by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 7, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
Labor In Rest – Now if that doesn’t sound like a contradiction in terms! But it’s Biblical. In Hebrews 4:11 we’re exhorted to “be diligent” or “labor” to enter into the rest of God’s salvation. In fact, Jesus told the people who followed Him: “Do not labor for...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 20, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
The body of Christ is called a family. We are one body and one family. Our “oneness” stems from Jesus’ brokenness on behalf of us all. Satan knows that a house divided cannot stand, and thus he is constantly seeking to sow division5 and discord. So as we break bread...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 19, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
There are some key Scriptural passages that we would do well to heed in light of current trends in the evangelical circuit. These verses contain a singular, all-encompassing command of Christ to “watch”. The Greek word used in this command means, “to keep awake; rouse...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 17, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
We all experience weariness at times. Because of the many demands that assault us daily, we have a tendency to wear down quickly. Also, there is a physical weariness that is a direct result of hard labor, and that kind of wear and tear, within Biblical limitations, is...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 12, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
It seems that everyone wants to be a soloist these days. Second fiddle is a difficult spot to fill because it does not receive the recognition one may think it deserves. It’s sad but true that all too many who claim to be servants of Jesus Christ have the same...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 11, 2024 | Contemporary Christianity
The Scriptures tell us that there are three forms of service: eyeservice, lip service, and heart service. While eyeservice merely looks good to others, and lip service only sounds good, service from the heart is true and pure and the only kind that is acceptable to...