(00:00-09:09): As the Coronavirus continues to spread in certain areas, experts are concerned that the US is still only “knee-deep” in the crisis. Brian and Ian discuss the severity of the disease and what we can continue to do to prevent its spread. 

(09:09-29:31): We are joined by author, speaker, consultant and ordained pastor, Skye Jethani. He discusses his book “What if Jesus Was Serious?” and the mission behind it. He takes a look at some of Jesus’ most demanding teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and pushes us to ask whether we’re really hearing what Christ is saying. The visual component of the book makes it memorable and enjoyable to read, and Skye’s incisive reflections make it worthwhile for any Christian.

He also serves as the co-host of the popular Phil Vischer Podcast called the Holy Post. a weekly show that blends astute cultural and theological insights with comical conversation.

(29:31-37:28): Milton Quintanilla writes “'You Don't Need Help from Above, It's within Us,' CNN Host Chris Cuomo Asserts” on Christian Headlines. Brian and Ian discuss his words as well as our reliance on God during crisis. 

(38:24-47:49): Heidi Stevens writes “Column: What one mother’s grief can teach us about responding to Chicago’s heartbreaking violence” in the Chicago Tribune. Brian and Ian discuss this heartbreaking story and the reality of violence in Chicago. 

(47:49-56:53): We are joined by Joanne Bratta. She has been the Executive Director for 8 years with Hopeful Beginnings, a nonprofit organization. Joanne is a registered nurse with a bachelor's and master's degree plus a high school teacher and a counselor. She has not only worked in hospitals, clinics, schools but has devoted her professional career to care for pregnant and parenting women. 

(56:53-1:06:17): Ed Stetzer writes “The Generations Present in Your Church, Part 5: Gen Z” in Christianity Today. There are many contributing factors that give Gen Z the unsettledness they have about our world.

(1:07:20-1:15:57): Christian singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan posted an extensive message on his Twitter page explaining that he needs to take a break from social media because of the toxic nature of the feed.

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(00:00-10:07): Brian and Ian kick the week off talking about their Fourth of July weekends. News flash: IT WAS HOT and there were explosions. They also covered the “Gospel in ‘Hamilton’, along with articles from Christianity Today by Ed Stetzer and Sarah Author. 

(10:07-19:15): Megan Fowler writes “How a Reformed Facebook Group’s Private Comments Turned Into a Public Dispute” in Christianity Today. The social media saga involving Aimee Byrd and Genevan Commons calls for discipline, justice, and restoration beyond “cancel culture.”

(19:15-28:11): Brian Zahnd tweeted “We live in a moment when almost everyone feels weary and worn. Too much has come at us too fast. We're facing at least four crises at once: A public health crisis; an economic crisis; a political crisis; a racial justice crisis. And we still have to deal with our personal crises.”

(28:11-38:01): John F. Helliwell writes “Coronavirus has left Americans unhappier than ever. But here's why things are looking up” on NBC. The picture is bleak, but happiness could begin to return — ironically, partly because of what has happened in response to COVID-19.

(38:58-48:40): Calif. issues ban on singing in churches amid ongoing pandemic. Brian and Ian discuss this situation in California, as well as other states enforcing singing in church buildings. 

(48:40-58:50): Ben Carson calls Black Lives Matter a 'Marxist organization'. Brian and Ian discuss the continuing discourse and racial injustice. 

(58:50-1:08:24): Uh oh...conviction incoming. Brian and Ian reflect on “5 Lies Preachers Believe About Preaching”. 

(1:09:28-1:18:40): “She Put Her Pro Ball Career on Hold for Ministry. Now a Prisoner Is Free” writes Maya Moore in Church Leaders. Brian and Ian discuss this amazing story to close the day out on a high note.

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This show is made up of some of our favorite moments from the past few months. Enjoy!

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(00:00-09:50): We have a few updates about several topics including Jeffery Epstein’s accomplice, the “COVID party” in Alabama, and NBA2K’s tribute cover to Kobe Bryant. 

(09:50-19:32): Kelly Hamren writes “Reflections from a Christian scholar on Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, Marxism, and Biblical Ethics” on No Walls Ministry. 

(19:32-38:25): We spoke with Kenneth Tanner from Church of the Holy Redeemer. He has written for Huffington Post, Patheos, and much more. He made a theological transition from Pentacostal to Evangelical. Pentacostal views on ‘suffering’ lacks understanding, it instead harps on leaving the world behind. When we seek to escape the world, God enters the world. 

He also touches on how we bring people together in this divided world. He also talks about how God became TRULY human, not a type of “alien humanoid”. He was truly tempted, truly hungry, and truly emotional. 

(39:22-49:29): Jon Steingard Fronted an Award-Winning Christian Rock Band. He Tells Us Why He No Longer Believes in God. The former frontman for Hawk Nelson speaks out about his apostasy, and Brian and Ian discuss what happens when high-profile Christians leave the faith; and why. 

(49:29-58:57): Abdu Murray writes “Canceled: How the Eastern Honor-Shame Mentality Traveled West” in The Gospel Coalition. Brian and Ian discuss cancel culture. 

(58:57-1:08:38): Ed Stetzer continues his series on patriotism in the church with his latest instalment, “Patriotism is a Good Thing, but How Should we Think about God and Country Worship Services?”

(1:09:42-1:19:11): As we approach the Fourth of July, Brian and Ian cover some safe ways to celebrate and how to “live in mission” with your neighbors and community.

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(00:00-09:14): Happy Birthday to our nation to the north, Canada! She turns 153 today. Brian and Ian chat about America’s Tophat and discuss interesting not-so-well known facts about them. It is also Bobby Bonilla day! The former MLB star is making $1.1 Million today, and will every year until 2035.

(09:14-19:05): Brett McCracken writes “4 Reasons to Wear a Mask, Even if You Hate It” in the Gospel Coalition. Brian and Ian discuss the predicament of the mask and how wearing it is simply a sign of respect, not simply for health reasons. 

(19:05-28:24): Vance Morgan writes “Why Did Jesus Tell Stories? Because All Good Teachers Do” in Patheos. Brian and Ian reflect as pastors on the importance and vitality of story telling with preaching. 

(28:24-37:43): When is it appropriate to engage in dialogue, versus debate? Brian and Ian discuss a graphic we posted on our Facebook page on the differences and similarities between the two discourses.

(38:39-48:23): Tyler Huccabee writes “Carlos Whittaker: If You’re Serious About Justice, You’re Going to Have to Get Uncomfortable” in Relevant Magazine. 

(48:23-57:57): David French writes “I’m Not Hateful, You Are: Judge me? You don’t even know me”

(57:57-1:07:58): Michael Foust writes “Ben Carson: America Needs to 'Grow up' and Stop 'Being Offended by Everything'” in Christian Headlines. 

(1:09:02-1:17:49): Ed Stetzer in the first of his series: “Patriotism and the Church, Part 1: Is It Too Much to Ask Churches to Be Careful?” Brain and Ian discuss the separation of patriotism from the gospel, as well as walking a tightrope of associating America too closely with the church.

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