In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John went to the temple to pray. As they went through the gate to the temple, there was a man who had been crippled from birth and had been taken daily to the gate of the temple to beg for money.
When Peter and John were about to enter the temple, the crippled man began to beg. At that point the Bible says that Peter fixed a gaze on him and said, “Look at us.”
The beggar gave them his attention. He was expecting to get some money. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were healed. The man started walking, leaping and praising God and he leaped, praised and walked right into the temple.
The people and the religious leaders in the temple were astonished at what had happened. They recognized the beggar and knew this was a miracle that had happened. It could not be denied.
Needless to say, the beggar wouldn’t let go of Peter and John, so as Peter and John stood in the porch of the temple with the beggar holding tightly on to both of them, they began to preach about Jesus.
In verse 16 they said, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
Then in Acts, chapter 4, while Peter and John were still speaking to the people about the good news of Jesus, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees approached them. They were greatly disturbed. They grabbed John and Peter and physically took them to a holding cell until the next day.
When the next day came, the rulers, elders, scribes and many of the high ranking priests and family members who were gathered in Jerusalem questioned Peter and John. They asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached to the religious leaders. Peter told them that the name of Jesus was the name that had healed the lame man. He told them that only through the name of Jesus can anyone be saved. They were amazed at his boldness. They marveled at his speech and realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
After Peter’s speech, the leaders met and made a decision. They commanded Peter and John to quit teaching about Jesus and to never speak His name again.
When Peter and John heard this they said, “You decide whether God wants us to obey you instead of Him! We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we saw Jesus do and heard Him say.” Even though the religious leaders had threatened Peter and John, they had to let them go. They didn’t want a riot.
So, what’s the point? Well, when you truly believe and act in faith, you will see miracles. But in so doing, you’ll upset the religious mindset. That sounds like Jesus, doesn’t it?
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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.