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.