Episode 20 of the SOLA Network Podcast features Pastor Hanley Liu from FCBC Walnut. After clearing the air about an argument we had earlier this year, Pastor Hanley answers this question: Does the Bible offer encouragement to those who have to deal with disappointment due to changed or cancelled events because of COVID-19? Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Podcasts.
Over at The Gospel Coalition, Sara Barratt tackled this topic by offering Encouragement for the Disappointed 2020 Graduate. “We can rest in the security that, though our futures are uncertain, we serve a God who knows all things and is himself completely certain.”
The death of Ravi Zacharias has reverberated throughout the evangelical world. Justin Taylor shared about his ministry, Alister McGrath wrote about his legacy, and Sam Allberry reflected on what he learned from working with him. Were you impacted by Ravi Zacharias? Send me your feedback on Twitter or Instagram.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Joe Deegan: Why We Miss Congregational Singing
“The longer the lockdown has gone on, the clearer it has become that singing together in church is something rare, wonderful, and hard to replicate through digital distance.”
2. Heidi Tai: Discovering Eternity
“I can’t decide whether I love or hate my capacity to remember, but what I do know is that nostalgia was imprinted on my heart so that I would search far and wide for eternity.”
3. Brett McCracken: Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You
“Even if you think these precautions are a needless overreaction, can you not sacrifice your ideal for a season, out of love for others who believe the precautions are necessary?”
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. 9Marks: On When Elders Disagree (with Matt Schmucker)
“In this episode of Pastors’ Talk, Jonathan Leeman chats with Mark Dever and Matt Schmucker about what to do when elders disagree.”
2. Ligonier: All Teaching Series Now Free to Stream
1,000+ hours of time-proven, trusted teaching covering topics in biblical studies, theology, church history, Christian living, and worldview.
3. Aaron Lee: Miscellaneous
Book reviews: On Purpose: Living Life As It Was Intended by Jonny Ivey, The Scars that have Shaped Me by Vaneetha Rendall Risner, and Wilderness Wanderings by Stacy Reaoch. Our TGIF playlist is available on Spotify, with new music from contributors Sarah Kang and Uzuhan.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Daniel K. Eng: Gospel Reflections from 40 Days of Lockdown
“With the lockdown now lasting longer than forty days, I’m reminded of the significance of the forty-day period in the Bible. It’s a long time. This experience has deepened my understanding.”
2. Marie and Jonathan Lau: “God Sent an Angel:” How Our Family Survived COVID-19
“On my hospital bed, it suddenly dawned on me that the successful accomplishments of my life did not help me in this moment. It was the love of God and the genuine caring of many brothers and sisters that sustained me. My relationship with God and others become very important to me.”
3. Anonymous: The Continuing Persecution of the Church in China
“Relative freedom and peace are gone as China has launched an aggressive campaign to restrict and Sinicize Christianity within its borders, meaning all Christian worship, preaching, and other activities must comply with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Those not in compliance are seen as threats against national security and punished.”
4. Tony Thomas: Lead like Mike? A Reflection After Watching “The Last Dance”
“A large part of me would want to join the happy chorus on social media and write a word of praise and gratitude (and maybe someday I will). Yet, I have also been watching the series with a particular lens and concern for myself and other Christian leaders who may consume this documentary with uncritical thinking.”
5. Young W. Yi: Sabbath Rest in the Midst of Upheaval
“My prayer for all of us is that we would seek to rest in God’s presence every day of our lives, not
just Sundays. But if you need a place to start, making Sundays a day of practicing the spiritual discipline of entering into Sabbath rest is a great place to start.”
6. TGIF: Roundup for May 15, 2020
In case you missed it: Died: Joyce Lin, Missionary Pilot Transporting Coronavirus Supplies; Mary: The Woman Who Wasted On Jesus; and How to Grieve Racial Violence through Lament.
7. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
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General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.