According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, when Jesus returns to the earth, the Christians will be caught up in the air to be with Him. From that point on, we who are Christians will be with Him forever. As Christians we know this and we are anxiously expecting and looking for His return.
But let me ask you something. When Jesus returns, what will He be looking for? What will He be expecting to find on the earth?
Jesus made an interesting statement in Luke that is often overlooked and untaught. In Luke 18:8 while speaking a parable, Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” What will Jesus be looking for when He returns? He will be looking for faith.
When Jesus returns, He will be coming for His church. He will expect the church to be spotless and without blemish. Jesus will not be returning for a puny, beat down church but He will be looking for a church that is victorious, powerful and full of faith.
In order for the church to have faith when Jesus comes back, we must believe what God says and act on that belief. It will not do any good to believe God unless we put our belief into action. That’s what is called “faith.”
When we have faith, we will overcome the things of the world. Now don’t take me wrong. We won’t eliminate our problems. Satan and his demonic forces will always be trying to destroy us, but we will be able to go through our trials without fear, knowing that God always does what He says.
Faith is a substance and a gift of God. We can accept it and develop it or we can reject it. But remember this: when Jesus returns, and He will, He will be looking for faith on the earth.
Now let me ask you something. What makes faith so important that Jesus would look for it when He returns? Well, here’s the answer. God places a very high value on belief.
Several years ago, I gave an automobile to a young man who really needed the transportation. I told him that it was his. He didn’t owe me anything. All he had to do was come and get it. Every time I saw him, I reminded him that the car was his. It was paid for. Just come and get it. However, he never showed up.
Finally, after much urging without result, I disposed of the auto by other means. When I asked the young man why he hadn’t picked up the car, he said it was because he didn’t really believe I had given it to him.
Unfortunately that’s the way many people are with God. He has given good gifts and they have not been accepted. Why? Probably for the same reason the young man didn’t get the car. They don’t really believe God has given these things to them.
You know, it’s interesting to me that most people act like Jesus will be looking for something else when He returns. When He returns He will not be looking for your church attendance records. He will not be looking for your offering report. It is good to tithe and to attend church, but according to Jesus Himself, He will be looking for one thing and that is faith.
Remember what Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
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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.