ONLY ONE WAY TO LOOK

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Purpose of the Teaching
2. Announcements and Ministry Context
3. The Grace Journey and Learning Where to Look
4. Healing, Testimonies, and the Trap of Comparison
5. Union With Christ in the New Covenant
6. How Comparison Produces Guilt, Shame, and Pride
7. Faith Comes From Hearing, Not Self-Effort

Introduction and Purpose of the Teaching

Pastors Leonard and Lori begin by explaining that what they are sharing is not merely encouragement, but an explanation. They clarify that this teaching is intentionally divided into two parts, with this message serving as part one. They ask listeners to remain open and patient, assuring them that part two will follow shortly. This sets the expectation that the teaching is progressive and meant to be thoughtfully received rather than rushed.

Announcements and Ministry Context

They greet the audience warmly and share personal updates, including Pastor Lori’s rapid recovery after a health issue, which they attribute to unity in prayer and communion. Leonard emphasizes the goodness of God and expresses gratitude to the congregation for their continued support. They also announce an upcoming ministry visit by Jean Tringale at New Life Ministry, describing her heart, ministry travels, and use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This context frames the teaching within an active, grace-centered ministry environment focused on love, prayer, and freedom.

The Grace Journey and Learning Where to Look

The pastors explain that the Lord has placed them in a specific lane of ministry, one centered on freeing people through the true gospel of grace. Leonard recalls how this journey began during Pastor Lori’s search for healing. He remembers clearly telling her not to look at people, but to look at Jesus. This instruction became foundational for their understanding of grace. They explain that their calling is to minister without works, effort, or religious striving, and to remove guilt, shame, condemnation, inferiority, pride, and arrogance from believers’ lives by keeping the focus entirely on Christ.

Healing, Testimonies, and the Trap of Comparison

They share a personal discussion about healing testimonies during Pastor Lori’s illness with colonic inertia. Lori explains that she did not search for testimonies of people healed from her specific condition. Instead, she searched the Word to know whether healing was possible. Testimonies later served as encouragement, but not as the foundation of her faith. Leonard explains that at that time, they were uncertain about healing, having been taught ideas such as sickness being from chastisement or character-building. He points out that during that season, they still looked to other people to validate whether God heals. This habit of looking outward rather than to Jesus is identified as a core problem still affecting believers today.

Union With Christ in the New Covenant

Leonard explains that they were never taught the truth of union with Christ under the new covenant. He specifically references Romans chapter 6, verses 4 and 5, explaining that believers are united with Christ in His burial and resurrection.

Romans 6:4- Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:5- For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

He explains that being united with Christ means the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in believers, bringing renewal, restoration, and life. They contrast this truth with teachings from the wrong covenant, emphasizing that new covenant truth exhorts believers to rest in Christ rather than strive.

How Comparison Produces Guilt, Shame, and Pride

Leonard explains that comparison is the root of guilt, shame, condemnation, and inferiority. When believers look at others who seem healed, blessed, or successful, they measure themselves and feel they fall short. Conversely, when they look at those who are struggling, they may feel pride or arrogance. He gives practical examples related to healing and finances, showing how comparison distorts expectations and produces either discouragement or self-righteousness. Both pastors acknowledge that they lived most of their lives under this burden, constantly feeling inferior because they measured themselves against others. Leonard emphasizes that this mindset is not grace, because grace removes all focus from self and places it entirely on Jesus.

Faith Comes From Hearing, Not Self-Effort

Leonard addresses teaching that promotes boasting in faith or authority, explaining that faith is not something believers generate mentally or perform through effort. He clearly states that faith comes by hearing and is energized by knowing God’s love.

Romans 10:17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

He explains that faith flows naturally from hearing the Word and fixing one’s eyes on Jesus, not from self-declared confidence or spiritual bravado. He contrasts true faith with performance-based faith, reinforcing that the only proper direction for believers is to look to Christ alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect on this teaching. We hope this message encourages you to stop comparing, lay down guilt and shame, and fix your eyes fully on Jesus. If this article blessed you, please share it with others so they, too, can experience the freedom found in the true gospel of grace.