In Matthew chapter 13, we find Jesus had returned to his hometown of Nazareth. While he was there he taught the people of his hometown in their synagogue.
His teaching was so anointed and so much different from what they were used to hearing that some even said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?” This statement by itself would seem complimentary.
However, they continued on and said, “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”
Then in verse 57, we find the result of their questioning. The Bible says that they became offended at him. Because they were offended, they did not believe Him.
In Mark’s account of this incident, he said that Jesus could not do any mighty works there except that He laid hands on a few sick people and healed them. Because the people of Nazareth became offended at Jesus, they restricted themselves from receiving great and mighty miracles in their city.
Let’s take a look at the reason they became offended. They became offended because they were familiar with Jesus and His family. As modern day Christians we must not fall into this same trap.
From time to time I will receive a phone call from someone who wants to make an “appointment” for me to lay hands on them for their healing or for some other type of ministry. When I ask them if they’ve asked the head of their household to do this, many times the reply is, “No, I would rather have you do it.”
I do understand that there are times when we need our pastor or spiritual mentor to anoint us or lay hands upon us. However, we cannot allow the familiarity that we have with our spouses to restrict us from receiving from God through them.
Many of your greatest deliverances from the bondages of life can take place in your own home through the laying on of hands or prayer of agreement by one of the members of your own family. Don’t allow the spirit of familiarity to hinder you from receiving the blessings of God.
Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Reject the spirit of familiarity and receive ministry in your own home.
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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.