(00:00-09:36): HEADLINES: After permit approved for whites-only church, small Minnesota town insists it isn't racist. 'Great Conjunction': Earthlings treated to rare alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. As a Trump voter, I must say candidly that it is very troubling to see many American Christians far more mobilized for Trump than they have ever been mobilized for Jesus.

(09:36-18:39): Joe Carter writes “How Postmodern Pseudo-Prophecy Dishonors God” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(18:39-27:52): We were joined by Pastor Philip Miller from Moody Church. We discussed his role as the new pastor of the church as well as the Silent Night Chicago event this Christmas Eve. At 9:09 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, light a candle or shine your phone from your front porch, street corner, balcony, or public place, and join others in singing "Silent Night" aloud for all to hear.

(27:52-36:54): Marta Zaraska writes “Why being kind to others is good for your health” in BBC.  While we might all enjoy the warm glow of helping out others or giving up a little of our time for charity, it could be doing us some physical good too.

(36:54-56:29): Adam Macinnis writes “COVID-19 Hurts. But the Bible Brings Hope” in Christianity Today. New study shows Scripture reading correlates with Harvard measures of human flourishing.

(56:29-1:04:53): We were joined by Associate Professor at Talbot School of Biola University, Kyle Strobel. He is the co-author of a book coming out this March called Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul (Baker Books) and co-author of The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus' Path of Power in a Church that has Abandoned It (Thomas Nelson). 

We also discussed his blog post “When Social Media is Antithetical to the Cross”. Get his new book “Where Prayer Becomes Real” at Baker Books’s website. 40% off of all pre-orders. https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/235866

(1:04:53-1:13:00): Thom S. Rainer writes “7 heartfelt prayers by pastors for their churches in 2021” on The Christmas Post. Have a great Christmas, and may 2021 truly be a wonderful new year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:39): HEADLINES: Britain cut off by Canada and others as new Covid strain spreads. SoCal megachurch that thumbed its nose at COVID has an outbreak--but doesn't want anyone to know. Congress reaches deal on $900 billion Covid-19 relief package. CDC advisory group: Older adults, front-line essential workers to get Covid vaccine next. 

(08:39-26:46): We were joined by pastor and author, Evan Welcher. Evan Welcher is the Pastor of Vine Street Bible Church in Glenwood, Iowa. He is the author of "Resplendent Bride Essays On Love & Loss", "Nightscapes", and "Advent: A Thread In The Night". 

We discussed advent as well as his piece in The Gospel Coalition: Oh How We Need Advent (This Year More Than Most).  

(26:46-35:45): Ian tweeted “Was Jesus born in a barn? Personally, I don’t think so.”. He and Brian discuss the historical significance of where Jesus was actually born. 

(35:45-45:13): Kate Shellnutt writes “Two Prominent Pastors Break With SBC After Critical Race Theory Statement” in Christianity Today. Charlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents. 

(45:13-54:47): Justin Tasch writes “Charlie Woods fist pumps just like dad Tiger after birdie putt” in Fox News. The golf phenom’s son amazingly resembles him, all the way down to the red polo. 

(54:47-1:03:10): David Cassidy writes “After Covid-19 is defeated, we will have to re-member the church” on Twitter. He further writes “Great work is ahead and it calls for courageous souls who will patiently love the scattered, gracefully stitch the torn fabric of fellowship, invigorate worship, and create new avenues of mission & service”.

(1:03:10-1:11:51): Amy Klein writes “Covid, quarantine and closures are creating a hierarchy of grievance. We need compassion” in NBC. Are we competing in the pain Olympics? With most sports canceled, are we going to decimate each other instead — the winner being the one who suffered the most?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:36): HEADLINES: After permit approved for whites-only church, small Minnesota town insists it isn't racist. 'Great Conjunction': Earthlings treated to rare alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. As a Trump voter, I must say candidly that it is very troubling to see many American Christians far more mobilized for Trump than they have ever been mobilized for Jesus.

(09:36-18:39): Joe Carter writes “How Postmodern Pseudo-Prophecy Dishonors God” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(18:39-27:52): We were joined by Pastor Philip Miller from Moody Church. We discussed his role as the new pastor of the church as well as the Silent Night Chicago event this Christmas Eve. At 9:09 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, light a candle or shine your phone from your front porch, street corner, balcony, or public place, and join others in singing "Silent Night" aloud for all to hear.

(27:52-36:54): Marta Zaraska writes “Why being kind to others is good for your health” in BBC.  While we might all enjoy the warm glow of helping out others or giving up a little of our time for charity, it could be doing us some physical good too.

(36:54-56:29): Adam Macinnis writes “COVID-19 Hurts. But the Bible Brings Hope” in Christianity Today. New study shows Scripture reading correlates with Harvard measures of human flourishing.

(56:29-1:04:53): We were joined by Associate Professor at Talbot School of Biola University, Kyle Strobel. He is the co-author of a book coming out this March called Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul (Baker Books) and co-author of The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus' Path of Power in a Church that has Abandoned It (Thomas Nelson). 

We also discussed his blog post “When Social Media is Antithetical to the Cross”. Get his new book “Where Prayer Becomes Real” at Baker Books’s website. 40% off of all pre-orders. https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/235866

(1:04:53-1:13:00): Thom S. Rainer writes “7 heartfelt prayers by pastors for their churches in 2021” on The Christmas Post. Have a great Christmas, and may 2021 truly be a wonderful new year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:39): HEADLINES: Britain cut off by Canada and others as new Covid strain spreads. SoCal megachurch that thumbed its nose at COVID has an outbreak--but doesn't want anyone to know. Congress reaches deal on $900 billion Covid-19 relief package. CDC advisory group: Older adults, front-line essential workers to get Covid vaccine next. 

(08:39-26:46): We were joined by pastor and author, Evan Welcher. Evan Welcher is the Pastor of Vine Street Bible Church in Glenwood, Iowa. He is the author of "Resplendent Bride Essays On Love & Loss", "Nightscapes", and "Advent: A Thread In The Night". 

We discussed advent as well as his piece in The Gospel Coalition: Oh How We Need Advent (This Year More Than Most).  

(26:46-35:45): Ian tweeted “Was Jesus born in a barn? Personally, I don’t think so.”. He and Brian discuss the historical significance of where Jesus was actually born. 

(35:45-45:13): Kate Shellnutt writes “Two Prominent Pastors Break With SBC After Critical Race Theory Statement” in Christianity Today. Charlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents. 

(45:13-54:47): Justin Tasch writes “Charlie Woods fist pumps just like dad Tiger after birdie putt” in Fox News. The golf phenom’s son amazingly resembles him, all the way down to the red polo. 

(54:47-1:03:10): David Cassidy writes “After Covid-19 is defeated, we will have to re-member the church” on Twitter. He further writes “Great work is ahead and it calls for courageous souls who will patiently love the scattered, gracefully stitch the torn fabric of fellowship, invigorate worship, and create new avenues of mission & service”.

(1:03:10-1:11:51): Amy Klein writes “Covid, quarantine and closures are creating a hierarchy of grievance. We need compassion” in NBC. Are we competing in the pain Olympics? With most sports canceled, are we going to decimate each other instead — the winner being the one who suffered the most?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:47): HEADLINES: Kirk Cameron Under Fire for Caroling Protests but ‘absolutely’ Plans to Hold More. Lauren Daigle Removed From Rockin’ New Years Eve Celebration for Participation in Sean Feucht’s Worship Protest. Catcher James McCann joins N.Y. Mets with identity in place as 'a child of God'. 

(09:47-18:35): Sandee LaMotte writes “5 science-backed ways to stop Covid-19 pandemic stress right now” in CNN. 

(18:35-28:00): We were joined by President of Judson University, Dr. Gene Crume. He has been the president of the University since 2013, and implemented the Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Judson University, 2014-2019, in February, 2014, and the plan successfully concluded in February, 2019 having met 83% of the Goals and 75% of the Objectives. 

He joined us to discuss updates on the advanced degree program at Judson, and how important credentials are. 

(28:00-37:28): Jeff Mingee writes ““No Wayward Arrows”: What the Apostle Paul Can Teach Us About Social Media Habits” on Intersect. 

(37:28-1:17:23): This hour is dedicated to Lane Hunter. He and Ian spoke back in April about life, death, and the approach Christ-followers ought to have about life. He is a 68-year-old retired corporate Executive, married to his wife, Deb. He is the father of one son, two daughters, and has 5 grandchildren. Christian with strong faith, trying to serve God by helping those trying to find their way back to God. He has a rare, incurable disease, through which God has given him the gift of time to serve Him. He was on hospice some years ago, given a month to live, but God had another plan.

From Lane: “God has put a number of people in my life who are either searching for God, battling illnesses, terminal, or any kind of challenge where God leads me and helps me to help them”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:47): HEADLINES: Kirk Cameron Under Fire for Caroling Protests but ‘absolutely’ Plans to Hold More. Lauren Daigle Removed From Rockin’ New Years Eve Celebration for Participation in Sean Feucht’s Worship Protest. Catcher James McCann joins N.Y. Mets with identity in place as 'a child of God'. 

(09:47-18:35): Sandee LaMotte writes “5 science-backed ways to stop Covid-19 pandemic stress right now” in CNN. 

(18:35-28:00): We were joined by President of Judson University, Dr. Gene Crume. He has been the president of the University since 2013, and implemented the Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Judson University, 2014-2019, in February, 2014, and the plan successfully concluded in February, 2019 having met 83% of the Goals and 75% of the Objectives. 

He joined us to discuss updates on the advanced degree program at Judson, and how important credentials are. 

(28:00-37:28): Jeff Mingee writes ““No Wayward Arrows”: What the Apostle Paul Can Teach Us About Social Media Habits” on Intersect. 

(37:28-1:17:23): This hour is dedicated to Lane Hunter. He and Ian spoke back in April about life, death, and the approach Christ-followers ought to have about life. He is a 68-year-old retired corporate Executive, married to his wife, Deb. He is the father of one son, two daughters, and has 5 grandchildren. Christian with strong faith, trying to serve God by helping those trying to find their way back to God. He has a rare, incurable disease, through which God has given him the gift of time to serve Him. He was on hospice some years ago, given a month to live, but God had another plan.

From Lane: “God has put a number of people in my life who are either searching for God, battling illnesses, terminal, or any kind of challenge where God leads me and helps me to help them”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:26): HEADLINES: Predators Love All the Internet Shopping - Here's How to Avoid Scams While Christmas Shopping. Over-the-counter home test for COVID-19 gets US green light. Shoplifting Food and Hygiene Products Is on the Rise in the U.S. as Financial Aid Runs Out. Hill leaders struggle to finalize deal amid looming shutdown threat. 

(07:26-26:46): We were joined by Evelyn and Lucas Cortazio from Community Music. They are Brazilian natives based out of Naperville IL, and are Songwriters and Worship Pastors at Community Music, COMMUNITY Christian Church and Exponential Worship. 

They recently released their single “Make Room” and it is streaming everywhere. 

(26:46-36:26): Mastercard and Visa stop allowing their cards to be used on Pornhub. Brian and Ian take time to discuss the dismantling of the porn industry. 

(36:26-45:52): Charles Stone writes “9 Signals Your Hormones May Be Hijacking Your Leadership” in Church Leaders. 

(45:52-54:30): Amazon’s new health band is the most invasive tech we’ve ever tested. The Halo Band asks you to strip down and strap on a microphone so that it can make 3-D scans of your body fat and monitor your tone of voice. After all that, it still isn’t very helpful.

(54:30-1:04:15): ‘Suicide Is A Very Real Threat’: Pandemic Depression is New, Growing Disorder Linked To COVID-19. Plus, Megan Briggs writes “With the Exception of Weekly Churchgoers, Americans’ Mental Health Is at a 20-Year Low” in Church Leaders. 

(1:04:15-1:13:50): Tré Goins-Phillips writes “Christian Humanitarian Leader Says Church Is ‘Most Powerful Force’ to End Hunger Crisis in America” in FaithWire.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:26): HEADLINES: Predators Love All the Internet Shopping - Here's How to Avoid Scams While Christmas Shopping. Over-the-counter home test for COVID-19 gets US green light. Shoplifting Food and Hygiene Products Is on the Rise in the U.S. as Financial Aid Runs Out. Hill leaders struggle to finalize deal amid looming shutdown threat. 

(07:26-26:46): We were joined by Evelyn and Lucas Cortazio from Community Music. They are Brazilian natives based out of Naperville IL, and are Songwriters and Worship Pastors at Community Music, COMMUNITY Christian Church and Exponential Worship. 

They recently released their single “Make Room” and it is streaming everywhere. 

(26:46-36:26): Mastercard and Visa stop allowing their cards to be used on Pornhub. Brian and Ian take time to discuss the dismantling of the porn industry. 

(36:26-45:52): Charles Stone writes “9 Signals Your Hormones May Be Hijacking Your Leadership” in Church Leaders. 

(45:52-54:30): Amazon’s new health band is the most invasive tech we’ve ever tested. The Halo Band asks you to strip down and strap on a microphone so that it can make 3-D scans of your body fat and monitor your tone of voice. After all that, it still isn’t very helpful.

(54:30-1:04:15): ‘Suicide Is A Very Real Threat’: Pandemic Depression is New, Growing Disorder Linked To COVID-19. Plus, Megan Briggs writes “With the Exception of Weekly Churchgoers, Americans’ Mental Health Is at a 20-Year Low” in Church Leaders. 

(1:04:15-1:13:50): Tré Goins-Phillips writes “Christian Humanitarian Leader Says Church Is ‘Most Powerful Force’ to End Hunger Crisis in America” in FaithWire.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:23): HEADLINES: Toledo Zoo Discovers Tasmanian Devils That Glow. Tom Cruise goes off on Mission Impossible 7 crew for not adhering to COVID protocol. Transformation Church gives away $3.5M in house, cars, cash to bless those in need. Disney World was digitally adding masks to photos of visitors and they look TERRIBLE. MacKenzie Scott, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos's ex-wife, donates $4.2 billion in last four months.

(10:23-30:40): We were joined by author Chandra Crane. She is a resource specialist for the multiethnic initiatives department of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a member of the multiethnic Redeemer Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She has written for In All Things, The Well, and The Witness: A Black Christian Collective. She has spoken and led worship at several local and national conferences and has also participated in online discussions for Christianity Today.

She wrote the book “Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity”. "So what are you?" Chandra Crane knows what it's like to get that question. She has a Thai birth father, a European American mother, and an African American father who adopted her when she was five. With this mixed multiethnic and multicultural background, she has keenly felt the otherness of never quite fitting in. Where do people of mixed ethnicity belong?

(30:40-39:18): Jeania Ree V. Moore writes “Rest Is Resistance, Too” in Sojourner. Sleep deprivation is a racial and social justice issue of white supremacy and capitalism.

(39:18-48:11): Susan M. Shaw and Regina McClinton write “Want to understand Critical Race Theory? Read the Good Samaritan story” in Baptist News Global. 

(48:11-57:04): Derek Vreeland writes “Online Missionaries in a Digital World” in MissioAlliance. 

(57:04-1:07:34): We were joined by John Fuller from Focus on the Family. He is the vice president of the Audio team, which creates and produces award-winning audio programs and features. Millions listen on more than 1,000 AM/FM radio affiliates in the U.S., thousands of stations worldwide, and increasingly through digital media. Most Focus programs are available online at http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio

He joined us to talk about the Give Families Hope Campaign and the matching opportunity. Go to 1160hope.com KEYWORD: Family for more!

(1:07:34-1:16:18): Richard Lindroth writes “Creation Waits: COVID-19, Vaccines, and the Hope of Advent” in Biologos. In the Christian tradition, this arrival is associated with a long, extended wait; with hope punctuated by doubt; with lament for the state of this world; and with keen anticipation for a better one.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:23): HEADLINES: Toledo Zoo Discovers Tasmanian Devils That Glow. Tom Cruise goes off on Mission Impossible 7 crew for not adhering to COVID protocol. Transformation Church gives away $3.5M in house, cars, cash to bless those in need. Disney World was digitally adding masks to photos of visitors and they look TERRIBLE. MacKenzie Scott, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos's ex-wife, donates $4.2 billion in last four months.

(10:23-30:40): We were joined by author Chandra Crane. She is a resource specialist for the multiethnic initiatives department of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a member of the multiethnic Redeemer Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She has written for In All Things, The Well, and The Witness: A Black Christian Collective. She has spoken and led worship at several local and national conferences and has also participated in online discussions for Christianity Today.

She wrote the book “Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity”. "So what are you?" Chandra Crane knows what it's like to get that question. She has a Thai birth father, a European American mother, and an African American father who adopted her when she was five. With this mixed multiethnic and multicultural background, she has keenly felt the otherness of never quite fitting in. Where do people of mixed ethnicity belong?

(30:40-39:18): Jeania Ree V. Moore writes “Rest Is Resistance, Too” in Sojourner. Sleep deprivation is a racial and social justice issue of white supremacy and capitalism.

(39:18-48:11): Susan M. Shaw and Regina McClinton write “Want to understand Critical Race Theory? Read the Good Samaritan story” in Baptist News Global. 

(48:11-57:04): Derek Vreeland writes “Online Missionaries in a Digital World” in MissioAlliance. 

(57:04-1:07:34): We were joined by John Fuller from Focus on the Family. He is the vice president of the Audio team, which creates and produces award-winning audio programs and features. Millions listen on more than 1,000 AM/FM radio affiliates in the U.S., thousands of stations worldwide, and increasingly through digital media. Most Focus programs are available online at http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio

He joined us to talk about the Give Families Hope Campaign and the matching opportunity. Go to 1160hope.com KEYWORD: Family for more!

(1:07:34-1:16:18): Richard Lindroth writes “Creation Waits: COVID-19, Vaccines, and the Hope of Advent” in Biologos. In the Christian tradition, this arrival is associated with a long, extended wait; with hope punctuated by doubt; with lament for the state of this world; and with keen anticipation for a better one.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.