As we near the return of Jesus, one thing becomes increasingly clear. The prophecies of the Bible are being fulfilled at an accelerated rate. For centuries theologians have spoken of the time to come, but the time to come is now here. We are in the time of the Glorious Church.
God loves you and Satan hates what God loves. Our Savior will return and when He does, He is returning for a church that is walking in the anointing and power. The enemy is doing everything he can do to destroy the church. You are the church.
So how can we walk in victory? How can we live lives that are surrounded with turmoil and still be at peace. Second Corinthians 10:3 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” The attacks are coming and what you do is important. It will decide your destiny.
Jesus gave us one command that was above every command and that commandment was to love each other. In fact, we are told in 1 John 3:14 that the way we will know that we have passed from death unto life is that we will have love for the brethren. Then it goes on to say that he who does not love his brother abides in death. It’s interesting that in 1 John 4:7-8 it says that we should love one another because love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Then it goes on to say that anyone that does not love does not know God, because God Himself is love.
First John 4:20 says that if someone says they love God, but actually they hate their brother, then that person is a liar. How can someone not love their brother that they see every day and claim to love God, whom they have never seen?
We are in the last days when the Spirit of God is moving in a greater measure. However, we cannot move in the Spirit of God if we do not walk in the love of God. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but He has given us the spirit of love and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
God is not moving through casual Christians. He is moving through obedient, dedicated believers who abide in His Word, know the truth, and walk in love. When we walk in perfect love, there will be no fear because perfect love casts out fear. Fear involves torment and anyone who fears and walks in torment has not been made perfect in love.
According to 1 John 4:18, keeping your love walk perfect is the highest priority a Christian has in life. You will never be satisfied, you will never be complete, you will never be at peace, unless you are walking in perfect love. The cares and irritations of the world will fall away and perfect peace will be yours when you walk in perfect love.
Second Corinthians 2:11 tells us that if we are ignorant of the devil’s devices, then he can take advantage of us. His greatest weapons against the church are offense and division, backbiting and gossip, hatred and strife. But how can we keep all of these things out of the church so the church can be the Glorious Church? The answer is quite simple. Walk in the perfect love of God and then, as the Word says in 1 Peter 4:7-8, love will cover a multitude of sins.
Of course, there are times when you feel that it’s impossible to forgive and walk away from hurt and strife. But that is a lie of the enemy. The truth is this. You have been empowered with God’s grace (His power and ability) so that you can do everything He commands you to do.
So the next time you hear the voice of the enemy trying to drag you into a non-loving situation, know who you are. Submit to God, rebuke the enemy and walk away. You are the Glorious Church.
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.