Teaching summary
In this first message of the “Powers to Be” series, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola introduce the true gospel of grace—the good news that it’s all about Jesus and His finished work, not our efforts. They explain the difference between the old covenant of law and the new covenant of grace, revealing that God’s focus is on His love for us, not our ability to love Him. Through scripture, they show how God turned everything around through Jesus, demonstrating His unconditional love, removing condemnation, and placing His Spirit within us to continually remind us of His love.
Bible verses referenced
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
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.”
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Romans 5:5 – “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The True Gospel of Grace
- Understanding the Covenants: Law and Grace
- God’s Love Revealed Through Jesus – John 3:16
- The High Priestly Prayer – John 17:23
- No Condemnation in Christ – Romans 8:1
- The Love of God in Our Hearts – Romans 5:5
- God’s Love Proven in Christ’s Sacrifice – Romans 5:8
- Closing: The Message of Grace and Love
Introduction: The True Gospel of Grace
Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori open the message joyfully, welcoming viewers to their first broadcast on the Now Television Network. They introduce themselves as pastors of New Life Church in Fishkill, New York, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the message God has placed on their hearts—the true gospel of grace.
They emphasize that this gospel is all about Jesus. It is not about human effort, striving, or religious works. Pastor Leonard explains that the gospel of grace focuses entirely on what Jesus has already done, not on what we must do. The finished work of Christ is the foundation of the message they’ve been called to share.
Understanding the Covenants: Law and Grace
Pastor Leonard explains that while the entire Bible is true, not all of its truth applies directly to believers under the new covenant. God dealt with humanity through covenants, and today, He relates to us through the covenant of grace.
Many believers fail to understand which covenant they are living under. The old covenant, given through Moses, was based on human effort and obedience to the law. The new covenant, however, is founded on Jesus’ obedience and God’s grace.
Even within the New Testament portion of the Bible, both covenants are addressed. Therefore, it is essential for believers to rightly divide the Word of God, discerning which teachings belong to the old covenant of law and which belong to the new covenant of grace.
God’s Love Revealed Through Jesus – John 3:16
The first revelation God gave to the pastors in their understanding of grace was about love—not our love for God, but God’s love for us.
Pastor Leonard recalls how, under the law, he tried for years to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, yet always felt like he fell short. Pastor Lori points out the impossibility of measuring “how much” love is enough—since everyone’s strength and effort differ.
But under the new covenant, God turned it around. It’s no longer about our love for Him; it’s about understanding and growing in revelation of His love for us.
They read John 3:16, which says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Pastor Leonard explains that this verse shows God’s motivation was love, not anger. God didn’t send Jesus to condemn or judge the world but to save it. The Greek word “cosmos” means the entire world—all creation and every inhabitant. God’s love encompasses everyone, not just a select few.
They further emphasize that Jesus came not to condemn but to save, referencing Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
God’s heart is never condemnation—only love and salvation.
The High Priestly Prayer – John 17:23
The second verse God revealed to them was John 17:23, which reads: “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.”
Pastor Lori explains that this verse is part of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer—a deeply intimate moment in which Jesus prayed to the Father on our behalf. Pastor Leonard highlights the significance: if Jesus prayed it, it must have been something He passionately desired for His followers.
He wasn’t praying that we would overcome trials or avoid temptation; instead, Jesus prayed that we would know how much the Father loves us—with the same love He has for Jesus Himself.
When Pastor Lori first received this revelation, she recalls weeping with awe, realizing that God loves her as much as He loves Jesus. Pastor Leonard affirms that this truth changes everything.
They stress that there’s nothing we can do to make God love us more—and nothing we can do to make Him love us less. His love is already perfect, unconditional, and unwavering.
No Condemnation in Christ – Romans 8:1
Reiterating Romans 8:1, Pastor Leonard reminds listeners: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
He explains that condemnation has no place in the life of a believer. God did not send His Son to condemn us but to set us free. Through Jesus’ finished work, we are forever removed from the punishment and guilt of sin.
Condemnation causes people to focus on their failures, but grace lifts their eyes to Jesus’ success. Under grace, believers can walk in the Spirit—resting in what Christ has already done rather than striving to earn favor.
The Love of God in Our Hearts – Romans 5:5
Next, the pastors turn to Romans 5:5, which says: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Pastor Leonard describes this as one of the most beautiful truths of the new covenant: the love of God has been poured out within us by the Holy Spirit.
He humorously compares the Holy Spirit to a cheerleader, constantly reminding us that we are loved—saying “I love you! I love you!” like a continual encouragement in our hearts.
Every believer carries the voice of the Spirit declaring the truth of God’s love. It’s not something distant or abstract; it is an inward reality continually reaffirmed by the Holy Spirit.
God’s Love Proven in Christ’s Sacrifice – Romans 5:8
Finally, they turn to Romans 5:8, which says: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Pastor Lori reads the verse, and Pastor Leonard explains that this proves God’s love. Even when mankind was in a sinful, lost state, God’s heart was not filled with wrath but with compassion. While we were undeserving, Christ died for us—demonstrating love in its purest form. This act of grace shows that God’s plan from the very beginning was rooted in love, not anger or punishment.
The pastors emphasize that everything—creation, redemption, and restoration—flows from the love of God.
Closing: The Message of Grace and Love
Pastors Leonard and Lori conclude by reaffirming that the foundation of the new covenant is God’s love. It’s not about our striving, effort, or ability to love God perfectly—it’s about resting in His perfect love for us.
They encourage viewers to meditate on these truths: that God loves them as much as He loves Jesus, that there is no condemnation in Christ, and that His Spirit continually reminds us of His love.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they, too, may experience the life-changing truth of God’s unconditional love and the beauty of His grace.