When opening the Bible, we should not have pre-conceived ideas. Wouldn’t it be great if we could open the Word of God, not as Baptists, not as Methodists, not as Presbyterians, or not as Charismatics, but simply as Christians and accept clearly what God’s Word says?
Even though most Christians claim to believe the entire Bible as the inspired Word of God, many times we hesitate to blindly trust in God’s Word. Even when we study the Bible, sometimes we have a point to prove and merely use the Bible to solidify our already established belief.
When you talk with some people about the things of God, they become defensive. They have their opinion and nothing you can say, no biblical logic discussed, will change their mind. We must have the mind of Christ and the only way is to believe what He believes. Jesus only believed the Word of the Father. We must be like Jesus.
Sadly, some Christians get a belief and hold on to it as truth, regardless. If the Bible disagrees with their doctrine, they ignore that portion of the Bible. This should not be. We must go to the Word of God, the Bible, in prayer asking God to show us His truths and then believe what He shows us!
We should never believe something just because of tradition. Instead, we should believe because God said it. Jesus said in John the eighth chapter that if we would abide or continue in His Word then we would be His disciples and we would know the truth and the truth would set us free.
How can we find the truths of God? Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
We must clear our minds of man’s ideas and philosophies and abide in the Word of God. Only when we believe God’s Word enough to act on it will we receive the promises of His Word.
Once a man told me that the Bible was just too complicated for him to understand. He went on to say that instead of reading the Bible, he just listened to preachers and he knew they must be right. Well, quite frankly, that’s wrong thinking. If Satan can keep us out of the Word instead of in it, then his lies will be easier to believe. Why? Because, we have no truth to compare it to.
In John 17:17 Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” Satan hates the Word. He knows that it is the Word that sets us free. He knows that it is through the Word that we receive faith. Satan knows that faith is the substance that will destroy his kingdom.
He will do whatever is possible to keep the Christian out of faith and the easiest way is to keep them out of the Word. Satan knows that without the Word there is no faith
It takes faith to accomplish anything in the spirit realm. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith we cannot please Him.” But faith in what? Faith in God’s Word. We must believe that God does not lie and we must believe it so completely that we daily place our life in the hands of His Word.
So, read the Word of God. Believe what you read and act on what you believe. That’s faith! And that pleases God.
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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.