(00:00-9:36): A new survey says the Presidential Debates won’t change the race. Brian and Ian discussed what that means for the election and the state of politics.

(09:36-28:22): Chris Castaldo is the Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church, Naperville. He joined Brian and Ian to share the challenges his church community has faced thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak and also his thoughts on the “reversion” of former Christianity Today editor Mark Galli to Catholicism.

(28:22-37:36): Will people return to church or is livestreaming here to stay? Brian and Ian talked about what church will look like once COVID has left our lives.

(37:36-47:02): Is it important to report on bad news about church leaders even after they’ve passed away? Brian and Ian took a look at that issue after allegations surfaced against Ravi Zacharias

(47:02-57:05): How do parents ruin their children? Brain and Ian tackled the potential pitfalls of raising small human beings in the church.

(57:05-1:06:10): Is it tougher to be a Good Samaritan in a year that has been dominated by both COVID and a Presidential Election?

(1:06:10-1:16:17): How do you face the future when everything seems so hopeless? Brain and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Arthur Brooks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:02): A few headlines to get us kicked off on this Monday afternoon: Bears overcome a 16-point deficit to win third straight game to start the season, Passion of the Christ sequel? Donald Trump’s Tax avoidance.

(10:02-19:34): Matthew Kitchen writes “Smartphones Transformed Everything. Now, There’s More Disruption to Come” in Wall Street Journal. As WSJ’s Off Duty section reported, smartphones upended every element of society during the last decade, from dating to dinner parties, travel to politics. This is just the beginning.

(19:34-29:03): Paul David Tripp, in a video with Crossway, touched on his thoughts on what has gone wrong with leadership. He says “We have diminished the importance of a strong, watchful, comforting, and confronting leadership community around a leader. Every leader needs a strong community. You cannot walk away from God’s norms and be Okay.

(29:03-39:27): Sierra White writes an “open letter” to Sean Feught on Facebook. It touches on her thoughts on what revival is, and criticizes his massive events. 

(39:27-48:38): Brandon Showalter writes “Americans intercede in prayer in nation’s capital on day of repentance, Prayer March” in Christian Post. PLUS, “Did You Miss 'The Return'? You Can Still Watch The Entire Prayer Event Right Here”.

(48:38-56:34): We were joined by Pastor Robert Jeffress to talk about the Bible Prophesy Tour. On the tour, he will be visiting the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Pool of Bethesda and many other biblical sites. What can people expect when they join you for the trip? What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Israel? The trip is March 2-21, 2021. Get more info here: https://www.inspirationcruises.com/christian-tours/pathway-to-victory-israel-2021?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

(56:34-1:05:39): John Swinton writes “Mental Illness and the ‘Medical Theodicy’ Trap.” Why do we feel such a palpable sense of spiritual relief when the problem is with the body rather than the mind?

(1:05:39-1:15:16): Brian and Ian close the show out with “10 ways to take care of yourself because things may get worse before they get better” in Baptist News Global.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:02): A few headlines to get us kicked off on this Monday afternoon: Bears overcome a 16-point deficit to win third straight game to start the season, Passion of the Christ sequel? Donald Trump’s Tax avoidance.

(10:02-19:34): Matthew Kitchen writes “Smartphones Transformed Everything. Now, There’s More Disruption to Come” in Wall Street Journal. As WSJ’s Off Duty section reported, smartphones upended every element of society during the last decade, from dating to dinner parties, travel to politics. This is just the beginning.

(19:34-29:03): Paul David Tripp, in a video with Crossway, touched on his thoughts on what has gone wrong with leadership. He says “We have diminished the importance of a strong, watchful, comforting, and confronting leadership community around a leader. Every leader needs a strong community. You cannot walk away from God’s norms and be Okay.

(29:03-39:27): Sierra White writes an “open letter” to Sean Feught on Facebook. It touches on her thoughts on what revival is, and criticizes his massive events. 

(39:27-48:38): Brandon Showalter writes “Americans intercede in prayer in nation’s capital on day of repentance, Prayer March” in Christian Post. PLUS, “Did You Miss 'The Return'? You Can Still Watch The Entire Prayer Event Right Here”.

(48:38-56:34): We were joined by Pastor Robert Jeffress to talk about the Bible Prophesy Tour. On the tour, he will be visiting the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Pool of Bethesda and many other biblical sites. What can people expect when they join you for the trip? What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Israel? The trip is March 2-21, 2021. Get more info here: https://www.inspirationcruises.com/christian-tours/pathway-to-victory-israel-2021?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

(56:34-1:05:39): John Swinton writes “Mental Illness and the ‘Medical Theodicy’ Trap.” Why do we feel such a palpable sense of spiritual relief when the problem is with the body rather than the mind?

(1:05:39-1:15:16): Brian and Ian close the show out with “10 ways to take care of yourself because things may get worse before they get better” in Baptist News Global.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:22): A few headlines to kick us off on this Friday afternoon: Justice Ginsburg becomes first woman to lie in state at the Capitol, Trump on peaceful transition if he loses: 'Get rid of the ballots' and 'there won't be a transfer', Louisville protesters march for second night after Breonna Taylor grand jury decision, and Ginsburg mourners greet Trump with 'vote him out' chant as he arrives at memorial.

(09:22-18:21): Andrew MacDonald writes “Some Things Mean More: The Friendship of Ginsburg-Scalia” in Christianity Today. How do we foster friendships that transcend polarization?

(18:21-28:54): We were joined by the author of “Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality,” Nancy Pearcey. She has been highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

In Love Thy Body, best-selling author Nancy Pearcey goes beyond politically correct talking points to offer a riveting exposé of the dehuman- izing secularist ethos that shapes the critical moral and socio-political issues of our day.

(28:54-37:39): Brian and Ian discuss the new short-film called “The Social Dilemma”. The film helps explain the growing influence of algorithmic technology, especially in social media. Also, we discuss a review on the film in The Gospel Coalition by Jason Thacker. 

(37:39-47:04): Victor Scholar writes “Politics and the Christian Faith: Thoughts on John MacArthur’s Statement” in The Front Porch. 

(47:04-56:35): We were joined by Pastor Ron Smedley, Executive Director of Mission Recovery, is a former parole officer and caseworker for Child Protective Services for the State of Texas. Mission Recovery is urging churches to host a recovery-focused service on Sunday September 27th to bring attention to the prominence of addiction in the church. 

(56:35-1:04:29): Mel Lawrenz writes “When It Comes To Grief, Answers Won’t Fix Everything” in Relevant Magazine. Brian and Ian discuss this and the story of Job.

(1:04:29:1:14:07): Scott Sauls writes “Jesus and Performance Fatigue” in his blog. When we the duties of love overshadow the delights of love, intimacy and companionship are eclipsed by loneliness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:22): A few headlines to kick us off on this Friday afternoon: Justice Ginsburg becomes first woman to lie in state at the Capitol, Trump on peaceful transition if he loses: 'Get rid of the ballots' and 'there won't be a transfer', Louisville protesters march for second night after Breonna Taylor grand jury decision, and Ginsburg mourners greet Trump with 'vote him out' chant as he arrives at memorial.

(09:22-18:21): Andrew MacDonald writes “Some Things Mean More: The Friendship of Ginsburg-Scalia” in Christianity Today. How do we foster friendships that transcend polarization?

(18:21-28:54): We were joined by the author of “Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality,” Nancy Pearcey. She has been highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

In Love Thy Body, best-selling author Nancy Pearcey goes beyond politically correct talking points to offer a riveting exposé of the dehuman- izing secularist ethos that shapes the critical moral and socio-political issues of our day.

(28:54-37:39): Brian and Ian discuss the new short-film called “The Social Dilemma”. The film helps explain the growing influence of algorithmic technology, especially in social media. Also, we discuss a review on the film in The Gospel Coalition by Jason Thacker. 

(37:39-47:04): Victor Scholar writes “Politics and the Christian Faith: Thoughts on John MacArthur’s Statement” in The Front Porch. 

(47:04-56:35): We were joined by Pastor Ron Smedley, Executive Director of Mission Recovery, is a former parole officer and caseworker for Child Protective Services for the State of Texas. Mission Recovery is urging churches to host a recovery-focused service on Sunday September 27th to bring attention to the prominence of addiction in the church. 

(56:35-1:04:29): Mel Lawrenz writes “When It Comes To Grief, Answers Won’t Fix Everything” in Relevant Magazine. Brian and Ian discuss this and the story of Job.

(1:04:29:1:14:07): Scott Sauls writes “Jesus and Performance Fatigue” in his blog. When we the duties of love overshadow the delights of love, intimacy and companionship are eclipsed by loneliness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:23): 2 police officers shot during Louisville protests over charges in Breonna Taylor case. One suspect was in custody, and police said the officers' injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

(08:23-28:49): We were joined by Joe Taylor, a church planter with the converge network. His church is Canopy Chicago. He along with Brian and Ian discussed the future of our church in the city, and whether or not revival is coming? 

(28:49-36:28): Scott Sauls writes “Why We Need Not Fear the Future”. In the end, death will lose its sting. Because Jesus is risen, we, too, will rise with renewed bodies and perfected hearts, minds and motives.

(36:28-46:33): DL Mayfield writes “How a Sean Feucht worship service convinced me I am no longer an evangelical” in Religion News Service. PLUS, Milton Quintanilla writes “'This Is Simply Biblical': Thousands of Christians Gather for Revival in Florida” in Christian Headlines. 

(46:33-54:50): In Scot McKnight’s blog “Jesus Creed”, Kelly Edmiston writes “Jesus Breaks through some Limits”.

(54:50-1:02:41): Franklin Graham tweeted “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7” and then posted a video of Billy Graham preaching about faith in God’s existence. 

(1:02:41-1:11:19): Michael F. Bird writes “God Promises Blessings Not Prosperity” in Patheos. What is certain, because it is scriptural, is that God is generous and he generously blesses his people. It is from that blessing that we in turn feel the tug of the Holy Spirit at our hearts to bless others out of our abundance and to bless God back out of thanksgiving.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:23): 2 police officers shot during Louisville protests over charges in Breonna Taylor case. One suspect was in custody, and police said the officers' injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

(08:23-28:49): We were joined by Joe Taylor, a church planter with the converge network. His church is Canopy Chicago. He along with Brian and Ian discussed the future of our church in the city, and whether or not revival is coming? 

(28:49-36:28): Scott Sauls writes “Why We Need Not Fear the Future”. In the end, death will lose its sting. Because Jesus is risen, we, too, will rise with renewed bodies and perfected hearts, minds and motives.

(36:28-46:33): DL Mayfield writes “How a Sean Feucht worship service convinced me I am no longer an evangelical” in Religion News Service. PLUS, Milton Quintanilla writes “'This Is Simply Biblical': Thousands of Christians Gather for Revival in Florida” in Christian Headlines. 

(46:33-54:50): In Scot McKnight’s blog “Jesus Creed”, Kelly Edmiston writes “Jesus Breaks through some Limits”.

(54:50-1:02:41): Franklin Graham tweeted “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7” and then posted a video of Billy Graham preaching about faith in God’s existence. 

(1:02:41-1:11:19): Michael F. Bird writes “God Promises Blessings Not Prosperity” in Patheos. What is certain, because it is scriptural, is that God is generous and he generously blesses his people. It is from that blessing that we in turn feel the tug of the Holy Spirit at our hearts to bless others out of our abundance and to bless God back out of thanksgiving.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:23): One Officer Charged With Endangering Neighbors. A grand jury didn’t charge any officers with shooting Ms. Taylor in her Louisville apartment. A former officer, accused of firing recklessly, was indicted on three counts of ‘wanton endangerment.’

(09:23-27:10): We were joined by Bobby Jackson from Rally Point Ministries and One Collective. At Rally Point, Bobby focuses on developing programs that equip leaders for growth, and help hurting people to find healing. He discusses how the church has changed in this pandemic.

Plus, He created a coaching business to provide counseling, coaching, and more resources so that ministry leaders can feel confident in caring and shepherding young people who are hurting. Leaders are excited and passionate about caring for young people and he wants to empower them to do that with as few obstacles in front of them (you can see this program at rallypointmin.com)

(27:10-36:19): Katie Bergman writes “7 Ways Everyday People Can Help End Human Trafficking” in Relevant Magazine. 

(36:19-46:34): In a Twitter thread, Skye Jethani writes “YOUR VOTE FOR PRESIDENT WILL NEITHER SAVE NOR SACRIFICE THE LIVES OF UNBORN BABIES.” Brian and Ian discuss this premise. 

(46:34-56:13): Donald Trump announces ‘1776 Commission’ to promote ‘patriotic education’. Brian and Ian discuss the idea as a whole, plus they take a look at two op-eds on the topic. One from the Washington Post, one from the National Review. 

(56:13-1:05:08): Brett McCracken “8 Signs Your Christianity Is Too Comfortable”. Brian and Ian reflect on these points. 

(1:05:08-1:14:07): The Covid-19 pandemic tests everyone's spiritual wellbeing, atheists and believers alike. Even those who don’t pray to a higher power still usually have some belief in how the world works that gives them a sense of safety and security.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:23): One Officer Charged With Endangering Neighbors. A grand jury didn’t charge any officers with shooting Ms. Taylor in her Louisville apartment. A former officer, accused of firing recklessly, was indicted on three counts of ‘wanton endangerment.’

(09:23-27:10): We were joined by Bobby Jackson from Rally Point Ministries and One Collective. At Rally Point, Bobby focuses on developing programs that equip leaders for growth, and help hurting people to find healing. He discusses how the church has changed in this pandemic.

Plus, He created a coaching business to provide counseling, coaching, and more resources so that ministry leaders can feel confident in caring and shepherding young people who are hurting. Leaders are excited and passionate about caring for young people and he wants to empower them to do that with as few obstacles in front of them (you can see this program at rallypointmin.com)

(27:10-36:19): Katie Bergman writes “7 Ways Everyday People Can Help End Human Trafficking” in Relevant Magazine. 

(36:19-46:34): In a Twitter thread, Skye Jethani writes “YOUR VOTE FOR PRESIDENT WILL NEITHER SAVE NOR SACRIFICE THE LIVES OF UNBORN BABIES.” Brian and Ian discuss this premise. 

(46:34-56:13): Donald Trump announces ‘1776 Commission’ to promote ‘patriotic education’. Brian and Ian discuss the idea as a whole, plus they take a look at two op-eds on the topic. One from the Washington Post, one from the National Review. 

(56:13-1:05:08): Brett McCracken “8 Signs Your Christianity Is Too Comfortable”. Brian and Ian reflect on these points. 

(1:05:08-1:14:07): The Covid-19 pandemic tests everyone's spiritual wellbeing, atheists and believers alike. Even those who don’t pray to a higher power still usually have some belief in how the world works that gives them a sense of safety and security.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:49): Right in our own backyard. Naperville rally speakers keep pressure on for schools to reopen. PLUS, Pritzker reiterates no high school football. 

(09:49-27:58): We were joined by author Charles Stone to discuss his book “Holy Noticing: The Bible, your Brain, and the Mindful Space between Moments”. He covers topics in the book such as the term “Holy Noticing” and what he means by it. 

(27:58-37:58): Dave Ramsey writes “Why this habit may give you more money than a salary boost” in Fox Business. There are plenty of easy, practical ways to breathe a little extra air into your finances. 

(37:58-48:32): CNN’s Don Lemon: “We’re going to have to blow up the entire system”. Brian and Ian discuss his statements. 

(48:32-57:36): In the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, Amy Coney Barrett, controversial Catholic, re-emerges as potential Supreme Court pick. Also, Ed Stetzer writes “The Kingdom of God and the Supreme Court of the United States”.

(57:36-1:06:53): Many of us are engaging in good, hard, holy work right now to reimagine and build a faith that works not only for us but for the whole world. And to find our way in the wilderness. Sarah Bessey writes “Are you tired? worn out? burned out on religion?”

(1:06:53-1:15:12): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian discuss some good news from the Good News Network. This website is an optimist’s mecca for positivity and uplifting stories.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.