REST AND BE FREE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: From Legalism to Grace
2. The Context of Romans 12:2
3. The Transformation of the Renewed Mind
4. The Power of Grace Versus Law
5. What Keeps Us from Rest
6. Taking on the Cares of Others
7. Living Free through Christ (Galatians 5:1–2)
8. The Danger of Returning to Law
9. Closing Encouragement and Ministry Blessing

Introduction: From Legalism to Grace

Pastor Leonard begins by joyfully greeting everyone and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the truth God has revealed to them. He recalls his salvation in November 1975 and how, for many years, he lived steeped in legalism, law, guilt, shame, and condemnation. For 35 years, he and Pastor Lori were dedicated to “serving the Lord,” yet much of it was under the bondage of religious performance rather than resting in grace.

About twelve to thirteen years ago, a transformation began as God opened their eyes to the true gospel of grace. Since then, their lives have changed drastically in every area—relationships, finances, healing, and personal peace. The pastors acknowledge that this transformation was the result of renewing their minds to God’s Word, especially the gospel of grace, as written in 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.”

The Context of Romans 12:2

Pastor Leonard explains that Romans 12:2 must be understood within its full context. The Apostle Paul wrote to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, who were divided, each thinking they were superior. The Jewish believers boasted in having the Law, while the Gentiles felt differently privileged. Paul’s mission was to destroy that division by showing that all are made righteous through faith and grace, not by works of the Law.

He reminds us that the book of Romans continually contrasts faith and grace versus law and legalism. Even after the resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of the new covenant, many still clung to the covenant of law, allowing it to maintain a foothold in their hearts. Therefore, when Paul said, “be not conformed to this world,” he was referring to being conformed to the old system of law and self-righteousness.

The Transformation of the Renewed Mind

Paul’s instruction to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” means believers must continually renew their thinking to align with the gospel of grace. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Paul begins Romans by declaring, Romans 1:16- “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Transformation happens when believers renew their minds to grace, faith, and righteousness. The result is a changed life in every area—spiritual, emotional, and physical. When people stop being conformed to law and start believing the gospel, their minds and lives begin to reflect God’s goodness.

The love of God becomes the foundation for this transformation, as written in 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.”

The Power of Grace Versus Law

Pastor Leonard stresses that when you renew your mind to grace, you automatically experience transformation. He warns against conforming to the present evil age of law and legalism—a mindset that says you must earn God’s approval through works.

The message of grace leads to rest, peace, and joy, while legalism keeps believers striving, fearful, and condemned. The pastors’ mission, or as they call it, their “lane,” is to help people experience transformation through mind renewal—specifically by resting in God’s finished work.

What Keeps Us from Rest

Pastor Leonard transitions to the core question: What keeps us from entering the rest God has promised? He answers using Romans 12:2 , explaining that legalism and the law rob believers of rest. When guilt, shame, and condemnation are present, it is usually because people feel they have not “done enough.”

He personally shares how his old vocabulary was filled with phrases like “I haven’t prayed enough,” “I haven’t given enough,” “I haven’t served enough,” and “I haven’t believed enough.” These thoughts were fueled by sermons that emphasized human effort over faith in Christ. Such preaching, rooted in the law, causes people to live under pressure and self-condemnation instead of freedom.

Taking on the Cares of Others

Pastor Lori shares her perspective, especially from a woman’s point of view. She admits that she also struggled with feeling like she hadn’t done enough, but adds that she often took on the cares and burdens of others. As a mother, friend, and believer, she thought that carrying others’ problems was an expression of godly care.
However, she realized this mindset was rooted in a works mentality—believing that everything depended on her effort rather than God’s grace. Taking on the weight of others’ issues led to emotional exhaustion and robbed her of rest. Pastor Leonard agrees, affirming that this “care-taking through works” is another form of law-based living that prevents true rest.

Living Free through Christ (Galatians 5:1–2)

Pastor Leonard reads from Galatians 5- declaring the truth of freedom in Christ: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
|He passionately emphasizes that Jesus has set believers completely free—not partially free. Freedom in Christ is total and wonderful. Believers are called to cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into bondage.
He warns from the following verse that those who seek righteousness through the law—such as circumcision or religious regulations—are acting as though Jesus’ finished work is not enough. This attitude re-entangles believers in the very bondage that Christ came to break.

The Danger of Returning to Law

Pastor Leonard continues explaining that when people focus on “I must do” or “I have to do” rather than trusting in what Jesus has done, they unknowingly place themselves back under the law. When believers think, “I haven’t been praying enough, I haven’t been good enough, I haven’t done enough,” they create a mindset of self-condemnation and unworthiness.

This belief system makes it hard to rest or believe that God’s blessings apply to them. Pastor Leonard reminds listeners that no man can keep the law, and that is why Jesus came to fulfill it and set us free. Living in freedom through the Spirit and the love of God brings victory over every situation.

Closing Encouragement and Ministry Blessing

As the session concludes, Pastor Lori expresses her excitement and gratitude for the living Word of God, describing it as active, powerful, and alive within her. She says the Holy Spirit takes the written Word and makes it personal, turning it into a rhema word that speaks directly to the believer’s heart.
Pastor Leonard thanks everyone for joining and encourages them to tune in for Sunday’s message, which will continue and deepen this teaching. He reminds the audience that the ministry depends on their prayers and financial support and invites them to give through the website or by mail. Together, they close by reminding viewers that their giving makes them “God’s hand extended.”

We hope this teaching, “REST AND BE FREE,” blessed you and helped you see the beauty of living in God’s grace. True rest comes when you stop striving and start trusting in what Jesus has already done. Share this message with others who need freedom from guilt, worry, or striving, and remember—you are completely and wonderfully free in Christ.