Building unity within the body of Christ requires listening to and learning from fellow Christian brothers and sisters, especially on complex topics like race and racial reconciliation. 

So the SOLA Network is excited to present a conversation between Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile of Anacostia Bible Church and SOLA Council Member Michael Lee in two parts. 

In this first part of their conversation, we learn about how we can better define “biblical justice” and how Christians can navigate and be faithful witnesses in the public square. We hope this conversation will be encouraging and challenging to our audience. Look for part two tomorrow.

Watch the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKXJ5fdcN_k&feature=youtu.be

Shownotes:

Read the article version of this conversation:

https://sola.network/article/long-journey-towards-biblical-justice-part-1

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

Aaron speaks with Daniel Eng about Christian scholarship, academia, hermeneutics, and representation.

1. You are a Ph. D. candidate at the University of Cambridge. What does this look like?

2. You are writing the New commentary on James for the forthcoming New Testament in Color. What is your writing process for a commentary, and what can we expect from this volume?

3. You wrote 6 Movies on Disney+ for Discussing Biblical Values with Your Family for SOLA. Mulan is coming out on Disney+. How should AA Christians think about representation and faith when watching films? 

Shownotes:

Watch this interview on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKd66U5BzoU&list=PLAoJ5wNGQQE2OUp1eKCu2jHWu_WT3_R_D&index=1

Read the article version of this interview:

https://sola.network/article/new-testament-in-color

6 Movies on Disney+ for Discussing Biblical Values with Your Family

https://sola.network/article/movies-biblical-values-family

Email us your questions or conversation topics: 

[email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

Aaron interviews author and speaker Trillia Newbell about her book, Beautifully Distinct. They discuss Christian worldview, cultural engagement, and give encouragement to writers.

1. Why is it important to have a Biblical, Christian worldview?

2. How can we discuss worldview issues and practice cultural engagement in our churches today?

3. How can young writers find their niche?

Shownotes:

Watch the interview on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydTO5kij94E&list=PLAoJ5wNGQQE2OUp1eKCu2jHWu_WT3_R_D&index=1

Read the article version of this interview:

https://sola.network/article/how-to-engage-the-world

Beautifully Distinct:

https://www.thegoodbook.com/beautifully-distinct

Trillia's website:

http://www.trillianewbell.com/

Aaron's book review:

https://musicgoon.tumblr.com/post/619826341541478400/book-review-beautifully-distinct-by-trillia

Email us your questions or conversation topics: 

[email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

Rachel Seo is a rising senior at UC San Diego, where she is majoring in literature and writing. She wrote "What “Wedding Night” Videos Say about Christian Influencer Culture."

Watch the video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/JGvmAB_lfJo

1. What is "Christian influencer" culture?

2. What does it mean to "forsake the numbers" and what does it look like?

3. Why do you think it is important for Christians to think through these types of topics? What advice would you give to young Christians as they attempt to think through these issues?

4. How should churches and pastors handle their social media?

5. What are the pros and cons of your YouTube platform, any lessons learned, and warnings or encouragement for those looking to start and build up their channels?

Read the article version of this interview:

https://sola.network/article/part-of-christian-influencer-culture

Shownotes:

What “Wedding Night” Videos Say about Christian Influencer Culture: https://christandpopculture.com/what-wedding-night-videos-say-about-christian-influencer-culture/

Articles by Rachel: https://christandpopculture.com/author/rachelalisonseogmail-com/

Rachel's website: https://rachelseo.com/

Rachel's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rachelaseo

Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelaseo/

Rachel's Twitter: https://twitter.com/rrachelalisonn

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

In this divisive era, differences can often lead to harsh words and angry rhetoric. So A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, is an extremely timely book. It reminds us Christians can be countercultural to the finger-pointing and instead, enter into conversations with humbleness and empathy.

SOLA Editorial Board Member Kevin Yi interviewed Scott Sauls in June about his new book and the need for gentleness in our relationships with others. They also discussed the need for community, especially during the pandemic, and even touched on honor-shame and cancel culture.

Video: https://youtu.be/IFIOn3JuJeI

Article: https://sola.network/article/christlike-gentleness-and-prophetic-strength

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

A friend of the SOLA Network, Dr. Alexander Jun is the co-chair of the vision committee for the “AAPI Christians for Black Lives” vigil in Los Angeles on August 1. This event is co-sponsored by Christian churches and parachurch organizations, but many do not have vision statements that perfectly align with the SOLA Network’s Confessional Statement. So then why is Dr. Jun, who is Reformed and an elder at his PCA church, supporting this event? 

Dr. Jun said he believes that partnering with other Asian American Pacific Islander Christians to repent of anti-Blackness and pray for our Black Christian brothers and sisters is important, despite and because of our theological differences. We discussed how attending this vigil can be a step in Asian American Christians showing love and care for Black brothers and sisters, how we can “break bread with” not “break fellowship with” other Christians, and how socially and theologically conservative Christians need to take active steps to be a part of the conversation.

Article: https://sola.network/article/aapi-christians-pray-interview

Video: https://youtu.be/klIU4a_1mb4

Editor’s Note: The AAPI Christians for Black Lives event takes place Saturday, August 1. You can find out more information about the event here: https://aapichristiansforblacklives.org/

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

When it comes to addressing racism, one of the first things Christians must do is to look within themselves to see if they have any biases or prejudices of their own. In these past few months, many who agree with the idea that Black lives matter have realized that they themselves hold anti-Black views that must be addressed. So how do we confront anti-Blackness in our lives? 

To help us understand and learn, SOLA Network editor Hannah Chao interviewed Jane Kim, a SOLA contributor and educator who is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. They talked about an article she wrote for the Asian American Christian Collaborative, called “An Asian-American Guide to Dismantling Anti-Blackness.” They talked about how Asian Americans can confront anti-Blackness and be active in our communities, as well as how churches need to be safe places that equip Christians about subjects about race and politics.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsikgkWVycA&list=PLAoJ5wNGQQE2OUp1eKCu2jHWu_WT3_R_D&index=2&t=0s

Article: https://sola.network/article/learn-unlearn-relearn-anti-blackness

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

"In this time of suffering and pain in the Black community, we lament for and with our Black brothers and sisters in Christ and with other Black communities across the nation. We stand in solidarity with you, our Black brothers and sisters, and we demand justice for the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey and so many, many more.

"We join our voice to your courageous prophetic voice, and we too call for an end to the systemic racial and justices, the brutalization of Black bodies, the abuses of power, and the use of lethal force. As an Asian American Christian, I bemoan and repent of my own complicity through silence and apathy. I failed to love you, Neighbors, as I love myself."

This video is a compilation of sermons and talks that SOLA Council members have given on the topic of race, racism, reconciliation, and the Gospel in May and June 2020.

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

"When we pray for justice and vindication, we are making an appeal of petition before him. And in James 4, James actually explains the misuse of petitionary prayer. Sometimes we pray out of genuine conviction, while other times we pray out of self-interest. Sometimes we pray for the things that we truly need, that our families need, that our communities and our society truly needs. And other times we pray for the things we merely want. 

What if one of the main reasons we lack justice in our world is because Christians are not praying for it? What if we are praying, but we are doing it wrongly? We are wasting our breath out of selfish ambition and selfish passion, whether our petitions and our priorities are more aligned with a specific tribe, or specific group rather than considering the heart of God and the truth of God for His people and for this world. 

Brothers and sisters, prayer is powerful. It is powerful, and it is a weapon. In the face of injustice, Jesus is calling his people to pray." 

As part of our mission to equip the local church and Asian American Christians, we are posting sermon excerpts, devotions, and prayers from our SOLA Council members concerning racism and injustice. We hope that these words would be challenging and encouraging to believers as we fight against the sin of racism.

This resource is from Michael Lee, Lead Pastor of All Nations Community Church and a member of our SOLA Council.

Article: https://sola.network/article/christians-pray-petitionary-prayers

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network

"The question is not if you will meet Jesus. You will meet him. The question is: How will you meet him? Will you meet him as your Savior or you meet him as your judge? The choice is yours.

"We should be angry at injustice and work for justice. [2 Peter 3] verse 11 says, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in the lives of holiness and godliness.

To be godly means to be like God. And because God is a God who loves justice, it is godly to love justice. Like God, we are to have a righteous anger against evil and injustice, an anger that is rooted in love for what is good and just.

We should be angry at injustice because God is angry at injustice. So let me say this again. It is godly to be righteously angry at injustice and to let that righteous anger fuel us in our pursuit of justice."

As part of our mission to equip the local church and Asian American Christians, we are posting sermon excerpts, devotions, and prayers from our SOLA Council members concerning racism and injustice. We hope that these words would be challenging and encouraging to believers as we fight against the sin of racism.

This video is from Owen Y Lee, SOLA Council member and Senior Pastor of Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia.

Article: https://sola.network/article/righteous-anger-against-racism-injustice

Email us your questions or conversation topics: [email protected]

Links:

Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif

Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg

Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork

Website: https://sola.network