What changed Peter from fearful to bold? The answer is, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
People in the world are hurting. There are many pressures in these last days. Financial stress, illness and disease have pushed many to the edge. Sometimes they realize that their only hope, their only way of escape is God.
But it’s so sad when the lost world reaches out toward the Christian community and only finds more of the same problems. Where’s the power? Is there any hope?
Everything Jesus said was and is true. He never lied. He said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, seemed to be strong in faith and power but after the Roman soldiers arrested Jesus and took Him away, Peter became fearful and denied that he had ever known Jesus. Yet within weeks, Peter was preaching boldly in public and many signs and wonders (miracles) were taking place at his hands.
What happened? What changed this man from fearful to bold? The answer is, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
We need this same power working in the lives of all Christians today. The promise of the Holy Spirit was not just for first century Christians.
Peter said on the day of Pentecost, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off…” (Acts 2:38-39). We are definitely included.
How can we receive the Holy Spirit personally? Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13).
If your Christian life lacks witnessing power, if you’re coping with problems rather than conquering them, then ask Jesus to baptize you with His Spirit.
Jesus said, “I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Luke 11:9-10).
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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.