TRUTH VS LIE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Growing in Grace and Revelation
2. The Key Distinction: New Testament vs New Covenant
3. The Foundation of Truth: Jesus’ Finished Work
4. Declared Righteous by Faith Alone
5. Paul’s Battle Against Mixture
6. Training Timothy in Truth
7. The Reality of Spiritual Conflict
8. Recognizing the Language of the Lie
9. Standing Firm in the Gospel of Grace
10. Closing Encouragement: Walking in Freedom

Introduction: Growing in Grace and Revelation

The message begins with encouragement to grow deeper in grace. Pastor Leonard explains that the more a person understands grace, the more revelation continues to unfold. This ongoing revelation is tied to a desire to truly know Christ—His suffering, His resurrection, and the believer’s union with Him.

He reflects on years of praying for wisdom and revelation, and how those prayers are being answered as deeper understanding continues to come. The central idea is that grace is not static—it expands in understanding and brings increasing freedom.

The Key Distinction: New Testament vs New Covenant

A major theme introduced early is the distinction between the New Testament and the New Covenant. Pastor Leonard explains that many believers mistakenly treat everything in the New Testament as if it belongs fully to the New Covenant.

However, during the time the New Testament writings were occurring, there was still a transition happening. The Old Covenant had not yet fully faded or been completely understood as fulfilled. Because of this, there is a mixture of teachings—some reflecting the Old Covenant and others reflecting the New Covenant of grace.

This misunderstanding leads people to accept everything equally as truth for today, when in reality, some of it applies to a different covenantal context.

The Foundation of Truth: Jesus’ Finished Work

The pastors emphasize that the New Covenant of grace is entirely based on Jesus’ finished work. There is no additional sacrifice required, no additional offering needed.
Jesus was the final and complete sacrifice. Through His one offering, believers are perfected and sanctified forever. This is the foundation of truth—what Christ has already accomplished, not what humans must do. Anything that adds human effort to this finished work begins to move away from truth and into a lie.

Declared Righteous by Faith Alone

Pastor Leonard highlights the truth of righteousness through faith by referencing Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

He explains that Jesus’ resurrection was for our justification—our declaration of righteousness. This means righteousness is not earned; it is declared by God. He continues by explaining that believers now have peace with God because of this righteousness, not because of works or effort.

He also references Colossians 1:12- "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

This verse reinforces that it is God who qualifies believers, not their own actions. Righteousness is the qualification, and it comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Paul’s Battle Against Mixture

The message then shifts to the Apostle Paul and his constant battle against mixture. Paul had to fight against those who tried to bring believers back under the law of Moses. This mixture—combining law and grace—was the core issue Paul addressed repeatedly. He opposed those who tried to add works to the gospel.

The pastors explain that this same battle continues today. Many believers still mix law and grace, leading to confusion and a distorted understanding of the gospel.

Training Timothy in Truth

Pastor Lori reads from 2 Timothy 3:10- "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,"

This passage is used to show how Paul trained Timothy—not just in knowledge, but in living out the truth of grace.

Paul’s goal was for Timothy to understand Christ deeply—His love, their union with Him, and the reality of righteousness through faith. Pastor Leonard explains that when Paul speaks of “faith,” he is specifically referring to faith in Jesus Christ for righteousness.

He connects this to Romans 1:16-17- "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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

This reinforces that the gospel reveals righteousness and that believers live by faith—not by works.

The Reality of Spiritual Conflict

The pastors then describe the intense opposition Paul faced—beatings, imprisonment, and even being stoned and left for dead. Despite this, Paul continued preaching the gospel of grace. His strength came from his understanding of his union with Christ and the truth of the gospel.

This illustrates that standing in truth will often bring opposition, especially when confronting deeply rooted religious beliefs.

Recognizing the Language of the Lie

A key practical teaching is learning to recognize the “language of the lie.” Pastor Leonard identifies phrases like “you have to,” “you need to,” and “you must do” as indicators of mixture. These phrases shift focus from Christ’s finished work to human effort. This subtle shift leads believers away from freedom and into bondage.

The pastors emphasize that these teachings keep people from experiencing the full liberty and power of the gospel of grace.

Standing Firm in the Gospel of Grace

The message encourages believers to stand firm in the truth of grace and to reject mixture. The pastors explain that they no longer entertain teachings that mix law and grace. They commit to preaching pure grace—without works—because the work has already been completed by Jesus.

This truth brings freedom, rest, and healing to believers.

Closing Encouragement: Walking in Freedom

The teaching closes with encouragement to continue walking in this journey with a “grace lens.” Believers are reminded to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to remain confident in the message of grace. The pastors reaffirm their commitment to teaching only grace and encouraging others to live in the freedom it provides.

We hope this article blessed you and helped bring clarity to the difference between truth and lies in the gospel message. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the freedom, rest, and peace that comes from understanding the finished work of Jesus Christ.