Teaching summary
This sermon by Leonard and Lori Rola emphasizes the absolute nature of grace. Salvation is entirely a gift of God, received by faith, never by works. Any teaching that inserts human effort into the equation of grace distorts the gospel. True grace leads to freedom, righteousness, and an effortless life in Christ. The message also contrasts the old covenant of law with the new covenant of grace, demonstrating that our identity in Christ transforms how we live.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 2:8-10 – "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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God ordained that we should walk in them."
Galatians 5:1 – "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Hebrews 10:9-10– "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 and for all."
Romans 1:16 – "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 6:14 – "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Galatians 3:11-13 – "But that the law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree."
2 Timothy 2:15 – "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
John 5:19– "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."
Galatians 2:20 – "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2 Corinthians 1:21– "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Power of Grace
- The Mixture of Law and Grace
- The Covenant of Law Was Flawed
- Jesus Fulfilled the Law
- The Gift of Salvation by Grace Through Faith
- Understanding Our New Creation Identity
- No More Condemnation Under Grace
- What It Means to Walk in Grace
- The Role of Good Works in the New Covenant
- True Grace Empowers Righteous Living
- Closing: Walking in the Freedom of Christ
Introduction: The Power of Grace
Pastor Leonard opens the sermon by emphasizing the importance of knowing our new life in Christ. He states, "We are removed from the equation of grace except to believe and receive." He references Galatians 5:1 – "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." This liberty is a key theme: we are completely free in Christ, and any doctrine that adds requirements undermines grace.
The Mixture of Law and Grace
Many churches teach a mix of law and grace. Pastor Leonard explains, "It’s always Jesus, but…" – people add works and requirements, making grace conditional.Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear: "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." Grace stands alone. There are no ‘buts.’
The Covenant of Law Was Flawed
The old covenant was not flawless. Pastor Leonard explains that Hebrews 10:9-10 shows that God took away the old to establish the new."The reason why it had flaws was because of us," he says. The law depended on human effort, which always failed.
Jesus Fulfilled the Law
Jesus came to fulfill the law and bring the new covenant. Romans 1:16 states: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. The gospel itself is power. There is no power in our works.
The Gift of Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Pastor Leonard breaks down Ephesians 2:8-9, explaining that salvation is a gift. "Grace and faith are gifts of God, never of works." Romans 6:14 – "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Understanding Our New Creation Identity
Understanding Our New Creation Identity "I am righteous. You are righteous. I am holy. You are holy," Pastor Leonard proclaims. Galatians 2:20 states: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
No More Condemnation Under Grace
Condemnation is a sign of living under the wrong covenant. Galatians 3:11 – "The just shall live by faith." We do not need to strive to earn God’s approval.
What It Means to Walk in Grace
Walking in grace is effortless. "Grace is empowerment," Pastor Leonard says in Romans 6:14 – "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
The Role of Good Works in the New Covenant
Ephesians 2:10 states: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Good works are the fruit, not the root, of our faith.
True Grace Empowers Righteous Living
Pastor Leonard shares how true grace transformed his life. "I used to work hard to love my wife. Now, love flows effortlessly." John 5:19– "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do." When we know our identity, righteousness flows naturally.
Closing: Walking in the Freedom of Christ
Pastor Leonard encourages everyone to stand firm in grace. He invites listeners to revisit the Ephesians series on YouTube and Roku, stating, "This is true grace, without mixture." 2 Corinthians 1:21– "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God."
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