Generally speaking, the world is in bad shape. When we turn on the news, we hear of wars, rapes, gang warfare, and terminal disease. Recently, one of the most watched television program is an actual murder case. It’s sad, but the world has nothing better to offer. But, that’s the world.
As Christians, we should not be affected by the things around us. We should not let the things of the world, no matter how bad they seem to be, affect our peace.
The Bible says that God is light and in Him is no darkness. Then in Matthew 5:14, Jesus said we who are Christians are the light of the world. We may be living in the world but we are not of this world. We live by a different set of standards. And we have things available to us as Christians that the world does not have. One thing we have available is supernatural peace.
In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Here Jesus is telling us that the world has peace. Let’s be honest. Having your family together at home is more peaceful than having them scattered. Having your electric bill paid and knowing that the check will clear the bank is more peaceful than knowing you don’t have the money to pay the bill and that the electricity could be shut off any day. The world does have a type of peace that is attainable through money and wise living.
But, Jesus also said that there is a supernatural peace, a peace that the world cannot give, that is only available from Him. The peace that Jesus gives does not depend on money or health. The peace of Jesus is supernatural. This peace doesn’t come from having your electric bill paid. This peace is there whether the bill is paid or not. Everything in the world is irrelevant. This peace overrides all problems.
In Ephesians 2:17 the Bible says, “And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.” And in verse 14 it tells us that not only did Jesus come and preach peace, but it says that, “He Himself is our peace.”
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible says you are “born again.” The old man inside dies and you become a new creation. Old things pass away and all things become new. Your spirit is reborn. You become a Christian.
Also, at this time of rebirth, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, takes up residence within you. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
So, here’s the point. Jesus came to earth preaching peace. He is the King of Peace, and according to Ephesians 2:14, He Himself is our peace. The good news is this. If you are a believer, He lives within you. How much more peace can you have available than that?
Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
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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.