by Ray Viola | Nov 6, 2020 | Devotionals
The English word “religion” is found five times in the New Testament (Acts 26:5; Galatians 1:13,14; James 1:26,27). All of these references stem from two Greek words, one of which is “threskeia”, which basically means, “ceremonial observance”. The other is...
by Ray Viola | Nov 5, 2020 | Devotionals
The book of James is so practical. It is the kind of book that stares you in the face and challenges you to get up and do something. Yes, our salvation is by grace apart from our works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but James reminds us that a genuine faith is a faith that works...
by Ray Viola | Nov 4, 2020 | Devotionals
Change is a buzz word. People all across our land are not satisfied with things as they are, so politicians and business leaders promise to make changes. Sounds good, but what is the basis of those changes that are promised, wisdom from above or earthly wisdom (James...
by Ray Viola | Nov 3, 2020 | Devotionals
It is very common for people to refer to Christians as being “religious.” I am sure that the context of that statement is coupled with thoughts of beads, and statues and passing an offering plate. They usually think of someone being religious as a person who keeps the...
by Ray Viola | Nov 2, 2020 | Ruth
At the end of our study this morning, Naomi tells Ruth, after she has acted according to the customs of the day, to sit still and see what Boaz will do. Personally, I find it very difficult to sit still when there is so much going on in my life. After all, how in the...