If I were to ask you if you believed in miracles, what would you say? Well if you are a Christian the answer should be yes. Why? Because miracles are a major part of the church.
Let me explain. When we read about the offices in the church, we usually read Ephesians 4:11. Here we find where it says, “And He Himself (referring to Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Here we find that Jesus placed apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the church to build up the church. But when we study the scriptures, we cannot take one verse and build everything on it. In other words we must take the sum of the scriptures and see what it says.
With that in mind let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12:28. Here it says, “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” Did you catch that? God placed the miracles in the church, just like he placed healing, teaching, and apostles. If this is true, and it is, then why do we not see more miracles in the church?
Well, the answer to that is actually explained by the Bible. In Mark Chapter 6, Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth along with His disciples. When the Sabbath day came Jesus began teaching in the synagogue. There were many people there who had traveled to hear Him, and they were astonished as what He said. In verse two the people said, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!”
Then some of the people began to doubt his authority. They said, “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?”
In other words they said, “Who does this guy think he is? He’s just the local neighbor boy who grew up down the street.” Then the Bible says that the people became offended at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” In other words, Jesus said that when you are among strangers, the people will listen and believe, but at home the people are too familiar and it’s harder to believe.
For years, I traveled and one thing I noticed: It seemed like my notoriety was directionally proportional to the number of miles I was from home. The farther I would go, the greater the crowd.
But listen to this. In Nazareth, the Bible says in Mark 6:5 that Jesus could not do many mighty works there. Notice it doesn’t say he would not, it says He could not. Why? Because they did not believe. Verse 6 says that Jesus marveled at their unbelief.
Jesus said all things are possible for those who believe. That must in turn mean that all things are not possible for those who do not believe. The choice is ours.
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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.