In Third John, the Bible says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John vs. 2).
The truth is important to God. And because it is important to God, it should be important to us. When we talk about the truth, what are we talking about? Well, we are talking about the truths of God and not the facts of man.
Now, here’s what I mean. A man I know was tricked and betrayed. When the problem was uncovered, he wanted to know all the details of the situation. He searched and talked and acted like an amateur detective for several months. He just had to know all of the details of his past problem.
When he was asked why he had to find out all the ugly details, he responded by using a scripture verse. He said, “I can’t forgive until I find out all the facts. I have to know the truth. After all, Jesus said ‘you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.'”
It was good that he knew the Bible, but he didn’t know the Word. Let’s look at what Jesus really said.
In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Now you can see that this man quoted the Word, but he didn’t quote the complete Word. Sometimes that can be very convenient.
Jesus said that IF we would abide in His Word – continue in His Word – THEN we would be His disciples and THEN we would know the truth, and THEN we would be made free.
We must take things in context and we must take them in order. First we must abide in His Word. We must daily read and meditate on God’s Word, the Holy Bible. We must read and let the Word come alive within us. It can’t be just another book. We must read it and believe that every Word is true. We must read it knowing that it is the inspired Word of God and that it was penned only after the Words came from His lips.
Abiding in His Word means that we must trust His Word. If God says that He wants to heal us, we must believe His Word. If God’s Word says He wants to prosper us, then we must believe His Word. If God’s Word says that He wants to save us and fill us with His Holy Spirit, then we must believe His Word. Only when we believe will we receive. Only when we completely abide and trust in what He says will His Word come alive and work in our lives.
When we abide in His Word, we become disciples and the truths of God’s Word will come alive. Then we will be set free.
Knowing the facts about a particular circumstance will not set you free. Knowing all the gossip will not set you free. In fact it will bind you.
Only the Word of God made alive in your heart will set you free.
Remember, Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.