The world is full of literally thousands of religions and every religion has a founder or a leader. These leaders were able to recruit and gather followers, and convince them that they knew special information about the afterlife. Most were charismatic, strong personalities. Some said they were mere men and others claimed to have a special connection with the spirit world. But eventually, all of these leaders died and their followers continued to proclaim their message and their religions became established.
However, Christianity is different. Christianity is based on the life and message of Jesus Christ. Although He died like all of the other religious leaders, after three days in the tomb, He was resurrected and was seen by hundreds as He continued to explain His message for another forty days (Acts 1:2,3). And then in full view, He ascended into the sky and into heaven itself while His disciples looked on (Acts 1:9). So the first thing that separates Christianity from all the other religions of the world is that the Founder, Jesus Christ, defeated death by being resurrected from the grave after having been dead for three days.
The second major difference between Christianity and all of the other false religions of the world is that all other pagan gods require a sacrifice for the benefit of the false god in order for the followers to make a payment for protection. Christianity, on the other hand, is based on God sacrificing Himself for mankind so that His followers will receive benefit from Him. In other words, false religions treat man like their god is the Godfather, while Christianity treats its followers with the understanding that the true God is God the Father. While the Godfather-type gods demand payment for protection, God the Father bestows the blessing on those who believe in His Sacrifice.
As I travel the world, I have seen temples and altars where man has attempted to please their gods, but the human blood of infants and young virgins has never accomplished anything except to promote death. The One True God made the ultimate sacrifice of Himself by coming to this earth in the form of a man (Jesus Christ). Through His perfect sacrifice, He brought forth life.
All of mankind has a choice. Accepting the sacrifice of the One True Living God, by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, will bring eternal life and blessings on earth. The other choice is to reject the sacrifice of Jesus by worshiping a false deity who demands constant and continuous payment. While some may believe that they can reach heaven by being good and doing benevolence, the Bible says that our good works will not save us. Only receiving the sacrifice of Jesus and believing in Him brings eternal life.
When you become a Christian, the death of Jesus replaces your death, so that death is no longer in your future, but is in your past. No other religion or false god can give you this. Only the God of the living, the God who conquered death, can bring life.
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
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 eight 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.