Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize that through Jesus Christ, all separation between God and humanity has been completely removed. They explain that the cross did not merely forgive sin but destroyed the belief that we are distant from God. Through scriptures, they reveal that believers are fully united with Christ—sharing His identity, love, and position before the Father. The message challenges traditional teachings that promote guilt, shame, and condemnation, replacing them with the truth of oneness and union with God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to renew their minds and live in the reality that they are already one with Him.
Bible verses referenced
John 17:22-23- “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 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.”
Luke 15:4- “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Luke 15:8- “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?”
Romans 6:4-5- “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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
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.”
Ephesians 2:6- “And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”
Ephesians 4:23-24- “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Preparing for Good Friday and the Message of Grace
- The Purpose of the Cross: Destroying the Separation Lie
- Jesus’ Prayer in John 17: Perfect Oneness with the Father
- The Lie of Separation from the Beginning
- God’s Pursuit of Humanity: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
- Union with Christ: Raised, Seated, and One with Him
- Living from Union: The End of Separation and Sin Consciousness
- The Impact of Wrong Teaching: Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
- Renewing the Mind: Walking in Your True Identity
- Conclusion: Living in Oneness with God
Introduction: Preparing for Good Friday and the Message of Grace
The pastors begin by connecting this teaching to the significance of Good Friday. They emphasize that while many teachings focus on the law, Jesus came to lift humanity above it and bring believers into grace, love, righteousness, and identity in Him. The foundation of this message is that believers must understand who they truly are—holy, righteous, and fully accepted by God.
They stress that the purpose of revisiting these truths is to reinforce the understanding that God’s intention has always been for humanity to live in union with Him, not in fear or separation.
The Purpose of the Cross: Destroying the Separation Lie
Pastor Leonard explains that one of the primary reasons Jesus went to the cross was to annihilate the belief that humans are separated from God. He strongly challenges the idea that “sin separates us from God,” calling it a false teaching that keeps people in bondage.
He declares that there is no more separation because Jesus dealt with it fully. Through His finished work, believers are now one with God. This truth must replace any teaching that creates feelings of distance, unworthiness, or disconnection.
The message emphasizes that Jesus not only dealt with sin but also removed the entire concept of separation, restoring humanity into perfect unity with God.
Jesus’ Prayer in John 17: Perfect Oneness with the Father
Pastor Lori highlights Jesus’ prayer to the Father, emphasizing its importance because the Father always hears Him.
John 17:22-23- “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”
They explain that Jesus is declaring that the same glory, love, and relationship He has with the Father has been given to believers. This means that God views and loves believers the same way He loves Jesus.
The pastors emphasize that this truth is foundational: believers are not second-class or distant—they are fully included in the same love and unity as Christ Himself.
The Lie of Separation from the Beginning
The teaching goes back to the Garden of Eden, explaining that even after Adam sinned, God did not separate Himself from humanity. Instead, God came looking for Adam. This demonstrates that God never initiated separation. Instead, it was a shift in Adam’s mindset—he believed the lie and hid in shame.
The pastors explain that the concept of separation originated from deception, not from God’s heart. God’s
consistent action throughout history has been to pursue humanity, not abandon it.
God’s Pursuit of Humanity: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
Using Jesus’ parables, the pastors reinforce the idea that God always seeks out humanity.
Luke 15:4- “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Luke 15:8- “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?”
They explain that these parables reveal God’s nature—He searches, pursues, and restores. If separation were real, God would not seek out the lost. This reinforces the truth that God has always been moving toward humanity, not away from it.
Union with Christ: Raised, Seated, and One with Him
The pastors then shift to Paul’s teachings, emphasizing union with Christ as a central doctrine.
Romans 6:4-5- “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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
Ephesians 2:6- “And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”
They explain that believers are not separate observers but participants in Christ’s death, resurrection, and position. This means believers are already united with Him, seated with Him, and living in His authority. This union eliminates any possibility of separation.
Living from Union: The End of Separation and Sin Consciousness
The pastors emphasize that, because believers are united with Christ, there is no longer a “sin separation factor.” They explain that sin has been dealt with, and believers must stop living with a consciousness of separation.
They encourage believers to think differently—to see themselves as one with Christ, fully accepted, and living in His love, rest, and mercy. This shift in thinking is essential for experiencing the fullness of what Christ has accomplished.
The Impact of Wrong Teaching: Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
The pastors strongly warn against teachings that produce guilt, shame, and condemnation.
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.”
They define:
Guilt = “I did something wrong.”
Shame = “There is something wrong with me.”
Condemnation = “I am judged and beyond forgiveness.”
They explain that these feelings are not from God but from incorrect teaching. The cross removed all three, and believers must reject any message that brings them back.
Renewing the Mind: Walking in Your True Identity
The pastors emphasize that the remaining battle is in the mind. Ephesians 4:23-24- “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
They explain that believers must “put on” their new identity by changing how they think. The truth is already established, but it must be believed and embraced. As believers renew their minds to the truth of union with Christ, transformation will occur in every area of life—healing, provision, relationships, and more.
Conclusion: Living in Oneness with God
The pastors conclude by reaffirming that believers are fully included in the same unity and love that exists between the Father and Jesus. There is no separation, no distance, and no barrier.
They encourage believers to embrace this truth, reject teachings that contradict it, and live confidently in their identity as one with Christ.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the freedom of knowing there is no separation between them and God, and that they are fully united with Him through Jesus Christ.