When I was a youngster, my Sunday School teacher asked our class an interesting question. She said, “Is there something that God can not do?” Well, we all sat around thinking and we answered, “No, there is not.” We all agreed. There was nothing too big for God. He could do anything. Then the teacher asked the awesome question. “Can God make a rock so large that He can’t lift it?”
We all sat there with our brains hurting. We couldn’t figure it out. But truthfully, there is something God cannot do. That’s right. Even the Bible, God’s Holy Word, says that He is limited in His actions.
In the year 63 AD, Paul wrote a letter to Titus. He started his letter by making an interesting statement. In the second verse of the first chapter of Titus, Paul says that God cannot lie. This could be one of the most important statements in the Bible.
Let me explain. Everything in the Word of God is based on belief. What belief is it based on? Belief in God and belief that He has not lied and will not lie. God expects us to believe Him. He expects us to place our entire existence, everything we are and everything we have on the line. He wants us to have total faith in Him. In fact, He not only expects it, but He requires it.
When Jesus went to His own town of Nazareth, He taught in the synagogue. Many people heard Him and were astonished. In fact, they were so amazed at His teachings that some even wondered where He got all His knowledge. But then something happened. Some of the people realized that this Jesus was the same Jesus that had grown up in the town of Nazareth, and this offended them.
When they became offended, they quit believing what He was saying. As a result, Jesus could not do many mighty works in that town.
Mark 6:5 says, “Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.”
Did you catch that? The Bible doesn’t say He did not do many mighty works. It says He could not do many mighty works. How can this be? Well, it’s this way. All through history God has been moved by belief. He has always responded to faith. When man believes that God will do His Word in their life, God moves to perform it.
Once I taught this in a church in Minnesota. After the meeting a man questioned this. He said, “God’s does the same thing for everyone. God will not perform His Word for some people and not for others.”
I’m sure he thought what he said he said was right. But, he was wrong. God promises salvation, healing and prosperity in His Word, but it is only for those who believe. It is only for those who have faith in His Word and those who believe that He did not lie and then act on that belief.
Jesus died for the sins of the world, but only those who believe in Him will reap the benefits of His death and resurrection. God only responds to faith. Doubt and unbelief does not move Him. That’s why Satan continually tries to put doubt in the minds of men. Where there is doubt, there is no faith. And according to Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”
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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.