What is the glory of God? The glory of God is simply the presence of God manifested.
In Old Testament times the scripture says that the glory of God filled the temple so strongly that the worshipers could not see. The glory was like smoke or like a cloud. The power of God was so great that the priests couldn’t stand. They collapsed.
“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God” (2 Chron. 5:13-14).
The power of God, the glory of God was so strong that their physical bodies could not totally function.
In Acts chapter 22, Paul tells what happened to him when he was on the road to Damascus. He tells about the light that was so bright he couldn’t stand. Then a voice came from heaven out of the light. That light was the glory of God.
When Moses was confronted with the bush that wouldn’t burn, the only way he could describe it was a bush that is burning, but it is not burning up. What was he describing? He saw the glory of God. Out of the light surrounding the bush, out of the glory, God spoke. He said, “Take off your shoes. You are standing on holy ground.”
The Bible is actually the Story of the Glory. In the beginning man was with God and man walked in the glory. Because he sinned, he lost the glory. Jesus came to restore man back to the glory of God. Adam and Eve were clothed with the glory of God. The glory of God surrounded them and clothed them. When they sinned, the glory departed and when the glory departed they felt naked and did not know what to do.
Here in America we are sometimes so educated that we believe ourselves right out of things. We have a well-used phrase in our daily language. It is, “I doubt it.” As Christians, we are not to be doubters. If we doubt that the glory of God is going to be in our presence, the glory of God will not be in our presence.
James 1:17 says, “For every good and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation, no shadow of turning.” God is a good God. He has good things for you. God is not trying to trick you into moving into His glory or walking by faith so He can zap you. God wants you to fellowship with Him and He wants a closeness with you.
If we carefully examine the Word of God, we will find hidden nuggets and mysteries that we often overlook.
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles” (Col. 1:27). Here is the mystery of the riches of the glory among the Gentiles…it is Christ in you, your hope of glory. You only have one hope of ever moving into the glory of God. You only have one hope of seeing the glory. You only have one hope and that hope is Christ, the Anointed One, and His anointing in you.
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:7-8).
Jesus is the Lord of Glory. Jesus is the Lord who has the glory. Entering into His presence is entering into the glory and in Him is fullness of joy.
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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.