by Pastor Ray Viola | May 7, 2024 | Devotionals
Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 6, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
No, this is not a new doctrine. This is more of a phenomenon. It’s kind of like the ‘strange vanishings’ published by Time-Life books. While I suspect those vanishings are myths and untrue, the ‘rupture’ of the church is sadly both real and true. All over our country,...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 5, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
A very fundamental principle of Biblical interpretation is that the meaning of a passage is determined by its immediate context. Today, there is a “Word of Faith” movement. Does the Bible refer to such a thing? It sure does. It can be found in Romans 10:8. In what...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 4, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
If we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, He will lift us up. One way that we humble ourselves is by fasting. David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting”. Our bodily appetites are so demanding. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak. Realizing the...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 3, 2024 | Devotionals
This English word “fellowship” is taken from the Greek word “koinonia”. Among other things, it carries the idea of partnership, a sharing of something in common. When the church was formed, fellowship was a very vital ingredient. Now let’s not think that this meant...