In Acts 16, when the jailer asked Paul and Silas how he could be saved, their response was direct: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Some interpret this to mean that salvation requires no further explanation or mention of repentance. However, doesn’t this view overlooks the broader context?
I don’t believe this statement given to the jailer not meant to stand alone. It is reasonable to assume that Paul and Silas had already explained who Jesus is, what He had done, and why the man needed saving. Without this knowledge, belief would be empty. Romans 10:14 asks, “How will they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” True faith requires understanding the person and work of Christ, including His death and resurrection.
The command to believe is central, but it is built upon clear teaching. Evangelism is not about offering vague assurances; it is about presenting the full message of Jesus so that belief is rooted in truth.
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Every mother has the opportunity to leave something valuable behind. It could be kindness, love, or wisdom. But one of the most meaningful gifts she can pass on is the knowledge of God’s Word. In the New Testament, Paul writes to Timothy and honours his mother and grandmother for teaching him the Scriptures from a young age (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Their faithful teaching shaped Timothy’s life and faith.
Mothers today can do the same. Even without taking over their husband’s leadership role, they can influence their children spiritually in powerful ways. Through daily care, comfort, and guidance, a mother has unique access to her children’s hearts. She can use that bond to share the truth about God and salvation.
Paul also spoke of women being “saved through childbearing” (1 Timothy 2:15). This doesn’t mean salvation comes from having children. Instead, it means that women find purpose and honour in raising children who follow God. By investing spiritually in the next generation, mothers help heal the damage caused by sin and contribute to a legacy of faith.
A godly mother shapes not only her children’s lives but also their futures.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
In Mark 1:30, a quiet yet meaningful event takes place in a family home. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever. Those in the house told Jesus about her condition, and without delay, he went to her, took her hand, and helped her to her feet. The fever left her, and she immediately began to care for those around her.
While this wasn’t a life-threatening illness, doesn’t this show us that God’s grace is present in everyday situations? Most of us have experienced minor illnesses and received kindness from those nearby. Though Peter’s mother-in-law might have recovered in time without intervention, Jesus still chose to heal her.
God’s care is not limited to serious or dramatic problems. His mercy reaches into the ordinary parts of life.
The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.
For more than 25 years, Jesus in the City has been bringing the Body of Christ together to lift up the name of Jesus on city streets through music, arts, and culture. This September 6, the celebration returns to downtown Toronto for its 26th Annual Jesus in the City Parade, beginning at noon in Queen’s Park and winding through the city in a vibrant public expression of faith, unity, and the love of God.
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Founded in 1999 by Rev. Ayanna Solomon, Jesus in the City | Festival of Praise International is a charitable, non-profit community network that collaborates with churches, organizations, and artists worldwide to spread the Gospel through creative means. From Toronto to the Caribbean, the United States, and beyond, the movement has grown into an international celebration of faith and artistic expression.
A Parade That Brings the Bible to Life
The Annual Jesus in the City Parade is a lively musical street pageant, attracting more than 25,000 attendees each year. Floats, marching bands, choirs, congregants, and worshippers fill the streets, illustrating themes from the Bible through costumes, banners, flags, and live gospel music. Participants walk in celebration, sharing messages of hope, love, peace, and the joy of salvation.
The inaugural parade, held in Toronto on September 11, 1999, depicted every book of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Since then, Jesus in the City has sponsored public events, worship conferences, outdoor festivals, and global parades — from Bakersfield, California (2010) to Grenada (2016), Jamaica (2018), and most recently St. Kitts & Nevis (2024).
Expanding the Mission Globally
Jesus in the City’s mission is fourfold:
To mobilize believers to raise a Godly standard in society.
To restore the cultural relevance of music and the arts in worship.
To encourage unity in the Body of Christ, lifting one voice to God.
To draw people to receive Jesus through the truth of His Word.
The organization has used diverse methods — from creative arts, theatre, and visual displays to festivals, media, and community outreach — to meet both spiritual and social needs. Events such as the Taste of Jesus in the City Concert (launched in 2011), Prayer & Worship Gatherings (2015), and the Christmas in the City Festival Concert (2017) continue to foster community engagement. Even during the pandemic, the message spread through the Virtual World Parade (2020–2021), connecting believers worldwide via online collaborations.
What to Expect This Year
This year’s parade will feature a free family festival in Queen’s Park, complete with live performances, community booths, interactive exhibits, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow will attend for the second consecutive year, highlighting the city’s recognition of faith and cultural diversity — especially after the Toronto City Council declared December as “Christian Heritage Month” in 2024.
Organizers are calling on passionate volunteers to help bring the 2025 parade and festival to life. Support for the event can come through prayer, financial partnership, volunteering, or sharing artistic gifts and talents.
Gratitude and Global Impact
For more than two decades, Jesus in the City has expressed gratitude for its many partners, sponsors, artists, volunteers, and supporters who have helped carry the message of hope, faith, and unity into cities around the world.
As the streets of Toronto prepare to come alive with music, colour, and celebration on September 6, Jesus in the City continues its vision: to celebrate love for God and love for people through music, arts, and culture.
Jesus is described in many ways throughout the Bible. He is known as Christ, Lord, Saviour, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. He is also called the Alpha and Omega, meaning the beginning and the end. Other names include the son of David, the great king, the lamb of God, and the lion from the tribe of Judah. These titles reflect different parts of who he is and what he came to do.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements that begin with “I am,” where he reveals more about himself. One important statement is found in John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus does not just show the way to God. He is the way.
Through Jesus, people can know the truth and receive life that never ends.
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”
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