Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the supreme truth that believers are fully justified, declared righteous, and at peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. They explain how many secondary truths—like standing in faith, commanding healing, or planting the Word—are often wrongly elevated to the main truth, leading to condemnation, guilt, and works mentality. The true foundation is resting in God’s love and acceptance, knowing that believers are already acquitted and qualified. From this place of rest, other truths find their proper expression.
Bible verses referenced
Mark 9:23-24- Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
John 10:27- My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Ephesians 4:24- And that ye put on the new man, which is created in righteousness and true holiness after God.
Ephesians 1:6- To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Romans 4:25- Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Romans 3:24-26- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of past sins, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Romans 5:1- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:12- Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Morning Encouragement and Prayer for the People
- The Trap of Works and Performance
- Secondary Truths Versus The Truth
- The Importance of Rest and Relationship with Abba
- Understanding Righteousness and Justification
- Living as Fully Qualified and Partakers in Christ
7. Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Morning Encouragement and Prayer for the People
Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori open by encouraging viewers, sharing how they start their day with prayer not only for themselves and their family but also for every member of their ministry. They express gratitude for letters and support, specifically mentioning a letter from Terry Freriedman, which deeply moved them. They remind the listeners that any support given is not to grow their kingdom but God's kingdom, helping believers grow in the understanding of their new creation realities.
The Trap of Works and Performance
Pastor Leonard teaches that many believers fall into the trap of trying to earn healing or blessings through works. He recalls how people are taught to "plant the Word" and avoid "digging up the seed," but this focus often brings guilt, shame, and condemnation. Pastor Lori shares how these teachings filled her with anxiety, always questioning what she did wrong. Pastor Leonard clarifies that while these are truths, they are not the truth, which is always rooted in God's love and grace.
Secondary Truths Versus The Truth
Pastor Leonard discusses how teachings about commanding sickness or using authority often place people under pressure, leaving them feeling they lack enough faith. They reference Mark 9:23-24- "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
They explain that Jesus did not reject the father for his unbelief but helped him, illustrating that grace helps overcome unbelief, showing how love and grace—the truth—give expression to other truths.
The Importance of Rest and Relationship with Abba
They emphasize John 10:27- "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Believers are encouraged to rest in God's love, to hear His voice, and to quiet themselves before Him. Pastor Leonard teaches that faith works when it is birthed from the voice of God, not through mental effort. True faith arises when God makes the Word alive in our hearts.
Understanding Righteousness and Justification
Pastor Lori reads Ephesians 4:24- "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." They explain how man was created to stand face to face with God, and this was restored through Jesus. Pastor Leonard references Ephesians 1:6- "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." He also clarifies that our formal declaration of not guilty happened at the resurrection, citing Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
Pastor Lori reads Romans 3:24-26- "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." They explain how every record of our sin was expunged, meaning fully erased, never to be held against us.
Living as Fully Qualified and Partakers in Christ
They read Romans 5:1-"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." and Colossians 1:12- "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."
Pastor Leonard teaches that we are not working to gain peace with God—we already have it. We are made fully qualified by God to receive all He has for us. They urge believers to rest in this main truth—that God loves you, has declared you righteous, and made you worthy.
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Pastor Lori concludes by reminding believers that they are partakers of the inheritance of the saints, encouraging everyone to partake freely of all that God has given them in Christ. Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori express their love for the listeners and encourage them to rest in the truth of God’s love and righteousness.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too may rest in the love, grace, and righteousness of Jesus Christ.