Frank Viola

Author and blogger. This is a repost of Frank's articles and videos. We don’t see tags so you may send questions and comments to [email protected].

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Articles

Pre-Existing Conditions

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

If you breathe oxygen, you have a pre-existing condition. We all have a sin nature that we inherited from the first humans. And the spectrum of sinful tendencies that arise from that nature is endless. Yet no temptation that you have hasn’t been experienced by others, so you’re not alone. And there is always “the way of escape” (as Paul put it). Just look for it, then take it. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
This Ingredient Is Necessary For Effective Ministry

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

In the secular world, it is universally understood that in order to succeed in life, one must read. Entrepreneurs constantly talk about how those at the top of the financial ladder read at least one book a week. The more wisdom gleaned from others, the better one leads and succeeds. I believe the same is true when it comes to having spiritual influence and impact as a follower of Jesus Christ. Granted, most of the early Christians couldn’t read.
A Reliable Atlas Of The Bible

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

In my new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded, I provide a number of maps for each section that tells the story from Palestine to Patmos. Those maps correctly use the term “Paul’s apostolic journeys” instead of the common misnomer “missionary journeys.” (This is explained in the book).
Clarifying A Misunderstanding & The Problem With Skimming

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

Recently, someone asked me, “Frank, the other day I heard someone say that you’ve changed your views on the church since writing Pagan Christianity. I’ve read your blog since you started it, and I’ve never read or heard you say that. I even remember you saying that you have NOT changed your views on the church. Can you clarify this?”My answer: You are correct on both counts.
A Masterful Commentary On 1 Corinthians

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

In my new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded, I provide a detailed background within a narrative arc behind each of Paul’s epistles. 1 Corinthians is no exception. Although 1 Corinthians was actually Paul’s second epistle to the church in Corinth. The first one, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, is lost to us.
A Ministry Dream Team Revisited

1 week ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

A friend suggested that I relaunch my vision for a ministry dream team after I released my signature book Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. His thinking was that the book would give leaders a startlingly clear vision of what the dream team would be focused on. To wit, the team would labor together arm-in-arm to proclaim the explosive gospel of the kingdom and spread the Insurgence.
You Can’t Love Christ And Despise His Bride

2 weeks ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this, “I love Jesus, but I can’t stand the church.”To my utter amazement, a handful of people who tout this phrase have benightedly assumed that I support this sentiment. Since I’m globally known as one of the strongest champions of the ekklesia – even making it central to God’s Eternal Purpose – I can only assume that those who’ve mistakenly connected me with this sentiment have never read my work.
Finishing The Race & Surviving Failure

2 weeks ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

The Christian life is depicted by a race. Paul rejoiced that he finished the race well (2 Tim. 4:7). Someone cut in on the Galatians and shoved them off the track (Gal. 5:7). The writer of Hebrews exhorts his audience to run the race with endurance (Heb. 12:1). We also discover that a person can disqualify themselves from the race (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
“Next Time” May Not Be Available

2 weeks ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

Imagine you are living in the 1960s. It’s August 1966, and a friend invites you to hear The Beatles – the world’s greatest band at the time – in concert live. You respond, “I can’t make it this year. I’ll go to their next concert.” Only The Beatles never play live again. But you couldn’t possibly know that when you declined the opportunity to hear them live. It’s July 1980, and your favorite band, Led Zeppelin, is playing a few hours from where you live.
3 Things To Do This Week

2 weeks ago | patheos.com | Frank Viola

Someone recently asked me how I come up with the content for these articles. I have no clear method. I notice things, write them down, queue them up, and send them out each week. Sometimes, however, I get struck hard with an idea and it moves to the top of the queue. Like this one today. Here are three things I’d encourage you to do this week. Yes, you heard right. *This* week. Not next week, next month, or next year. Thank someone. Best: give them a call. Second best: send them a Facebook message.