Paul wrote a personal letter to Philemon on behalf of his runaway slave Onesimus. Just as Jesus pleads our case before His Father, Paul intereceded on behalf of Onesimus. Paul told Philemon to charge him personally for any debt that Onesimus owed him, just as Jesus...

Growth in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires community effort. You cannot fulfill God’s design for your life if you only watch church services on a video screen. The divine purpose behind having personal contact with other believers during the week is so...

An exhortation is an address or other form of communication that emphatically urges someone to do something. While an exhortation can be used as a warning or a rebuke, it can also be a word of comfort or encouragment. After the reading of verses twenty-four and...

Jesus designed His Church to be prayer driven, not program driven. For the Church to effectively stand, serve, and evangelize, Christians must pray with and for one another. Prayer is a gift from God that creates a spiritual union that binds us together in our...

In “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus mentioned forgiveness twice: Forgive us as we forgive our debtors, and if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your...

The Bible tells us of two types of forgiveness: God forgiving us and us forgiving others. It is God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ that makes both types of forgiveness possible. Jesus is our example for forgiving others, and we must recognize that the Father...

We do not live out our Christian experience in a bubble; we are a family. Therefore, we must realize that a very important aspect of our Christian witness takes into consideration the impact that our personal convictions have others, both saved and unsaved. We want to...

Within the body of Christ, believers can have very different convictions about some things, and both sides can even use Scripture to defend their position! The sin about which Paul wrote in today’s passage is not about where you stand on any given issue, but about...

Biblical Christianity is a relationship that is first and foremost vertical between us and God, and then secondarily horizontal among one another. Over the next several broadcasts our pastors from Koinonia Fellowship will be leading us through a series of divine...

The Word of God is faithful and true. Jesus actually called Himself The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Belief is the defining factor between those that follow Christ and those that don’t. Do you believe in Him? Do you trust Him? Please open your Bible to Revelation...

We have been learning about the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” Let all who are weary say, “Come!” This longing to be with Him—our Savior, Who will make all things new—should be something that burns...

As the Body of Christ, living and breathing, touching and healing as we minister in Jesus’ name here on earth, we have the ability to affect people around us in incredible ways. Each of us has a calling and a role in the kingdom of God here on earth. What is your...

As followers of Christ, we are promised a crown that will not rust. What crown are you running to receive? The Father looks at our hearts. May our motivation for serving Him and His people be pure. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twenty-two, and listen as...

In a life filled with storms and turmoil, it can be difficult to see God’s greater purpose, but He is the one, Who is faithful and true. He is the one, Who parts the seas and calms the waves. He will make a way. No matter what your circumstances are, God is with you....

In a world filled with corruption, it can be hard to know who you can trust, but we worship a God, Who is called Faithful and True. These words not only describe what He does, but they describe Who He is. He is trustworthy. He is true. We can be confident in His...

A common ancient unit of measure was the cubit, which was the distance between a man’s elbow and the tip of his finger. John used the cubit in his description of New Jerusalem’s walls. We can imagine physical measurements in our own terms, but what about in God’s...

In a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurry, because that system was founded in corruption and personal agendas, what is the standard? You see, in God’s economy, the lines between right and wrong are clear, because corruption has no place in the eyes...

One can draw many parallels between the Tree of Life, spoken of in the book of Revelation and the cross of Calvary—the tree upon which Jesus hung as He paid for the sins of the world. Jesus is the one true giver of life. Where is your life source found today? Please...

Reports of pestilence, famine, hatred, and war dominate the daily news cycle. In so many ways this shows us that God’s work is not finished. He must make all things new, and He promises to do this. Today’s passage teaches us about a new heaven and a new earth—a place...

In our lives we are surrounded by pain, suffering, and death. At times it feels like we cannot escape from these things, but God has a plan and a promise: The old things shall pass away; all will be made new. Trust in the One, Who makes all things new today! Please...

In today’s passage we will learn about a new heaven and a new earth, which will be God’s perfect creation and our eternal home. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twenty-one, and listen as Pastor Ray Viola tells us about what God has in store for those who...

In today’s passage, we learn about the Great White Throne Judgment. This is where the Holy One, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords sits and judges the unrighteous. This is Judgment Day. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twenty, and listen as...

Eternal life and power over death is only found through Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In today’s passage, we see how that plays out in Jesus’ thousand-year reign on the earth. To learn more, please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twenty, and...

In today’s passage, the time of great tribulation has finally come to an end. Satan has been bound, and the thousand-year reign of Jesus on the earth will begin. To learn more about this glorious time, please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twenty, and listen as...

In today’s passage, we finally see justice served to the deceivers. The False Prophet and the Beast are finally thrown into the lake of fire. Those who deceived the people that God has created will be judged on that day. Vengeance is the Lord’s. Please open your Bible...

Every rebellion, every challenge, every fight against God comes to an end in the Battle of Armageddon. In this final battle, when the final fist of rebellion is raised against the Anointed One, God is victorious. Even before the battle begins, God declares His...

Jesus Christ is our Messiah, the conquering King. The book of Revelation describes Him as having a sharp, two-edged sword coming out of His mouth. He only needs to speak, and the powers of darkness will fall. It’s a good thing to be on the side of the Conqueror. Are...

The book of Revelation tells us of the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. What will this look like, and what is this mountain that will be split in two? How should we live our lives in anticipation of this event? Please open your...

As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve. We are called to be His hands and feet to the world. We are the living and breathing body of Christ: touching, healing, ministering, forgiving, feeding, and loving people here on earth. Jesus’ ultimate motivation was love...

In today’s passage, we will get a glimpse of heaven—beautiful and glorious, which is God’s dwelling place, and the ultimate destination for all that call upon His name. Where will you spend eternity? Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter nineteen, and listen as...

Each of us has a calling, and everyone must ask Jesus, “What would you have me do, Lord?” Saul asked the Lord this after he was knocked from his horse at the sight of Jesus on the road to Damascus. He went on to preach the Gosepl and found churches all over eastern...

The book of Revelation tells of the final battle between this world system and God’s ultimate righteousness. On which side of the battle do you find yourself today? Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter eighteen, and listen as Pastor Ray Viola begins his study...

  Scripture is filled with instructions and commands from God. He is the ultimate source of all wisdom and knowledge. The book of James instructs us to ask God for wisdom, because He gives to all freely and liberally. Are you seeking God’s wisdom, or following...

After God judges the kingdom of Bablyon in the Tribulation, an angel will fly back and forth over the earth declaring that Babylon has fallen! Ultimately, every man-made structure and system will fail. The only thing that lasts forever is eternal life in Jesus. In...

It is done! With these words, we know that there will be an end to evil. The wrath of God will not last forever, and evil will not perpetually reign over the earth. To find out how God’s righteous power will ultimately prevail, please open your Bible to Revelation...

Throughout church history, Christians have longed for the return of the King—the second coming of Jesus. When you read Revelation, you see the horrible things to come. Does it make you long for your Savior to come? May we be ever longing to be with our King. Please...

As we resume our study of Revelation today, we will learn that a sixth angel will pour out a massive bowl upon the earth that will initiate three cataclysmic events. To find out what these events are, please open your Bible to Revelation chapter sixteen, and listen as...

During the Great Tribulation, we are told that many people will turn and worship the Beast, otherwise known as the Antichrist. In doing this, they will blaspheme God and shake their fists at the One that loves them most. They will have seen His power, but they still...

God distinguishes between the godly and the ungodly. During the Great Tribulation, God will pour out some of the most severe plagues only on people that have taken the mark of the Beast, thereby sealing their eternal destiny in the lake of fire. Peter urged his...

We all have doubts about things. At times, the enemy can use these doubts to slow us down in our walk with God. Can you imagine the doubts that Christians living during the Great Tribulation would have? God’s goodness is greater than our doubt, so trust in Him today....

The book of Revelation presents three series of judgments that will plague the earth during a time of great tribulation. The third series of judgments is represented by massive bowls poured out and emptied on the wicked. What is the significance of this last series of...

Scripture reveals the truth of God to us. When we look at a perfectly holy God, this should make us aware of our need to be cleansed by Him. There is a way. There is a message. Please open your Bible to Isaiah chapter six, verse six, to discover this message in our...

God’s holiness is demonstrated in His love for you and me. In the book of Isaiah we read of an encounter that Isaiah had with God. This incredible experience changed Isaiah’s life forever. Have you been forever changed by the One that loves you and that can save you?...

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. God’s holiness is manifest in His creation. When you see a beautiful sunset, or y ou look at the stars, are you struck with the awe of Who He is? His creation is so magnificent. May we...

First Samuel chapter two, verse two, says that there is no one holy like the LORD, there is no one besides Him, there is no Rock like our God. Today, we will be looking at two aspects of His holiness. The first is that He is set apart from all of creation as the only...

God’s message is often met with opposition and difficulty. Much of this is because, as humans, we really don’t like to be told that something we are doing is wrong or sinful. In the book of Revelation, we see the full manifestation of this opposition to God in the...

John wrote an account of the battle of Armageddon—the last great battle before Jesus returns to earth. Our God is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. As we get closer to the end of the Revelation narrative, we will see God working out His plan from beginning...

John described a vision of heaven where he saw people, that were martyred for the faith, sitting underneath the throne of God—so near to Him, so safe beneath Him. Those that have run the race and gone on to eternal glory have a very different perspective from the one...

In today’s passage, an angel cries out, “Babylon has fallen!” In the Bible, Babylon represents man’s rebellion against God. The leader of this rebellion against the Holy One is The Antichrist, otherwise known as The Beast. His strategies will ultimately fail, because...

The Antichrist did not create the universe, neither did Satan, and neither did man. So, who did? Well, to find out, one has to look back at Genesis chapter one where it says, “In the beginning, God . . . .” He is the One that created the universe, and He is the One...

In the book of Revelation, we read of angels with messages and judgments over and over again. It is so important to God that we hear the true message of salvation. Even in justice, our heavenly Father is full of grace. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter...

In today’s passage, the Apostle John recorded the words of a song that only one hundred forty-four thousand prophets of God would be able to sing during the Tribulation. John could only use human language to describe what he saw and heard, so this limited his...

Today’s passage shows Jesus standing on Mount Zion. As He stands there, He looks over the city of Jerusalem with one hundred forty-four thousand faithful prophets by His side. The earthly Jerusalem and the heavenly Jerusalem are two very different places. Please open...

Today’s passage tells us about a false prophet that will work for the Antichrist. He will be able to perform signs and wonders to deceive people into following his false god. Even now, we must discern between the truth and lies every day. Please open your Bible to...

As followers of Christ, it is crucial that we maintain regular communication with the Lord. This happens through prayer. James tells us that faith without works is dead. So, our prayers must be followed by action. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter thirteen,...

Believing in Jesus is one thing, but having a daily relationship with Him is something that is entirely different. When we have a real relationship with Jesus, we will know His heart for the lost. If we know this, we will be driven to be about our Father’s work....

Today’s passage introduces a mysterious figure, who is commonly called The Beast or The Antichrist. This Beast will emerge out of a cadre of ten Gentile nations. He will claim to be god and force people to worship him. People, whose names are not written in the Lamb’s...

Scripture tells us that Satan fell like lightning from heaven to earth, and he goes about on the prowl, seeking whom he may devour. Scripture also tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. None of Satan’s attempts will prevail. He is a created being, a...

The book of Revelation tells us that Satan, the great deceiver, speaks against the saints, accusing them before God. Jesus’ work on the cross has blotted out the things written in the Law against us. They were nailed to the cross, and the evil one has no voice any...

The book of Revelation tells us of a time in which the Jews will once again flee into the wilderness for safety. How will God provide for them there? Well, He has done it already: When the Jews were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, God provided water...

Today’s passage introduces a mysterious character that is simply called The Woman. Who is this woman, and what does she represent, and why is she riding a beast? To find out, please open your Bible to Revelation chapter twelve, and listen as Pastor Ray Viola begins...

In our passage today, we see elders worshiping and praising God. These elders praise God as if He has already done things that have yet to be completed in our earthly dimension. Do you worship God as if He has already completed the things that you have asked Him to...

The book of Revelation presents three major doctrines: the second coming of Chirst, the resurrection of the dead, and the kingdom reign of Jesus on the earth. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter eleven, and listen as Pastor Ray Viola discusses these doctrines...

The book of Revelation describes two preachers, sent by God, with supernatural protection. These witnesses will be essentially indestructible until they have finished their work, and their message has gone forth. What is this message, and what does it mean to be a...

The book of Revelation describes two preachers, sent by God, with supernatural protection. These witnesses will be essentially indestructible until they have finished their work, and their message has gone forth. What is this message? How does it tie into the message...

God has given His power to the Church to witness to those that do not yet believe. In today’s passage, the Temple in Jerusalem has been rebuilt, and two witnesses, sent from God, stand in front of it preaching. These witnesses are human. They are real peole, just like...

In the book of Revelation, after the sixth trumpt will have sounded, God will send two witnesses, who cannot be silenced or killed until an appointed time. These men have the power to deal effectively (and even harshly) with those who try to kill them. Please open...

In today’s passage, an angel told John to eat a little book that he received from another angel brought down from heaven. John ate this book, and he described it as tasting sweet in his mouth at first, but then it turned sour in his belly. God’s truth has the power to...

Before the sounding of the final trumpet judgment, another angel will descend from heaven holding a little book. He will cry out with a loud voice like thunder, but John was was mysteriously prohibited from writing down what he will say. Please open your Bible to...

Although the sixth trumpet judgment will kill one-third of mankind, the survivors, who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads, still will not repent. Rather than beg for God’s mercy, they harden their hearts. As Jacob learned at Peniel, the way to win in a...

The sounding of the sixth trumpet in the book of Revelation releases four angels from a river, which are given the power to kill one-third of mankind. Why are these angels released, and what purpose will they serve in God’s overall plan? Please open your Bible to...

Not everything in Scripture is easy to digest, especially those things concerning the devil and his demons. We must recognize the reality of their existence and their power to harm. However, we must not give them more credit than they are due. Please open your Bible...

When the fifth trumpet sounds, as described in the book of Revelation, locust-like creatures will be released from the bottomless pit. These creatures will have God’s permission and power to touch and torture all people that do not have the seal of God on their...

Judgments described in the book of Revelation are not hard to understand, if taken literally, they are just hard to believe, because they are so scary and ominous. However, if the words earth, trees, and grass do not literally mean earth, trees, and grass, then we...

In our passage today, we see elders worshiping and praising God. These elders praise God as if He has already done things that have yet to be completed in our earthly dimension. Do you worship God as if He has already completed the things that you have asked Him to...

When Jesus will open the seventh seal of judgment mentioned in the book of Revelation, there will be silence in heaven for half an hour. Later on, the blowing of trumpets by angels will signal the start of another set of progressive judgments. Please open your Bible...

In John’s vision in the book of Revelation, he saw Christians in tribulation dealing with great persecution. This book also tells us that Jesus, the Lamb of God, will wipe away all tears from their eyes. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter seven, and listen...

The book of Revelation documents a vision that the Apostle Paul had in which he saw Jesus, the Lamb of God, in the midst of a vast crowd of angels and Christians, who had come out of the Great Tribulation. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter seven, and listen...

In heaven, as we gather around God’s throne, everyone’s attention will be on Jesus. This teaches us that Jesus should be pre-eminent in our lives now. Our faith should be based on the simple words of Jesus: “Come to Me; learn of Me; abide in Me, and follow Me,”...

The Apostle John had a genuine out-of-body experience in which he visited God’s throne room in heaven. In contrast to the devastating judgments that were taking place on earth, heaven was filled with worship and adoration for the Lamb seated on the throne, Who...

Today’s passage shows that, during the most intense time of God’s judgment upon the world, God will be saving an uncountable multitude of souls. Oh the magnitude of God’s grace! Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter seven, and follow along as Pastor Ray begins...

As Christians, we are sealed with God’s Holy Spirit. We have been purchased for God with Jesus’ precious blood. Therefore, we belong to the Lord, and whatever we do, we should do it to bring Him glory. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter seven, and listen as...

During the Tribulation, God will set aside one hundred forty-four thousand Jews to be God’s witnesses on earth. God does not want anyone to perish, so He mercifully provides witnesses to lead people to salvation so that their souls can be saved, even if their temporal...

The book of Revelation tells that the very God, Who holds everything in place, will cause stars to fall from heaven as if they were being shaken from a tree. In His wrath, He will allow that, which He has been holding together, to unravel. Please open you Bible to...

The full title of the book of Revelation is The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This sacred and final book of the Bible speaks of the ultimate triumph of Jesus, and it reveals to us the true weight of God’s wrath. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter six, and...

As followers of Christ, we will be met with challenges and difficulties, because we will refuse to compromise on our core beliefs. Don’t be fearful! Be bold as a lion! You are to be a true witness for Jesus Christ. Please open your Bible to the beginning of First...

Every person is going to live forever. The question is: Where will you live? According to the Scriptures, your final destination depends upon Who you believe Jesus is. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter six, and...

The appearance of the Antichrist will result in many things, including great judgments and trials, but this is not the time when Jesus will return. When will the Messiah return and set up His kingdom on this earth? To find out, please open your Bible to Revelation...

In the book of Revelation, there are seven judgments represented by wax seals—the kind that would have been on government documents in the Roman Empire. The first four seals reveal four horsemen that pour out God’s wrath during the Great Tribulation. When will these...

If you ask people if they think that it is possible that they might go to hell when they die, you will probably hear something like this: “Hell is a place for bad people, not me. I’m a good person—at least I’m trying my best. So, I’m probably okay.” But what does God...

Early church doctrine taught that hell was a place of eternal punishment, but today it is rarely mentioned. Today, if someone uses the word, it is usually in reference to someone going through a difficult time. But what does the Bible actually have to say about this...

If Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, and God’s glory are central themes of Scripture, then, practically speaking, those two things should be focal points in the life of every Christian. Are you investing your earthly resources to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and...

When we say, “Glory to God,” are we saying that to truly give God glory, or are we just trying to sound spiritual and, in effect, attempting to glorify ourselves? Glorifying God should be a foundation for our lives and ministries, because all glory and honor truly...

John wrote about his vision of heaven’s throne room. Two things were prominent in his vision, and they comprise two focal points of all Scripture: Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of mankind and God’s glory. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter five, and listen as...

Is your life today consecrated to the Lord, or cluttered with the things of this world? Is your heart devoted to Jesus or divided? Are you passionate about Him or passive? Please listen as Pastor Ray Viola continues his discussion of Christ’s millennial kingdim and...

In heaven, raptured believers will sing the Song of the Redeemed, which declares that our Creator has made us kings and priests, and that we shall rule and reign with Him on the earth. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter five, verse ten, and listen as Pastor...

When John got a glimpse into heaven’s throne room, he saw elders and creatures around God’s throne holding golden vials that contained the prayers of saints. This suggests that every prayer that we pray goes right to Father God. Have you taken advantage of that...