by Pastor Ray Viola | Jun 21, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity, Devotionals
Scripture uses nature to teach us many lessons. For example, Christians are likened to farmers. Some plant, some water but it is “God who gives the increase.” What a challenge! You and I can be implements used in the Lord’s garden. And for each task there is a season....
by Pastor Ray Viola | Jun 19, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity, Contemporary Issues
The Scriptures reveal our God as Deliverer. David declared this (2 Sam 22:2); so did Paul (Rom 11:26). The only message in the entire universe that frees sinful, fallen man is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We, as Christians, need to cling to this liberty that Jesus...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Jun 7, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
For one whole year, Barnabas and Saul spent time with the saints in Antioch teaching them the Word of God. (Acts 11:22-26) To “feed sheep” is what Jesus commanded Peter to do. This same exhortation is what Peter was commanded to write by God the Holy Spirit. This is...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 26, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
Scripture tells us that Barnabas was a man of encouragement. (Acts 4:36) There possibly has never been a time in either the history of mankind or the church when the gift of encouragement has been more needed. To encourage means “to give courage, hope, or confidence...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 23, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
Isn’t it interesting how we can turn aside from the simplest commands into confusion? For example, the singular call of Jesus to His disciples is to “Follow Me.” Those words are a call from Jesus to come near to Him, and, in doing so, to learn from Him. In other...
by Pastor Ray Viola | May 15, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died because he took a stand for Jesus. His death wasn’t in vain. I believe that his demeanor at the time of his departure planted an indelible impression upon the mind and the heart of Saul of Tarsus, who would become the apostle...