00:00-09:09: Novak Djokovic's US Open meltdown costs millions in prize money, with more potential fines ahead. World's No. 1 tennis player is now ineligible for US Open's top prize of $3M after being stripped of $250K prize. PLUS, 1 in 5 Churches May Shut Their Doors Because of the Pandemic.

09:09-27:29: We were joined by pastor and saxophonist of Five Iron Frenzy, Leonor Ortega-Till. It originally started as a bible study for the band, but they turned into a church that really wants to connect with people who have no interest in “church” by society’s definition. She discusses the history of the Ska genre and how they are recording and writing their new album digitally. 

They started a Kickstarter campaign to help support the project for “Until This Shakes Apart”. They achieved their goal of $60,000 in 31 minutes! With the extra earnings, they look to make more music, support their ministry, buy new equipment, make videos, etc. 

27:29-36:26: Why are we talking about this? Brian and Ian discuss Christian paparazzi and tabloid. When Christain celebr find themselves in scandalous situations, is it effective and necessary to make it public?

36:26-45:58: Some people are calling for a boycott on Disney’s Mulan thanks to China’s repression of Uighurs. Brain and Ian talked about mixing politics and pop culture.

45:58-55:19: How should Christians decide who to vote for in the coming election? Brain and Ian shared the story of one person who believes their conscience may mean staying home on election day.

55:19-1:05:22: On the other hand, Sam Haist with Christianity Today talked about what the church should do to make sure they are getting their message out in the same way that political pundits do.

1:05:22-1:13:44: Ed Stetzer has written about how the church should react to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak. Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

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(00:00-07:23): Democrats tap array of faith leaders to speak at convention. Brian and Ian touch on the DNC, as well as Michelle Obama’s speech from the convention and “Joe Biden’s Catholic politics are complicated—but deeply American”

(07:23-37:32): We were joined by author and pastor Brian Zahnd. He is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also the author of nine books including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God and Postcards From Babylon. He discussed his story into ministry, and how he is leading his church through a pandemic.

(37:32-1:15:17): We were joined by Chris Baker, the founder of Ink180, a tattoo removal service and ministry that helps gang members, victims of sex trafficking, and more to get a second chance. He shared his amazing story from living in LA to living in Chicago and how God redeemed him. He felt led to starting a service that helped people get a fresh start. 

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(00:00-07:23): Democrats tap array of faith leaders to speak at convention. Brian and Ian touch on the DNC, as well as Michelle Obama’s speech from the convention and “Joe Biden’s Catholic politics are complicated—but deeply American”

(07:23-37:32): We were joined by author and pastor Brian Zahnd. He is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also the author of nine books including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God and Postcards From Babylon. He discussed his story into ministry, and how he is leading his church through a pandemic.

(37:32-1:15:17): We were joined by Chris Baker, the founder of Ink180, a tattoo removal service and ministry that helps gang members, victims of sex trafficking, and more to get a second chance. He shared his amazing story from living in LA to living in Chicago and how God redeemed him. He felt led to starting a service that helped people get a fresh start. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:40): A few headlines to kick off the show including “7 officers in Rochester, New York, suspended in death of Daniel Prude.” "I understand the union may sue me for taking these officers off our streets," Mayor Lovely Warren said. "They should feel free to do so."

(09:40-18:48): Cap Stewart writes “If You’re Fighting the Culture War, You’re Losing” in The Gospel Coalition. The question we must ask is this: Is a warlike posture the proper response to an increasingly anti-Christian society?

(18:48-28:12): Carey Nieuwhof writes “3 Mindset Shifts Great Leaders Are Making During The Pandemic”. Today’s leadership environment is demanding something different from us.

(28:12-37:25): Darryl Dash writes “The False Gospel of Visionary Success” on Church Leaders. 

(37:25-47:18): Brandon Showalter writes “2 million back petition to shut down Pornhub over sex trafficking, child abuse videos” in the Christian Post. Brian and Ian discuss the ongoing battle to outlaw and shutdown Porn hub after notable evidence that the site has been enabling and profiting off of crimes like rape, abduction, sexual assault and sex trafficking.

(47:18-1:06:32): We were joined by worship leader, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Higgins. He speaks to church creatives and how to express creative voices in local congregations. He also talked about how we reach people in the community. His latest song “Stop | Stand” releases Saturday September 5th, available at jhigginsmusic.live. 

(1:06:32-1:15:24): Scott Sauls writes “‘Conservative’ Biblical Theology Begets ‘Liberal’ Loving”. He says “Being conservative in their theology—believing every word of Scripture to be right and true—our people have become liberal in their loving”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:40): A few headlines to kick off the show including “7 officers in Rochester, New York, suspended in death of Daniel Prude.” "I understand the union may sue me for taking these officers off our streets," Mayor Lovely Warren said. "They should feel free to do so."

(09:40-18:48): Cap Stewart writes “If You’re Fighting the Culture War, You’re Losing” in The Gospel Coalition. The question we must ask is this: Is a warlike posture the proper response to an increasingly anti-Christian society?

(18:48-28:12): Carey Nieuwhof writes “3 Mindset Shifts Great Leaders Are Making During The Pandemic”. Today’s leadership environment is demanding something different from us.

(28:12-37:25): Darryl Dash writes “The False Gospel of Visionary Success” on Church Leaders. 

(37:25-47:18): Brandon Showalter writes “2 million back petition to shut down Pornhub over sex trafficking, child abuse videos” in the Christian Post. Brian and Ian discuss the ongoing battle to outlaw and shutdown Porn hub after notable evidence that the site has been enabling and profiting off of crimes like rape, abduction, sexual assault and sex trafficking.

(47:18-1:06:32): We were joined by worship leader, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Higgins. He speaks to church creatives and how to express creative voices in local congregations. He also talked about how we reach people in the community. His latest song “Stop | Stand” releases Saturday September 5th, available at jhigginsmusic.live. 

(1:06:32-1:15:24): Scott Sauls writes “‘Conservative’ Biblical Theology Begets ‘Liberal’ Loving”. He says “Being conservative in their theology—believing every word of Scripture to be right and true—our people have become liberal in their loving”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:20): Wow, kicking off with some big news in the evangelical world. 12,000+ Sign Petition to Remove Franklin Graham From Samaritan’s Purse. PLUS, Pandemic has revealed weaknesses in Church culture, Francis Chan says. 

(09:20-18:44): Free COVID Etiquette guide! Brian and Ian discuss NPR’s COVID-19 Etiquette: 6 Common Conundrums (And A Printable Pocket Guide).  

(18:44-28:06): How about this for a touchy topic? Brian and Ian discuss Bonnie Kristian’s piece ``QAnon Is a Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing” in Christianity Today. There’s nothing sheepish about this insidious internet demon.

(28:06-37:47): Conviction notice: Are Christians More Confident in Politics Than in Christ? Eugene Park writes in The Gospel Coalition. Brian and Ian 

(37:47-47:15): “Teaching Isn’t About Managing Behavior. It’s about reaching students where they really are” writes Christopher Edmin in The Atlantic.

(47:15-56:36): We all know the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. Brian and Ian discuss “What Does ‘Loving God With All of Your Mind’ Actually Look Like?” by Matt Huett in Relevant.

(56:36-1:06:06): James K.A. Smith writes “What white evangelical Christians can't see when they see racism” in Religion News. Brian and Ian discuss the short-sidedness surrounding racism and white privilege. 

(1:06:06-1:15:28): We close with remarks from Erick Erickson. He was approached by a fan saying that he changed since he is not defending the notion that Joe Biden is going to destroy the country.

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(00:00-09:20): Wow, kicking off with some big news in the evangelical world. 12,000+ Sign Petition to Remove Franklin Graham From Samaritan’s Purse. PLUS, Pandemic has revealed weaknesses in Church culture, Francis Chan says. 

(09:20-18:44): Free COVID Etiquette guide! Brian and Ian discuss NPR’s COVID-19 Etiquette: 6 Common Conundrums (And A Printable Pocket Guide).  

(18:44-28:06): How about this for a touchy topic? Brian and Ian discuss Bonnie Kristian’s piece ``QAnon Is a Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing” in Christianity Today. There’s nothing sheepish about this insidious internet demon.

(28:06-37:47): Conviction notice: Are Christians More Confident in Politics Than in Christ? Eugene Park writes in The Gospel Coalition. Brian and Ian 

(37:47-47:15): “Teaching Isn’t About Managing Behavior. It’s about reaching students where they really are” writes Christopher Edmin in The Atlantic.

(47:15-56:36): We all know the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. Brian and Ian discuss “What Does ‘Loving God With All of Your Mind’ Actually Look Like?” by Matt Huett in Relevant.

(56:36-1:06:06): James K.A. Smith writes “What white evangelical Christians can't see when they see racism” in Religion News. Brian and Ian discuss the short-sidedness surrounding racism and white privilege. 

(1:06:06-1:15:28): We close with remarks from Erick Erickson. He was approached by a fan saying that he changed since he is not defending the notion that Joe Biden is going to destroy the country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 Seg 1: Brian and Ian discuss several headlines in the news including the death of Bob Rohrman. For decades, his advertisements for cars were a common sight on local TV stations. PLUS, Samaritan’s Purse helps victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Hour 1 Seg 2: On the Front Lines, Some Pro-Life Activists Think Twice About Supporting Trump. National leaders back re-election. For others, the 2020 choice is not so clear. ALSO, Michael Foust writes “Megachurch Pastor: Abortion 'Is Consistent with' Christianity and 'I Will Fight' to Keep it Legal” in Christian Post.

Hour 1 Seg 2-3: We were joined by Dr. David Koyzis to discuss his book “Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies - 2nd Edition”. In this freshly updated, comprehensive study, he surveys the key political ideologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy, and socialism. Should people pledge allegiance to anything or anyone other than Jesus?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 Seg 1: Brian and Ian discuss several headlines in the news including the death of Bob Rohrman. For decades, his advertisements for cars were a common sight on local TV stations. PLUS, Samaritan’s Purse helps victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Hour 1 Seg 2: On the Front Lines, Some Pro-Life Activists Think Twice About Supporting Trump. National leaders back re-election. For others, the 2020 choice is not so clear. ALSO, Michael Foust writes “Megachurch Pastor: Abortion 'Is Consistent with' Christianity and 'I Will Fight' to Keep it Legal” in Christian Post.

Hour 1 Seg 2-3: We were joined by Dr. David Koyzis to discuss his book “Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies - 2nd Edition”. In this freshly updated, comprehensive study, he surveys the key political ideologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy, and socialism. Should people pledge allegiance to anything or anyone other than Jesus?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:09): Brian and Ian discuss Kyle Rittenhouse news out of Kenosha. A church is raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for his defense. They also discuss the difficulty in the situation from a lawyer’s point of view. 

(10:09-36:51): We were joined by Jeff Stark, Associate Professor of Theology at the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and Director of the Center for Theological Leadership at Olivet Nazarene University. He shared his remarkable story from atheism and a destructive lifestyle to being a ministry leader. He talks about how he and his wife, as brand new Christians, were invested in by their church. It is important for the church to leave room for doubt and growth. 

He posted on April 9th, “...By returning to the original “why,” we find the resources and resilience to engage crisis and scarcity in compelling, creative, and hope-filled ways.”

(36:51-46:45): Leah MarieAnn Klett writes “Wife of pastor who died by suicide shares journey of grief, hope: 'God doesn't waste pain'” in Christian Post. Brian and Ian discuss the importance of mental health, especially for church leaders. 

(46:45-55:11): Why do women read the Bible more? Halee Gray Scott writes this in Christianity Today. Best-selling study authors and Bible teachers unpack the factors that drive women to prioritize time in Scripture.

(55:11-1:04:21): Mike Frost writes “Coronavirus has unveiled the liturgical poverty of evangelicals”. Brian and Ian touch on this and reflect. 

(1:04:21-1:13:38): To close, Brian and Ian discuss how different churches and states have quarreled on the basis of gathering in-person. L.A. County Boots Grace Community Church Off Parking Lot It’s Leased for 45 Years. ALSO, Scott Sauls writes, Gathering for Worship in a COVID-19 Age: Convictions and Some Lessons Learned.

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