(00:00-10:15): We begin today with heavy hearts as we reflect on the events in DC yesterday. Kate Shellnutt writes “Christian Leaders Pray for Peace and Safety Amid Capitol Mob” in Christianity Today and 

(10:15-27:29): We were joined by author and political scientist, David Koyzis. He was here to discuss the events at the Capitol yesterday, and provide some perspective on how to bring unity to the United States, and justice to those responsible for inciting violence. 

(27:29-37:09): Daniel Harrell writes “We Serve the Purposes of God, Not the Politics of Men” in Christianity Today. The lust for power and the lure of lies collapse under the weight of truth.

(37:09-46:50): HEADLINES

(46:50-56:08): Shane Pruitt writes “How to Broach the Topic of Mental Health With Young People” in Outreach Magazine. 

(56:08-1:07:05):  “Six ways to ‘reboot your brain’ after a hard year of COVID-19 – according to science”, in The Conversation. 

(1:07:05-1:15:37): The Common Good is officially 2-years-old!! Brian and Ian take a listen to a few of their favorite funny moments from the last two years, and also reflect on some of their best interviews.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:15): We begin today with heavy hearts as we reflect on the events in DC yesterday. Kate Shellnutt writes “Christian Leaders Pray for Peace and Safety Amid Capitol Mob” in Christianity Today and 

(10:15-27:29): We were joined by author and political scientist, David Koyzis. He was here to discuss the events at the Capitol yesterday, and provide some perspective on how to bring unity to the United States, and justice to those responsible for inciting violence. 

(27:29-37:09): Daniel Harrell writes “We Serve the Purposes of God, Not the Politics of Men” in Christianity Today. The lust for power and the lure of lies collapse under the weight of truth.

(37:09-46:50): HEADLINES

(46:50-56:08): Shane Pruitt writes “How to Broach the Topic of Mental Health With Young People” in Outreach Magazine. 

(56:08-1:07:05):  “Six ways to ‘reboot your brain’ after a hard year of COVID-19 – according to science”, in The Conversation. 

(1:07:05-1:15:37): The Common Good is officially 2-years-old!! Brian and Ian take a listen to a few of their favorite funny moments from the last two years, and also reflect on some of their best interviews.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:15): Brain and Ian started the show by sharing their reaction to what’s happening on Capitol Hill during the counting of the Electoral College votes.

(09:15-27:09): Tod Bolsinger is an associate professor of leadership formation and senior fellow for the De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about his new book Canoeing the Mountains and adaptive leadership in contexts ranging from churches to nonprofit organizations.

(27:09-36:22): Brent Strawn says that Ecclesiastes has some things to say about COVID-19. Brain and Ian shared their reaction

(36:22-46:16): For the most part, our biggest problems aren’t determining whether something is good or bad, it’s good vs better. Brain and Ian talked about the sixty-fifth anniversary of the death of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian. The five missionaries were speared to death in the jungles of Ecuador in 1956.

(46:16-55:47): Do you see Jesus as a power broker or a liberator? Brain and Ian tackled that question

(55:47-1:05:38): What has the pandemic done to dating? That’s not a question Brian and Ian have to worry about in their lives, but it has definitely changed the way single people look at dating.

(1:05:38-1:14:47): Today is the Feast of Epiphany. Brain and Ian talked about what the celebration means for Christians.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:15): Brain and Ian started the show by sharing their reaction to what’s happening on Capitol Hill during the counting of the Electoral College votes.

(09:15-27:09): Tod Bolsinger is an associate professor of leadership formation and senior fellow for the De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about his new book Canoeing the Mountains and adaptive leadership in contexts ranging from churches to nonprofit organizations.

(27:09-36:22): Brent Strawn says that Ecclesiastes has some things to say about COVID-19. Brain and Ian shared their reaction

(36:22-46:16): For the most part, our biggest problems aren’t determining whether something is good or bad, it’s good vs better. Brain and Ian talked about the sixty-fifth anniversary of the death of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian. The five missionaries were speared to death in the jungles of Ecuador in 1956.

(46:16-55:47): Do you see Jesus as a power broker or a liberator? Brain and Ian tackled that question

(55:47-1:05:38): What has the pandemic done to dating? That’s not a question Brian and Ian have to worry about in their lives, but it has definitely changed the way single people look at dating.

(1:05:38-1:14:47): Today is the Feast of Epiphany. Brain and Ian talked about what the celebration means for Christians.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:11): Headlines: Pelosi's, McConnell's homes vandalized after Congress fails to approve $2,000 stimulus checks. Sheriff: Pastor Dead, 2 Hurt in Shooting at Texas Church. ‘Amen’ and ‘Awoman’: Congressman, Ordained Minister Goes Overboard With Inclusive Prayer. Gov. Cuomo Quotes Scripture, Says He Won't Take COVID-19 Vaccine until it Is Available to Minorities. Dance floor where John the Baptist was condemned to death discovered, archaeologist says. 

(09:11-27:52): We were joined by Gordon Smith. He is the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. 

He is the author of “Wisdom from Babylon”, which discusses what it means to provide leadership for the church in an increasingly secular context. 

(27:52-36:44): How do our devices tell others how important they are? Brian and Ian discuss remarks from Simon Sinek on putting our phones away when engaging with people. 

(36:44-45:46): Karen Swallow-Prior writes “The Real Problem with 4-Letter Words” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(45:46-55:42): Henry Karlson writes “Marxism, Social Justice, And Christian Expectations” in Patheos. 

(55:42-1:05:51): Pastor Aaron Menikoff joined us to discuss his piece “Thank God for the “Pie in the Sky”: Why the Heavenly Minded Do the Most Earthly Good” in 9Marks. 

(1:05:51-1:15:31): Josh Funk writes “Sabbath Politics for a Weary World” in MissioAlliance. Until we re-engage with the enormity of the Sabbath, nestled as it seems rather obscurely in the corpus of Scripture, we will not only fail to rightly handle the biblical texts that speak to us of the Sabbath, but more seriously, we will fall short of the vitality it is intended to give to our contemporary expressions of witness and proclamation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:11): Headlines: Pelosi's, McConnell's homes vandalized after Congress fails to approve $2,000 stimulus checks. Sheriff: Pastor Dead, 2 Hurt in Shooting at Texas Church. ‘Amen’ and ‘Awoman’: Congressman, Ordained Minister Goes Overboard With Inclusive Prayer. Gov. Cuomo Quotes Scripture, Says He Won't Take COVID-19 Vaccine until it Is Available to Minorities. Dance floor where John the Baptist was condemned to death discovered, archaeologist says. 

(09:11-27:52): We were joined by Gordon Smith. He is the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. 

He is the author of “Wisdom from Babylon”, which discusses what it means to provide leadership for the church in an increasingly secular context. 

(27:52-36:44): How do our devices tell others how important they are? Brian and Ian discuss remarks from Simon Sinek on putting our phones away when engaging with people. 

(36:44-45:46): Karen Swallow-Prior writes “The Real Problem with 4-Letter Words” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(45:46-55:42): Henry Karlson writes “Marxism, Social Justice, And Christian Expectations” in Patheos. 

(55:42-1:05:51): Pastor Aaron Menikoff joined us to discuss his piece “Thank God for the “Pie in the Sky”: Why the Heavenly Minded Do the Most Earthly Good” in 9Marks. 

(1:05:51-1:15:31): Josh Funk writes “Sabbath Politics for a Weary World” in MissioAlliance. Until we re-engage with the enormity of the Sabbath, nestled as it seems rather obscurely in the corpus of Scripture, we will not only fail to rightly handle the biblical texts that speak to us of the Sabbath, but more seriously, we will fall short of the vitality it is intended to give to our contemporary expressions of witness and proclamation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:53): HEADLINES: Trump: “I just want to find 11,780 votes”. Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, Dies of COVID-19. GOP senators threaten to object to Electoral College results if commission is not formed. LA’s Skid Row doesn’t need Sean Feucht’s ‘revival. McConnell: House's $2,000 stimulus checks are 'socialism for rich. 

(09:53-18:10): After the relatively depressing start to the show, we can use some encouragement. Megan Hill writes “A Word of Hope for Those Missing Church” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(18:10-26:46): We were joined by Pastor Allen Jackson from Allen Jackson Ministries. He is senior pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Under his leadership and vision, the church has grown from 150 to over 15,000. In reaching the local community with the Gospel, the mission is clear --helping people become more fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. He is starting a new show on AM1160 at 6AM Monday-Friday. He also wrote a new book “God Bless America Again”. 

(26:46-36:19): Welcome to the Tweet Suite! Brian and Ian discuss two tweets. One from Jesse Kelly, and one from Rich Villodas. 

(36:19-45:38): Leah MarieAnn Klett writes “Rick Warren: COVID-19 has 'revealed a fundamental weakness in the Church'” in Christian Post. Many churches across the U.S. are scrambling in the wake of COVID-19 because they’ve focused solely on worship instead of other aspects of ministry, Pastor Rick Warren of the California-based Saddleback Church has said.

(45:38-54:57): John Tamny writes “Covid-19 Is a Rich Man's Virus That the Poor Will Suffer the Most” in Real Clear Markets. 

(54:57-1:04:49): We were joined by Sharie Behnke from Community Christian Church. She is the small groups director at the Yellow Box and joined us to discuss the Together Conference. The Annual Together Marriage and Family Conference is an opportunity for couples and parents to come together as a community and invest in their most important relationships. Together 2021 is ONLINE and coming to you. Register today at togetherconference.info and invest in your most important relationships.

(1:04:49-1:14:56): Scott Sauls writes “The Essence of Jesus (According to Jesus)”. There may be no better and more complete summary of who Jesus is and what he is like than his seven “I AM” statements from John’s gospel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:53): HEADLINES: Trump: “I just want to find 11,780 votes”. Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, Dies of COVID-19. GOP senators threaten to object to Electoral College results if commission is not formed. LA’s Skid Row doesn’t need Sean Feucht’s ‘revival. McConnell: House's $2,000 stimulus checks are 'socialism for rich. 

(09:53-18:10): After the relatively depressing start to the show, we can use some encouragement. Megan Hill writes “A Word of Hope for Those Missing Church” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(18:10-26:46): We were joined by Pastor Allen Jackson from Allen Jackson Ministries. He is senior pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Under his leadership and vision, the church has grown from 150 to over 15,000. In reaching the local community with the Gospel, the mission is clear --helping people become more fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. He is starting a new show on AM1160 at 6AM Monday-Friday. He also wrote a new book “God Bless America Again”. 

(26:46-36:19): Welcome to the Tweet Suite! Brian and Ian discuss two tweets. One from Jesse Kelly, and one from Rich Villodas. 

(36:19-45:38): Leah MarieAnn Klett writes “Rick Warren: COVID-19 has 'revealed a fundamental weakness in the Church'” in Christian Post. Many churches across the U.S. are scrambling in the wake of COVID-19 because they’ve focused solely on worship instead of other aspects of ministry, Pastor Rick Warren of the California-based Saddleback Church has said.

(45:38-54:57): John Tamny writes “Covid-19 Is a Rich Man's Virus That the Poor Will Suffer the Most” in Real Clear Markets. 

(54:57-1:04:49): We were joined by Sharie Behnke from Community Christian Church. She is the small groups director at the Yellow Box and joined us to discuss the Together Conference. The Annual Together Marriage and Family Conference is an opportunity for couples and parents to come together as a community and invest in their most important relationships. Together 2021 is ONLINE and coming to you. Register today at togetherconference.info and invest in your most important relationships.

(1:04:49-1:14:56): Scott Sauls writes “The Essence of Jesus (According to Jesus)”. There may be no better and more complete summary of who Jesus is and what he is like than his seven “I AM” statements from John’s gospel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:43): Since this is the last new show of 2020, Brian and Ian reflect on the year. It was strange, it was challenging, but it was blessed. 

(09:43-17:48): Jim Liebelt writes “Kids Who Play Sports Less Likely to Suffer From Depression” in Howeword. There’s plenty of heart-healthy reasons to get children involved in recreational sports, but now the emotional benefits may be just as important.

(17:48-26:33): Kevin Deyoung writes “Why Does It Matter that Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?” in The Gospel Coalition. His mother, Mary, was a virgin, having had no intercourse prior to conception and birth. By the Holy Spirit, Mary’s womb became the cradle of the Son’s incarnation.

(26:33-35:36): Brian and Ian discuss “Seven steps for making your New Year’s resolutions stick” on Harvard University Medical School’s blog. 

(35:36-44:59): Brian and Ian take time to discuss why Christmas is important. Why is it significant that Jesus came as a man and was born humbly in a stable? 

(44:59-53:55): Sarah Todd writes “The Four Things That Make Practically Everyone Feel Loved, According to a New Survey” in GetPocket. Americans are out of sync with each other about many things. But not this.

(53:55-1:03:09): Jeremy Linneman writes “If God Can Show Up in Bethlehem . . .” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:03:09-1:12:31): That’s all she wrote for 2020 editions of The Common Good. Brian and Ian close with a word of hope and encouragement for what 2021 will bring.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:43): Since this is the last new show of 2020, Brian and Ian reflect on the year. It was strange, it was challenging, but it was blessed. 

(09:43-17:48): Jim Liebelt writes “Kids Who Play Sports Less Likely to Suffer From Depression” in Howeword. There’s plenty of heart-healthy reasons to get children involved in recreational sports, but now the emotional benefits may be just as important.

(17:48-26:33): Kevin Deyoung writes “Why Does It Matter that Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?” in The Gospel Coalition. His mother, Mary, was a virgin, having had no intercourse prior to conception and birth. By the Holy Spirit, Mary’s womb became the cradle of the Son’s incarnation.

(26:33-35:36): Brian and Ian discuss “Seven steps for making your New Year’s resolutions stick” on Harvard University Medical School’s blog. 

(35:36-44:59): Brian and Ian take time to discuss why Christmas is important. Why is it significant that Jesus came as a man and was born humbly in a stable? 

(44:59-53:55): Sarah Todd writes “The Four Things That Make Practically Everyone Feel Loved, According to a New Survey” in GetPocket. Americans are out of sync with each other about many things. But not this.

(53:55-1:03:09): Jeremy Linneman writes “If God Can Show Up in Bethlehem . . .” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:03:09-1:12:31): That’s all she wrote for 2020 editions of The Common Good. Brian and Ian close with a word of hope and encouragement for what 2021 will bring.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.