by Pastor Ray Viola | Jan 1, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
As we come to the end of another year, may we thank our Lord Jesus once again for His faithfulness towards us. His mercies have sustained us and His grace has enabled us to do His will. As we reflect on the chapter of 2017 in our lives, hopefully we have seen progress...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 26, 2023 | Contemporary Christianity
Sacrifice is an often forgotten word within today’s church circles, at least in America. This is, no doubt, partially due to the influence of our affluent and pleasure-centered culture. Oh Christians may speak of giving to the Lord’s work and serving, but how much of...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 23, 2023 | Contemporary Christianity
1 Peter 4.15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. In 1 Peter, chapter 4, verses 7–11, the church is exhorted to be about the business of doing five things as we see the end of the...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 17, 2023 | Contemporary Christianity
Jesus made this statement before His disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16:13-18). After our heavenly Father revealed to Peter that Jesus is indeed the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God, Jesus told him that he was blessed to receive that...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 10, 2023 | Contemporary Christianity
When king Hezekiah initiated the reforms in Jerusalem, he began by removing the filth and rubbish from the Holy Place. This included the uncleanness that the priesthood had developed in the years of apostasy from Jehovah. Before our temples can be filled with the...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 8, 2023 | Contemporary Christianity
John the Baptist, who typified the prophet Elijah, was a messenger who proclaimed, “Prepare the way of the LORD”. That message preceded the revelation of Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. It is vital that each and every person who claims...