As I sat in the balcony of a church, the Sunday morning meeting was about to dismiss. The “deacon of the week” walked onto the platform and took his place behind the pulpit. He was about to give the benediction when an older man began walking toward the front of the church down the long center isle.
All eyes were on the older gentleman. Upon reaching the front he spoke to the congregation. In a deep cracking voice he said, “I’ve never gone to church much but last week I did go to the doctor. He said that I had cancer and that there was no hope for me medically. The doctor said that my only hope was God. I thought that if God could be found, it must be in a church. So, here I am.”
The church was silent. The “deacon of the week” was visibly shaken. Nothing like this had ever happened before. It wasn’t in the bulletin. What could he do?
The pastor sat still and solemn on his red velvet padded chair. The deacon quietly quoted his closing prayer without even mentioning the old man. The service was over and people began to leave.
My wife and I went to the edge of the balcony and looked down at the scene. The old man was still standing in the front of the church, alone. Everyone was moving away from him toward the exits.
My heart sank. It seemed that no one had the ability or desire to minister to him. By the time we could get down the stairs and through the crowd, he was gone.
I asked myself, “Where’s the power in the church today? Could this be what the scripture means when it says that in the last days men will hold to a form of godliness but deny its power?” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
Jesus said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” A Roman citizen named Saul (Paul) was sent out to destroy the church. The Bible says that he “entered every house, and dragging off men and women he committed them to prison.”
While traveling to Damascus on a mission to bind and arrest Christians, he had a supernatural experience with Jesus (Acts 9). Light shone so brightly from heaven that Saul was blinded. For three days Saul fasted and prayed.
God then sent another brother to him at which time he laid hands on Saul. His eyes immediately were healed and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. This same person became a powerful man of God.
People were healed just by touching his handkerchiefs. He healed the sick, raised the dead and cast out demons. He walked with power. What changed this man? The answer—after accepting Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
That’s where the power is for the church. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
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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.