We shared timely articles this week with Heidi Wong writing Reflections for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Eddy Wu explaining The Tension of Lunar New Year for Asian and Asian American Christians, and Vera Christian sharing A Neglected Key to Ministry Success.
Hannah Chao and I have an upcoming podcast to take you behind-the-scenes of the new edition of our SOLA Network Magazine! Join us on YouTube and Podcasts and you’ll see it as soon as we release it.
This newsletter is one of the many ways you can keep in touch with us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram.
Giveaway: God is Still Good by Katie Faris
Enter to win! Can we find meaning in the pains of being a mom? In God is Still Good, Katie Faris helps you find gospel hope and comfort for the unexpected sorrows of motherhood. 1 winner will receive a physical copy of this beautiful book. Thanks to Crossway for providing this book for our giveaway, in partnership with my newsletters for @diveindigdeep and FCBC Walnut.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Leslie Ko: Are Some Chinese New Year Traditions “Unchristian”?
Many Chinese New Year traditions are about luck and fortune. So how can a Christian celebrate the lunar new year?
2. Sean Cheng: Consider the Rabbit: Applying the Bible to the Chinese Zodiac
A Chinese New Year reflection on how the gospel informs our feasting and transforms astrology culture.
3. Isabel Ong: Seek Prosperity Properly During Lunar New Year
It’s not wrong to celebrate our blessings. But Asian theologians and pastors advise how to do so in biblical, godly ways amid the festival’s red envelopes and best wishes.
Check out the new edition of our SOLA Network Magazine! Download it for free and share it with your friends as a great way to be introduced to the work we do at SOLA Network.
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. Trevin Wax: Chinese House Churches ‘Crazy for the Gospel’
“Although Wang Yi’s church is Reformed, his insistence on the separation of church and state resembles the legacy of the Baptists. He pulls no punches in describing the eternal consequences that await those who hinder the church’s freedom to serve her Lord.”
2. The London Lyceum Podcast: Neo-Calvinism with Cory Brock and Gray Sutanto
What is Neo-Calvinism? When did it begin? Why did it begin? Main figures of note? Is Neo-Calvinism a deviation from classical Protestantism? Why does it sometimes have a negative connotation? Is Christianity truly universal enough to use any culture or philosophy? Should we not be tied down to certain dogmatic elements in the patristic or medieval era? What is the difference between common grace and natural law? Is Principled Pluralism a characteristic of Neo-Calvinism? Is it sustainable? And more!
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
Book Reviews: God is Still Good by Katie Faris, The Call to Follow by Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung, Sanctuary by Denise J. Hughes, Truly, Truly, I Say to You by Adam Ramsey, God’s Very Good Idea Board Book by Trillia Newbell. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.
Subscribe to our podcast for our interviews, messages, and article reads! Available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Heidi Wong: What to Remember While Praying for Ukraine
“As you pray for Ukraine, be wise and do not simply accept optimistic quips just because ‘all wars eventually come to an end.’ Instead, take stock of what you believe based on who God has revealed himself to be.”
2. Vera Christian: A Neglected Key to Ministry Success
“God used my husband to gently challenge my workaholic ways. He saw their effects on me and suggested the unthinkable: He invited me to consider going on a three-day retreat for leaders. What?!?! I resisted at first but finally agreed because I had no better ideas. But it changed my life.”
3. Eddy Wu: The Tension of Lunar New Year for Asian and Asian American Christians
“Asian and Asian American believers must carefully navigate their family dynamics in an attempt to be loving members of their household and also maintain their faithfulness to Christ.”
4. Heidi Wong: Immersing Ourselves in God’s Vision: Reflections for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“But like Dr. King, we are to immerse ourselves in God’s vision, serve our neighbor, and share the good news of Jesus Christ which provides a glimpse into heaven. Only then can God’s children know what home is truly like, and meet the one who has saved us.”
5. TGIF: Roundup for January 13, 2023
Chinese Pastors Can Teach You What John Calvin Can’t / Pray Kingdom Prayers: Three Requests We Often Neglect / How to Hold On to Faith When 2023 Gets Tough
6. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
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General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.