(00:00-09:17): An Iowa man, who only owned two pairs of jeans and a rusty truck, pays for 33 of students’ college tuition. Brian and Ian discuss the power of giving and how the world needs more people like this. 

(09:17-18:36): Great Churches Don’t Give People (Including Pastors) What They Want. Karl Vaters in Christianity Today writes about what the church needs. What does Jesus want for the church? Do our desires align with Christ?

(18:36-28:12): What did we preach? Brian and Ian discuss what they spoke on in their sermons yesterday. Ian is continuing his series “The World’s Gone Mad” and yesterday he preached on the “Mad at them” premise. How do we converse with those who oppose us? Brian discussed unity in the church and says the most important community we can have is with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  

(28:12-37:11): The new president and CEO of Christianity Today Timothy Dalrymple wrote an article titled “On Court Prophets and Wilderness Prophets”. Brian and Ian discuss the reaction and responses of Christians to President Trump. How are we supposed to reason with each other on different political standpoints. 

(37:11-47:29): Author and Pastor Joshua Harris is separating from his wife. He is best known for his book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. Brian and Ian touch on the tough topic of purity culture and how dating is essential to understanding and preparing for marriage. 

(47:29-57:36): We all know someone who suffers from depression, but the signs are not always obvious. Brian and Ian touch on 15 signs that someone has concealed depression. We urge those who are going through this to get help and also for you to reach out to those who suffer. 

(57:36-1:07:28): David Jeremiah warns modern church is entertainment-driven social organization afraid of controversy. Brian and Ian discuss this article from The Christian Post and the idea and potential strawman of rejecting entertainment in the church.

(1:07:28-1:13:29): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: People in Florida take pizza VERY seriously and a Minnesota boy knows how to live. Why would you ever call your child a lizard, and why don’t airplanes have outdoor seating? Meanwhile, birds aren’t real.

(00:00-09:01): Ian is visiting his family in America’s High Five, so Brian calls upon his friend and fellow pastor Scott Murray to help carry the show! He tells us his story and journey to Illinois to become a junior high pastor. 

(09:01-18:07): Brian and Scott talk about the differences between a big and a small church. Is there a significant difference in leadership? In the Chicago-land area, the idea of the megachurch has been tainted with scandal. Does that negate the good potential of having a large church?

(18:07-28:20): Scott Sauls is frequently featured on The Common Good and one of his most recent tweets calls for conversation. Brian and Scott discuss Sauls’ take on membership and how building relationships in a church, as you are, is important. 

(28:20-37:19): Scott closes out the hour with us talking about what excites him most, and what concerns him, about Christianity. Brian wants Christians and the world to become more united and less divided. 

(37:19-47:35): In the midst of hateful rhetoric and seemingly countless tragedies in the world, Brian discusses the necessity of hope we as Christians must have. He and producer John discuss exemplifying the love of God and how important it is to be hopeful during trying times.

(47:35-58:13): Chick-fil-A isn't open on Sundays. It's missing out on more than $1B in sales. Brian and John discuss their decision to uphold staying closed on the Sabbath and what image that portrays of the company. 

(58:13-1:08:25): MLB suddenly lost pitcher Tyler Skaggs last week and the Angels did something amazing during the game of which they dedicated to number 45. Baseball players are notorious for being superstitious and believe in omens and such, and this game was full of them. Was God at work here? Does he move through coincidences?

(1:08:25-1:14:50): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Bears will do anything to treat themselves, and is Spider-Man the devil? Buying a car is easy, almost as easy as printing your own money, and Turkey’s airlines are super sensitive. Meanwhile, we love America.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:01): Ian is visiting his family in America’s High Five, so Brian calls upon his friend and fellow pastor Scott Murray to help carry the show! He tells us his story and journey to Illinois to become a junior high pastor. 

(09:01-18:07): Brian and Scott talk about the differences between a big and a small church. Is there a significant difference in leadership? In the Chicago-land area, the idea of the megachurch has been tainted with scandal. Does that negate the good potential of having a large church?

(18:07-28:20): Scott Sauls is frequently featured on The Common Good and one of his most recent tweets calls for conversation. Brian and Scott discuss Sauls’ take on membership and how building relationships in a church, as you are, is important. 

(28:20-37:19): Scott closes out the hour with us talking about what excites him most, and what concerns him, about Christianity. Brian wants Christians and the world to become more united and less divided. 

(37:19-47:35): In the midst of hateful rhetoric and seemingly countless tragedies in the world, Brian discusses the necessity of hope we as Christians must have. He and producer John discuss exemplifying the love of God and how important it is to be hopeful during trying times.

(47:35-58:13): Chick-fil-A isn't open on Sundays. It's missing out on more than $1B in sales. Brian and John discuss their decision to uphold staying closed on the Sabbath and what image that portrays of the company. 

(58:13-1:08:25): MLB suddenly lost pitcher Tyler Skaggs last week and the Angels did something amazing during the game of which they dedicated to number 45. Baseball players are notorious for being superstitious and believe in omens and such, and this game was full of them. Was God at work here? Does he move through coincidences?

(1:08:25-1:14:50): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Bears will do anything to treat themselves, and is Spider-Man the devil? Buying a car is easy, almost as easy as printing your own money, and Turkey’s airlines are super sensitive. Meanwhile, we love America.

(00:00-09:11): The FaceApp is the latest trend in photo apps in which you can change your age, see yourself with or without hair, and many more fun and interesting filters. However, is there a cost? Brian and Ian touch on their concern of security.

(09:11-18:57): People wear their headphones to avoid talking to other people. Is this a bad habit? Brian and Ian discuss this idea and admit to doing this themselves. It is so easy to engage with people in social and common spaces. 

(18:57-28:37): Clutter is a trigger for stress and anxiety. This article from Understanding Compassion lists several ways to avoid stress from clutter. Brian and Ian discuss how they deal with messes in their homes.

(28:37-37:49): Atlanta Turns 7 Acres Of Vacant Land Into The Largest Free Food Forest In The Country. Brian and Ian are wondering how we haven’t done more things like this before. They believe this should be more mainstream. 

(37:49-47:53): Author Natalie Brown is in studio to discuss her new book “52 Cups of Coffee: Weekly Reflections for the Contemplative Soul”. She talks about her call towards intentionality in devotion and how her personal devotions inspired to share her voice.

(47:53-57:48): Natalie sticks around to talk about who she wrote the book for. She wrote it for the person who wants to put more pizzazz in their relationship with God. The basis of her book is her blog posts “Thursday Thoughts”. 

(57:48-1:08:08): We are susceptible to anger today more than ever. The Gospel Coalition writes “How to Avoid Anger Overload in the Digital Age”. Brian and Ian touch on how we all are overstimulated with connections and how spending time in silence is not a bad thing.

(1:08:08-1:14:37): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: South Dakota’s newest rock climbing attraction is certainly a national treasure, and meth-gators are a possibility because Alabama exists. Snickers is definitely not the snack that smiles back, especially if you’re robbing a car. Meanwhile, don’t leave felons in a hot car and don’t slap people with boxes of frozen food.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:11): The FaceApp is the latest trend in photo apps in which you can change your age, see yourself with or without hair, and many more fun and interesting filters. However, is there a cost? Brian and Ian touch on their concern of security.

(09:11-18:57): People wear their headphones to avoid talking to other people. Is this a bad habit? Brian and Ian discuss this idea and admit to doing this themselves. It is so easy to engage with people in social and common spaces. 

(18:57-28:37): Clutter is a trigger for stress and anxiety. This article from Understanding Compassion lists several ways to avoid stress from clutter. Brian and Ian discuss how they deal with messes in their homes.

(28:37-37:49): Atlanta Turns 7 Acres Of Vacant Land Into The Largest Free Food Forest In The Country. Brian and Ian are wondering how we haven’t done more things like this before. They believe this should be more mainstream. 

(37:49-47:53): Author Natalie Brown is in studio to discuss her new book “52 Cups of Coffee: Weekly Reflections for the Contemplative Soul”. She talks about her call towards intentionality in devotion and how her personal devotions inspired to share her voice.

(47:53-57:48): Natalie sticks around to talk about who she wrote the book for. She wrote it for the person who wants to put more pizzazz in their relationship with God. The basis of her book is her blog posts “Thursday Thoughts”. 

(57:48-1:08:08): We are susceptible to anger today more than ever. The Gospel Coalition writes “How to Avoid Anger Overload in the Digital Age”. Brian and Ian touch on how we all are overstimulated with connections and how spending time in silence is not a bad thing.

(1:08:08-1:14:37): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: South Dakota’s newest rock climbing attraction is certainly a national treasure, and meth-gators are a possibility because Alabama exists. Snickers is definitely not the snack that smiles back, especially if you’re robbing a car. Meanwhile, don’t leave felons in a hot car and don’t slap people with boxes of frozen food.

(00:00-09:33): A sorority donates 17,000 pounds of food for Hurricane Barry victims in Louisiana. Brian and Ian love a good, simple story about people giving and selflessly helping others; and you will too!

(09:33-19:06): Missio Alliance writes, “Have We Made Bible Study Too Simple?” Brian and Ian discuss the potential complacency of diving into the word. It takes work and intentional study to understand what the Bible is saying, and who it is written for. 

(19:06-28:42): Former MLB pitcher Dwight Gooden was arrested for cocaine possession. Brian reflects on Gooden as one of his childhood heroes, and how this story makes him feel. Why do we associate athletes as our heroes. 

(28:42-37:43): Pete Enns writies “Absolutely the Most Important Chapter in the Entire Bible.” He believes this chapter is the turning point and marker in the Bible that indicates Christ is for both Jews and Gentiles.

(37:43-48:26): Village Church staffer axed from graphics design conference after protestors oppose his religious views. Brian and Ian discuss this and how religious freedoms are being hit more and more in today’s society. 

(48:26-58:00): Christianity Today Editor and Reporter Kate Shellnutt joins the show to provide an update on the Amazon counterfeit scandal. Fake copies of Tish Harrison Warren’s book “Liturgy of the Ordinary” were sold directly by Amazon, not through a third party. 

(58:00-1:08:40): Is youth basketball ruining kids? Baxter Holmes writes “'These kids are ticking time bombs': The threat of youth basketball” in ESPN. Brian and Ian discuss the youth sports industry and how parents are spending way too much money on sports for their kids. 

(1:08:40-1:15:28): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Did you know that llamas have a good sense of direction? Also, if you don’t want to get caught for a crime, don’t wear and name tag. The luckiest baby in the world was born in Missouri, and DoorDash now offering their half(eaten) off deal. Meanwhile, Australian kids are way cooler than most kids.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:33): A sorority donates 17,000 pounds of food for Hurricane Barry victims in Louisiana. Brian and Ian love a good, simple story about people giving and selflessly helping others; and you will too!

(09:33-19:06): Missio Alliance writes, “Have We Made Bible Study Too Simple?” Brian and Ian discuss the potential complacency of diving into the word. It takes work and intentional study to understand what the Bible is saying, and who it is written for. 

(19:06-28:42): Former MLB pitcher Dwight Gooden was arrested for cocaine possession. Brian reflects on Gooden as one of his childhood heroes, and how this story makes him feel. Why do we associate athletes as our heroes. 

(28:42-37:43): Pete Enns writies “Absolutely the Most Important Chapter in the Entire Bible.” He believes this chapter is the turning point and marker in the Bible that indicates Christ is for both Jews and Gentiles.

(37:43-48:26): Village Church staffer axed from graphics design conference after protestors oppose his religious views. Brian and Ian discuss this and how religious freedoms are being hit more and more in today’s society. 

(48:26-58:00): Christianity Today Editor and Reporter Kate Shellnutt joins the show to provide an update on the Amazon counterfeit scandal. Fake copies of Tish Harrison Warren’s book “Liturgy of the Ordinary” were sold directly by Amazon, not through a third party. 

(58:00-1:08:40): Is youth basketball ruining kids? Baxter Holmes writes “'These kids are ticking time bombs': The threat of youth basketball” in ESPN. Brian and Ian discuss the youth sports industry and how parents are spending way too much money on sports for their kids. 

(1:08:40-1:15:28): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Did you know that llamas have a good sense of direction? Also, if you don’t want to get caught for a crime, don’t wear and name tag. The luckiest baby in the world was born in Missouri, and DoorDash now offering their half(eaten) off deal. Meanwhile, Australian kids are way cooler than most kids.

(00:00-09:53): Donald Trump tweeted over the weekend directed towards specific Democratic congresswomen of color, telling them to “go back to their countries”. Brian and Ian are disgusted with the nature and motive behind it.

(09:53-19:10): Eh...I’ll finish this later, or tomorrow. Brian and Ian talk procrastination and how it may not be related to time management issues, but rather it is related to emotional issues. They talk on a couple articles that discuss the relationship between anxiety and putting things off.

(19:10-28:18): What did we preach yesterday? Brian and Ian talk about their sermons on Sunday. Brian spoke on the concept of apathy, there is a drift and luke-warm middle ground to our faith. We combat that with “awe” of who God is and what he has done for us. Ian talked about church fights/quarrels. He touched on the tough topic of disagreements and reconciling with those in your congregation. 

(28:18-37:58): A Mississippi governor candidate told a reporter the only way she could shadow him would be if a male companion joined her. She responded with anger, calling him sexist, while he disagrees. We discuss the “Billy Graham rule” and trying to understand both sides of this story. 

(37:58-48:16): Smartphones, tablets causing mental health issues in kids as young as two. Brian and Ian reflect on this article as parents and discuss struggles with overuse of technology and screens. 

(48:16-58:32): Democratic and Republican people don’t seem to understand each other very well. Brian and Ian touch on how there are far less “extreme” political polarization than what is perceived by the majority. 

(58:32-1:08:49): Scott Sauls writes “Toward a Truer Christianity…Abandoning Us-Against-Them”. Brian and Ian discuss this compelling piece about nurturing environments in which people can openly disagree…but without the fear of being caricatured, labeled, or demonized.

(1:08:49-1:15:45): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: How petty can someone be? Find out how someone called the cops after being hit with a sandwich. A driverless golf cart decided to give itself a joyride, while Floria woman makes another appearance. Meanwhile, carbs are on the menu at a pizza joint in Jersey.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:53): Donald Trump tweeted over the weekend directed towards specific Democratic congresswomen of color, telling them to “go back to their countries”. Brian and Ian are disgusted with the nature and motive behind it.

(09:53-19:10): Eh...I’ll finish this later, or tomorrow. Brian and Ian talk procrastination and how it may not be related to time management issues, but rather it is related to emotional issues. They talk on a couple articles that discuss the relationship between anxiety and putting things off.

(19:10-28:18): What did we preach yesterday? Brian and Ian talk about their sermons on Sunday. Brian spoke on the concept of apathy, there is a drift and luke-warm middle ground to our faith. We combat that with “awe” of who God is and what he has done for us. Ian talked about church fights/quarrels. He touched on the tough topic of disagreements and reconciling with those in your congregation. 

(28:18-37:58): A Mississippi governor candidate told a reporter the only way she could shadow him would be if a male companion joined her. She responded with anger, calling him sexist, while he disagrees. We discuss the “Billy Graham rule” and trying to understand both sides of this story. 

(37:58-48:16): Smartphones, tablets causing mental health issues in kids as young as two. Brian and Ian reflect on this article as parents and discuss struggles with overuse of technology and screens. 

(48:16-58:32): Democratic and Republican people don’t seem to understand each other very well. Brian and Ian touch on how there are far less “extreme” political polarization than what is perceived by the majority. 

(58:32-1:08:49): Scott Sauls writes “Toward a Truer Christianity…Abandoning Us-Against-Them”. Brian and Ian discuss this compelling piece about nurturing environments in which people can openly disagree…but without the fear of being caricatured, labeled, or demonized.

(1:08:49-1:15:45): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: How petty can someone be? Find out how someone called the cops after being hit with a sandwich. A driverless golf cart decided to give itself a joyride, while Floria woman makes another appearance. Meanwhile, carbs are on the menu at a pizza joint in Jersey.

(00:00-09:29): Samaritan’s Purse is taking action on the border as the crisis continues to grow. Brian and Ian touch on the response of Franklin Graham on how Christians are taking action rather than taking sides. 

(09:29-18:50): A GOP Representative says that ‘modern politics is in a partisan death spiral. Brian and Ian talk about the dangers of the two-party system and finding yourself in a tie between tolerance and reason, and being a decent Christian person. 

(18:50-28:10): Doctors are now prescribing music therapy to hyper-tension, ptsd, and even heart disease. Brian and Ian go over this list of ways the therapy is used and reflect on how music is working in their lives.

(28:10-37:09): “I Befriended Bart Ehrman by Debating Him” is an article about befriending someone who is wildly opposed to your outlook. Brian and Ian discuss the importance of expressing love to those who are on the other end of the spectrum politically, socially, religiously, etc. 

(37:09-47:27): Does God want our kids mowing the lawn? Brian and Ian touch on an article about building kids up and applauding the small steps in growth, as well as taking progress one day at a time to allow God to nurture your growth.  

(47:27-57:43): “I was a successful church planter, and it almost ruined me”. Brian and Ian discuss this article from Medium about burning yourself out in the midst of working. They also touch on the importance of focusing on the quality of your ministry, rather than focusing on putting up big “ministry numbers”.

(57:43-1:08:35): Our friend Mark Galli continues his essay series “The Elusive Presence” with his most recent entry “Whatever Happened to Communion and Baptism?”. Brian and Ian discuss tradition and liturgy in the church. 

(1:08:35-1:14:56): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: The library overdue book policy is not as strict as it needs to be, and what are three of the most unrelated things you can have in a car? Aliens…’nuff said, and Japan is LAUNCHING a much needed amenity in hotel rooms. Meanwhile, Willy Wonka takes New York.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.