WE ARE KINGS AND PRIESTS

Table of Contents

1. Opening Encouragement and Appreciation for Ministry Supporters
2. Announcing Deep Grace Bible School
3. Romans 5:17: Reigning in Life Through Jesus Christ
4. The Difference Between Adam's Offense and Christ's Restoration
5. Understanding the Abundance of Grace
6. Unmerited Favor Does Not Mean You Have No Worth
7. Why Grace Cannot Be Earned Through Works
8. Escaping the Cycle of Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
9. Abraham: Righteousness Through Believing, Not Working
10. The Free Gift of Righteousness and Justification
11. God Is Not Keeping a Record of Your Sins
12. Salvation, Believing, and the Gift of Grace
13. Healing, Faith, and Resting in God's Love
14. Understanding How Deeply the Father Loves You
15. Becoming the Righteousness of God in Christ
16. Reigning in Life by Receiving God's Gifts
17. Final Encouragement and Closing

Opening Encouragement and Appreciation for Ministry Supporters

Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola begin their teaching with a warm welcome and a message of appreciation for everyone who supports them and New Life Ministry. Since the teaching takes place during October, Pastor Appreciation Month, they express their gratitude for the many cards, letters, emails, text messages, telephone calls, and financial blessings they have received.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that these expressions of love and generosity mean a great deal to both pastors. He explains that the financial support given to the ministry enables them to continue sharing the gospel of grace with others.

Pastor Lori describes their supporters as God's hands extended, emphasizing that their generosity makes the ongoing work of the ministry possible.

Pastor Leonard shares an encouraging observation from the ministry's website analytics, which are connected to their Roku outreach. He reports seeing tens of thousands of views, demonstrating that the message is reaching a growing audience.

For the pastors, these numbers represent more than website activity. They represent people receiving a message that can transform their understanding of God and their relationship with Him.

Pastor Leonard explains that many of God's people continue living under guilt, shame, and condemnation. He emphasizes that these burdens belong to the covenant of law, not the covenant of grace under which believers now live.

The purpose of their ministry is to help people discover the true gospel of grace so they can live free from the condemnation that comes from believing they must earn God's approval.

Announcing Deep Grace Bible School

Pastor Leonard shares an exciting announcement about the launch of Deep Grace Bible School.
He explains that the school has been in development for a long time and that both pastors have worked diligently to prepare it. The purpose of the school is to help believers gain a deeper understanding of their covenant of grace, their gift of righteousness, and the truths available to them through God's Word.

Pastor Leonard expresses his desire for students to develop the ability to study and understand Scripture without depending entirely upon another person to explain it to them. He emphasizes that believers can study God's Word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with tools that help them discover truths they may not previously have recognized or been taught. The school will also teach students how to navigate Bible translations and better understand the meaning of Scripture.

Pastor Leonard acknowledges that translators generally do the best work they can, but he also explains that personal beliefs can influence how a passage is translated or understood. By learning how to examine Scripture more carefully, students can gain greater confidence in their understanding of God's Word and experience its power more fully in their lives.

The pastors encourage viewers to visit the school's website, review the courses and classes, and learn more about the program. They express their excitement about the opportunity to help believers grow in their knowledge of God's grace.

Romans 5:17: Reigning in Life Through Jesus Christ

Pastor Leonard introduces the central Scripture for the teaching, explaining that it is the same passage discussed during the previous Sunday's healing service.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

Pastor Lori first reads the passage from the King James Version and then from the Classic Amplified Bible. The Amplified rendering emphasizes God's overflowing grace, the free gift of righteousness, and the promise that believers will reign as kings in life through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Leonard explains that this verse contains a remarkable truth about what Jesus has accomplished for humanity. The passage presents a contrast between what came through one man's offense and what has been made available through one man, Jesus Christ.

The first part describes death reigning because of one man's transgression. The second part reveals that those who receive God's abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Leonard places particular emphasis on the words “much more.” He explains that what Jesus accomplished is greater than the destruction that entered through the original offense.

Rather than focusing only on the consequences of sin and death, believers should recognize the greater reality of God's grace and righteousness made available through Christ. The promise is not merely that believers will escape the consequences of the past. They are called to reign in life through Jesus Christ.

The Difference Between Adam's Offense and Christ's Restoration

Continuing with the central passage, Pastor Leonard explains that one man's offense brought death into the world.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

He explains that the consequences of this offense included sickness, disease, destruction, and the curse upon the ground. These conditions were not part of the way God originally intended His creation to exist. Death began to reign, and its effects extended into many areas of human existence.

However, Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Jesus came to restore what had been affected. Through His offering and sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what humanity could not accomplish through its own efforts.

Pastor Leonard repeatedly highlights the contrast between the reign of death and the greater provision available through Christ. If death and destruction could reign through one man's offense, then how much more powerful is the life made available through Jesus Christ? The pastors want believers to recognize that the finished work of Jesus provides a greater reality than the consequences of the fall. Through Christ, believers are invited to receive abundant grace and righteousness and experience the life that flows from these gifts.

Understanding the Abundance of Grace

Pastor Leonard turns his attention to the meaning of grace and what it means to receive its abundance.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

He explains that the abundance of grace is not something believers must achieve through their own efforts. Grace is a gift. He connects this truth to the Apostle Paul's teaching in Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that salvation comes through grace and faith, not through human achievement. He observes that when people are asked to define grace, they often provide different explanations. Two common descriptions are “undeserved favor” and “unmerited favor.”

Although these descriptions are widely used, Pastor Leonard explains that he once struggled with them because of the way they can be understood. For him, the simplest and most meaningful understanding of grace is Jesus Christ Himself.

He explains that receiving the abundance of grace means receiving the abundance of Jesus Christ and His righteousness. This is what enables believers to reign in life. The pastors emphasize that grace is not a reward for good behavior or religious accomplishments. It is God's gift, made available through Jesus.

Unmerited Favor Does Not Mean You Have No Worth

Pastor Leonard explains why the terms “unmerited” and “undeserved” once troubled him. He noticed that these words were sometimes presented in a way that made people feel as though they themselves were undeserving of love, value, or acceptance. He strongly challenges that understanding.

Pastor Leonard explains that human beings have value and worth because they are cherished by their Creator. God saw worth in humanity, and His willingness to send Jesus demonstrates the value He places upon people. The problem is not that people have no worth. The problem is that they often fail to recognize the worth God has already placed upon them.

Pastor Leonard explains that he now understands unmerited and undeserved grace differently. These words describe something that cannot be earned through works. They do not mean that the person receiving grace is worthless.

Instead, they emphasize that God's grace cannot be purchased, achieved, or deserved through human performance. The distinction is important because a person who believes they are unworthy may continue struggling with feelings of inferiority and condemnation.

Pastor Leonard encourages believers to recognize that God values them and that Jesus paid the price for what they now receive freely. He emphasizes that believers must come to understand their worth through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Why Grace Cannot Be Earned Through Works

Pastor Leonard continues explaining that grace cannot be earned, regardless of how much effort a person puts forth. He emphasizes that righteousness, blessings, spiritual gifts, and the inheritance God has provided are not obtained through human performance. If these blessings were earned through works, they would become rewards rather than gifts.

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Pastor Leonard explains that the very nature of grace means it is freely given. There is no point at which a believer must begin earning what God has already provided. Grace does not start as a gift and later become a reward system. It remains grace.

He explains that when believers begin thinking they must perform certain actions to receive God's favor, they are returning to the mindset of the covenant of law. Under that mindset, people measure their standing with God according to their own performance.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that no person was able to achieve righteousness through the law. Trying to establish righteousness through human effort only leads people away from the freedom available through the gospel of grace. The pastors repeatedly encourage believers to stop attempting to earn what Jesus has already made available.

Escaping the Cycle of Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation

Pastor Leonard explains that understanding grace as a gift is essential to overcoming guilt, shame, and condemnation. When believers understand that they cannot earn God's grace, they no longer need to measure their relationship with Him according to their own achievements.

Pastor Lori expands on this point by describing how easily a performance-based mindset can develop. A person may begin by believing there is one small thing they must do to earn God's blessing. After doing that thing, they may wonder whether it was enough.

Perhaps they should do more. When the additional effort still does not produce the result they expected, they may conclude that they have not worked hard enough. Pastor Lori describes this as a ball that begins rolling and continues gaining speed. The person becomes trapped in a cycle of increasing effort, uncertainty, guilt, and shame.

Pastor Leonard agrees and adds that this mindset also produces feelings of inferiority. People begin to see themselves as failures because they believe they have not done enough to satisfy God. The pastors explain that this entire way of thinking contradicts the truth of grace.

Jesus has already done what was necessary. Believers are not required to complete an unfinished work in order to obtain God's favor. Understanding this truth removes the constant question of whether they have done enough.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that the ministry's calling is to help people become free from these burdens.

Abraham: Righteousness Through Believing, Not Working

Pastor Leonard introduces Abraham as an example of righteousness being received through believing rather than earned through works.

He encourages listeners to study the opening verses of Romans chapter 4.

Romans 4:1–6 “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works,”

Pastor Leonard explains that Abraham was blessed and counted righteous because he believed God. It was not the result of Abraham's efforts or accomplishments. If Abraham had received righteousness through his works, it would have been a reward.

Instead, righteousness was credited to him through believing.

Pastor Leonard uses this example to reinforce the difference between a gift and something earned. Grace operates as a gift, not as payment for services performed.

He encourages believers to understand this distinction and take hold of the grace already made available to them. He uses the expression “lambano,” describing the act of grabbing hold of or taking hold of that grace. Believers are encouraged to receive what Jesus has paid for, recognizing that the gift is available because of His finished work.

The Free Gift of Righteousness and Justification

Pastor Leonard returns to the second gift mentioned in the central Scripture: righteousness.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

He emphasizes that grace is a gift and righteousness is also a gift. These two gifts are presented together.

Pastor Lori provides a simple explanation of righteousness and justification: being right before the Father. She explains that there is nothing separating her from God. She does not have to wonder whether God loves her more on certain days or less on others. Her standing before Him is not dependent upon changes in her performance. She is right before Him.

Pastor Leonard adds that God is completely at peace with the believer. The pastors explain that believers often lose their own sense of peace because they fail to understand or receive the abundance of God's grace. When people believe their righteousness depends upon what they do, they continually question their standing with God.

However, when they understand that righteousness is a gift, they can live more freely.

Pastor Lori also recalls a familiar explanation of justification: “Just as if I've never sinned.” The pastors use this description to emphasize the completeness of what Jesus accomplished. Righteousness is not something believers are attempting to become through their own efforts. It is a gift they are called to receive and recognize.

God Is Not Keeping a Record of Your Sins

The pastors continue discussing justification and the believer's right standing with God.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that sin has been dealt with through Jesus Christ. He explains that sin was buried with Christ and put away through His sacrifice. He also refers to the biblical truth that God remembers sins and iniquities no more, without identifying a specific verse.

The pastors challenge the idea that God is continually recording believers' failures.

Pastor Leonard describes the mistaken image of God sitting with a notebook, paper, and pen, writing down every sin a believer commits. He rejects this image because it contradicts the freedom and righteousness made available through Jesus. He explains that the enemy attempts to keep people focused on their sins and shortcomings.

This produces a fallen mindset in which believers continually think about their failures rather than their right standing with God.

Pastor Leonard encourages believers to stop allowing these thoughts to define their relationship with the Father. They are righteous because of what Jesus accomplished. They do not have to beg, plead, or work to obtain the righteousness God has already given them.

Instead, they are called to receive the gift and believe the truth of their standing before Him.

Salvation, Believing, and the Gift of Grace

Pastor Leonard turns to Romans chapter 10 to explain the relationship between believing and salvation.

Romans 10:9–10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

He emphasizes believing that Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day. Pastor Leonard explains that even believing should not be turned into another form of religious work. He describes belief as a gift connected to God's grace.

Pastor Lori agrees, emphasizing that the believer should not view believing as another accomplishment through which God's favor must be earned. Pastor Leonard also refers to the Apostle Paul's words in Titus.

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

He emphasizes that God's saving grace has appeared to all people. The pastors' central point is that salvation and righteousness are not the result of a person successfully performing enough religious activities. They are made available through the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to receive this truth rather than continually question whether their faith or efforts are sufficient.

Healing, Faith, and Resting in God's Love

Pastor Leonard returns to the subject of healing, connecting the teaching to the previous Sunday's healing service. He explains that believers sometimes turn the act of believing into another performance requirement.

A person may repeatedly tell themselves that they need to believe more strongly. They may wonder whether they are believing correctly or whether their faith is sufficient.

Pastor Leonard illustrates this mindset by describing someone who continually questions their own believing. The person may attempt different actions, including walking on an affected area or trying other things to demonstrate faith. When the expected result does not occur, they may conclude that they have failed.

Pastor Lori points out that this creates another law of works.

Instead of resting in what Jesus has provided, the believer begins measuring success or failure according to personal effort. The pastors explain that this approach can produce the same guilt, shame, and condemnation they have been encouraging people to leave behind.

Pastor Leonard urges listeners to stop turning faith into a performance test. He encourages them to return to the previous Sunday's teaching, where the pastors discussed three ways healing is manifested in believers' lives. He explains that those truths were drawn from the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul.

Rather than repeating all three explanations in this message, Pastor Leonard directs listeners to that earlier teaching for the full discussion. His emphasis in the present message is that believers should receive God's grace and love, recognize how deeply they are loved, and understand how blessed they are through Jesus Christ.

Understanding How Deeply the Father Loves You

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that one of the most important truths believers can understand is the depth of the Father's love for them. He explains that God loves believers with the same love He has for Jesus.

Pastor Lori agrees and recalls that Jesus prayed for believers to know this love. The pastors emphasize that this is not a truth to acknowledge only intellectually. It is something believers should continually grow in their understanding of.

Pastor Leonard encourages listeners to recognize that God's love is not dependent upon their ability to earn it. They cannot work for this love or achieve it through religious performance. It is freely given. He again explains that unmerited grace does not mean believers have no worth.

God's decision to send His Son demonstrates how highly He values humanity.

If God did not love people or see worth in them, Pastor Leonard reasons, He would not have sent Jesus. The pastors encourage believers to place their attention on Jesus rather than on their own shortcomings.

Pastor Leonard urges listeners to thank God continually and consistently for loving them.

He encourages them to grow in the revelation of that love and to recognize the blessings already made available to them. The more believers understand God's love, the more freely they can live without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance.

Becoming the Righteousness of God in Christ

As the teaching approaches its conclusion, Pastor Lori introduces another Scripture that summarizes the believer's new standing through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Pastor Leonard reflects on the significance of this passage. He explains that Jesus became what humanity was so that believers could become what He is. Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The pastors emphasize that this righteousness is not achieved through human effort. It is the result of what Jesus accomplished. Believers are not simply trying to improve themselves enough to become acceptable to God. Through Christ, they have been given a new standing before the Father.

Pastor Leonard encourages believers to rejoice in this truth. Rather than continually focusing on their failures, they should celebrate the righteousness they have received through Jesus. This understanding produces confidence, gratitude, and peace in their relationship with God.

Reigning in Life by Receiving God's Gifts

Pastor Leonard concludes the central teaching by returning once again to Romans 5:17.

Romans 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

He draws attention to the final promise of the verse: believers shall reign in life through Jesus Christ. Pastor Lori emphasizes that the way to experience this reign is to receive what God has given.

Receive His grace.

Receive His righteousness.

Recognize that both are gifts.

Pastor Leonard agrees, explaining that there are no works attached to these gifts. Believers are not called to earn their position through religious performance. They are called to recognize what Jesus has accomplished and receive what has been freely provided.

The pastors connect this understanding to the freedom, peace, and confidence believers can experience in their daily lives. Reigning in life is not presented as the result of human striving.

It comes through receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness made available through Jesus Christ. The message concludes with the reminder that believers should stop looking to their own efforts as the source of God's favor. Their attention should remain on Jesus and His finished work.

Final Encouragement and Closing

Pastors Leonard and Lori close their teaching by expressing their love for everyone watching.

Their final encouragement is simple: receive God's gifts and recognize the righteousness already made available through Jesus Christ. They want believers to understand that they are deeply loved, valued by their heavenly Father, and no longer required to live under guilt, shame, or condemnation.

God's grace cannot be earned. His righteousness cannot be achieved through human effort. Both are gifts that believers are invited to receive through Jesus. The pastors encourage listeners to keep their eyes on Jesus, continue growing in the understanding of God's love, and rejoice in their right standing with Him.

Pastor Leonard also reminds viewers of the importance of the previous Sunday's healing message and encourages them to revisit that teaching for additional understanding.

The pastors end by telling their audience that they love them and look forward to seeing them again in a few days. The central message remains that through the abundance of God's grace and the gift of righteousness, believers are called to reign in life through Jesus Christ.

We hope this teaching, “WE ARE KINGS AND PRIESTS,” by Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola has blessed and encouraged you to grow in your understanding of God's abundant grace, His unconditional love, and the free gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. Remember that you do not have to earn what Jesus has already provided. Receive His grace, rejoice in your righteousness, and live in the freedom of knowing that you are deeply loved by your heavenly Father. Please share this message with your family, friends, and anyone who needs encouragement to live free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. May the truth of God's grace continue to strengthen your heart and help you reign in life through Jesus Christ.