First John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
As the pastor of a fast-growing church, I am constantly encountering new ministry and counseling opportunities. About the time that I think I’ve heard every story that can be told, that there is nothing else in the world left to hear, I can hear something completely new.
I’ve learned that when someone is sitting across the desk from me, it doesn’t matter how respectable they are or how well known in the community they may be, I must be prepared for anything. However, no matter how common or uncommon the counseling session may be, I have discovered one common denominator. People are looking for a normal life, a day with no problems, a day without pain. They just want to survive.
God’s plan for the church is not just survival. The Bible is not a book on “How to Survive.” As Christians we are not called to merely “get by” and be without pain, but we are called to rule and reign.
Some people have the mistaken idea that God’s role in their life is just for the purpose of removing bad circumstances. John 3:16 tells us we will not perish if we believe in Jesus. However, the main focus is not on what we won’t have, but instead on what we will have. The theme of John 3:16 is – believe in Jesus and you will have everlasting life.
Too often we focus on what we need to get rid of. But in truth, if we would focus on what God has for us and walk in it, then the negative elements in our life would be automatically removed. Once again, John 3:16 tells us of God’s great love and His desire for us to believe in Jesus so that we will receive everlasting life.
Our prayer to God is “Father, I accept Jesus and I thank You for giving me eternal life.” When we do that, the eternal death is automatically gone. The prayer of salvation is not, “God, don’t let me die. God, take away the perishing. God, take away the death. Amen.”
No! The main focus of a Christian should be on the truth and not on the lie. Our focus should be on the promise and not the problem.
Yes, of course, we must deal with demonic activity. Yes, we must cast out evil spirits as necessary, but we cannot focus all of our energy on evil. We must focus on the truth.
Faith and fear are opposites. Love and hate are opposites. Peace and anxiety are opposites. If we walk in faith, love and peace, then there will be no fear, hate or anxiety.
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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.