(00:00-09:14): It is Holy Monday, and Brian and Ian take time to reflect on the unusual Easter Weekend. What was different? Good or bad differences? 

(09:14-18:08): How to consume news during the coronavirus pandemic. Your guide to reading, watching and listening to news, and how you can stay informed while managing your stress levels and avoiding misinformation.

(18:08-27:35): We heard from music instructor and ministry leader, Jordan Bumgarner. He offered some encouragement on how he is navigating this crisis. He takes note of God’s presence in the storm when He called Peter out onto the water. Even after Jesus pulled him out of the water, the waves continued to crash. Jesus is sitting in this storm with us. 

(27:35-37:15): Some viewers watch Tiger King for the same reason carnival freak shows were once popular. Others refuse to watch it for the same reason. This author suggests we watch Tiger King to help us better love our neighbors as ourselves, sometimes by extending them empathy and sometimes by holding them accountable for their destructive practices.

(38:11-48:45): “Kansas Supreme Court strikes down measure that allowed large church gatherings” writes Michael Gryboski in Christian Post. PLUS, Albert Mohler writes “More Than an Idle Threat: Real Assaults on Religious Liberty Emerge in the Pandemic.”

(48:45-58:49): Andrew Solomon “When the Pandemic Leaves Us Alone, Anxious and Depressed”. Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty writes Dr. Doreen Marshall. PLUS, Sharon Brody writes “Control What You Can: A Psychologist's Pandemic Advice”.

(58:49-1:08:39): GOOD NEWS! We are talking about an adorable, grateful penguin, This New Jersey megachurch is putting it’s resources to practice, and this neighborhood barista is giving free coffee to essential workers. 

(1:09:42-11:16:45): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:14): It is Holy Monday, and Brian and Ian take time to reflect on the unusual Easter Weekend. What was different? Good or bad differences? 

(09:14-18:08): How to consume news during the coronavirus pandemic. Your guide to reading, watching and listening to news, and how you can stay informed while managing your stress levels and avoiding misinformation.

(18:08-27:35): We heard from music instructor and ministry leader, Jordan Bumgarner. He offered some encouragement on how he is navigating this crisis. He takes note of God’s presence in the storm when He called Peter out onto the water. Even after Jesus pulled him out of the water, the waves continued to crash. Jesus is sitting in this storm with us. 

(27:35-37:15): Some viewers watch Tiger King for the same reason carnival freak shows were once popular. Others refuse to watch it for the same reason. This author suggests we watch Tiger King to help us better love our neighbors as ourselves, sometimes by extending them empathy and sometimes by holding them accountable for their destructive practices.

(38:11-48:45): “Kansas Supreme Court strikes down measure that allowed large church gatherings” writes Michael Gryboski in Christian Post. PLUS, Albert Mohler writes “More Than an Idle Threat: Real Assaults on Religious Liberty Emerge in the Pandemic.”

(48:45-58:49): Andrew Solomon “When the Pandemic Leaves Us Alone, Anxious and Depressed”. Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty writes Dr. Doreen Marshall. PLUS, Sharon Brody writes “Control What You Can: A Psychologist's Pandemic Advice”.

(58:49-1:08:39): GOOD NEWS! We are talking about an adorable, grateful penguin, This New Jersey megachurch is putting it’s resources to practice, and this neighborhood barista is giving free coffee to essential workers. 

(1:09:42-11:16:45): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:15): “Seeing My Child Face Death Made Me Rethink the Passion” NIJAY GUPTA writes in Christianity Today. The Cross secured our salvation. But Jesus’ fate still breaks the Father’s heart. PLUS, Jonathan Martin Tweeted this prayer and reflection for Good Friday. 

(10:15-19:37): Randy Gariss writes on Facebook about isolation and separation. Brian and Ian reflect on his words. Connectedness. Togetherness. Fellowship. One would be a fool not to see their irreplaceable value in the development of deep godly lives. Those connective words are always part of the biblical pattern! Except when they are not.

(19:37-29:18): Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a key member of the White House coronavirus task force, on Wednesday suggested that Americans should never shake hands again.

(29:18-38:58): Cool story out of Texas! Social distancing is no stumbling block for Texas church's Minecraft Easter egg hunt. Brian and Ian talk about how we can still offer community this weekend without socially gathering. 

(39:54-50:14): Scott Larson writes in Relevant Magazine: “The Church Must Advocate for the Incarcerated During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Brian and Ian discuss the controversy behind caring for inmates at risk of catching the virus. 

(50:14-1:00:59): “Coronavirus Searches Lead Millions to Hear About Jesus”, writes David Roach in Christianity Today. Tens of thousands have clicked to pray for salvation since the outbreak. Is the increase temporary or a harbinger of greater gospel witness online?

(1:00:59-1:10:53): GOOD NEWS! Renew Network is making homemade facemasks for Chicagoland organizations. The Himalayan Mountains are visible again, and they are fabulous. A flying student is putting his hours to good use, Tyler Perry is a really cool guy, and the Vatican is housing as many homeless people as they can under the St. Peter’s dome.

(1:11:56-1:18:11): As we close the week out, we enter a time of reflection and remembrance. Ian posted a thought-provoking Facebook post about Good Friday. “And it is in this newness that we, as we live and love – turning a symbol of imperial terror and intimidation into a symbol of relentless hope.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:15): “Seeing My Child Face Death Made Me Rethink the Passion” NIJAY GUPTA writes in Christianity Today. The Cross secured our salvation. But Jesus’ fate still breaks the Father’s heart. PLUS, Jonathan Martin Tweeted this prayer and reflection for Good Friday. 

(10:15-19:37): Randy Gariss writes on Facebook about isolation and separation. Brian and Ian reflect on his words. Connectedness. Togetherness. Fellowship. One would be a fool not to see their irreplaceable value in the development of deep godly lives. Those connective words are always part of the biblical pattern! Except when they are not.

(19:37-29:18): Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a key member of the White House coronavirus task force, on Wednesday suggested that Americans should never shake hands again.

(29:18-38:58): Cool story out of Texas! Social distancing is no stumbling block for Texas church's Minecraft Easter egg hunt. Brian and Ian talk about how we can still offer community this weekend without socially gathering. 

(39:54-50:14): Scott Larson writes in Relevant Magazine: “The Church Must Advocate for the Incarcerated During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Brian and Ian discuss the controversy behind caring for inmates at risk of catching the virus. 

(50:14-1:00:59): “Coronavirus Searches Lead Millions to Hear About Jesus”, writes David Roach in Christianity Today. Tens of thousands have clicked to pray for salvation since the outbreak. Is the increase temporary or a harbinger of greater gospel witness online?

(1:00:59-1:10:53): GOOD NEWS! Renew Network is making homemade facemasks for Chicagoland organizations. The Himalayan Mountains are visible again, and they are fabulous. A flying student is putting his hours to good use, Tyler Perry is a really cool guy, and the Vatican is housing as many homeless people as they can under the St. Peter’s dome.

(1:11:56-1:18:11): As we close the week out, we enter a time of reflection and remembrance. Ian posted a thought-provoking Facebook post about Good Friday. “And it is in this newness that we, as we live and love – turning a symbol of imperial terror and intimidation into a symbol of relentless hope.”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:29): “What Matters Is That We Remember” writes Elizabeth Shivley in Christianity Today. Jesus’ last Passover was our first Communion. PLUS, Why we must embrace all three days of Easter weekend in order to get the full story of Holy Week.

(09:29-18:49): We hear from Pastor Andrew Brakmann and his short message “Because You Woke Up”. It is a message of how we can prevail over enemies because God sustains us. He references Psalm 3, David’s outcry to God about his son Absalom. 

(18:49-28:46): Will coronavirus hasten the demise of religion – or herald its revival? The lockdown is testing believers of all stripes. 

(28:46-37:24): We listen to a song by Abbi Rajasekhar called “Nienna” It is a song of hope and lament. We listen to it in full, and reflect.

(38:21-48:54): “Do We Really Want to Go Back to Normal?” Writes Trevon Wax in The Gospel Coalition. He touches on going back to the old normal, and how the new normal will be better. 

(48:54-1:11:11): We are joined by pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Scott Sauls. He joins us to discuss how he is leading his church through this crisis and how things are changing. Scott leads us in prayer acknowledging Christ’s consistency, power, and guidance. He was a part of a Facebook live event with Neighborly Faith. It was a dialogue featuring Omar Suleiman and himself on "Battling Fear in Uncertain Times."

His book “A Gentle Answer” comes out in June. It is a vision for how Christians can live with countercultural gentleness in perpetually angry, attacking, outraged time.

(1:12:15-1:18:52): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:29): “What Matters Is That We Remember” writes Elizabeth Shivley in Christianity Today. Jesus’ last Passover was our first Communion. PLUS, Why we must embrace all three days of Easter weekend in order to get the full story of Holy Week.

(09:29-18:49): We hear from Pastor Andrew Brakmann and his short message “Because You Woke Up”. It is a message of how we can prevail over enemies because God sustains us. He references Psalm 3, David’s outcry to God about his son Absalom. 

(18:49-28:46): Will coronavirus hasten the demise of religion – or herald its revival? The lockdown is testing believers of all stripes. 

(28:46-37:24): We listen to a song by Abbi Rajasekhar called “Nienna” It is a song of hope and lament. We listen to it in full, and reflect.

(38:21-48:54): “Do We Really Want to Go Back to Normal?” Writes Trevon Wax in The Gospel Coalition. He touches on going back to the old normal, and how the new normal will be better. 

(48:54-1:11:11): We are joined by pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Scott Sauls. He joins us to discuss how he is leading his church through this crisis and how things are changing. Scott leads us in prayer acknowledging Christ’s consistency, power, and guidance. He was a part of a Facebook live event with Neighborly Faith. It was a dialogue featuring Omar Suleiman and himself on "Battling Fear in Uncertain Times."

His book “A Gentle Answer” comes out in June. It is a vision for how Christians can live with countercultural gentleness in perpetually angry, attacking, outraged time.

(1:12:15-1:18:52): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:40): Stephen Colbert spoke with Anderson Cooper about grief and appreciating all aspects of life. The bravest thing you can do is accept the gratitude the way the world is. “What punishments of God are not gifts?” It’s a gift to exist, with existence comes suffering

(09:40-19:06): “U.S. Alcohol Sales Increase 55 Percent in One Week Amid Coronavirus Pandemic” Jade Bremner writes in News Week. How are we spending our time in isolation? 

(19:06-28:22): Margie Donlon writes on Facebook “MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS TIPS FOR QUARANTINE”. It is important to maintain a healthy mindset during this time, and find ways to be productive. Brian and Ian discussed this. 

(28:22-37:55): Chicago launches health campaign as rate of deaths, illness among black residents alarms cities. Early Data Shows African Americans Have Contracted and Died of Coronavirus at an Alarming Rate

(38:52-49:06): Ultrawealthy people are buying out entire hotels for up to $38,000 a day to self-isolate in more secluded areas. Class and COVID: How the less affluent face double risks

(49:06-58:57): We hear from John Armstrong, the founder of The Initiative. “Unity is represented by the circular arrangement, while our diversity is illustrated by the use of many different styles of letters and colors. Just as the designer is able to bring together dissimilar elements into harmony, our mutual fellowship is made possible through our relationship to Jesus Christ.” John shares his thoughts on the misconception of God causing this virus. He is the God of healing and love, not destruction and hate. 

(58:57:-1:09:28): We bring some Good News!! A college student developed a face mask for the hearing impaired. There is a man filling the gas tanks of healthcare workers. The CEO of Twitter is donating 28% of his net worth to COVID-19 Relief. This family really knows how to brighten up their community. 

(1:10:31-1:17:28): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:40): Stephen Colbert spoke with Anderson Cooper about grief and appreciating all aspects of life. The bravest thing you can do is accept the gratitude the way the world is. “What punishments of God are not gifts?” It’s a gift to exist, with existence comes suffering

(09:40-19:06): “U.S. Alcohol Sales Increase 55 Percent in One Week Amid Coronavirus Pandemic” Jade Bremner writes in News Week. How are we spending our time in isolation? 

(19:06-28:22): Margie Donlon writes on Facebook “MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS TIPS FOR QUARANTINE”. It is important to maintain a healthy mindset during this time, and find ways to be productive. Brian and Ian discussed this. 

(28:22-37:55): Chicago launches health campaign as rate of deaths, illness among black residents alarms cities. Early Data Shows African Americans Have Contracted and Died of Coronavirus at an Alarming Rate

(38:52-49:06): Ultrawealthy people are buying out entire hotels for up to $38,000 a day to self-isolate in more secluded areas. Class and COVID: How the less affluent face double risks

(49:06-58:57): We hear from John Armstrong, the founder of The Initiative. “Unity is represented by the circular arrangement, while our diversity is illustrated by the use of many different styles of letters and colors. Just as the designer is able to bring together dissimilar elements into harmony, our mutual fellowship is made possible through our relationship to Jesus Christ.” John shares his thoughts on the misconception of God causing this virus. He is the God of healing and love, not destruction and hate. 

(58:57:-1:09:28): We bring some Good News!! A college student developed a face mask for the hearing impaired. There is a man filling the gas tanks of healthcare workers. The CEO of Twitter is donating 28% of his net worth to COVID-19 Relief. This family really knows how to brighten up their community. 

(1:10:31-1:17:28): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:03): Not Even the Gates of a Hellish Pandemic Will Prevail Over God’s Church. Scripture doesn’t promise wealth or health or even life. What, then, does it promise?

(10:03-19:41): We listen to an excerpt from a “Beliefs” Podcast from Religion News Service: “God in the time of coronavirus - with Father James Martin, S.J.”. He touches on how the constant is Christ and He not only hears you, but understands our grief. 

(19:41-29:23): We hear from the Director of Send Institute, Daniel Yang. He encourages us to trust God to work in these circumstances. We may be surrounded by tension and forced to be with people you may not get along with, but God wants to use this moment to reconcile and heal. 

(29:23-39:40): Author and grief expert, David Kessler, appeared on PBS to offer some perspective on the situation. He talks about the stages of grief and how we ought to build proper connections and community during this time. We are up against a common enemy. 

(40:37-50:48): Alejandra Molina writes “Larger churches urged to help smaller ones survive during pandemic” in Religion News Service. Brian and Ian touch on looking out for each other as the larger church. 

(50:48-1:01:05): Siusan Peak writes “Social Distancing From Church Is an Act of Love, Not Fear” in Relevant Magazine. The ultimate model of substitution and sacrifice was Christ, who gave his life so that we might live. We also might think of soldiers, first responders and others who step into danger to protect and serve. 

(1:01:05-1:11:40): Brett McCracken writes “Coronavirus Could Kill Consumer Christianity” in The Gospel Coalition. PLUS, “Coronavirus outbreak spurs record Bible purchases: ‘People are looking for hope’” 

(1:12:44-1:19:15): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:03): Not Even the Gates of a Hellish Pandemic Will Prevail Over God’s Church. Scripture doesn’t promise wealth or health or even life. What, then, does it promise?

(10:03-19:41): We listen to an excerpt from a “Beliefs” Podcast from Religion News Service: “God in the time of coronavirus - with Father James Martin, S.J.”. He touches on how the constant is Christ and He not only hears you, but understands our grief. 

(19:41-29:23): We hear from the Director of Send Institute, Daniel Yang. He encourages us to trust God to work in these circumstances. We may be surrounded by tension and forced to be with people you may not get along with, but God wants to use this moment to reconcile and heal. 

(29:23-39:40): Author and grief expert, David Kessler, appeared on PBS to offer some perspective on the situation. He talks about the stages of grief and how we ought to build proper connections and community during this time. We are up against a common enemy. 

(40:37-50:48): Alejandra Molina writes “Larger churches urged to help smaller ones survive during pandemic” in Religion News Service. Brian and Ian touch on looking out for each other as the larger church. 

(50:48-1:01:05): Siusan Peak writes “Social Distancing From Church Is an Act of Love, Not Fear” in Relevant Magazine. The ultimate model of substitution and sacrifice was Christ, who gave his life so that we might live. We also might think of soldiers, first responders and others who step into danger to protect and serve. 

(1:01:05-1:11:40): Brett McCracken writes “Coronavirus Could Kill Consumer Christianity” in The Gospel Coalition. PLUS, “Coronavirus outbreak spurs record Bible purchases: ‘People are looking for hope’” 

(1:12:44-1:19:15): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.