(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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:04): Brain and Ian shared their reaction to the death of actor Chadwick Boseman over the weekend at the age of 43. Chadwick gave commencement address that is even more amazing when you consider he was undergoing treatment at the time.

(09:04-35:54): Aaron Niequist is a worship leader in New York, songwriter, Podcaster & creator of A New Liturgy and The Practice and author of The Eternal Current. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about his efforts to bring Christians together and come up with new ways to worship.

(35:54-45:00): Brian and Ian took a look at some underreported stories from over the weekend, some of which were good news and others that were heartbreaking.

(45:00-53:55): What are the lessons that can be learned from the fall of Jerry Falwell Jr. at Liberty University? Brain and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Karen Swallow Prior.

(53:55-1:03:13): An MSNBC guest-host turned heads on Sunday when she labeled the Republican National Convention, which featured several Black speakers, a “modern-day minstrel show.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(1:03:13-1:12:50): Jason Allen says “You Can’t Love Jesus Without Loving His Local Church.“ Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:04): Brain and Ian shared their reaction to the death of actor Chadwick Boseman over the weekend at the age of 43. Chadwick gave commencement address that is even more amazing when you consider he was undergoing treatment at the time.

(09:04-35:54): Aaron Niequist is a worship leader in New York, songwriter, Podcaster & creator of A New Liturgy and The Practice and author of The Eternal Current. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about his efforts to bring Christians together and come up with new ways to worship.

(35:54-45:00): Brian and Ian took a look at some underreported stories from over the weekend, some of which were good news and others that were heartbreaking.

(45:00-53:55): What are the lessons that can be learned from the fall of Jerry Falwell Jr. at Liberty University? Brain and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Karen Swallow Prior.

(53:55-1:03:13): An MSNBC guest-host turned heads on Sunday when she labeled the Republican National Convention, which featured several Black speakers, a “modern-day minstrel show.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(1:03:13-1:12:50): Jason Allen says “You Can’t Love Jesus Without Loving His Local Church.“ Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:39): This week is the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Brian and Ian thought it was a good time to look at the significance of the speech with everything that’s happening in the country right now.

(09:39-18:18): A new study from LifeWay Research looks at what people think about Pastors who commit adultery returning to ministry.

(18:18-27:07): Brian and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Mike Glenn about the need to continuously put the work in to improve rather than expecting things to stay on cruise control.

(27:07-36:25): Is it possible to agree on principles but still disagree? Brian and Ian talked about the distinction between judgments of principle and prudential judgments.

(36:25-45:18): How do you deal with political conflicts in your family? Brian and Ian talked about a very public difference of opinion in the family of Bill Graham.

(45:18-54:37): John MacArthur has shared some pretty controversial views on the issue of slavery. Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(54:37-1:03:18): The coronavirus pandemic has led to a marked deterioration in Americans’ mental health. A new study found that “40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition.”

(1:03:18-): David Sergeant wrote recently that “Life has become the avoidance of death.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:39): This week is the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Brian and Ian thought it was a good time to look at the significance of the speech with everything that’s happening in the country right now.

(09:39-18:18): A new study from LifeWay Research looks at what people think about Pastors who commit adultery returning to ministry.

(18:18-27:07): Brian and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Mike Glenn about the need to continuously put the work in to improve rather than expecting things to stay on cruise control.

(27:07-36:25): Is it possible to agree on principles but still disagree? Brian and Ian talked about the distinction between judgments of principle and prudential judgments.

(36:25-45:18): How do you deal with political conflicts in your family? Brian and Ian talked about a very public difference of opinion in the family of Bill Graham.

(45:18-54:37): John MacArthur has shared some pretty controversial views on the issue of slavery. Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(54:37-1:03:18): The coronavirus pandemic has led to a marked deterioration in Americans’ mental health. A new study found that “40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition.”

(1:03:18-): David Sergeant wrote recently that “Life has become the avoidance of death.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:47): Brian and Ian discuss a few headlines to get the show started. Hurricane Laura made landfall, there is major progress in a COVID test, the teen responsible for shooting and killing two people in Kenosha was arrested, and NBA teams boycott games. 

(08:47-17:57): Marissa Shultz writes “Pelosi says Biden shouldn't debate Trump: 'I wouldn't legitimize a conversation with him'” in Fox News.

(17:57-27:12): Brian and Ian respond to Tucker Carlson’s reaction to the violence in Kenosha. Also, Bill Goodykoontz writes “Tucker Carlson's Fox News show is the most popular in cable-news history”. 

(27:12-36:11): Brian and Ian discuss one of Ian’s posts on Facebook. Ian reflected on the story of Abram and how God promised him that his children would inherit the land. What are we building for (and with) God that will outlast me?

(36:11-45:37): Andy Stanley delivered a message talking about the mentality and nature of Jesus. Jesus was not in it to win it. IN FACT, He was in it to LOSE it. Listen to this message after 9:18. 

(45:37-55:05): Citing Scripture, Pence switches out Jesus for the American flag in convention speech. Brian and Ian discuss the dangers of associating patriotism with Christianity. 

(55:05-1:03:48): We were joined by Robyn Chambers, executive director of Advocacy for Children at Focus on the Family. In this role, she oversees our Sanctity of Human Life and Foster Care and Adoption efforts through the following programs: Wait No More, which prepares hearts and homes for kids in foster care – whether for a season or a lifetime – through nationwide events as well as post-placement resources, and Option Ultrasound, which provides ultrasound machines and sonography training to qualified pro-life medical clinics in communities with high abortion rates. Jim Daly hosts Focus on the Family weekday mornings 11:30-noon on AM1160. 

FOTF is hosting an event called See Life 2020. It aims to help the world see life clearly, to stand and speak up on behalf of preborn human life, to provide care for women and men facing unexpected pregnancies, and to call for an end to abortion.

(1:03:48-1:13:20): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:47): Brian and Ian discuss a few headlines to get the show started. Hurricane Laura made landfall, there is major progress in a COVID test, the teen responsible for shooting and killing two people in Kenosha was arrested, and NBA teams boycott games. 

(08:47-17:57): Marissa Shultz writes “Pelosi says Biden shouldn't debate Trump: 'I wouldn't legitimize a conversation with him'” in Fox News.

(17:57-27:12): Brian and Ian respond to Tucker Carlson’s reaction to the violence in Kenosha. Also, Bill Goodykoontz writes “Tucker Carlson's Fox News show is the most popular in cable-news history”. 

(27:12-36:11): Brian and Ian discuss one of Ian’s posts on Facebook. Ian reflected on the story of Abram and how God promised him that his children would inherit the land. What are we building for (and with) God that will outlast me?

(36:11-45:37): Andy Stanley delivered a message talking about the mentality and nature of Jesus. Jesus was not in it to win it. IN FACT, He was in it to LOSE it. Listen to this message after 9:18. 

(45:37-55:05): Citing Scripture, Pence switches out Jesus for the American flag in convention speech. Brian and Ian discuss the dangers of associating patriotism with Christianity. 

(55:05-1:03:48): We were joined by Robyn Chambers, executive director of Advocacy for Children at Focus on the Family. In this role, she oversees our Sanctity of Human Life and Foster Care and Adoption efforts through the following programs: Wait No More, which prepares hearts and homes for kids in foster care – whether for a season or a lifetime – through nationwide events as well as post-placement resources, and Option Ultrasound, which provides ultrasound machines and sonography training to qualified pro-life medical clinics in communities with high abortion rates. Jim Daly hosts Focus on the Family weekday mornings 11:30-noon on AM1160. 

FOTF is hosting an event called See Life 2020. It aims to help the world see life clearly, to stand and speak up on behalf of preborn human life, to provide care for women and men facing unexpected pregnancies, and to call for an end to abortion.

(1:03:48-1:13:20): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:16): Brian and Ian kick off the hour with current events. California wildfires continue to ravage thousands of acres, Hurricane Laura is growing in strength and now sustains 140mph winds, and an Illinois teen was arrested in fatal shooting at Kenosha protest, police say. 

(09:16-27:48): We were joined by writer and Presbyterian pastor, Mark Sandlin. He wrote a piece in Patheos four years ago called “10 Things You Can’t Vote For While Following Jesus” that is relevant again in 2020 as another election looms. He discusses how important it is to be in touch and understand why we believe what we believe both politically and theologically. 

He also goes into his initiative called “The Christian Left”. Is it an oxymoron? He didn’t believe that the republican party was aligning with the teachings and texts of Jesus, and wanted to return back to the roots of what Christianity is all about. 

(27:48-36:21): What are the facts and myths of wearing a mask? Does it negatively affect our breathing? Do we even still need to wear one? Brian and Ian discuss “Wearing a mask doesn't reduce your oxygen levels, and 6 other mask myths you should stop believing now”

(36:21-46:07): Yes, COVID-19 is still very much prominent, as well as influencing legislative restrictions. Brian and Ian discuss “6 feet may not always be enough distance to protect from COVID-19, new report suggests”. Physical distancing should be seen as only one part of a wider public health approach.

(46:07-55:16): David French writes “Do Pro-Lifers Who Reject Trump Have ‘Blood on their Hands’? Taking a look at the true state of the pro-life argument in America”. Brian and Ian discuss the stance on pro-life. 

(55:16-1:03:46): This post is addressed to preachers and is about preachers. While many of the reflections may be useful for all Christians, I’m writing specifically with my fellow pastors in mind. Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Kevin Deyoung in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:03:46-1:12:37): With the NBA playoffs in full swing, Clippers' Paul George says he dealt with anxiety, depression inside the NBA bubble. Brian and ian discuss the affects isolation has on the brain and how we shouldn’t downplay mental health.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:16): Brian and Ian kick off the hour with current events. California wildfires continue to ravage thousands of acres, Hurricane Laura is growing in strength and now sustains 140mph winds, and an Illinois teen was arrested in fatal shooting at Kenosha protest, police say. 

(09:16-27:48): We were joined by writer and Presbyterian pastor, Mark Sandlin. He wrote a piece in Patheos four years ago called “10 Things You Can’t Vote For While Following Jesus” that is relevant again in 2020 as another election looms. He discusses how important it is to be in touch and understand why we believe what we believe both politically and theologically. 

He also goes into his initiative called “The Christian Left”. Is it an oxymoron? He didn’t believe that the republican party was aligning with the teachings and texts of Jesus, and wanted to return back to the roots of what Christianity is all about. 

(27:48-36:21): What are the facts and myths of wearing a mask? Does it negatively affect our breathing? Do we even still need to wear one? Brian and Ian discuss “Wearing a mask doesn't reduce your oxygen levels, and 6 other mask myths you should stop believing now”

(36:21-46:07): Yes, COVID-19 is still very much prominent, as well as influencing legislative restrictions. Brian and Ian discuss “6 feet may not always be enough distance to protect from COVID-19, new report suggests”. Physical distancing should be seen as only one part of a wider public health approach.

(46:07-55:16): David French writes “Do Pro-Lifers Who Reject Trump Have ‘Blood on their Hands’? Taking a look at the true state of the pro-life argument in America”. Brian and Ian discuss the stance on pro-life. 

(55:16-1:03:46): This post is addressed to preachers and is about preachers. While many of the reflections may be useful for all Christians, I’m writing specifically with my fellow pastors in mind. Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Kevin Deyoung in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:03:46-1:12:37): With the NBA playoffs in full swing, Clippers' Paul George says he dealt with anxiety, depression inside the NBA bubble. Brian and ian discuss the affects isolation has on the brain and how we shouldn’t downplay mental health.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:16): For the second night, Kenosha is experiencing rioting and outrage over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Kenosha becomes center of nationwide protests after police shoot Black man in front of his children. Also, Trump's convention offers misleading portrait of his presidency.

(09:16-28:02): We were joined by owner and founder of Daydream Supply Company, Branden Benskin. He is a worship and youth pastor in the Chicagoland area, and now a new business owner. His passion to be the change in the world he wants to see is what has led him to open his new business. Along with selling men’s and women’s clothes, and home goods, 20% of his profits go to fighting human trafficking. They partner with the International Justice Mission because we believe in their work. They not only help those harmed by slavery, but they also work in justice systems to create ways to end human trafficking for good

He also speaks to those who struggle getting started on passions, as well as those who want to contribute to a cause with their earnings. 

(28:02-37:30): Brett McCracken writes “ Cool Christianity Is (Still) a Bad Idea” in The Gospel Coalition. At the beginning of the 21st century, “relevance” became the prevailing buzzword in Western evangelical Christianity

(37:30-47:08): Jerry Falwell Jr. (yes, again) is in our discussions today. He officially resigned as President of Liberty University, again. Brian and Ian discuss some of our listener’s responses to the situation with him. Board leaders decide return of Christian university’s president wouldn’t be in its “best interest” after dueling accounts of an affair make news.

(47:08-56:38): Brian and Ian discuss the predicament with the controversial Netflix series “Cuties”. CC Pecknold writes “Why We Shouldn’t Watch Cuties” while Cassie Da Costa writes “The Angry Christian Right Should Watch Netflix’s ‘Cuties’” in The Daily Beast. 

(56:38-1:05:32): As pastors, Brian and Ian relate fully with this piece by Jonathan Leeman “Pastors on Social Media”.

(1:05:32-1:15:06): David French writes “The Deep Breath Before the Plunge”. Brian and Ian discuss thoughts from the precipice of profound political conflict.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.