“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Rom. 6:1).
When we teach, we can teach with an attitude of grace or with an attitude of condemnation. When I was young I was in “old-time revival tent meetings” where the evangelist actually made me feel so condemned that I felt there was no way I could ever be good enough for God.
I remember the evangelist preaching against alcohol, tobacco, women, pool halls, pinball machines, cards, and anything else that might remotely be connected to fun. As a young boy, I remember leaving the meeting depressed because I had the impression that God didn’t want me to think about girls and I was thinking about girls every thirty seconds or so.
Condemnation does not make you quit sinning. It just brings a sin-consciousness and guilt. God is not the God of guilt, but the God of peace and freedom. When you condemn a child, you take away all hope and leave them feeling worthless. Watch a child that is constantly told how bad they are and they will remind you of a dog that has a master that beats him continually.
Grace on the other hand produces a natural reaction to make you want to live up to a higher standard. Grace does not make you want to sin. To the contrary, grace produces a natural desire to walk in obedience to God’s Word.
Christianity is based on faith, grace and the belief in Jesus Christ. It’s different than all the other false religions of the world. False religions and cults are based on works. I recently saw one group on the news in a foreign country who were walking down the street slowly with their backs bare.
As they were walking, they had small whips in their hand and with each step they would whip themselves over the shoulder causing their backs to bleed. They thought this was pleasing their God but all they were getting out of it was bloody backs.
False religions try to produce works through condemnation. Christianity produces blessings through grace. We must remember that what we receive is not a result of what we do, but rather is a result of what He has done.
Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to imitate God. So today, live your life in a godly way. Show grace and draw people to Jesus rather than condemning them and driving them away.
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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.