Several years ago while traveling, I stopped off at a small church along the highway to get some good Bible teaching. I had been seeking God and was very excited about what He was doing.
It was one of those times in my life where I couldn’t get enough good Bible teaching. I was like a sponge when it came to the Word of God. I read every Christian book I could get my hands on and practically wore out my tape player listening to Bible tapes.
Well, anyway, I stopped off at this small church. I just couldn’t wait to get inside and get some good Bible teaching. When I went inside I could tell something was wrong. One group was off in a corner on one side of the auditorium talking quietly and another group was in the opposite corner, huddled together. So, I just sat down at the end of a pew next to the center isle.
I looked across the isle and saw a stern looking man, seated with a large black checkbook on his lap. I realized at that point it must have been business-meeting night, but since I was already there, I thought I would go ahead and stay. After all, maybe there would be a Bible study after all the business was done.
The business meeting started quietly, but I could see it was degenerating fast. It seemed that one group wanted a bus and one group didn’t. One man stood and said if the church bought the bus, they would quit and start their own church.
Then it happened. The man with the checkbook (that’s the man setting across the isle from me) reached into his pocket and pulled out a revolver and laid it on the checkbook.
In a shaky voice he said, “If anyone tries to take this checkbook, they’re gonna to have to get past me and Betsy.” I thought it was time to leave at that point. All I wanted was a Bible study!
A few years ago a large church in the south split because they couldn’t agree on the color of the hymnals. This could all be very funny if it wasn’t so serious.
All through the Word of God we find that there is power in agreement. In Matthew 18:19 Jesus said, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
But what does this mean? Well, what it means is this: We must agree in order to tap into the fullness of God’s power.
An interesting side note here: the original language implies that we must be continually in agreement. As Christians, we cannot disagree all week and then get together on Sunday and try to agree on something just in order to get God to act. We must walk in agreement daily.
Agreement creates unity and power. Disagreement causes division. Division causes confusion and brings defeat.
In Acts chapter 2, the Bible describes the early church. It says that they were united with one purpose and in verse forty-six it says, “So, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Did you catch that? The people continued daily in one accord. They were in agreement. And the result was this – the church grew.
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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.