. What occupies the mind influences emotions, expectations, attitudes, and the way a person experiences life. The purpose of this teaching is not to create another religious responsibility or make people feel guilty about their thinking. Rather, it is to reveal how the mind can become increasingly aligned with the truth of who believers are in Christ.
Training the Mind to Recognize Good
Pastor Lori begins reading from a collection of observations she has gathered over the previous year or two. She shares the principle that what a person consistently focuses on today helps train the brain to recognize similar things tomorrow.
This means that attention is powerful. When someone repeatedly focuses on problems, disappointments, or fears, those concerns can begin dominating their awareness. However, when attention is intentionally directed toward progress, gratitude, and the good that already exists in life, the mind becomes more accustomed to recognizing those things.
Pastor Lori explains that the mind leads and the brain follows. She describes how choosing to notice what is working in life can help shape a mindset that increasingly recognizes hope, opportunities, and possibilities. This is not presented as an overnight change requiring tremendous effort. Rather, small changes in focus can gradually influence the way a person experiences daily life.
She emphasizes that God created human beings wonderfully and that the mind has remarkable capabilities. An important point emerges: believers can make a conscious decision about where to direct their attention. Instead of allowing circumstances to determine every thought, they can begin deliberately looking for good.
Pastor Lori sees this as an encouraging discovery because it means people are not required to remain trapped in familiar patterns of negative thinking. They can begin choosing a different focus, and that change can influence how life feels over time.
The Connection Between Thoughts, Emotions, and Physical Well-Being
Pastor Leonard supports Pastor Lori's teaching with a personal example from his own life. He explains that when he entertains anxious, fearful, or depressing thoughts, he sometimes notices physical discomfort. He mentions his hips, knees, neck, and other areas of his body as places where he has experienced discomfort while struggling with negative thinking.
There have been occasions when he has wondered why he was feeling so poorly. Then something wonderful happens. He and Pastor Lori might receive a phone call from their daughter or daughter-in-law and have an opportunity to see their grandchildren through a video conversation.
As they begin interacting with their children and grandchildren, their attention shifts away from troubling thoughts. Joy begins to fill the moment. The anxiety, fear, and preoccupation with discomfort that had previously occupied his mind fade into the background.
Pastor Leonard observes that, on many of these occasions, even the physical pain he had been experiencing seems to disappear. His experience illustrates the connection he has noticed between mental focus, emotional well-being, and physical sensations. He encourages viewers to pay attention to this relationship in their own lives.
The point is not that every physical problem is caused by negative thoughts, but that Pastor Leonard has personally experienced significant changes in how his body feels when his attention shifts from fear to joy. This example prepares the way for a powerful biblical illustration involving Jesus Himself.
Jesus and the Power of Joy in the Midst of Suffering
Pastor Leonard directs attention to Jesus and the joy that was set before Him as He endured the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the word joy. Jesus endured an extraordinarily painful experience, yet His attention was fixed on the joy associated with what His sacrifice would accomplish.
Pastor Leonard explains that this included the joy of fulfilling the Father's will and bringing humanity back into a right relationship with God. Through Christ's work, people would come to understand their righteousness and the Father's love for them.
Jesus knew what His sacrifice would accomplish for God's children. The joy before Him was therefore greater than the suffering He was enduring. Pastor Leonard connects this to the importance of mental focus. Jesus did not allow the immediate suffering to become the only reality occupying His attention. He remained aware of the greater purpose and the joy associated with its fulfillment.
This becomes an important example for believers. When difficult circumstances arise, there is a greater reality to consider than the immediate problem. The pastors encourage believers to become increasingly aware of the truths of their relationship with God rather than allowing painful or discouraging circumstances to dominate their thinking.
Colossians 3 Becoming Acquainted with Throne Room Realities
Pastor Lori turns to Colossians chapter 3, explaining that she has been spending considerable time studying this passage. She describes returning to it night after night and receiving fresh understanding from the Holy Spirit.
Although she has read the passage in several translations, she particularly appreciates the language of the Mirror Translation. She begins with verse 2, which emphasizes becoming acquainted with heavenly or throne room thoughts.
Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Pastor Lori explains that becoming familiar with the realities of heaven helps keep believers from becoming distracted by earthly circumstances. The emphasis is on what occupies the mind. Rather than continually focusing on the limitations and difficulties of the natural world, believers are encouraged to direct their thoughts toward the realities of their relationship with Christ.
She describes these as throne room realities. These are the truths connected with being united with Christ, sharing in His life, and understanding the believer's position in Him.
Pastor Lori is excited by the thought that believers can become so familiar with these truths that they begin influencing how they think throughout the day. She repeatedly emphasizes the importance of becoming affectionately acquainted with these realities.
This is more than simply knowing that certain biblical statements exist. It involves allowing those truths to become familiar, meaningful, and central to the way a person understands life. Pastor Lori believes that such thinking can dramatically change a believer's experience.
Our Life Hidden with Christ in God
Pastor Lori continues into the next verses of Colossians, drawing attention to the believer's security and union with Christ.
Colossians 3:3 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
She describes being deeply moved by the picture of her life hidden with Christ in God. The Mirror Translation uses the imagery of a fortress, which captures her imagination. She begins picturing herself securely located in a fortress with Christ and God.
Rather than imagining a small cave or inadequate shelter, she pictures a magnificent, secure fortress containing everything she could possibly need. The image communicates safety, provision, and belonging.
Pastor Lori asks viewers to consider how secure they are when their lives are hidden with Christ in God. She encourages them to place their thoughts within that reality. Instead of mentally living in insecurity or fear, believers can begin seeing themselves as securely positioned in Christ.
She then continues to the following verse.
Colossians 3:4 “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Pastor Lori explains that Christ's life reveals the believer's true identity. She is especially moved by the teaching that the life revealed in Christ is also reflected in those who belong to Him.
The believer's life and Christ's life are connected through union with Him. She describes the beauty of recognizing that His life reveals who believers are, and their lives reveal Him. This understanding is central to her excitement about renewing the mind.
If believers consistently thought about their union with Christ, their security in Him, and the life they share with Him, she believes their daily experiences would be transformed. The goal is to become increasingly conscious of what is already true in Christ.
Relocating Our Thinking into Our True Identity
Pastor Leonard joins the discussion by drawing attention to the opening verse of Colossians chapter 3.
Colossians 3:1 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ seated on the right hand of God.”
He explains that different translations use expressions such as setting the heart or setting the mind on things above. He is particularly interested in the strength of the word set.
To him, this suggests something established, fixed, firmly positioned, or cemented in place. The believer's mind is not meant to visit the realities of Christ occasionally and then immediately return to being dominated by earthly circumstances.
Instead, the mind can become firmly established in the truth of the believer's union with Christ.
Pastor Lori then returns to the Mirror Translation's description of mentally relocating into throne room realities. Pastor Leonard uses an everyday illustration to explain what relocation means.
He and Pastor Lori previously lived in Beacon, New York, before moving to Fishkill. Once they relocated, Fishkill became their home. They no longer lived in Beacon. He applies this same concept to thinking.
Believers are encouraged to relocate their minds from old patterns of thought into the realities of their new life in Christ. Just as someone physically changes their place of residence, believers can change where they mentally live. Their thinking can become established in their identity in Christ rather than remaining centered on fear, inadequacy, or the limitations of earthly circumstances.
Pastor Leonard stresses that this new location is not imaginary. He describes it as the truth of the believer's reality in Christ. The challenge is to bring one's thinking into agreement with that reality.
Focusing on the Eternal Rather Than the Temporary
Pastor Lori continues by reading from 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what is eternal rather than what is immediately visible.
2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
The pastors explain that what appears obvious to the physical senses is not the whole story. The circumstances people see and experience belong to the temporary realm. There is also an unseen, eternal reality that deserves their attention.
Pastor Lori emphasizes the importance of directing the mind toward this greater reality. Rather than measuring life exclusively by what is visible, believers can become increasingly conscious of what God has accomplished in Christ. This is closely connected to her earlier teaching from Colossians.
Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
The instruction is to direct attention toward heavenly realities rather than allowing earthly circumstances to dominate the mind. Pastor Lori sees this as a deliberate choice. The believer can learn to focus on the eternal truths of Christ's life, presence, and union with His people.
Pastor Leonard reinforces the idea by encouraging viewers to relocate their thinking. The temporary circumstances of life may be real experiences, but they are not the only realities believers are invited to consider. Their identity and life in Christ belong to something greater and lasting.
Living, Moving, and Having Our Being in Christ
Pastor Lori recalls another Scripture passage that has become meaningful to her.
At first, she cannot remember the exact reference, but Pastor Leonard identifies it as Acts chapter 17, verse 28.
Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
Pastor Lori reflects on the significance of living, moving, and having one's being in God. She applies this truth to the believer's life in Christ. If believers understand that their very existence is connected with Him, their thinking can begin reflecting that relationship. She explains that becoming conscious of living in Christ will influence thoughts, actions, speech, and even how the body responds.
For Pastor Lori, this is another expression of throne room thinking. It means becoming increasingly aware of the presence and life of Christ rather than thinking as though one is separated from Him. She encourages believers to recognize that renewing the mind does not need to be complicated. The process involves continually returning attention to Jesus and the truths revealed in Him.
As believers see themselves in Christ, they begin to recognize their true identity. Pastor Lori expresses her expectation that this kind of renewed thinking will lead to wonderful changes and miraculous experiences. She sees transformation as the natural result of becoming increasingly established in the truth of who believers are in Christ.
The Coffee and Water Illustration: Renewing the Soul
Pastor Leonard shares a memorable illustration he previously used while teaching about renewing the mind. He describes filling a clear glass with dark-roasted coffee. The coffee was very dark, nearly black, and the glass was full. He explains that the glass represented the soul. The dark coffee illustrated the thoughts and patterns of thinking that can occupy a person's mind. He then connects the illustration to the biblical teaching about transformation through renewing the mind.
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Pastor Leonard explains that believers experience the realities of the gospel and kingdom living as their minds become renewed. He then describes taking a pitcher of clean water and beginning to pour it into the glass of dark coffee. As the clean water continually entered the glass, the dark coffee was gradually displaced. Before long, the glass no longer contained the dark coffee. It was filled with clear water.
This illustrated what happens when the mind is continually filled with the truth of God's Word and the realities of life in Christ. The old thinking is displaced by the new.
Pastor Leonard then describes the next part of his demonstration. He introduced coffee back into the clear water. The water began turning brown and murky. When the flow of clean water stopped and the coffee continued to be introduced, the contents eventually became dark again. The illustration demonstrated the importance of continually renewing the mind.
It is not simply a matter of hearing a truth once and expecting that truth to remain the dominant influence forever. Believers benefit from continually directing their attention toward Christ and becoming established in His finished work.
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the importance of fixing, setting, and relocating the mind. The clear water represents the continual introduction of truth, while the dark coffee illustrates the old thinking that can return when attention is redirected toward it. The illustration is not presented as a call to struggle against negative thoughts through sheer willpower.
Instead, it shows the value of continually filling the mind with what is true about Jesus and the believer's identity in Him.
Pastor Lori responds enthusiastically. She explains that this process has been changing her life and that she finds it exciting rather than burdensome. She wants to continue learning and discovering more throne room realities. Her attitude is one of eagerness and expectation as she asks the Holy Spirit to continue revealing these truths.
Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
Pastor Leonard connects Pastor Lori's experience to another passage from Paul's writings.
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.”
He explains that transformation occurs as believers continue looking into the mirror of God's Word and recognizing themselves in Christ. Pastor Lori has been repeatedly returning to Scripture, considering the truths of her union with Jesus and receiving deeper understanding.
Pastor Leonard describes this as seeing herself in Christ, with Christ, and united with Christ. As she becomes increasingly aware of these realities, transformation takes place. He emphasizes that this transformation is brought about by the Holy Spirit. The believer's role is not to force change through religious effort.
Instead, believers behold the truth of who they are in Christ, and the Holy Spirit brings about transformation. This is an important distinction within the pastors' teaching on grace. Renewing the mind is not intended to become another source of pressure, guilt, or condemnation. It is an opportunity to discover what Christ has already accomplished and allow those truths to become established in the soul.
Pastor Leonard describes the process as effortless in the sense that the Holy Spirit is the one bringing about the transformation. As believers continue seeing themselves in Christ, they are changed from glory to glory.
Pastor Lori's excitement illustrates the joy that can accompany this process. She is not approaching Scripture as a burden or an obligation. She is discovering truths that continually deepen her understanding of God's love and her identity in Jesus.
Continuing to Grow in Grace and Revelation
As the teaching approaches its conclusion, Pastor Lori emphasizes that believers cannot hear these truths too often. She explains that she has been reading the same passages for several weeks, yet the Holy Spirit continues showing her more. Each time she returns to the Scriptures, she discovers something that strengthens her understanding.
She believes the truths of grace, redemption, righteousness, God's love, and the importance of thinking deserve continual attention. Even if the pastors preach these subjects repeatedly, she does not believe the message becomes unnecessary. The more believers understand these realities, the more deeply they can influence daily life.
Pastor Leonard agrees and announces that an upcoming Sunday message will connect Jesus' prayer in John chapter 17 with Paul's teaching about the gospel of grace. He explains that the prayer of Jesus and Paul's teaching are completely compatible.
The themes he intends to explore include the believer's union with Christ, oneness with God, righteousness, justification, and being loved. He encourages viewers to watch for that message.
The reference to John chapter 17 is a preview of the next teaching rather than a detailed exposition of the chapter in this session.
Pastor Lori returns to the importance of continuing to fill the mind with truth. She wants viewers to recognize that this process can be enjoyable. Rather than becoming discouraged by the old patterns of thinking that need to change, believers can be encouraged by the wonderful truths continually being revealed to them. The emphasis remains on Jesus and the life believers already possess in Him.
Closing Encouragement: Living in the Miraculous Realities of the Soul
Pastor Lori closes with an encouraging reminder to enjoy the process of renewing the mind.
Referring again to the coffee and water illustration, she encourages believers to have fun as the old, dark thinking is displaced by the clear water of truth. Her enthusiasm reflects the central message of the teaching. Believers do not need to approach transformation as an exhausting religious project.
They can continually discover more about Jesus, their union with Him, and the realities of God's grace. As their attention becomes established in these truths, their thinking begins to change.
Pastor Leonard reinforces the encouragement and once again reminds viewers about Deep Grace Bible School. He invites them to explore the courses and classes, explaining that the school is designed to introduce believers to truths about the covenant of grace that they may not have encountered in their previous biblical education.
He expresses confidence that the teaching will help people experience greater freedom. The pastors conclude by thanking viewers for their love, encouragement, and support.
They express their affection for the audience and encourage everyone to return for the upcoming Sunday teaching. The message leaves believers with a practical and hopeful invitation: continue directing your thoughts toward Christ. Become familiar with the realities of your union with Him.
Recognize that your life is hidden with Christ in God. Remember that the things seen are temporary, while the unseen realities of God's work are eternal. And continually behold Jesus, trusting the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation. The miraculous realities of the soul begin to be experienced as believers increasingly recognize and embrace the truths of their life in Christ.
We hope this teaching, “MIRACULOUS REALITIES OF THE SOUL,” by Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola has blessed and encouraged you. May you continue growing in the revelation of God's grace, His unconditional love, and your wonderful identity in Jesus Christ. As you renew your mind and become increasingly aware of your union with Him, may you experience greater peace, joy, freedom, and confidence in His finished work. Please share this message with friends, family, and others who would benefit from understanding the life-changing realities of God's grace. Together, we can help more people discover the freedom, righteousness, and love that are theirs in Christ Jesus.