by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 8, 2024 | Devotionals
Although we know that our faith in Christ is an objective, not a subjective feeling, we often find ourselves (or at least I do) mistaking our feelings as an indication of having inferior faith. There’s this little voice inside that conveys a message to my brain (a...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 7, 2024 | Devotionals
Isaiah prophesied that Christ would be “a foundation, a stone”. Paul called Jesus the foundation in 1 Corinthians 3:11. Christ, without controversy, is The Chief Cornerstone2 and Head of His Church. If there is to be any assurance of salvation and subsequent...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 6, 2024 | Devotionals
So many times after great victory, we find ourselves plunged into the pit of depression or fear of some sort. Why is that so? I really do not think that you have to be a prophet to conclude that the reason is simple. We are mortal; subject to change. Contrariwise, our...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 5, 2024 | Devotionals
“But we see Jesus” (Hebrews 2:9). How important it is for us to see Jesus throughout each day. Too often we only check in with Him in the morning, say goodnight, and throw in occasional “Please” and “Thank You” for other blessings. However, our faith in Jesus needs to...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 4, 2024 | Communion Messages, Devotionals
The Christian faith isn’t a hunch. Nor is it the best possible choice out of a banquet of religious options. No, Luke wrote that we “may know the certainty of those things in which (we) were instructed.” (Luke 1:4) Notwithstanding all of the questions and...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Dec 3, 2024 | Devotionals
When the Bible talks about renewing the mind, it speaks of much more than memorizing or quoting Scripture. Memorizing and quoting Scripture are valuable and important. But, the place where Scripture is to be hidden is in the heart, not the head. When Scripture is...