Claim OwnershipPress On Journal
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Press On is a Christadelphian journal. We publish engaging perspectives, expressed with enthusiasm and love for other believers. Press On aspires to stimulate growth in the Christadelphian community by helping it draw strength from its diversity, following the spirit of 1 Cor 12, and Rom 12 — one body, made up of different parts, all of whom are dependent on each other. As in the first century, our community of faith can benefit from both progressive and traditional perspectives so long as they are explored compassionately and without factionalism. That is what we are trying to do. As a listener of Press On, you may come across perspectives you have not encountered before. Some topics you may immediately resonate with and be thrilled by. Others you might disagree with. Our goal is that either way, you come away without feeling talked down to and with something worth considering.
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This article looks at some instances of women in Biblical genealogies, particularly noticing the difference between the egalitarian status of women in God’s plan and purpose in Genesis, and how women were actually regarded as subordinate to men in ANE culture. The place of a woman in patrilineal genealogies is usually in a supporting role that informs the status of the men with whom she is associated.
Time periods in prophecy are a bit of a nightmare for many Bible readers. But for some, understanding prophecy, including the time periods, is an important way of learning more about events leading up to the coming of Christ. So, as we witness the on-going events in the Middle East today, our understanding of the prophets’ message enables us to appreciate the fact that events leading to Israel’s redemption are actually in progress now. For us, these events are a matter of everyday news, but in the bigger picture they are a prelude to Christ’s return and the establishment of the kingdom that God has promised.
This article looks at the curious or strange parable in Luke 16 variously called the parable of the shrewd manager (NIV), or the dishonest manager (ESV), or the unjust steward (NKJV), or the prudent steward, giving us a clue to the fact that there are divergent views about the focus and meaning of the parable. When we put the two curious parables of Luke 16, and the intervening verses, together with the parable of the prodigal son in the preceding chapter, we see a consistent theme about the responsibility of disciples to be ‘sons of light’, using the time and resources with which we have been entrusted by God with integrity and honesty. In this, as in all things, Jesus is the ‘pattern for our duty, showing God in beauty.’
God requested Abraham to leave his country, his father’s house, and his family. This was not one request that was met overnight by Abraham in a state of total obedience. We see that in the course of a 50 year period that it was not actually Abraham himself who instigated the circumstances leading to the obedience of each request made in Mesopotamia, but rather the situations he found himself that were prompted by others.
Despite the paucity of references in the New Testament to the role of Israel in God’s purposes, we have argued that the trumpets in Revelation highlight the sequence of events which will lead up to the point at which those in Israel who are prepared to accept Christ as their Messiah will be saved.
Genealogies were not used in ANE in the same way we use ours today. This article outlines the theory and models of genealogies as used in the Hebrew bible, and explores their purpose: to record the blood relationships and lineage of the people of Israel among the peoples of the ANE; to emphasise their identity as people in covenant relationship to their God, Yahweh; to summarise covenant history; to identify relationships in order to authorise claims to lands and roles, such as priestly and royal ones, especially for those returning to the land after the exile.
The teachings of Jesus challenge us to rise above cultural norms and self-centered ambitions, calling us to a life of genuine love, humility, and service. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us to embody compassion and mercy, not as an outward display but as a true reflection of Christ’s values in every aspect of our lives. To follow our countercultural Messiah is to love God and our neighbors unconditionally, even when it’s difficult, inconvenient, or counter to societal expectations.
God’s desire to adopt us as his children is at the very heart of the gospel. Understanding the role of adoption in Greco-Roman times, enriches the process of us being adopted out of slavery to sin, and becoming coheirs with Christ. There is no greater joy than the privilege of being adopted by God through faith in Jesus. For in Jesus, we enjoy the liberties and privileges of being the children of God, both now and in the kingdom to come.
Jesus's ministry exemplified best practices in advocacy and change strategies. In it, one can identify clear objectives, specifically chosen audiences, deliberate message points, and various tactics we would still see in modern communication campaigns.
In reading the Old Testament, Jesus seems to be selecting the most important verses – the verses which apply most fully to himself and his mission at that time, and the verses which he wants his hearers to understand both about him and about their own discipleship. Jesus does not simply applying Old Testament examples indiscriminately. Instead, we see him applying the Scriptures with wisdom; filling out their full meaning; reading towards mercy; and Jesus is the one who now embodies God’s Word fully. He is the one through whom God has now fully spoken.
We are used to the idea that doctrine is defined and held together by straightforward literal – almost legal – language. Historically, the teaching of scripture has been reduced to a series of propositions in a ‘statement of faith’ or a ‘creed.’ But Jesus didn’t teach like that, and the parables are an essential part of the way he encouraged his audience to think for themselves. ‘That is curious’ they might say. ‘What is this young rabbi driving at?’
The three ancient Greek transcendentals—truth, goodness, and beauty—reflect essential principles which are also seen in the Bible. While truth and goodness receive ample attention in Christian discourse, beauty is often neglected despite its crucial role in attracting people to God through love, grace, and emotional connection.
The seven seals in Revelation represent the Divine process for working with people. The first four seals speak of the conditions under which people respond to God's invitation, while the final three reveal God's plan for gathering those followers.
The witch hunts from the era of King James I have echoes in today's political landscape. Just as religious authorities once twisted Bible verses to justify persecuting women, religious nationalists now use faith-based arguments to marginalize and restrict roles for women in society.
We each have an arc in our lifetime Bible-reading habits, and some people eventually choose to set aside regular reading. Others maintain the practice despite having read the Bible many times. Bible reading can be like therapeutic coaching that provides perspective, correction, and renewal, much like how athletes and artists require ongoing training.
For Christians, change is a crucial aspect of living a spiritual life. While we tend to want to keep things just as they are, God has different plans. God pushes us to grow and develop in a gradual process that requires trust.
The author shares his experience with a major health emergency: an aorta dissection. He explains the subsequent surgery, and his emergence with renewed perspective. The discussion touches on mortality and faith, approach to prayer, the importance of acceptance, and the overwhelming impact of love from family and community.
The crucifixion of Jesus is examined through the lens of honor-shame culture, highlighting the public humiliation he endured. His cry on the cross is interpreted as a biblical lament, demonstrating faith rather than doubt. God's vindication of Jesus' honor is shown through supernatural signs and ultimately his resurrection.
Burnout arrives with recognizable signs, and there are biblical strategies to overcome it. Mitigating burnout requires rest, reliance on God, reframing purpose, honest prayer, trusting God's timing, and community support. Elijah's story and various Bible verses illustrate these points and can encourage us when facing burnout.
We explore how Job's experiences reveal that a right relationship with God stems from His grace, not our own righteousness. Through suffering and divine encounters, Job learns to trust in God's sovereign grace rather than relying on religious observance or moral perfection. This understanding parallels Paul's theological journey and remains crucial for our faith today.
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