Teaching summary
In this passionate message, Pastor Leonard Rola reminds us that the Christian life is not lived by seeking revival from an external source but by releasing the Spirit of God already within us. Using Jesus’ proclamation at the Feast of Tabernacles as the foundation, Pastor Leonard explains that rivers of living water flow from our innermost being when we believe. This message encourages believers to live from the overflow of God’s Spirit—overflowing in love, healing, power, and provision. Revival is not “there”—it's here, inside every believer, waiting to be released.
Bible verses referenced
John 7:37-39- "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
John 1:12-13-"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God."
Acts 1:8- "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 2:1-4- "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Romans 8:11- "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
2 Corinthians 5:20- "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Message of Love, Not Condemnation
- The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus’ Bold Proclamation
- The Living Water Flows From Within
- God's Provision in the Wilderness
- Jesus Is the Fulfillment of the Feast
- The Gushing Waters of the Spirit
- Receiving the Fullness at Salvation
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- Living as a Witness and a Billboard
- Pastor Leonard’s Healing Testimony
- Overflow Through Worship and Belief
- Pentecost and the First Outpouring
- The Overflow Heals and Attracts
- The Baptism Debate and Walking by Faith
- Revival Is Not “There”—It’s Already “Here”
Introduction: A Message of Love, Not Condemnation
Pastor Leonard opens the message with a powerful testimony of sharing God’s love with a man on the street. Instead of condemning him, Pastor Leonard says:
"I have a special message from God. He is madly and deeply, and passionately involved. There's nothing you can do to make him love you anymore. There's nothing you'll ever do to make him love you any less." He reminds listeners that God’s love is demonstrated through the sending of Jesus Christ.
The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus’ Bold Proclamation
The message pivots to John 7, where Jesus speaks during the Feast of Tabernacles.
John 7:37-38-"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." This proclamation wasn’t made in a quiet moment—it was a bold cry during a joyous feast.
The Living Water Flows From Within
Jesus describes the Spirit as something that flows from within, not something that comes from the outside.
John 7:39- "(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)". Pastor Leonard emphasizes: once you’re filled, you overflow—and this overflow is meant to continue pouring out.
God's Provision in the Wilderness
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews remembered their deliverance from Egypt. Pastor Leonard highlights that God didn’t just provide mana and water, but "shelter"—they had places to live, food to eat, wealth, and health.
Jesus Is the Fulfillment of the Feast
Reading from the Mirror Study Bible, Pastor Leonard points out that Jesus, standing before the pool, declared Himself the fulfillment of every prophetic picture:
"I am the fulfillment of that. Your provision, your protection, your redemption, your deliverance, your healing, your wholeness."
The Gushing Waters of the Spirit
He describes how Jesus made this declaration in front of the Pool of Siloam, which was continually "gushing" with water. The Greek word means a forceful eruption, similar to a geyser. That’s the imagery Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit.
Receiving the Fullness at Salvation
John 1:12- "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" When we believe, we receive the Holy Spirit "instantly and in full", not in parts or pieces. This counters religious teachings that suggest a delay or separate “baptism” experience to receive fullness.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8- "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses."This power is for witnessing and "living as billboards" of God’s goodness. Not barely surviving, but thriving visibly in health, provision, and peace.
Living as a Witness and a Billboard
Christians should be "living billboards" of God’s blessings. When people see us, they should see health, joy, provision, and peace. That’s part of being a witness—people are drawn to the "overflow" coming from within.
Pastor Leonard’s Healing Testimony
Pastor Leonard shares his journey through chemotherapy and radiation. Though weak during the week, when he came to church or taught, people saw more anointing than ever before. It was the outpouring. "It was always there. But I wasn’t letting it out."
Overflow Through Worship and Belief
He began to "release" what was already inside—through worship, belief, and faith. The Spirit didn’t need to be added. It was already deposited and waiting for expression.
Pentecost and the First Outpouring
Acts 2:1-4- "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come… they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." This wasn’t a second event—it was their "first encounter" with the Spirit. This was when they were "born again", not a reintroduction.
The Overflow Heals and Attracts
The example of Peter’s shadow healing people is used to illustrate "overflow". This same overflow draws people like a magnet, just as people were drawn to Jesus. He lived in the "overflow"—of love, mercy, healing, provision, and power.
The Baptism Debate and Walking by Faith
Pastor Leonard challenges the teaching that speaking in tongues is the sole evidence of Holy Spirit baptism. If we say someone is not baptized unless they speak in tongues, we are "walking by sight, not by faith". We receive everything the moment we believe. Tongues are "part of the overflow", not proof of the Spirit’s presence.
Revival Is Not “There
People rush to revival events thinking revival is a place—Kentucky, Colorado, Dallas.
But Jesus says: "You’re there. You're already there." Romans 8:11- "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he… shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." Revival doesn’t come "down"—it comes "out". It is within every born-again believer, waiting to "overflow".
We hope this article blessed you. Remember, everything you need—healing, love, power, peace—is already within you through Christ. Let it out. Live in the overflow. Share this teaching with others and encourage them to discover the rivers of living water flowing from within.