Press On Journal

Christians seem overly focused on condemning sexual sins like premarital sex and homosexuality, neglecting other sins that Jesus and the apostles prioritized, like greed, hypocrisy, and injustice. This disproportionate emphasis on sexual matters may stem from theological roots linking sexuality to impurity, and scapegoating sexual freedoms for Christianity's declining dominance.

There is a depressing predictability to what’s currently happening in the Middle-East. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. If you live like that, the whole world ends up blind and whole world ends up toothless. Jesus, didn’t lead a violent revolt, and he didn’t attack other religions. He taught his disciples to be meek, to love their enemies, to lose their lives and take up the cross.

Sin separates us from God, from ourselves, and from others. What is happening the moment before we sin? The example of Cain is instructive as God pleads him to resist sin's desires, offering comfort and perspective. Sadly, despite God's efforts, Cain's free will leads him to kill Abel. The parable of the prodigal son leaves an open ending, inviting us into repentance and reunion with God's love.

God’s kingdom is not only a future event. Jesus taught about the present reality of God's kingdom by urging repentance and transformation as a path to experience it now in righteousness, peace, and joy.

Our Christadelphian community is undergoing gradual but accelerating change regarding gender roles, with an increasing number of churches allowing women more active participation. This transition is happening through various processes, and despite resistance in some quarters, the data shows an exponential trend towards gender-inclusive practices across the UK.

The phenomenon of consciousness challenges the presumption that everything in the universe is purely physical. It indicates that meaning is to be found beyond the material.

Eve was named after the heavenly component of humanity - the breath of life - while Adam was named after the earthly component - the clay. Eve's role was to be a helper and guide for Adam, encouraging him towards godliness, not that of a subordinate assistant.

Divisions tear social fabrics, fraying relationships. Scripture warns against divisiveness as fleshly behavior opposed to unity. Love and harmony should prevail over divisions. Mend nets instead of rending garments.

Christmas originated from early Christians calculating the date of Jesus' birth, not from co-opting pagan festivals. Evidence suggests the December 25th date was set before later pagan festivals adopted it; alleged pagan origins like Saturnalia, Tammuz, Mithras, and Yule lack credible evidence of predating or influencing Christmas celebrations.

The Biblical concept of God’s holy spirit, its active presence in believers' lives and its role in transforming our character, is contrasted with the unholy human spirit and its selfish destructiveness. Linguistically nuanced Scriptural evidence regarding the spirit's manifestations, gifts, and fruit, underscores its centrality to Christian experience and future blessings.

Faith requires engagement: practicing it, being in community, and wrestling with questions. Anchoring ourselves in God's steadfast love prevents drifting.

Life is unpredictable, yet we try to control it by chasing dreams and desires, believing they'll bring fulfillment. Jesus teaches that surrendering everything to him and denying ourselves daily is true freedom. By relinquishing control and giving our desires to God, we gain Christ and find contentment in any circumstance.

Hagar, an immigrant slave and concubine, faces oppression and mistreatment from her mistress Sarai. But God favors Hagar, promising her innumerable descendants. She is the first to receive such an angelic visitation, demonstrating God's care for the downtrodden, regardless of race or status.

Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, liberated Jews enslaved in Babylon. He allowed them to rebuild Jerusalem's temple, fulfilling prophecies about him. His Cyrus Cylinder promoted freedom, human rights, and religious tolerance, earning him a lasting legacy as a benevolent ruler who foreshadowed Jesus Christ's greater liberation.

Jesus endured immense physical and emotional suffering in his final days, including brutal scourging, mockery, and an agonizing crucifixion, to make a way for humanity's redemption and relationship with God, scorning the shame for the joy set before him of resurrected glory and our eternal inheritance.

Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple of Jesus who anointed him, witnessed both his crucifixion and resurrection, and was commissioned to share the news of his resurrection. Her story suggests she may have been a former prostitute from the town of Magdala before encountering Jesus and becoming his premier disciple, surpassing even the Twelve Apostles in her spiritual understanding.

Samson is often misunderstood. His story actually portrays a man of unwavering faith serving God despite Israel's spiritual decline. Guided by God's spirit, his actions were aimed at freeing Israel from Philistine oppression. His marriage, riddle, residing with the prostitute, and ultimate sacrifice all align with divine approval rather than personal flaws.

An autistic and ADHD advocate with schizophrenia, shares their journey of self-discovery through difficult life circumstances and discrimination, but ultimately leading to positive self-knowledge and a fulfilling life as a published author, presenter, and civil servant.

The article explores the biblical concept of faith as reliance and trust in God, contrasting it with pride and self-assurance. It examines faith's two aspects: belief in facts about God, and trusting in God. Faith requires humbly allowing God to work in us, while pride opposes this openness to transformation.

We are familiar with the basic story of Esther, a Jewish orphan turned queen, who courageously risks her life to save her people from genocide planned by the wicked Haman. We may be less aware of the Biblical subtext of her righting a generational disgrace sullying her Benjamite lineage.

The Holy Spirit may refer to the angel of God's presence who accompanied and guided Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit continues this role, teaching, guiding, and protecting God's people.

God intended an intimate relationship with humanity, depicted as parent, friend, and husband. Jesus continues this intimacy, offering forgiveness, guidance, and belonging to believers as our Savior, brother, friend, and bridegroom. Developing a personal vision of this relationship through meditation and reflective exercises can deepen our bond.

Loving boundaries respect others' dignity, and enable healthy forms of service. In contrast, confusing burdens and responsibilities leads to unhealthy behaviors. Jesus modeled boundaries by not presuming needs but by helping those according to their asks and according to his gifts, while living within his limits.

The Bible is unique, not like a novel, essay or reference book. It contains diverse voices and messages that can seem contradictory. Jesus, the living Word of God, provides the key to unlock and interpret the Scriptures, acting as the lens through which to understand God's revelation progressively unfolding.

Solomon presents two contrasting paths: marrying Lady Wisdom to pursue virtue, diligence, and righteousness; or wandering the streets at night seeking the adulterous woman and falling into demise.