by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 28, 2025 | Selah, Uncategorized
Scripture portrays Ruth and Boaz as paragons of virtue. Rather than pursue relationships with young men, Ruth, out of respect for Naomi and her deceased husband, offered herself to a much older relative. Boaz, though entitled by law, did not force himself upon Ruth,...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 27, 2025 | Selah
Paul wanted to live his life in a way in which his conscience would be clear with regard to God and man. He did this, because he was aware that he lived his life in God’s presence and in the presence of his fellow man. Therefore, there were no shades of gray in any...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 26, 2025 | Selah
Some Jewish brethren accused Paul of teaching all Jews that were among the Gentiles that they should forsake the law of Moses. To address this unfounded rumor, Jewish Christians in Jerusalem suggested that Paul take a vow with four other men, and purify himself with...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 25, 2025 | Selah
How should we determine the failure or success of a ministry or outreach? Paul shared the Gospel with the very same angry crowd of Jews who were out to kill him. Outwardly speaking, Paul’s effort was a disaster. But, in God’s eyes, it was a success, because He reckons...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 24, 2025 | Selah
There are going to be times in serving the Lord when others will attack you, judge you, or spread rumors about you, even though you are doing the right thing with the right heart for God’s glory. This did not stop Paul from fighting the good fight of faith. Do not...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Mar 21, 2025 | Selah
When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he presented the church with both a gift and a problem. He brought a gift for the financially struggling church in Jerusalem from the Gentile churches, but he also brought a problem because false rumors had been spread that he was...