What is a simple way to explain the major biblical themes and covenants? If we do not have a sound understanding of the covenants, we’ll struggle to interpret the Bible. The graph below is a helpful tool for you and those you work with. It interrelates essential themes that shape the Bible’s plot. If you study the Bible in any depth, you discover the intricate ways biblical writers interweave allusions from other passages. For example, Abraham is presented as another... Read more
Here are a few noteworthy articles reflecting on contemporary Chinese culture. 1. “Teachers Loan Students Points to Pass Exams” I think you’ll like this one. It’s Chinese ingenuity at its best. Wang Yiwei explains that a high school in Nanjing has implemented a system that allows pupils to boost low grades by borrowing marks on future tests. The article opens, “Students at a school in Nanjing need no longer fear the shame of failing their exams, now that their teachers will lend them... Read more
Who knew Pixar had so much to teach pastors and missionaries? Read more
One of my favorite books is Richard Nisbitt’s Geography of Thought, where he surveys many social and psychological studies tracing the difference between Eastern and Western thinking. He also considers the historical origins of each perspective. Accordingly, I was glad to see a recent BBC article touching on similar themes. It’s call “How East and West think in profoundly different ways.” David Robson looks at research by psychologists are uncovering the surprising influence of geography on our reasoning, behaviour, and... Read more
A Chinese student in the States emailed me recently with a question that I know others have as well. How should I equip myself in America now to be better prepared to be a faithful servant for Christ when I go back to China in 3-5 years? I’ve pasted my response below. You ask a good question but one is pretty big as well. I can really only give broad lines of thought since there may be ideas that are particularly... Read more
If you are interested in contextualization in China, you might want to check out Ruth Wang’s article, “Yellow Christmas.” She points out that many Chinese people complain that Christmas is a “Western” holiday, so it shouldn’t be celebrated in China. How are churches responding? She writes, The programs designed by Chinese Christians to celebrate Christmas always include the birth of Jesus, testimonies of believers and calling of pastors. What’s more, they have added traditional Chinese culture to these programs, which... Read more
Even Paul knew his labor in planting churches could be a waste of time. If Paul felt this way, shouldn’t we take notice and figure out how to avoid wasting our efforts? To the Galatians, Paul wrote, “I went up [to Jerusalem] because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.” (Gal 2:2)... Read more
ChinaSource recently listed a number of things happening in China during 2016 that have an impact on the church. While I won’t comment on each item, I think it’s worth putting out there for people who want to follow up and get more information. Brent Fulton writes, Events over the past year suggest that what’s ahead may be anything but “business as usual:” Tightening visa restrictions for foreign workers New foreign NGO law severely limiting activities of overseas... Read more
Few books simultaneously entertain, provoke, challenge and instruct. A recent IVP book by just that. It’s called Paul Behaving Badly: Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk? (E. Randolph Richards and Brandon O’Brien). The authors previously collaborated to write one of my favorite books Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes. This work has a similar feel to their previous book. You know all those secret thoughts you’ve had about Paul but weren’t willing say out loud? Well, Richards and O’Brien put them... Read more
A recent post at The Gospel Coalition tried to explain why many Asians struggle to accept grace. However, it seems the writer’s explanation is a half-truth. Consequently, I think readers could misunderstand the deeper dynamics at play. Jeremy Yong writes, “A gift given means a gift must be repaid. That’s what my Chinese culture taught me.… Many Asian-American Christians operate under the assumption that God’s gift toward them must be reciprocated, so as to not be trapped in God’s debt. Unfortunately, in... Read more
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