Press On Journal: Recent Episodes
Press On Journal
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.
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.
Biblical interpretation can face challenges in understanding aspects of the text such as genre and context. Christadelphian community bible study could benefit from improved hermeneutics, engagement with scholarship, emphasis on humility, and recognition of interpretive authority. These practices can reaffirm beliefs, reduce division, and help adapt to new challenges.
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.
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.
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.
A Christian morality of sex should be based on virtues like respect for others and faithfulness, rather than just rules or consequences. Sex should occur within committed relationships motivated by mutual care and benefit, not merely consent.
Ecclesias face challenges accommodating diverse generational perspectives and expectations regarding worship styles, gender roles, and community engagement. Unity amid diversity is exhorted by examples like the Council of Jerusalem and many of Paul's teachings, and there are good practical approaches to promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
The biblical account of Israel's conquest of Canaan should probably not be read literally – as an exercise in genocide – but understood through the lens of ancient literary conventions using hyperbolic language to convey spiritual lessons rather than factual history.
Churches must prioritize creating welcoming spaces for worship and spiritual growth, not hindering access through traditions. New approaches can facilitate authentic worship and community. Embracing positive change requires humility, open-mindedness, and active participation from all members to shape the future of our churches.
Christian theological views on sexuality could use some responsible re-evaluation as some commonly-held beliefs may be problematic. The body and sexual desires are not sinful, but part of God's good creation. Virginity does not equal purity, lust is not equivalent to adultery, nor is procreation the sole purpose of sex within marriage.
The book of Revelation consists of two parts: God redeeming His people (churches, seals, trumpets) and God redeeming the world (woman, dragon, beasts, bowls of wrath). Symbols may be interpreted as representing God's work rather than historical events, with the overall message intended to inspire believers.
The biblical command to "love your neighbor as yourself" implies the relevance of self-love, yet in modern Western culture, self-judgment and lack of self-acceptance are common issues, which may stem from misinterpreting biblical teachings on humility and selflessness. Readers are encouraged to embrace self-love as a necessary complement to loving others.
God calls us to walk by faith, not sight; embrace the invisible; let go of fear, doubts, hindrances; receive forgiveness; travel together; keep God central.
Jesus proclaimed good news of God's kingdom advancing through healing, teaching, and compassion. Global data shows remarkable progress in health, education, and quality of life, suggesting a present aspect of God's kingdom is growing like seed, though imperfectly.
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.
God is present in every aspect of life, from nature to personal experiences. Recognizing and appreciating His involvement leads to a deeper relationship and trust in His guidance. Challenges arise, but faith grows through them. Ultimately, serving God by caring for others, especially the vulnerable, brings profound meaning and purpose.
Like renovating an old house, renovation of spiritual life is essential for growth. Traditions can become outdated and limit our relationship with God. Critically examining beliefs, being open to change, and finding a supportive community are crucial for spiritual renewal and deepening our connection with Jesus.
The apparent contradiction between the violent, wrathful portrayal of God in the Old Testament and the loving, merciful character of God revealed through Jesus in the New Testament may be a result of cultural accommodations and hyperbolic language. God withdrawing his protection rather than directly inflicting violence could explain the apparent dichotomy while upholding Jesus as the full revelation of God.
Prayer transforms us by deepening our relationship with God, aligning our desires with His will, and giving us peace in trusting His presence, even when our specific requests are not granted.
Daniel, though exiled, used his influence to benefit God's people: securing promotions for friends, ensuring decent treatment of Israelite slaves, protecting Jeremiah, releasing prisoners, enabling temple rebuilding, and guiding wise men to worship the Messiah – exemplifying God's extravagant providence amidst judgment.
There is prevalent doubt among the current generation, not about God's existence, but about His worth and the value of having a relationship with Him. The constant stimulation and distractions of modern life lead to apathy towards spiritual matters. Integrating faith into everyday activities, like camping with friends, can overcome this apathy and provide a path to rediscovering the worth of a relationship with God.
A midwife’s perspective across her many experiences of births, providing comfort during labor's intensity, validating the purpose of pain, and encouraging perseverance until the triumph of new life provide a powerful spiritual metaphor for how we can serve one another in love.
Ruth transforms from a destitute widow to a redeemer through her faith in God. She redeems both her mother-in-law Naomi and her predecessor Tamar, culminating in the birth of King David, restoring Tamar's lineage after ten generations of exclusion.
Fear of rejection within the Christadelphian community because of struggles with same-sex attraction can lead to mental health issues. In contrast, echoing the way Jesus loved outcasts like tax collectors and Samaritans, Christians should extend compassion, understanding, and acceptance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, rather than marginalizing or shunning them.
The witch at Endor encounters God's power, and is terrified when Samuel appears. She realizes Saul's identity when Samuel pronounces Saul's doom. The witch comforts the devastated king, her role evolving from criminal to caregiver. Her future hints at possible conversion.
Understanding the challenges and nuances involved in translating texts helps us to make sense of the potential impact of translation discrepancies on interpretations, and contrasting the roles of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approaches helps us to recognize the cultural lens through which translations are viewed.
We are familiar with the bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s physical body and blood, but the bread also represent Christ's body as the ecclesia, and the cup represents our commitment to service. Thus Paul exhorts the Corinthians to discern the body when gathered together, caring for one another rather than selfishly satisfying themselves.
Christadelphian membership is declining, partly due to people leaving more frequently. While reasons for leaving vary, the impact is often damaging to social connections. Suggestions for maintaining relationships include emphasizing open communication, avoiding assumptions, and respecting beliefs.
Questioning and ultimately rejecting the traditional view of biblical inerrancy led the author to a crisis of faith. Following the examples of Jesus and Paul, issues of contradictions, moral problems, and cultural contexts in the Bible require a more nuanced understanding of inspiration that allows for human interpretation and reinterpretation. A holistic approach to faith is able to embrace the Bible's complexity while still affirming its spiritual value.
Breathe deeply, let go of control, and find rest in God's presence through quiet meditation and stillness, as modeled by Jesus' life, to experience peace amid life's busyness.
Delilah was a victim manipulated by the Philistine lords to betray Samson, with the promise of wealth she could never obtain otherwise. Samson truly loved her despite suspecting her motives, but didn’t know the lords intended to kill her even after using her to capture Samson. The later reappearance of the 1,100 pieces of silver owed to Delilah is the key evidence that she met a tragic end.
Abortion is a complex and emotive issue with no easy answers. The Bible does not provide definitive guidance, and there are valid arguments on both sides. While some view abortion as violating the sanctity of life, others prioritize compassion for the woman's circumstances. Ultimately, it is a personal decision that should be made without judgment or coercion from others.
The Bible's message transcends nationalism, promoting universality and individuality over tribalism and national exceptionalism. Traditional Christadelphian interpretations that rely heavily on national destinies may lead to oversimplified, entitled thinking and a lack of empathy. Geopolitical prophecy interpretations may need to be reinterpreted to align more closely with Jesus's teachings of compassion and spiritual belonging beyond borders.
Oral-based cultures in ancient times emphasized the primacy of the spoken word over written texts, including Jesus' teachings and the early church's oral traditions that preceded the written gospels and epistles.
Courage involves vulnerability and resilience after failure. Biblical examples illustrate these components: Jael courageously killed the enemy captain Sisera despite grave personal risk; Jesus compassionately affirmed the woman who anointed his feet despite judgment from others; and Mary Magdalene courageously shared Jesus' resurrection despite cultural barriers. Practicing courage expands our comfort zones.
Elijah’s interactions with the widow, the Shunammite woman, and Naaman illustrate vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to ask for help. These stories encourage us to be honest and vulnerable with each other and God.
Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, hid Israelite spies and helped them escape, showing her faith in God. God rewarded her by sparing her family during Israel's conquest of Canaan. Her actions symbolically represent her role as a midwife, assisting in the birth of Israel as a nation in the Promised Land.
The war in Ukraine provides an opportunity to reflect on two biblical themes: longing for God's justice and overcoming evil with good. It highlights the biblical vision of God's Kingdom where justice prevails, and encourages Christians to respond to injustice through acts of love, empathy and compassion towards all, including refugees.
Confirmation bias involves favoring information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence, leading to distorted interpretations and flawed decision-making. It is exemplified by the Pharisees' rejection of Jesus despite overwhelming evidence of his divine origins, due to their preconceived notions about the Messiah.
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians addresses various issues and conflicts within the Corinthian church, based on reports from Chloe's household. He addresses divisions and misunderstandings about marriage, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. Paul emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and proper conduct in the church, while refuting false teachings.
There are many different threads to expressing spirituality, including truth-seeking, service, preaching, mysticism, and expressing emotions. Pride can easily corrupt these expressions, whereas balance and humility enables engaging various spiritual expressions without denigrating others.
Tamar's story reveals God's care for widows. From her tragic tale grows our introduction to the gospel of hope. Once widowed, God becomes our God, and we experience the freedom to seek a new and better groom.
Literature provides solace, widens our perspective, reprimands us, warns us, guides us, and trains empathy. God can use secular sources to move our hearts towards spiritual truth.
Studying horticulture opens up new worlds of plant biology, design, and ecology. Flowers showcase intricate structures from reproduction through pollination. Their diverse methods of seed dispersal display ingenious design. Nature's marvels testify to an intelligent Creator. The brevity of flowers reminds us of life's fragility yet God's care.
Doubt can promote spiritual growth. Biblical figures like Abraham, Sarah, Gideon and Thomas all expressed doubts yet are examples of great faith. Facing doubts honestly and vulnerably (rather than suppressing them) is the path to addressing spiritual decay and strengthening relationships with God and Christ.
Adam and Eve's disobedience in the garden led to an awareness of sin and their separation from God. This account depicts humanity's awakening to its need for divine connection, not a tragic fall from perfection. God allowed adversity to help humanity realize its spiritual condition and grow closer to him, ultimately restoring paradise through Christ.
Holy living requires balancing separation from uncleanness with loving service to neighbors, emulating Jesus' compassion for outcasts. Our royal priesthood involves spiritual duties like teaching God's word, as well as humanitarian responsibilities like pursuing justice, providing for the poor, and advocating for the oppressed.
Jael, a woman from the traitorous group of Kenites, seizes the opportunity to kill Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, by driving a tent peg through his temple while he sleeps in her tent, fulfilling the prophecy of the woman's offspring bruising the serpent's head and foreshadowing the Messiah's ultimate victory.
The author shares his journey as a gay Christadelphian, facing ostracism and hate, but ultimately finding solace in God's love, encouraging LGBTQ+ Christadelphians to embrace their faith and identity, reminding them that God's love is unconditional.
Christadelphians should reconsider using divisive language like "The Truth" and "brethren" that alienates outsiders. Outdated Bible translations and insensitive word choices can create stumbling blocks. Adopting inclusive, contemporary language rooted in Biblical principles of love and acceptance will foster a welcoming environment and help share the Gospel effectively.
By changing the lens through which we view narratives like those of Tamar, Bathsheba, and others, we gain new insights that vindicate these women from unfair vilification and reveal their honor, courage, and faith. We would do well to follow Jesus’ example and listen more carefully to the often-overlooked female voices in Scripture.
We classify ourselves into groups based on shared traits, forming communities that fulfill our need for acceptance and connection. However, Christ's message encourages us to engage with the world, building relationships across our various identities to share his teachings. By embracing our diverse communities while anchoring in our faith, we can find belonging and reflect Christ's light.
Climate change driven by human activity is a reality. Urgent action is needed to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Christians have a moral responsibility as stewards of God's creation to make lifestyle changes and advocate for solutions to avert catastrophic impacts.
Being compassionate and loving is more important than being right or having all the answers. Focussing on head knowledge can hinder loving like Jesus, and what matters most is walking in truth through actions, not just words.
Deborah arose as a mother in Israel, judging and leading God's people to victory against the Canaanites, foreshadowing Jesus' servant leadership as a mother hen gathering and nurturing her children.
Christadelphians face racism within their community, including social exclusion, racist remarks, stereotypes, and biased interpretations of Bible verses. Addressing these challenges requires humility: admitting mistakes, educating oneself, promoting diversity and representation, supporting businesses run by people of color, and consciously challenging racist attitudes and behaviors through specific actions in ecclesial activities, conversations, and personal life.
The bible itself is not an instruction manual or the foundation of faith; it reveals God's redemptive story through inspired writings, guiding us to be more like Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is the true foundation of Christian faith through his death and resurrection.
Evolutionary mechanisms involving cooperation alongside competition appear to have been integral to life's development. Mechanisms like kin selection, reciprocity, and group selection allow cooperators to survive against defectors. Cooperation may reflect God's relational nature, with human altruism and self-sacrifice mirroring divine love. An evolutionary process, though messy, could manifest God's new creation unfolding with freedom over time.
Environmental stewardship is a Christian responsibility. The Earth belongs to God, and we must treat it with gratitude, respect, and love. Environmental degradation prevents creation from praising God as intended. Christians cannot ignore environmental issues, and caring for our planet is one way we show love to our neighbors.
Based on biblical accounts, historical records, and astronomical data, Jesus was likely born in September, 3 BCE, during the Feast of Trumpets, especially as specific celestial alignments occurred in the constellations of Virgo and Leo. Elements of the birth narrative hold special significance, including Bethlehem, the manger, the shepherds, and the swaddling cloths.
Women in the Bible faced rampant sexual oppression and abuse, often from powerful men, mirroring today's world. Hagar, Bathsheba, Tamar, Esther endured exploitation – even rape – with bystanders enabling the crimes. Their brave perseverance demands justice, dignity, and safe spaces for women to thrive without oppression.
Rahab's story exemplifies hope in God despite adversity. Her faith saved her family. Though imperfect, God crafts us for His glory, and hope may be found in God's mercy. Sharing struggles strengthens hope through empathy and prayer.
Who is considered Jewish is a complex topic. It can refer to ethnicity, religion, or a blend of both. To avoid misinformation and offense when discussing Jews requires a sensitivity to potentially offensive language and stereotypes, and it demands compassion when discussing Jewish suffering, particularly related to the Holocaust/Shoah.
Science and religion rely on faith and reasoning; both test hypotheses about life and the afterlife through lifelong experiments. Disparaging either is arrogant exaggeration; humility about the limits of knowledge is needed.
The ancient star names and constellation figures of the Zodiac appear to be a visual aid from God to communicate the gospel message. The names and imagery associated with each constellation connect with biblical passages and events, including Christ's birth, sacrifice, victory over sin and death, and return as conquering victor.
A power outage triggered apocalyptic thoughts, and revealed the fragility of human systems. It highlighted the need for radical trust in God's sovereignty instead of relying on our own efforts during uncertain times, while still caring for others and awaiting divine guidance with stillness and faith.
Sunday morning worship services could become more engaging and inclusive by incorporating elements like discussion, meals, family-friendly activities, personal testimonies, and more music and praise, while maintaining a collaborative and respectful approach within the ecclesia.
Judah's life serves as a cautionary tale of how deceit and unresolved family issues can perpetuate across generations. Growing up in a historically dysfunctional family, Judah repeats the same destructive patterns, culminating in selling his brother Joseph into slavery. His departure from the family/ecclesia fails to provide an escape, but his return provides a venue for his eventual transformation into a selfless man willing to sacrifice himself for his brother.
Jesus loved and accepted everyone, even those considered sinners or outcasts, showing compassion and healing their brokenness without judgment. We must follow his example by welcoming all with open arms, treating them as family, and striving to heal their hurts through compassionate action rather than 1condescension or pity.
The pandemic forced ecclesias to meet virtually, allowing geographically dispersed members to fellowship together online. While a blessing, online meetings lack the warmth and intimacy of in-person gatherings. Moving forward, a hybrid model combining in-person and online options could benefit isolated members while avoiding the dangers of impersonal virtual worship becoming the norm.
There are potential dangers of identifying as "a Christadelphian”, such as hiding behind the group and diluting free will. The purpose of church should be facilitating each person's unique relationship with Christ, not conformity to rules, and the Christadelphian values of non-hierarchy and church autonomy support this individualism.
The ancient star names and constellation figures of the Zodiac appear to be a visual aid from God to communicate the gospel message. The names and imagery associated with each constellation connect with biblical passages and events, including Christ's birth, sacrifice, victory over sin and death, and return as conquering victor.
The Genesis creation story depicts God's desire for intimate union with humanity, male and female. Jesus as the Bridegroom offers a new covenant relationship, fulfilling this profound knowing.
Death is an inevitable part of life, yet modern medicine raises ethical dilemmas about when and how life should end. Christian perspectives are explored on issues like fear of death, quality of life, autonomy, and how best to show compassion. Honest conversations are critical, recognizing that personal beliefs influence views on these complex matters.
Holiness involves being separate from impurity while dedicating oneself to God's service. It encompasses everyday life, not just religious activities. Balancing separation from sin with loving service to others is challenging but crucial for true discipleship.
The ancient star names and constellation figures of the Zodiac appear to be a visual aid from God to communicate the gospel message. The names and imagery associated with each constellation connect with biblical passages and events, including Christ's birth, sacrifice, victory over sin and death, and return as conquering victor.
Breathing is significant in therapy, biblical context, and personal spirituality. Various biblical passages regarding breath and spirit connect mindful breathing practices to spiritual growth and living.
Perfect love casts out fear. We are called God's beloved children, worthy of His boundless love through Christ's sacrifice. Our imperfections don't negate this; God adopts us despite our struggles against sin. Jesus repeatedly said "Fear not," exemplifying God's desire for intimacy over fear.
Paul commended Phoebe as a deacon and benefactor who served the church, traveled as his emissary, and represented him to the Roman Christians, suggesting she held an esteemed leadership role in the early church alongside many other prominent women ministers.
Ethical dilemmas call for open-mindedness and compassion rather than rigid, dogmatic interpretations of Scripture devoid of context and human emotion. Judgmental attitudes alienate and hurt vulnerable people grappling with difficult situations and choices in life.
Songs can express depth and emotion that is hard to convey in any other way. For example, stargazing on a summer night prompted reflections on eternity and God's presence, inspiring a song about God's constant presence even when unseen.
Jesus critiqued the Pharisees for elevating religious rules over true spiritual transformation, which led to hypocrisy and undermined virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He warned against focusing on outward behaviors while neglecting true righteousness.
Jesus critiqued organized religion's hypocrisy, groupthink, and lack of true righteousness. He valued humility, mercy, and seeking God's approval over empty rituals and self-righteousness. True faith involves a personal relationship with God, not just outward conformity, and certainly not relying on a sense of entitlement based on one's group identity.
Law and religious rules are ineffective in overcoming sin's powerful force. Laws merely restrain sin's damaging effects temporarily and reveal our spiritual need. Laws diagnose sin's symptoms within us but cannot cure our sinful nature. Transformation through faith, not rule-keeping, is required for salvation.
Guilt serves a purpose in prompting repentance, but after repentance, guilt should be released as God's forgiveness is complete. Wallowing in guilt refuses God's healing. To move forward, commit to do the next right thing, and produce fruit in keeping with repentance and embrace the joy of salvation.
Jacob's life demonstrates radical character transformation from self-willed wrestler against God to one who holds fast and waits continually on God. This is evidenced by his response to tragedies like his daughter's rape, his sons' violence, and Joseph's apparent death, where he pauses to seek God's will instead of acting impulsively.
Jacob's life is marked by turning points, including Bethel, where he realizes God's presence and promise are not tied to places or people but founded on a direct relationship with Him. This epiphany shapes Jacob's discipleship, reminding us that true faith rests not on externalities but on engaging God through relationship and promise.
Moses' life journey involved a struggle with identity, having been raised between Egyptian and Hebrew cultures. His turning point came at the burning bush, where God invited Moses into a relationship, giving him purpose as the deliverer of the Israelites and a sense of belonging to God's name, people, and promised land.
Peter's encounter with Jesus on the beach after his resurrection marked a significant turning point, resolving his guilt and shame over denying Christ. This experience liberated Peter, enabling him to boldly preach about the crucifixion on Pentecost, free from guilt and shame, inviting all to the promise of Christ.
“Our ecclesia is broken because it cannot find a way to accommodate differences, let alone embrace them. These are differences that are surfacing in ecclesias around the world: worship styles, memorial service format, gender roles, attendance levels, engagement expectations, and a lost sense of belonging.”
“Christianity offers a deeper and richer morality of sex, that requires consideration and respect for the well-being of the other person. The precondition for sexual intercourse is not just consent, but reciprocal desire and reciprocal benefit, expressed through commitment and fidelity.”
“By looking at the internal evidence of the Bible texts and also at the external evidence from archaeology, we see something very different from the simplistic picture of a violent conquest of the land and the annihilation of entire populations. For me, what emerges is a better understanding of the purpose of scripture, and reassurance that the God revealed through Jesus is the same as the God who revealed himself to ancient Israel.”
“It is important to remember that our ultimate goal in renewing our ecclesias and systems is to create spaces where people can encounter God, grow in their faith, and find solace, safety, and belonging. The pursuit requires humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to challenge conventional structures that may inadvertently create barriers to authentic worship and genuine community.”
“If you are loving to your neighbor, then you should also be loving to yourself. As the original command used one to teach you how to do the other, I submit that the same logic applies. You are to use your love and acceptance of others to teach you how to love and accept yourself.”
“The Bible’s Revelation is a book full of symbols. For many of us, those symbols seem really hard to understand so that instead of revealing the message, they obscure it.”
“Sexual intercourse is a gift from God. It is a blessing that God has given to humans as the basis of strong, healthy, and intimate relationships. It is a blessing that God has created to bring joy to marriage and to give physical expression to emotional connections. There is nothing inherently sinful about sexuality or sexual desire. It is only when enacted in the wrong circumstances that sexual intercourse becomes sinful.”
“I soon realized the news is actually full of hope. There are stories about lifetime accomplishments of service and of love; articles focusing on advancements in medicine, education, and technology; and whole sections devoted to beauty in art, music, and creation. The news is full of hope in a better future.”
“Once the dust had settled, I realised I too had drifted off course. I had distanced myself from my family, from my friends, and from my Heavenly Father in pursuit of a relationship that proved to be but a breath of wind. I needed to find that narrow path once more and to put my faith firmly back in God’s ever-loving hands. I had to place my faith back in the invisible, back in the very real sensation of God’s guidance and love.”
“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 – something that Jesus warned about in the Sermon on the Mount. Israel under Roman occupation was the original context of those words. If you live like that, the whole world ends up blind and whole world ends up toothless. But how do you break the cycle of violence? (And do we wish to?) Jesus, didn’t lead a violent revolt against the Roman Empire; he didn’t attack other religions. He criticised his fellow Jews for their hypocrisy and taught his disciples to be meek, to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, to love their enemies, to lose their lives and take up the cross.”
“I think many Christians are yet to find a comfortable resolution between their theology and their sexuality, which leads to discomfort and resentment. This internal discomfort spills over into external condemnation of the sexual freedoms of others.”
“Jesus has already decided that he, like the father in his story, wants to be in the house with all the sinners. Now he is hoping that the religious folks will join him. He knows it is a stretch. They have trained themselves to reject people, convincing themselves and each other that separation is pious and necessary.”
“Jesus taught us that the kingdom of God is near, close, not far away, among us, within us, and people are pressing into it. To participate in this kingdom we are called to live in a state of deeply honest and perpetual re-cognition. I believe that there is a current reality of true peace and joy that we miss out on because the subtle influence of institutionalized Christianity has shifted our focus far away from the present and, like the Pharisees, has “shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people”. Unhealthy religion refuses to live in the present; it will either push out hope into a distant future or long for traditions of the past.”
“I want members to know what it really means to be a Christadelphian. We are a dynamic community, constantly changing, re-reading, rethinking, and adapting. The way the Christadelphian community is defined is different from actual Christadelphian practice, which now includes a diverse range of worship styles.”
“So I had started to wonder. Perhaps God was just an idea people made up? Maybe that’s enough for there to be some kind of meaning? But I was stuck. I still loved the scriptures with their teachings and narratives, but I didn’t know how to square them with the physicalist assumptions I had silently taken on board.”
“Thus, we learn Eve’s help for man is described in the same way as God’s. This marries perfectly with her name: she is the Heavenly breath to Adam’s Earthly clay. In both cases the implication encoded in the Hebrew is that God introduced woman to man, not as a subordinate, but as a message from Heaven to commend (perhaps even model?) godliness.”
“Shouldn’t we be mending our nets instead of rooting out tares, rending our garments, or dividing our fellowships into smaller and smaller groups? Jesus told us to become fishers, not weeders.”
“Whilst so many suffer, the simple hope of Christmas is for a fairer world full of peace and justice. This on its own should encourage us all to tell this story far and wide, free of fear that it contains anything which would offend our God.”
“I now believe that scripture teaches the active presence of God and Jesus in the life of the believer by the Spirit. I also believe that the reason the Spirit is sometimes called 'holy’ is to draw a distinction between the holy Spirit of God and our naturally unholy spirit. These refreshing and reassuring conclusions encourage us to accept God’s help to reflect his holy character in our lives.”
“It's tempting to crave certainty and steadfastness in our faith, but that is not faith. God is steadfast, that is what we can be certain of. He demonstrates his certainty and steadfastness in his unrelenting, and pursuing love. The steadfast thing that we can cling to is being known and loved by God. That is what we can rest on.”
“All around us in nature we see the pattern of death, burial and resurrection. Seeds die, fall to the ground and then new life occurs. It is just the same with the spiritual. The unhelpful desires must die and be buried in order for new life to grow.”
“It’s a crippling thing to feel invisible. A demeaning experience. A feeling Hagar knows all too well. Hagar is an immigrant, a slave, and a concubine; she is as far outside the preferred social clique as one can be. … Hagar never stood a chance. She occupies the lowliest, least visible, layer of society. No-one sees a slave.”
“Just as the Jews were unable to obtain their freedom by their own might, we are also unable to free ourselves from the captivity of death and sin by our own might too. Just as Cyrus saved the Jews from captivity and slavery; similarly Jesus saves us from the captivity and slavery of sin.”
“He wept for those whom he loved that were suffering. He wept too, I think, for those who did not understand what he had been sent to do. But he knew – he had always known. And in these last few days he tries to prepare his disciples for what he knew was inevitable. And John passes that information on to us. Five chapters out of the 21 that make up the Gospel of John are more or less dedicated to Jesus trying to equip his followers for what was going to happen. Because he knew. He had always known.”
“There are more debates about Mary Magdalene than any other New Testament woman, almost undoubtedly because she developed a close personal relationship with Jesus, which prompts salacious rumours and bizarre theories to flourish.”
“Is this an act of foolishness by Samson? Or is it an act of faith? He gives up everything to her, but I never previously considered the possibility that he gave up everything for her. Genuine love for her, even knowing that betrayal will come.”
“This story is about my journey from where I was to where I am now. It focuses on autism and gender diversity, as well as difficult life experiences and discrimination. This story outlines a journey to positive self-knowledge and acceptance. I’m hoping you will find it helpful to hear about the life of someone whose brain may work very differently from yours.”
“Faith is risk. If I rely on God and he doesn’t come through, I lose everything. This is what Paul meant when he said that if there’s no resurrection of the dead then we’re to be pitied more than anyone – we are absolutely depending on God to fulfill his promise. So faith is not just risk. There’s a deep emotional element as well. Faith is willingly allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.”
“What does our relationship with Jesus look like? What does he do for us and what does he expect from us? How does this fit with our relationship with God?”
“The Bible is actually quite unique in that it is a library of books, with many different genres, styles, and structures, from different authors, centuries, and contexts. All of that complexity and diversity is wonderful. But does that make it accessible? Does the Bible make it easy to answer life’s big questions? Does it make it easy to find moral guidance? Does it make it easy to build and strengthen your relationship with God? Or actually, does the Bible often seem to be inaccessible, irrelevant, or even, sometimes, boring?”
“Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Is it a power or a person? Was the Holy Spirit just a New Testament thing? What is the Name of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said we should be baptised into? These are all questions I had never found satisfactory answers for – until now…”
“If I am living in resentment, then I have crossed a boundary. I am no longer living in my life, but have moved into yours. I do not belong in your life, without first asking if you would like help. I can help you alongside. I can help you carry your boulder. I do not carry your boulder for you. It’s a subtle but hugely important difference.”
“Solomon states his intent: the Proverbs are designed to steer the reader away from seductive Hedonism (also presented as a woman) and towards Lady Wisdom. For all his destructive foolishness, Solomon is the one who most intelligently articulates the principal dilemma all humans face. Will you marry Wisdom, or be seduced to partner Hedonism?”
“Our God creates and sustains this magnificent world. He is in everything! I want to be constantly aware of seeing Him, looking for Him, and recognising Him in all things – from the creation around me to my own, personal life.”
“Addressing the changes we must make in our homes can be challenging, just as changes to our spiritual lives can be challenging. We first must ask why and then we must be honest about whether the renovation is justified. If we agree that it is justified, then we must sit down and count the cost as to whether or not we have the will and courage to make that change – or whether we will continue living with it as it is, because it’s not worth the price. One makes us grow, while the other maintains the status quo. Both are conscience decisions.”
“This dichotomy – between the character of God as revealed in the Old Testament and the character of God as revealed through His Son – has created a cognitive dissonance, which has been gnawing at me for a long time. So how do I reconcile this issue? Can I reconcile this issue?”
“While so many people treat prayer to “solve” their problems, the passenger sitting beside me on the plane had a different perspective. Prayer was not just a tool to reverse a troubling circumstance – because the flight attendant's situation was not likely to be changed – but prayer was the fundamental tool he used even when he didn’t expect any answer.”
“So we sat there in our camp chairs, with our whittled sticks, our almost empty water bottles, and a little bit of sand in our hair, remembering Jesus.”
“The times of life when we are dealing with grief or trauma, or sin, are vulnerable in ways that are similar to the process of labor and birth. When one of our loved ones trusts us enough to let us enter those vulnerable spaces with them, it is just as much a moment of profound privilege as when I am allowed to enter that birth space.”
“Ruth’s story is very much a tale of two halves. From the ashes of famine, bereavement and despair in Moab, arises a tale of compassion, cooperation and caring for others in Israel.”
“I feared rejection. I believed that love in our community was conditional. It had small print: terms and conditions which might prove unfavorable. If people knew the true me, I’d be labelled, marginalized and rejected.”
“This is the exhortation of Daniel in exile. He is an agent of God’s undying love and compassion for his children. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, and nothing could separate Israel from the love of God which was in the prophet Daniel.”
”A midnight rendezvous. A forbidden ceremony dabbling in the occult. Disguise, terror, criminality, and a death sentence. King Saul’s encounter with the Witch of Endor has all the components of a fantasy novel and yet, in reality, it is a poignant tale of a desperate king grasping for survival, and clutching only a thin, cold mist of despair. For all King Saul is rejected by God –and we must support the divine decision – it’s difficult not to sympathize with a soul so doomed. Surrounded by faithful warriors he may be, yet Saul cuts a lonely figure.”
“It’s worth taking a moment to step back from academicism to just live with our faith. We need to be okay stepping into the uncertainty, fear, and doubt that come with being constantly open to new ideas. And perhaps, once we move past those initial emotions, there will be joy. Joy that this is not all there is to the text we base our whole lives on; joy that there will always be something more, something new, something interesting; joy that we have been enabled to lead interesting lives because the text will continue to change to mirror our changing contexts and understanding.”
“This is a meal of fellowship: sharing thoughts, experiences, worries, encouragements, moments of doubt, moments of faith. Gatherings like this have the potential to deepen the spiritual connections between us, where we come to learn to trust one another more and more deeply, to be willing to be more real in the things that we discuss.”
“I want to talk about what happens when someone chooses to leave. I would like to share my experiences and the experiences of those close to me and highlight some things that have both helped and hindered this transition…. I do not believe that a shift in belief systems should equate to the breakdown of social connections, but all too often in our community, this has been the case. After watching countless families suffer, and struggle to communicate with each other, I hope these experiences will help us all to bridge the gap.”
“I have grown to appreciate that I am part of an ancient and diverse Biblical tradition that must handle the scriptures humbly and with the respect they deserve. Interpretation of scripture is a sacred obligation that we are all called to participate in, just like our Jewish and early church fathers did before us. They may have gotten it wrong every now and again – and we will too – but with each new day, let us strive to build on this beautiful divine mystery that is sometimes messy but still a living, breathing, generative tradition.”
“God is in the stillness – if we listen enough and enter the quiet spaces to hear him. And it’s not about finding God. It’s about finding the peace within ourselves that allows us to see that he is, and will always be, there. It’s about letting go. Letting go of our need to control our lives. Letting go of the “productivity” mindset that has been ingrained in us for as long as we can remember. Letting go and learning that it’s okay to… breathe.”
“Delilah’s story is one of betrayal, arguably the precedential betrayal in scripture. Most who’ve heard the story from Sunday school days are taught the only betrayal is hers, when she sells her lover Samson, Israel’s Judge and fearsome warrior, into the hands of the Philistine Lords. More careful reading suggests a more complex tale.” - John Pople
“I am in awe of the miracle of conception. From the first moment an egg is fertilised, it contains a genetic blueprint for what the completed adult will be like. How amazing is that? In a former life I worked as a midwife, and the moment of birth never lost its wonder for me. How could that little person have developed all their parts in exactly the right order and position, all unseen and without assistance?” - Hazel McHaffie
“Comfort zones are funny things. The longer you stay in them, the smaller they get. But there is so much reward in stepping outside of what is comfortable and practicing courage. Outside our comfort zone is the birthplace of creativity, love, relationship, innovation, joy, and empathy.”
“The idea that we know what will happen in world events is troubling, especially given Jesus’ own words that we will not know the day or hour. There’s certainly a neatness and a sense of comfort from the ideas associated with traditional prophecy interpretation, but I wonder if they may require us to think in ways that compromise Jesus and Paul’s message of universality, of an end to nationhood playing a key role in the destiny of the world.” - Matt Mundey
“The spoken word was of primary importance in the ancient Near East of the Hebrew Bible, as well as in the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament. I have found that in recognising this, I have been better able to focus on the authority vested in Jesus as the Word of God, while acknowledging the written text as the medium of transmission to us of the words spoken.” - Wendy Johnsen
“Not being vulnerable has a high cost of hiding who we are in order to fit in, suppressing our gifts, and allowing only superficial relationships between each other, Jesus, and God. Being vulnerable allows us to fully be who God created us to be. To know the peace which passes all understanding, to be able to confess our sins to one another in a safe and loving environment; and to carry one another’s burdens.” - Rose Hardy
“The Old Testament visions of God’s Kingdom are deeply rooted in the conviction that God is a God of justice; and that there is nothing right or normal or acceptable about oppression, war, or injustice.” - James Andrews
“This biased favouring of information is true in all aspects of our lives including our study and interpretation of scripture. When presented with new views, evidence or information, we selectively interpret it so that our preconceptions aren't challenged and remain intact.” - Hilary Moss
“We need to analyse the circumstances and the people who played a part in the writing of this long letter – the people who were with Paul at the time. That is what I hope to do here, by considering not just the events described, but also the personalities and circumstances surrounding them.”
“When Rahab ties the scarlet cord on Jericho, her destiny – and that of her city – is sealed. Israel breaks out against their brethren, and takes the land. The Promised Land has been entered in earnest, and God’s Kingdom is born on Earth. A Kingdom dedicated to Heavenly principles and practices, yet which is owned and populated entirely by humans. This Kingdom will fail, and fall, but in so doing will provide the necessary education that we can only be saved by grace through faith, just as Rahab was (Jam 2:25).”
“I think everyone has a preference for a certain expression or style of spirituality. But I’ve come to believe that one is not more appropriate than another and that we should all engage in each type, at least once in a while.”
“Doubt is a normal reaction for all of us. Thinking of the examples of Christ doubting helps bring us to the realization that the question is not if we should doubt - but how can we use doubt for spiritual growth?”
“God takes the time to create such beauty in the fleeting life of a flower, here today and gone tomorrow…and so, we can trust that He will take the time to care for us and provide us with all we need, as He has promised. He’s given us the common flowers of the field both to enjoy for their beauty, and to remind us of His undying love for His creation.”
“From Tamar’s tragic tale grows our introduction to the gospel of hope. Once widowed, God becomes our God, and we experience the freedom to seek a new and better groom.”
“If we start from the premise that God exists and that He created all things, then we would expect His wisdom to permeate all aspects of life and to persist through all time. Truth is pervasive, evident, and discernible. It precedes us, surrounds us, outlives us, and reveals us.”
“Our role as priests has already commenced. We are a holy priesthood already—not we will be in the future. And so we should follow the example of our leader, our great high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Zazz Oosthuizen
“Is it possible that sometimes the language we use, model and teach is creating stumbling blocks for ourselves and our membership?” - Catherine Sinclair
“Jesus came to show us how God loves everyone, including the oppressed, the marginalized, and the misunderstood. And how powerfully he did so. For me, his example is the most powerful reason for looking again at how we treat women today.” - Hazel McHaffie
“People hate me without having met me, and that reminds me that I love Christ, and Christ loves me, and because Christ loves me I must love other people in return.”
“Adam and Eve were just like us. They had a susceptibility to temptation, to selfishness, and to rebellion against God. But they were ignorant of their situation. They thought they were rich in their communion with God. But actually they had no idea how far they were from being one with the divine spirit. And so God set about waking them up from their stupor.” - John Launchbury
“Jael had neither training, nor even warning, of the destiny that was so suddenly thrust upon her. For her to react in the moment as she did — equaling the deeds of the Man after God’s Own Heart! — reveals a remarkable combination of audacious opportunism and steely nerve, all founded on a rock-solid faith.” - John Pople
“The sociological trifecta of identity, community, and belonging defined by human connection has a profound bearing on our life…I propose that this sociological reality is highly intentional to the creative genius of our Heavenly Father. ” - by Luke Barratt
“This decade is critical if greater catastrophe is to be avoided for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren. So in one way or another, our lives are going to change significantly, and we need to be prepared to face those challenges. As a community we need to start talking about the climate emergency.” - Tom Gaston
“I’ve come to a new sense of wonder. I don’t need to have all the answers. It’s ok to say, ‘I don’t know’. I don’t have to be right. The world doesn’t stop revolving if I question or doubt. And I’ve found it so liberating to accept that reality. By locking myself into a religious fortress, I had somehow shrunk God to a size I could contain and comprehend. Trusting in him despite my doubts and wonderings, opens the doors to a better appreciation of the amazingness of his grace.” - Hazel McHaffie
“Deborah’s road to becoming a Mother in Israel has some formative steps. She is first Israel’s Judge. She will add to that role a Warrior aspect. Having tasted both regimes, she writes her Victory Song, in response to God’s liberation of His people from the Canaanites, in which she reveals her divine perception of her truest, most valuable role.”
“If you are part of the Christadelphian community you are part of racism. You are not exempt. If you do not engage in racist behaviours, if you do not have racist attitudes, but you allow racism to continue within our community, then you are complicit in racism.” - Carmel Page
“History, scripture and astronomy help us to gain a new and better understanding of the story of Christ’s birth, including the date of his birth, the journey of the magi, that famous star, Joseph and Mary’s trip to Bethlehem, the fabled inn, the message of the angels, the nearby shepherds, the swaddling cloths, and even the manger in which the saviour was laid.” - Angela Riley
“It is high time we have these hard conversations. We cannot continue to shy away from topics relating to sexualization or domestic violence, because the truth is these situations are happening right under our noses.”
“I want to start a conversation within our community about the environment and about the climate emergency. We need to start thinking seriously about how we face the challenges that lie ahead and how we understand our role in protecting the environment.”
“When I crashed with burnout, the chronic fatigue and depression that followed were some of the lowest points in my life. But that’s where joy came in. In seven years of not being well, joy was a major factor for my healing – in my mental health, and in many other areas of my life.”
“Hope can be found in the most unlikely places and one of the most amazing things about scripture is that the hope of what Jesus would one day do is constantly foreshadowed.”
“I’m asking you to re-examine your thoughts and feelings about the Jewish community. I’m asking you to be cautious of discussing Jews without defining exactly who you mean. I’m asking you to use respectful and appropriate language but my main plea is that you respond to Jews, and anyone else who is suffering, with compassion.”
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” - Matthew 23:23-24
“Here we look into the future as we see the story in the stars telling us of the second coming of our Lord and the glory that follows.”
“Jacob is the proof that character gaps can be bridged. The triumph of radical change is open to a disciple. That a disciple, today, wherever they may find themselves, and whatever circumstances surround them, can grab on and Hold Fast to God, and triumphantly just relinquish a life to God, choosing to Wait Continually on Him.”
“This is the truth of our Floating World: its sometimes beautiful structures, finely balanced — until they aren’t. How convincing they seem— how permanent— until, inevitably, they break up at the slightest movement of the deeper reality they ride upon.”
The fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy is a commandment, and a pleasurable commandment at that. It’s an invitation into the joy of our Lord. And joy will bring us healing and love. It has for me, and it will for you too.
This second chapter is about the birth and development of the Church and shows the result of the Christ’s resurrection, with the Holy Spirit being poured out on the early Christians as the church becomes established, despite the severe persecution it suffered.
Judah is a person that grows up in a family that has messy, awkward problems. He has issues with anger, with jealousy. He struggles with his emotions. He lies and deceives those around him. He runs away from his problems. He's afraid. He gives into his lusts and desires. And so if you look at him in that way, he actually becomes a very relatable person.
One of the challenges that I've observed and many have observed as well in our community, is the question: ‘has our Sunday morning worship become too structured, too rigid, too formal, and is no longer serving the needs of our community?’
We are at a critical juncture in our history with much opportunity but also much danger. As a community, we can easily find our fellowship reduced to, or possibly exposed as a loosely affiliated, fractured group of believers if we don’t prayerfully manage this post-pandemic transition period in our history.
Mistaking our participation in a church for our spiritual identity can impede our walk toward Jesus. He wants the best for us, and the best from us. Our church should enable that relationship.
Jesus loved the unlovely. He saw the love where we see neediness, he recognised the inner anguish and need for forgiveness where we see an embarrassing lack of protocol and poor behaviour.
“Right at the heart of this gendered conception of God then, is the assumption that just as men and women were taken from the same whole, so God and Christ are not complete without us, and we are not complete without them.”
“And as far as other people’s deaths and opinions are concerned, we should try to have open minds and listening ears, and a readiness to admit we don’t have all the answers. We won’t always know what the right thing to do is. Our personal history, beliefs, attitudes, circumstances, might well influence us. We need to have the humility to accept that others may reach a different conclusion. And that’s OK.”
“When your religion prevents you from loving your neighbour, you need to change your religion. When holiness separates us from our neighbour, we need to change our holiness from one that is only ‘separate from’, to also include ‘dedication to’ the Lord's new commandment to love one another. This is our full — our complete — mission.”
“I believe that when God created the universe he wrote a message in the stars for all the people on Earth to see, so that all mankind could understand his purpose. Just as God’s message ends with the pictorial book of Revelation, I believe it began with the story in the heavens.”
“Jacob’s turning point is for you and I. Your relationship with your God cannot be through people or place. Your discipleship doesn’t have its ultimate foundations in Christadelphia. Nor being a member of your ecclesia. Nor in attendance at church activities. Nor even in being engaged in church talk about church things.”
“These thoughts encourage me to practice conscious, present-focused living, being mindful of God each day and communicating with Him and with His Son. Focussing on the breath helps me to stay in the present moment, rather than ruminating about the past and becoming depressed, or starting to worry about the future and increasing anxiety.” - Mary Styles
“I think this is one of the main reasons why it feels so natural for praise and worship to flow through music. When we need to express the inexpressible, to elevate with beauty, and to release what can no longer be contained, we often turn to music.”
-Aletheia Burney
“The essence of God is not one of fear. God is love! This is the God who wants us to call him Father. Love is perfected in us so we may have confidence in the day of judgement. So if we walk in love, this two-way relationship casts out fear.”
-Mick McNeil
“Our failure is not inevitable, but if we do sin then we have no fear of being rejected by God but only joy at being forgiven. God is faithful to His promise. He forgives our sins and He purifies us from unrighteousness.”
-Lucy Dangerfield
“We are going to see that the force of sin is so powerful that lawmaking is ineffectual before it. If all we have are rules and laws, we are doomed. Salvation will require more than a religion based on rules.”
- John Launchbury
“Just like Moses, your calling, your discipleship is not ‘marching orders’. It’s not a series of duties to perform. Like Moses, your call is one to developing your identity in God. It’s a call to relationship, to pause at the highest good that there is and commit yourself to it.”
-Adam Byrnes
"So Peter becomes a study in discipleship. Your discipleship. Despite your own equivalent of denying Jesus, despite guilt, despite shame, it’s resolved in Jesus." - Adam Byrnes
"You may think that the push for women leaders as a contemporary issue, but Christian historical evidence is clear – there are many such inscriptions demonstrating that women’s ordained leadership was not secretive, something to be ashamed of, but was celebrated with reverence and honour." - Suzette Thompson
"Here we have Jesus zeroing in on the Pharisee fallacy: the mechanisms of rules have become elevated over any original purpose those rules may have had, and even negate those purposes. He calls this hypocrisy.” - John Launchbury
"For me, it could well end in a kinder and more empathetic form of Christianity – less judgemental, gentler, more forgiving, more loving and caring. All the things that pervade the whole of the gospel message brought by Jesus.” - Hazel McHaffie
"Wouldn’t it be ironic if we ourselves were excluded from God’s approval only to find that some ordinary Joe whose life had broken down and had come to God in a state of desperation was actually more acceptable to God than we were? Wouldn’t that be ironic?"