(00:00-09:46): DuPage and Kane counties moving to tier two restrictions on Wednesday. DuPage schools moving to all remote. FDA gives emergency OK to Lilly's antibody treatment for Covid-19. Trump aides fret about damage from refusal to accept loss. 

(09:46-37:42): Were joined by Pastor Glenn Packiam from New Life Church in Colorado. He serves as the lead pastor of New Life Downtown. He is the author of six books, including “Worship and the World to Come” which released this year and “Blessed Broken Given: How Your Story Becomes Sacred in the Hands of Jesus” which released in 2019.

Brian, Ian, and Glenn discussed brokenness and how in Jesus’s hands, brokenness turns to openness and other redemptive themes. Jesus gives us bread that is not broken.

(37:42-47:01): A doctor and medical ethicist argues life after 75 is not worth living. Brian and Ian discuss the sanctity of life and how there is beauty in recreation and leisure. Life doesn’t lack meaning if we aren’t useful. 

(47:01-56:28): Michael Frost posted on Facebook: “Alan Hirsch was recently asked to write an article on whether he thought the missional movement has had its day. This is what he wrote:”

(56:28-1:06:41): We were joined by Izabella McMillan from Samaritan's Purse. She is here to tell us about Operation Christmas Child and the impact the organization has had in the impoverished places they serve. She tells her amazing story of receiving a shoe-box from OCC as a 13-year-old in communist Romania, where you could be imprisoned or killed for your faith. She now acts as a spokesperson for the organization, and wants to encourage listeners to get involved and fill a box! Find out more here: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ

(1:06:41-1:15:33) We close by discussing Dave Chapelle’s closing monologue on SNL about reflecting on how we view those who have different beliefs or are of different races. He discusses why it is important to move past differences without hating each other.

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(00:00-07:45): Headlines: President-Elect Proclaims ‘Time to Heal’ in Speech. Pastor Robert Jeffress: Biden is president-elect — how should Christians respond? What is God doing in this outcome? Why would He allow this to happen?

(07:45-38:08): We are joined by Mark Shae and John Armstrong. Mark is a catholic author and blogger, while John is a protestant preacher and author. They are here to have a roundtable on different social teachings, with a focus on eccuminism. 

We discuss unity in the church as well. Mark wrote a book called “THE CHURCH'S BEST-KEPT SECRET: A Primer on Catholic Social Teaching” which lays out the basics of Catholic social teaching in a way accessible to the ordinary Catholic as well as to any other person of good will attempting to grasp this often profoundly misunderstood area of Church doctrine and practice.

(38:08-47:44): Alex Trebek, beloved 'Jeopardy!' host, dies after cancer battle at age 80. The popular game-show host was best known for his soothing voice and understated humor. We listen to two highlights from contestants. Burt Thakur and Susan who likes “Nerdcore Hiphop”.

(47:44-57:04): Covid Talk: Covid-19 vaccine 90 percent effective in first analysis, Pfizer says "Today is a great day for science and humanity," Albert Bourla, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. PLUS, Impromptu celebrations pop up in Washington following Biden victory announcement.

(57:04-1:06:44): Scott Connell writes “10 Things I Did Not Do that Improved My Congregation’s Singing” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:06:44-1:16:47): In an interview with Today, Jon Mecham discusses the division of our society. He says “America’s divided, but there’s ‘a path to a more perfect union”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:45): Headlines: President-Elect Proclaims ‘Time to Heal’ in Speech. Pastor Robert Jeffress: Biden is president-elect — how should Christians respond? What is God doing in this outcome? Why would He allow this to happen?

(07:45-38:08): We are joined by Mark Shae and John Armstrong. Mark is a catholic author and blogger, while John is a protestant preacher and author. They are here to have a roundtable on different social teachings, with a focus on eccuminism. 

We discuss unity in the church as well. Mark wrote a book called “THE CHURCH'S BEST-KEPT SECRET: A Primer on Catholic Social Teaching” which lays out the basics of Catholic social teaching in a way accessible to the ordinary Catholic as well as to any other person of good will attempting to grasp this often profoundly misunderstood area of Church doctrine and practice.

(38:08-47:44): Alex Trebek, beloved 'Jeopardy!' host, dies after cancer battle at age 80. The popular game-show host was best known for his soothing voice and understated humor. We listen to two highlights from contestants. Burt Thakur and Susan who likes “Nerdcore Hiphop”.

(47:44-57:04): Covid Talk: Covid-19 vaccine 90 percent effective in first analysis, Pfizer says "Today is a great day for science and humanity," Albert Bourla, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. PLUS, Impromptu celebrations pop up in Washington following Biden victory announcement.

(57:04-1:06:44): Scott Connell writes “10 Things I Did Not Do that Improved My Congregation’s Singing” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:06:44-1:16:47): In an interview with Today, Jon Mecham discusses the division of our society. He says “America’s divided, but there’s ‘a path to a more perfect union”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:39): A Few Headlines: John Piper’s Liberty Convocation Pulled After Election Post. University said Piper's appearance with J. D. Greear was “unfortunate timing,” falling the same week as his viral article decrying both presidential candidates. North Korea COVID Victims Left to Die in Quarantine Camps. Carl Lentz Fired from Hillsong NYC. Man Arrested 

(09:39-19:40): How Churches Elevate and Protect Abusive Pastors: A psychologist explores the power dynamics that help turn shepherds into wolves. Tim Hein interviewed Diane Langberg.

(19:40-28:22): W.E.B. Dubois wrote “Why I Won’t Vote” in 1956. 

(28:22-37:57): Lisa Bevere writes “The Cult of Comparison” in Relevant Magazine. 

(37:57-46:20): Susan Page writes “A fiercely contested presidential election reinforced the nation's divide. What's next?” in USA Today. 

(46:20-1:05:03): We were joined by Pastor Mandy Smith from University Christian Church, a campus and neighborhood congregation with its own fair-trade café in Cincinnati, Ohio. We discussed her book, “Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith beyond the Baggage of Western Culture” that comes out next May. Unfettered helps us reimagine how to follow God with our whole selves again and join with God’s mission in the world.

(1:05:03-1:13:50): Adam Russell Taylor writes “Reading Isaiah as the Nation Waits” in SoJourner. PLUS, we discuss “Evangelicalism Is Not Rounding the Corner” by Kristen Du Mez in Patheos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:39): A Few Headlines: John Piper’s Liberty Convocation Pulled After Election Post. University said Piper's appearance with J. D. Greear was “unfortunate timing,” falling the same week as his viral article decrying both presidential candidates. North Korea COVID Victims Left to Die in Quarantine Camps. Carl Lentz Fired from Hillsong NYC. Man Arrested 

(09:39-19:40): How Churches Elevate and Protect Abusive Pastors: A psychologist explores the power dynamics that help turn shepherds into wolves. Tim Hein interviewed Diane Langberg.

(19:40-28:22): W.E.B. Dubois wrote “Why I Won’t Vote” in 1956. 

(28:22-37:57): Lisa Bevere writes “The Cult of Comparison” in Relevant Magazine. 

(37:57-46:20): Susan Page writes “A fiercely contested presidential election reinforced the nation's divide. What's next?” in USA Today. 

(46:20-1:05:03): We were joined by Pastor Mandy Smith from University Christian Church, a campus and neighborhood congregation with its own fair-trade café in Cincinnati, Ohio. We discussed her book, “Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith beyond the Baggage of Western Culture” that comes out next May. Unfettered helps us reimagine how to follow God with our whole selves again and join with God’s mission in the world.

(1:05:03-1:13:50): Adam Russell Taylor writes “Reading Isaiah as the Nation Waits” in SoJourner. PLUS, we discuss “Evangelicalism Is Not Rounding the Corner” by Kristen Du Mez in Patheos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:45): Headlines: Carl Lentz, pastor of Hillsong East Coast and Justin Bieber, terminated for ‘moral failures,’ says church. Face the Bitter Truth. A Nation Waits: The Source of Our Hope.

(09:45-27:30): We were joined by author Don Everts. He is a writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries and has served as a pastor and a campus minister. His many books include Jesus with Dirty Feet, I Once Was Lost, The Reluctant Witness, and The Spiritually Vibrant Home. His book “The Hopeful Neighborhood” he explores an exciting reality that is revealed in Scripture, shown throughout history, and confirmed in the latest research: when Christians pursue the common good of the neighborhood, the world stands up and notices. It turns out this is exactly what we're called to do. When Christians make good things, we bring blessings and hope to our local community.

(27:30-37:33): J Oliver Conroy writes “The man who wants to help you out of debt – at any cost” in The Guardian. Millions turn to financial guru and radio host Dave Ramsey for his ‘tough love’. Many say he saved their lives. Critics say he ignores the structural reasons so many are in debt and poverty.

(37:33-47:13): A few updates: All Illinois Regions Now Under Heightened Restrictions. Andrew Blackburn writes “You’re a Christian. Start Acting Like it Online” in Relevant. PLUS, Uddipana Goswami writes “How to Heal Through Life Writing” in Psyche. 

(47:13-56:34): Joshua Becker writes “Your Stuff is Only Taking Up Space” in Becoming Minimalist. If they are not [serving a purpose], they are no longer serving their purpose. They are only taking up space. Or being used as a really expensive clothes hanger.

(56:34-1:06:41): Oh boy, here we go. We are discussing ‘Borat’, referencing this CNN piece by Brandon Tensley “Reassessing the racial stereotyping in 'Borat'”. PLUS, Nicholas Barber writes “Borat 2 review: ‘Fascinating and urgently satirical’” in BBC Culture. 

(1:06:41-1:15:47): Mandy Smith writes “The Difference Between Christian Institutions and the Kingdom” in Missio Alliance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:45): Headlines: Carl Lentz, pastor of Hillsong East Coast and Justin Bieber, terminated for ‘moral failures,’ says church. Face the Bitter Truth. A Nation Waits: The Source of Our Hope.

(09:45-27:30): We were joined by author Don Everts. He is a writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries and has served as a pastor and a campus minister. His many books include Jesus with Dirty Feet, I Once Was Lost, The Reluctant Witness, and The Spiritually Vibrant Home. His book “The Hopeful Neighborhood” he explores an exciting reality that is revealed in Scripture, shown throughout history, and confirmed in the latest research: when Christians pursue the common good of the neighborhood, the world stands up and notices. It turns out this is exactly what we're called to do. When Christians make good things, we bring blessings and hope to our local community.

(27:30-37:33): J Oliver Conroy writes “The man who wants to help you out of debt – at any cost” in The Guardian. Millions turn to financial guru and radio host Dave Ramsey for his ‘tough love’. Many say he saved their lives. Critics say he ignores the structural reasons so many are in debt and poverty.

(37:33-47:13): A few updates: All Illinois Regions Now Under Heightened Restrictions. Andrew Blackburn writes “You’re a Christian. Start Acting Like it Online” in Relevant. PLUS, Uddipana Goswami writes “How to Heal Through Life Writing” in Psyche. 

(47:13-56:34): Joshua Becker writes “Your Stuff is Only Taking Up Space” in Becoming Minimalist. If they are not [serving a purpose], they are no longer serving their purpose. They are only taking up space. Or being used as a really expensive clothes hanger.

(56:34-1:06:41): Oh boy, here we go. We are discussing ‘Borat’, referencing this CNN piece by Brandon Tensley “Reassessing the racial stereotyping in 'Borat'”. PLUS, Nicholas Barber writes “Borat 2 review: ‘Fascinating and urgently satirical’” in BBC Culture. 

(1:06:41-1:15:47): Mandy Smith writes “The Difference Between Christian Institutions and the Kingdom” in Missio Alliance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:52): Well, we are here in the day after. Brian and Ian share their thoughts and feelings about how election day went. Brian says he was having a good time watching everything unfold. Ian says he enjoys listening to the coverage, rather than staring at it. Alvin Oomen writes “No Matter What Happens, Christians Must Be Peacemakers Amidst Election Day Unrest” in Relevant Magazine. Also, W. David O. Taylor writes “7 Election Day Collect Prayers”.

(08:52-25:42): We were joined by author and political scientist, David Koyzis. He gave us his insight to the potential outcome of the presidential election. We cover the Red and Blue states, cities, counties, and regions. Is what is happening what we expected? 

He also discusses a retweet from Tim Keller, who references his book “Political Visions and Illusions”. Centrism is not the way to go. The wise way to address two ideologies is not to find the compromise between the two, it is still idolatry. The Christian way is not the middle way, it is the true way. 

(25:42-35:03): Carey Nieuwhof writes “5 ‘Normal’ Things That Are a Total Waste of Time in Leadership”. In this convicting piece, Nieuwhof touches on ways leaders waste theirs, and other’s time

(35:03-44:27): David French writes in The French Press “How We Heal: The remnant alone can't repair our land”. 

(44:27-54:07): What is the difference between loneliness and solitude? Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Zaria Gorvett in BBC “How solitude and isolation can affect your social skills”. PLUS, Beth Skwarecki writes “Tweak Your Work-From-Home Life for Better Health” in Life Hacker.

(54:07-1:04:11): Samuel James writes “The Case for Civility” in The Gospel Coalition. What if digital technologies and upward mobility have displaced and isolated us because we find their moral demands on our relationships much easier than the demands of true civility?

(1:04:11-1:12:21): Ian and Brian close with a touching and convicting Facebook post by VInce Wooloff. It tells the story of a boy and his father, and aims to teach the value of time. You can’t put a price tag on quality time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:52): Well, we are here in the day after. Brian and Ian share their thoughts and feelings about how election day went. Brian says he was having a good time watching everything unfold. Ian says he enjoys listening to the coverage, rather than staring at it. Alvin Oomen writes “No Matter What Happens, Christians Must Be Peacemakers Amidst Election Day Unrest” in Relevant Magazine. Also, W. David O. Taylor writes “7 Election Day Collect Prayers”.

(08:52-25:42): We were joined by author and political scientist, David Koyzis. He gave us his insight to the potential outcome of the presidential election. We cover the Red and Blue states, cities, counties, and regions. Is what is happening what we expected? 

He also discusses a retweet from Tim Keller, who references his book “Political Visions and Illusions”. Centrism is not the way to go. The wise way to address two ideologies is not to find the compromise between the two, it is still idolatry. The Christian way is not the middle way, it is the true way. 

(25:42-35:03): Carey Nieuwhof writes “5 ‘Normal’ Things That Are a Total Waste of Time in Leadership”. In this convicting piece, Nieuwhof touches on ways leaders waste theirs, and other’s time

(35:03-44:27): David French writes in The French Press “How We Heal: The remnant alone can't repair our land”. 

(44:27-54:07): What is the difference between loneliness and solitude? Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Zaria Gorvett in BBC “How solitude and isolation can affect your social skills”. PLUS, Beth Skwarecki writes “Tweak Your Work-From-Home Life for Better Health” in Life Hacker.

(54:07-1:04:11): Samuel James writes “The Case for Civility” in The Gospel Coalition. What if digital technologies and upward mobility have displaced and isolated us because we find their moral demands on our relationships much easier than the demands of true civility?

(1:04:11-1:12:21): Ian and Brian close with a touching and convicting Facebook post by VInce Wooloff. It tells the story of a boy and his father, and aims to teach the value of time. You can’t put a price tag on quality time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:21): Well, it is election day and Brian and Ian discuss 4 Questions Before Election Day in The Gospel Coalition. Jason Seville brings up convicting and thought-provoking points to consider despite the results from today. 

 

(09:21-27:31): Jim Denison is the founder of Denison Forum. He also serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health. He gave us perspective and encouragement on the election and discussed what the Bible says about politics. 

 

(27:31-36:59): Tim Adams interviewed John Gray: ‘What can we learn from cats? Don't live in an imagined future'. The philosopher’s new book attacks the idea that any ideology has the answers to life’s questions – but advice from cats might be his exception. 

(36:59-47:04): Andy Stanley writes, “What Christians Should Do If Their Candidate Loses the 2020 Election” in Time Magazine. 

(47:04-57:22): Scott Sauls writes “Loving as Jesus Does in a Hate-Filled Time” on his website. 

(57:22-1:06:58): SPRINGSTEEN REJOIN - David Brooks writes “Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well” in the Atlantic. Brian and Ian discuss what the happiest Springsteen album in decades can teach us about Joe Biden, the wisdom of maturity, and the meaning of life.

(1:06:58-1:15:30): This piece reminded us how we are supposed to treat our neighbors who think and believe differently than us. Clare Ansberry writes “How Next-Door Neighbors With Opposing Political Views Stayed Friends”. Troubled by the national discourse, the Gateses and Mitchells use signs to ‘send a message’ of civility

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