Four Gospels One Christ

Why Four Gospels Give Us One Christ More Clearly

Readers often ask why the New Testament includes four accounts of Jesus instead of one. If they all tell the same story, wouldn’t a single Gospel be enough? At first glance, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John can seem repetitive, or even inconsistent. But their differences are not a problem to be solved. They are the point.

Rather than giving us a single, flattened account of Jesus, the Gospels offer something closer to a three-dimensional portrait. To see why that matters, consider the difference between a drawing and a sculpture.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.—John 1:14

Ministry of Healing: Helping the Tempted

Not because we first loved Him did Christ love us; but "while we were yet sinners" He died for us. He does not treat us according to our desert. Although our sins have merited condemnation, He does not condemn us. Year after year He has borne with our weakness and ignorance, with our ingratitude and waywardness. Notwithstanding our wanderings, our hardness of heart, our neglect of His Holy Word, His hand is stretched out still.

Grace is an attribute of God exercised toward undeserving human beings. We did not seek for it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow His grace upon us, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our only claim to His mercy is our great need.

Steps to Christ: What to Do with Doubt

Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. They ask, "How shall I know the right way? If the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these doubts and perplexities?"

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.

Flu Bomb: A Powerful Natural Remedy for Cold and Flu Season

A Powerful Natural Remedy for Cold and Flu Season

As cold and flu season approaches, turning to natural remedies can give your body an extra boost. Ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemon, honey, eucalyptus, and cayenne pepper have long been valued for their immune-supporting, soothing, and healing properties. By combining these potent ingredients into a single, powerful “Flu Bomb,” you can help relieve symptoms, support faster recovery, and even use it as a daily preventative during high-risk months.

Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ

 

Old Testament Prophecies About the Messiah

For many people today (especially those unfamiliar with the Bible) the idea that Jesus’ life and ministry were foretold centuries in advance can be surprising. Yet Jesus Himself pointed to the Hebrew Scriptures as witnesses to His identity: “These are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

The Old Testament includes dozens of specific prophecies pointing toward a coming Messiah, and the New Testament records their fulfillment in the life of Jesus. Below is an accessible overview of these key prophecies: what they predicted, when they were written, and how they illuminate the identity and mission of Christ.

Ministry of Healing: Teaching and Healing

When Christ sent out the twelve disciples on their first missionary tour, He bade them, "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10:7, 8.

To the Seventy sent forth later He said: "Into whatsoever city ye enter, . . . heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." Luke 10:8, 9. The presence and power of Christ was with them, "and the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name." Verse 17.

Steps to Christ: The Privilege of Prayer

Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.

Sober-Minded: What the Bible Really Says About Alcohol

 

Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

As the holiday season approaches, alcohol naturally becomes a larger part of many celebrations. It’s woven into cultural traditions, workplace gatherings, family meals, and moments of relaxation, which can make discussions about its risks feel uncomfortable or even intrusive. Yet increased drinking during this time of year consistently brings real consequences: higher rates of accidents, impaired driving, violence, emotional strain, and medical emergencies affecting people of every background, religious or not.

The aim here is not to judge but to offer awareness and perspective, inviting readers, especially Christians, to reflect thoughtfully during a season when choices carry added weight.

The Truth About Satan

The Bible’s Portrait of Satan: Beyond the Caricatures and Toward the Story Scripture Tells

In today’s world, the figure commonly called the Devil or Satan is rarely taken seriously as a real spiritual being. Many people, whether casually religious, deeply secular, or somewhere in between, treat him as a symbol of evil rather than an actual adversary. Pop culture only reinforces this idea. We meet him as a cartoon villain with horns and a pitchfork, a slick deal-maker offering shortcuts to success, or even a charming anti-hero who simply wants a little freedom. These portrayals are memorable, but they tend to turn Satan into entertainment rather than something to consider seriously.

Surveys reflect this cultural shift. Fewer and fewer people believe in a personal, literal devil; many prefer to think of “Satan” as a metaphor for the darker impulses of human nature or the destructive patterns in society. Even some who believe in God dismiss the idea of a spiritual enemy as outdated. As a result, the biblical story of Satan is often overshadowed by modern reinterpretations that soften, reshape, or even glamorize him.

But when we set aside the caricatures and go back to the Bible itself, we encounter a very different picture, one that begins not in an underworld but in the heavenly courts of God.

Ministry of Healing: The Physician, an Educator

The true physician is an educator. He recognizes his responsibility, not only to the sick who are under his direct care, but also to the community in which he lives. He stands as a guardian of both physical and moral health. It is his endeavor not only to teach right methods for the treatment of the sick, but to encourage right habits of living, and to spread a knowledge of right principles.

Need of Education in Health Principles

Education in health principles was never more needed than now. Notwithstanding the wonderful progress in so many lines relating to the comforts and conveniences of life, even to sanitary matters and to the treatment of disease, the decline in physical vigor and power of endurance is alarming. It demands the attention of all who have at heart the well-being of their fellow men.

Our artificial civilization is encouraging evils destructive of sound principles. Custom and fashion are at war with nature. The practices they enjoin, and the indulgences they foster, are steadily lessening both physical and mental strength, [126] and bringing upon the race an intolerable burden. Intemperance and crime, disease and wretchedness, are everywhere.

Steps to Christ: A Knowledge of God

Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make Himself known to us and bring us into communion with Him. Nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. The open heart will be impressed with the love and glory of God as revealed through the works of His hands. The listening ear can hear and understand the communications of God through the things of nature. The green fields, the lofty trees, the buds and flowers, the passing cloud, the falling rain, the babbling brook, the glories of the heavens, speak to our hearts, and invite us to become acquainted with Him who made them all.

Our Saviour bound up His precious lessons with the things of nature. The trees, the birds, the flowers of the valleys, the hills, the lakes, and the beautiful heavens, as well as the incidents and surroundings of daily life, were all linked with the words of truth, that His lessons might thus be often recalled to mind, even amid the busy cares of man's life of toil.

In Praise of Parsnips

Golden Goodness: Why Parsnips Deserve a Spot on Your Plate

Parsnips are creamy-white root vegetables closely related to carrots and parsley. They have a sweet, earthy flavour that deepens as they mature—especially after the first frost, which converts some of their starches into natural sugars. Their firm texture makes them versatile in both rustic and refined dishes, and they have been a staple in European cooking for centuries.

Nutritionally, parsnips are packed with benefits. They’re rich in fibre, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and important minerals like potassium and manganese. The antioxidants found in parsnips support immune function and help combat inflammation. With their combination of nutrients and natural sweetness, they make a wholesome addition to many meals.

Be Angry and Sin Not: What the Bible Teaches About Healthy Anger

The question is simple, but the answer often feels complicated: Is anger a sin? We’ve all felt it, that sudden, hot surge of frustration, irritation, or even rage when we’ve been wronged, ignored, or violated. In a world where we are commanded to love and forgive, it’s easy to believe that anger is a feeling we must eliminate entirely. Yet, if we ignore it, we become bitter; if we indulge it, we become destructive. The truth about this powerful human emotion is that anger is often not the problem itself, but a vital signal pointing to a deeper hurt, fear, or injustice. Understanding this difference is the key to moving from unhealthy rage to righteous action.

Ministry of Healing: The Co-Working of the Divine and the Human

In the ministry of healing the physician is to be a co-worker with Christ. The Saviour ministered to both the soul and the body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and of physical restoration. Deliverance from sin and the healing of disease were linked together. The same ministry is committed to the Christian physician. He is to unite with Christ in relieving both the physical and spiritual needs of his fellow men. He is to be to the sick a messenger of mercy, bringing to them a remedy for the diseased body and for the sin-sick soul.

Christ is the true head of the medical profession. The chief Physician, He is at the side of every God-fearing practitioner who works to relieve human suffering. While the physician uses nature's remedies for physical disease, he should point his patients to Him who can relieve the maladies of both the soul and the body. That which physicians can only aid in doing, Christ accomplishes. They endeavor to assist nature's work of healing; Christ Himself is the healer. The physician seeks to preserve life; Christ imparts life. [112]

Steps to Christ: The Work and the Life

God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.

Our Saviour's joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame. So angels are ever engaged in working for the happiness of others. This is their joy. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character and rank, is the work of sinless angels. The spirit of Christ's self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ's followers will possess, the work that they will do.

How Excitotoxins Hijack Taste and Harm the Mind

What Are Excitotoxins?

Most people don’t realize that some of the “flavour enhancers” in everyday foods may affect more than just taste, they can overstimulate the brain. These compounds, called excitotoxins, include additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, hydrolyzed proteins, and certain “natural flavours.”

Excitotoxins work by over-activating neurons, especially receptors for glutamate and aspartate, two powerful excitatory neurotransmitters. When these brain pathways are overstimulated, nerve cells fire excessively until they become exhausted and die. This process, known as excitotoxicity, is a well-documented cause of brain inflammation and neurodegeneration.

The Hidden Side of Halloween and All Saints’ Day

When something cute and “harmless” masks a deeper danger

What often appears cute, harmless, or simply “fun” can, in truth, be a kind of spiritual Trojan horse, a disguise for something far more dangerous. Halloween, and even its more “Christianized” counterpart, All Saints’ Day, are now celebrated with smiling pumpkins, playful costumes, and light-hearted talk of ghosts and spirits.

Yet beneath their innocent surface lies a legacy rooted in pagan ritual and spiritual practices that stand in direct opposition to the truth of God’s Word. Just as the enemy cloaks deception in charm and familiarity, these festivals can dull our sensitivity to the reality of evil and the seriousness of dabbling in the spiritual realm apart from Christ.

What begins as harmless cultural fun can, over time, open hearts and homes to influences that draw people away from the purity of biblical faith and toward a growing tolerance, even fascination, with the occult.

Ministry of Healing: Saved to Serve

It is morning on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples have come to shore after a tempestuous night on the water, and the light of the rising sun touches sea and land as with the benediction of peace. But as they step upon the beach they are greeted with a sight more terrible than the storm-tossed sea. From some hiding place among the tombs two madmen rush upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these men are parts of chains which they have broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh is torn and bleeding, their eyes glare out from their long and matted hair, the very likeness of humanity seems to have been blotted out. They look more like wild beasts than like men.

The disciples and their companions flee in terror; but presently they notice that Jesus is not with them, and they turn to look for Him. He is standing where they left Him. He who stilled the tempest, who has before met Satan and conquered him, does not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth and foaming at the mouth, approach Him, Jesus raises that hand which has beckoned the waves to rest, [96] and the men can come no nearer. They stand before Him, raging but helpless.

Steps to Christ: Growing Up Into Christ

The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, "as new-born babes," to "grow up" to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15. Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall "be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.

1844: A Pivotal Year in Prophecy

The year 1844 stands as a turning point spiritually, prophetically, politically, and socially. As Christ was preparing the way for His truth to be proclaimed globally, Bible-based principles were rediscovered and revived. Yet at the same time, Satan worked relentlessly to obscure truth and counteract its influence.

Cranberries: Pucker Up For a Healthier You

Cranberries are small, tart, red berries that grow on low-lying, woody vines in acidic bogs and wetlands. They are native to North America and belong to the Vaccinium genus, which also includes blueberries and bilberries. Cranberries thrive in cool climates with sandy, acidic soils, conditions found mainly in parts of Canada and the northern United States.

Cranberry cultivation in North America dates back centuries, beginning with Indigenous peoples, who harvested wild cranberries for food, medicine, and dye. They often mixed cranberries with dried meat and fat to make pemmican, a traditional, long-lasting food. Commercial cultivation began in the early 1800s in Massachusetts and later expanded to regions like Wisconsin, British Columbia, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces. Canada is now one of the world’s top producers, particularly in British Columbia and Quebec, which together account for most of the country’s cranberry harvest.

Did Jehthah Sacrifice His Daughter?

The story of Jephthah and his vow is one of the most challenging accounts in the book of Judges, often raising questions about sacrifice, devotion, and God’s will. At first glance, it may appear that Jephthah offered his daughter as a burnt sacrifice, something God clearly abhorred and repeatedly forbade His people to imitate from the surrounding nations. Yet, a closer look at Scripture reveals a deeper meaning: Jephthah’s daughter was not slain, but rather consecrated, a living sacrifice, wholly dedicated to God. This study will explore the biblical context of vows, God’s rejection of human sacrifice, and how Jephthah’s daughter’s submission reflects the call of Romans 12:1 to present our lives as holy and acceptable to the Lord.

Ministry of Healing: Healing of the Soul

Many of those who came to Christ for help had brought disease upon themselves, yet He did not refuse to heal them. And when virtue from Him entered into these souls, they were convicted of sin, and many were healed of their spiritual disease as well as of their physical maladies.

Among these was the paralytic at Capernaum. Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery. His disease was the result of a sinful life, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. In vain he had appealed to the Pharisees and doctors for relief; they pronounced him incurable, they denounced him as a sinner and declared that he would die under the wrath of God.

The palsied man had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the works of Jesus. Others, as sinful and helpless as he, had been healed, and he was encouraged to believe that he, too, might be cured if he could be carried to the Saviour. But hope fell as he remembered the cause of his malady, yet he could not cast away the possibility of healing. [74]

The Gift of Tongues

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

— 1 Corinthians 12:7

Around the world, people are searching for genuine spiritual experiences. Some wonder if miracles and signs are proof of a close connection with God. Many people have heard of “speaking in tongues.” Some picture a person praying in a language no one understands; others imagine an ancient miracle that no longer happens. The topic can feel confusing, but the Bible actually explains it quite clearly.

Ministry of Healing: The Touch of Faith

"If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole." Matthew 9:21. It was a poor woman who spoke these words—a woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies, only to be pronounced incurable. But as she heard of the Great Healer, her hopes revived. She thought, "If only I could get near enough to speak to Him, I might be healed."

Christ was on His way to the home of Jairus, the Jewish rabbi who had entreated Him to come and heal his daughter. The heartbroken petition, "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed" (Mark 5:23), had touched the tender, sympathetic heart of Christ, and He at once set out with the ruler for his home.

They advanced but slowly; for the crowd pressed Christ on every side. In making His way through the multitude, the Saviour came near to where the afflicted woman was standing. Again and again she had tried in vain to get near Him. Now her opportunity had come. She could see no way of speaking to Him. She would not seek to hinder His slow advance. But she had heard that healing came from a touch of His garments; and, fearful of losing her one chance for relief, she pressed forward, saying to herself, "If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole."

Step to Christ: The Test of Discipleship

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or trace all the chain of circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. Christ said to Nicodemus, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8. Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. That regenerating power, which no human eye can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new being in the image of God. While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are manifest. If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.

Caffeine & It's Hidden Sources

When most people think of caffeine, coffee, tea, chocolate, or colas usually come to mind. Yet caffeine often shows up in unexpected places, hidden in everyday products we may not realize contain it.

As someone who avoids caffeine, I’ve often found limited options when spending time with friends at local coffee shops. Believing I was making a safe choice, I once ordered a Starbucks Strawberry Açaí Refresher—only to later discover that it contains 45–55 mg of caffeine from green coffee extract.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. While many rely on it to boost alertness and concentration, it also carries risks that vary depending on the amount consumed, how often it’s used, and individual sensitivity.

Echoes of Creation in Chinese Characters

The Chinese written language is among the oldest and most enduring writing systems in the world. Unlike most languages that use phonetic alphabets to represent sounds, Chinese characters are logographic, with each symbol representing a word or meaningful concept. The earliest forms were pictographs, simple drawings of objects such as the sun, a tree, or a person. Over time these drawings became stylized and were combined to express more complex and abstract ideas, yet the system has always remained rooted in visual symbols rather than sound.

The origins of Chinese writing stretch back more than 3,000 years to the Shang dynasty, with oracle bone inscriptions from around 1200 BCE being the earliest known examples. This makes Chinese one of the oldest continuously used writing systems in existence. Unlike other ancient scripts, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs or Sumerian cuneiform, which eventually faded from use, Chinese characters have endured and adapted. Because the writing system is not directly tied to pronunciation, it has served as a unifying force among speakers of many different dialects, acting as both a cultural and linguistic bond through the centuries.

Scholars and missionaries have noticed that some of the oldest Chinese characters seem to preserve themes found in the book of Genesis. For instance, the character for "temptation," merges the symbols for a WOMAN and TWO TREES, echoing the story of Eve and the serpent. Similarly, the character for “boat” joins the symbols for EIGHT, PEOPLE,  and SHIP, which parallels the eight persons saved in Noah’s ark during the flood.

Ministry of Healing: With Nature & With God

The Saviour's life on earth was a life of communion with nature and with God. In this communion He revealed for us the secret of a life of power.

Jesus was an earnest, constant worker. Never lived there among men another so weighted with responsibilities. Never another carried so heavy a burden of the world's sorrow and sin. Never another toiled with such self-consuming zeal for the good of men. Yet His was a life of health. Physically as well as spiritually He was represented by the sacrificial lamb, "without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:19. In body as in soul He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws.

Steps to Christ: Faith & Acceptance

As your conscience has been quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have seen something of the evil of sin, of its power, its guilt, its woe; and you look upon it with abhorrence. You feel that sin has separated you from God, that you are in bondage to the power of evil. The more you struggle to escape, the more you realize your helplessness. Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him—what can you do to obtain it?

Roasted Beet & Walnut Salad

September Beets: Harvest the Colour, Taste the Health 

Beets are a nutrient-dense root vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They are especially rich in folate, manganese, potassium, and fibre, all of which support heart health, digestion, and overall vitality. Their natural pigments, called betalains, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while the nitrates in beets help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance exercise performance by supporting oxygen use in the body. Regularly including beets in the diet may promote cardiovascular health, support detoxification, and provide steady energy thanks to their combination of natural sugars and fibre.

One delicious way to enjoy these benefits is with a Roasted Beet & Walnut Salad, a simple, whole-food plant-based recipe that combines tender roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, fresh greens, and a creamy tahini dressing for a flavourful and nourishing meal.

The Book of Enoch

The term Book of Enoch refers to a group of Jewish apocalyptic writings, 1 Enoch, 2 Enoch, and 3 Enoch, traditionally attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. In reality, scholars believe these texts were written by multiple anonymous authors between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE.

When people mention “the Book of Enoch,” they almost always mean 1 Enoch, the earliest and most influential of the three. Written in stages during the Second Temple period, it presents Enoch’s visions and revelations. Its most famous section, The Book of the Watchers, recounts how fallen angels (“Watchers”) descended to earth, married human women, and taught forbidden knowledge, producing the Nephilim and corrupting humanity. The text goes on to prophesy final judgment and a coming messianic kingdom.

Despite its influence, 1 Enoch was excluded from the Jewish canon and later from most Christian canons. It was considered pseudepigraphal, falsely attributed to Enoch, who lived before the Flood, and inconsistent with accepted scripture. Since it was not part of the Hebrew Bible or the Septuagint, it did not become foundational for Judaism or mainstream Christianity.

Ministry of Healing: Days of Ministry

In the fisherman's home at Capernaum the mother of Peter's wife is lying sick of "a great fever," and "they tell Him of her." Jesus "touched her hand, and the fever left her," and she arose and ministered to the Saviour and His disciples. Luke 4:38; Mark 1:30; Matthew 8:15.

Rapidly the tidings spread. The miracle had been wrought upon the Sabbath, and for fear of the rabbis the people dared not come for healing until the sun was set. Then from the homes, the shops, the market places, the inhabitants of the city pressed toward the humble dwelling that sheltered Jesus. The sick were brought upon litters, they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported by friends, they tottered feebly into the Saviour's presence.

Hour after hour they came and went; for none could know whether tomorrow would find the Healer still among them. Never before had Capernaum witnessed a day like this. The air was filled with the voice of triumph and shouts of deliverance.

Steps to Christ: Consecration

God's promise is, "Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13.

The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: "Dead in trespasses and sins;" "the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;" "no soundness in it." We are held fast in the snare of Satan, "taken captive by him at his will." Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

Let Your Food Be Your Medicine

"Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 136:25 

The "Doctrine of Signatures" is a traditional belief that the physical characteristics of plants and foods (their "signatures") indicate their intended use for healing specific parts of the body. The idea can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, but it became especially prominent in medieval Europe and the Renaissance.

Paracelsus (1493–1541), a Swiss physician and alchemist, was one of its strongest advocates. He taught that God had marked plants with signs of their purpose for human use. It was common in herbal medicine traditions across Europe, the Middle East, India, and China, though expressed differently in each culture.

The Siege of Jerusalem

 

On August 30, A.D. 70, the magnificent Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by fire during the Roman siege under Titus. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, an eyewitness to the events, records that although Titus had originally ordered the temple spared, a Roman soldier hurled a burning brand into one of its chambers. The flames quickly spread beyond control, and the sanctuary, once regarded as the very heart of Jewish life and worship, was reduced to ashes (The Jewish War, 6.252–266).

Ministry of Healing: Our Example

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man's necessity. He "took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses," that He might minister to every need of humanity. Matthew 8:17. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.

Steps to Christ: Repentance

How shall a man be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multitude on the Day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, "What shall we do?" The first word of Peter's answer was, "Repent." Acts 2:37, 38. At another time, shortly after, he said, "Repent, . . . and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts 3:19.

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.

Three Bean Salad

Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are among the most nutrient-dense foods you can add to your diet. They’re naturally rich in plant-based protein, making them a hearty alternative to meat while also being low in fat. Packed with fibre, legumes support healthy digestion, promote satiety, and help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

Beyond protein and fibre, legumes provide a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support heart health, blood pressure regulation, and overall vitality. Regularly eating legumes has also been linked to lower cholesterol and improved blood sugar control, making them a smart choice for long-term health.

Bigger Than Jesus?

On this day, August 15, 1965, The Beatles played to over 55,000 fans at Shea Stadium in New York City. The event later became regarded as the birth of stadium rock. It remained the highest concert attendance in the United States until 1973, when Led Zeppelin played to an audience of 56,000 in Tampa, Florida.

Beatlemania was at one of its highest marks at the Shea concert. Film footage shows teenagers and women crying, screaming, and even fainting. Despite the heavy security presence of over 2000 security personal, individual fans broke onto the field numerous times and had to be chased down and restrained.

Peach Perfect: Tasty, Nutritious, and In Season

Juicy, fragrant, and bursting with flavour, peaches have a long and fascinating journey behind their soft, fuzzy skin. Originally cultivated in China over 4,000 years ago, peaches were cherished for their beauty and symbolism, representing immortality and renewal. From there, they travelled along ancient trade routes to Persia—earning their botanical name Prunus persica—and eventually made their way to Europe. Spanish explorers introduced peaches to the Americas in the 1500s, and European settlers later brought them to Canada. Thanks to the warm summers and fertile soil of southern Ontario—especially the Niagara Peninsula and the shores of Lake Erie—peaches have thrived, becoming a seasonal highlight every August.

Steps to Christ: Confession

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13.

The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy.

The Truth About B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the brain, nerves, and blood cells. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and the maintenance of the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers. B12 also supports energy metabolism and helps regulate mood and cognitive function through its role in neurotransmitter synthesis. A deficiency can lead to serious issues such as fatigue, anemia, nerve damage, cognitive decline, and even permanent neurological problems if left untreated.

The Bible & Loneliness

A lone sheep is, for all practical purposes a dead sheep.

Despite regular church attendance, many Christians in America still experience significant loneliness. Around 15–16% of churchgoers report feeling lonely all the time, with unmarried singles, especially those aged 30–39, reporting rates as high as 50%. Bible-disengaged Christians also experience much higher levels of both moderate and high loneliness. These findings suggest that while church involvement offers some protection, it often lacks the depth of personal connection and spiritual support needed to combat emotional isolation, particularly for singles and those on the margins of church life.*

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." — Genesis 2:18

This is the foundational verse showing God's own declaration that solitude is not ideal for human beings.

Loneliness Makes Us Sick

Loneliness affects around 1 in 3 people regularly, with up to 60% of U.S. adults reporting they feel lonely some or most of the time. It’s especially common among young adults and seniors. Globally, loneliness has become so widespread that the World Health Organization declared it a public health concern, and countries like the U.K. have appointed a Minister for Loneliness to address the crisis.

Someone can feel lonely even when others are present because loneliness is not about being alone, it’s about feeling disconnected. It’s a sense that no one truly sees, understands, or connects with you on a meaningful level.  

Here are a few key reasons this can happen:

Constantine The Great

July 25, 306 AD Constantine became emperor in AD 306, following the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus. Constantine the Great (reigned AD 306–337) is most known for transforming Christianity from a persecuted faith into a legally recognized and increasingly favoured religion within the Roman Empire. 

Constantine, along with Licinius, issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire. It legalized Christianity, ending centuries of persecution allowed Christians to worship freely and restored confiscated Church property.

Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church, to resolve the Arian controversy (debate over whether Christ was fully divine or created), affirm the divinity of Christ and promote doctrinal unity that led to the creation of the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith.

Carob: More Than A Cocoa Alternative

Carob is a naturally sweet, edible pod derived from the Ceratonia siliqua tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It is often used as a caffeine-free and theobromine-free alternative to chocolate. Carob comes in various forms—such as powder, chips, or syrup—and has a naturally sweet, earthy flavour, somewhat resembling cocoa but milder and less bitter. 

“Cacao” refers to the raw, unprocessed beans from the cacao tree and products made directly from them, while “cocoa” usually refers to the roasted, processed form of those beans, often used in powders and chocolate products. In short, cacao is the less processed form, and cocoa is the more refined version. 

Carob has several advantages over chocolate, particularly in terms of health, dietary restrictions, and stimulant content. Here's a clear breakdown of the key advantages of carob over chocolate.

Steps to Christ: The Sinner's Need of Christ

Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempter's purpose to thwart the divine plan in man's creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he would point to all this evil as the result of God's work in creating man.

Tomato & Red Pepper Soup

Red Bell Peppers and Tomatoes are both nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods that offer a variety of health benefits.

High in vitamin C, one red bell pepper provides more than 150% of the daily recommended intake. Red peppers contains beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin for eye health, an support immunity thanks to their high vitamin C and A content. They are a good source of fibre which aids digestion and supports gut health and are low in calories which make them ideal for weight-conscious diets.

The Man Who Refused to Run on Sunday

Eric Liddell (1902–1945) was a Scottish Olympic athlete, Christian missionary, and devout man of faith best known for his Olympic fame, his devout faith, and his missionary work.

Liddell gained international attention at the 1924 Paris Olympics, which is portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire (1981). He was favoured to win the 100-meter sprint, but refused to run in the heats because they were held on a Sunday, honouring his belief in keeping the Sabbath holy. Instead, he ran the 400-meter race, which was not his specialty—and won gold, breaking the world record at the time.