The fourteen holy helpers are a group of saints venerated together in Roman Catholicism because their intercession was effective against various diseases and other calamities. The fourteen saints are: St. George St. Blaise St. Erasmus St. Pantaleon St. Vitus St. Christopher St. Denis St. Cyriacus St. Acacius St. Eustace St. Giles St. Margaret St. Catherine of Alexandria St. Barbara The invocation of these saints for protection against diseases and dangers has its origins in the bubonic plague that devastated Europe in the 14th century. The cult of the fourteen holy helpers emerged in Germany in response to the devastation caused…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Inner peace is a state of spiritual calmness and tranquility that many aspire to achieve. In a world full of stress, anxiety, and conflict, finding inner peace can seem elusive. Yet the Bible offers wisdom, guidance, and promises from God that can lead to profound inner peace if we apply them. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Bible says about attaining inner peace. Inner peace comes from trusting in God One of the most important keys to inner peace is developing and maintaining a close, trusting relationship with God. When we trust in the Lord, we’re able to release…
Repentance is a major biblical doctrine that is emphasized throughout the Old and New Testaments. At its core, biblical repentance refers to making a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to turn towards God. It involves a change of heart and a change of behavior. The Bible makes it clear that repentance is something God commands all people everywhere to do (Acts 17:30). Here is an overview of some of the major things the Bible teaches about repentance. The Meaning of Repentance The primary Hebrew word for repentance in the Old Testament is “shuv” which means to “turn…
Timothy was an important figure in the early Christian church. He was a close associate of the apostle Paul and is mentioned frequently throughout the New Testament books of Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Philemon, and Hebrews. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about Timothy: Timothy’s Background Timothy was from Lystra in the Roman province of Galatia (modern day Turkey). He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy’s grandmother Lois was also a woman of sincere…
The spiritual disciplines are practices and habits that Christians engage in to grow closer to God and conform themselves more into the image of Christ. These disciplines help strengthen our faith, transform our minds, deepen our relationship with God, and equip us to serve others. Though not means of salvation themselves, the spiritual disciplines position us to receive God’s grace and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. There are many spiritual disciplines discussed in Scripture and practiced throughout Christian history. Here is an overview of some of the key spiritual disciplines: Prayer Prayer is one of the most fundamental spiritual…
Alcoholism is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As Christians, we are called to approach alcoholics with compassion, grace, and truth. Here is a biblical overview of how Christians can understand and respond to alcoholism: Alcoholism is a Sin, But So Are Many Other Things Drunkenness and addiction to alcohol are clearly warned against in Scripture (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:10). However, the Bible is clear that all have sinned and struggle with weaknesses (Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15). Christians should avoid viewing alcoholism as a moral failing worse than other sins. The church is called to show…
Distinguishing right from wrong is one of the most fundamental human struggles. As Christians, we believe the Bible provides divine guidance on moral issues to help us discern good from evil. Though the Bible was written thousands of years ago, its principles remain timeless and applicable today. By understanding biblical teachings on morality, studying examples of righteousness and wickedness in Scripture, and seeking wisdom through prayer and godly counsel, we can train our conscience to align with God’s standards of right and wrong. Biblical Principles for Morality The Bible lays out absolute moral laws that transcend culture and apply to…
Psalm 127:1 states, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” This verse points to the importance of relying on God’s providence and grace for all endeavors in life. Here are 9000 words exploring the meaning of this verse and related biblical teachings: The first part of the verse establishes that unless God is involved in a project or endeavor, human efforts alone are futile. The imagery of building a house points to any major life undertaking – pursuing a career, raising…
The division between Catholics and Protestants dates back to the 16th century, when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses that criticized certain practices of the Catholic Church. This event marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which led to the creation of new Protestant denominations that rejected the authority of the Pope and other Catholic doctrines and traditions. Over the centuries, there have been significant theological, political, and cultural conflicts between Catholics and Protestants that have unfortunately created animosity between members of the two groups. Here are some of the key reasons why there continues to be tension between Catholics…
Deuteronomy 24 discusses laws and regulations around divorce in ancient Israelite society. This chapter provides guidance on the procedures and restrictions around divorcing one’s wife, marrying a divorced woman, and other related marital circumstances. At the outset, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context of these directives. In ancient Israel, marriage was seen as a covenant relationship, not just a personal contract between two individuals. Therefore, divorce was not treated casually but had implications for the couple, families, and community. The instructions in Deuteronomy 24 aim to uphold the sanctity of marriage while making allowance for divorce…