The Comedian Next Door The Comedian Next Door

Last week, we were jolly and funny.  This week: some of us are a little grouchier...and sunburnt... 

The Peaches' water bottle went missing at the soccer game.  And, what's with the lack of "booing" from the Branyan, McKinney, and Farkas section?!?! Where's the loyalty?!   

Not to mention: John's 4-year-old grandson was being veeeeeery virtuous today. He couldn't help noticing himself.

Playing organized sports can help develop a person's character!... but it's not automatic.

Then: Luke was surprised to hear there's (yet another) couple divorcing in our local church body.  It's hard coming to terms with the fact that many families (even professing Christians) don't hold each other accountable.  

How should we counsel those who are persuing a divorce?  What sort of "baggage" should a married couple expect, and how can they manage it?

 Later: Why don't people like to communicate?  Well, the Ninja and the Peaches had a small falling out this week, and they share a few details.  It ended up being a fairly short (and relatively painless) process back to fellowship--thanks to practice.   But a few years ago, it would not have gone so smoothly...

Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com .

Our family spent several hours sharing Big Thoughts after church (before we started recording), so now we're ready to just shoot the breeze... Join us for this lighthearted chat.  

Why does Luke like spaghetti--but not lasagna? How many clothes can be squeezed into a standard washing machine?  John gives an update on his landscaping projects. (Spoiler: John is turning into an old man before our very eyes.)

And--hey look--a rabbit in the yard! 

Should we talk about Richard Dawkins being a "cultural Christian?"   Meh.  Too serious.  Let's not.

See, Neighbor, not EVERY conversation deep and convicting.  (Oh, now Luke's parents are dropping off some patio furniture!) 

There's some real life happening over at the Comedian's House, and you're invited to take a listen.

Email the comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com. 

Hey, Neighbor!  There are babies due to be born in our family over the next few weeks, so we're talking about the birth process!  What do "real" contractions feel like? How can we distinguish between "early" labor and "active" labor? 

Maybe you weren't expecting this conversation, Neighbor, but it sure beats talking about disc golf!   Riiiiiiiight?

Next:  Communication with medical professionals can be challenging... (Here's an example.) 

Then: Communication as a pastor/speaker can ALSO be callenging--especially if you're trying too hard to be profound or memorable.  (Here's an example.) (Also, here's our favorite riddle ever invented by a 3-year-old.) 

Somewhere in the midst of all these topics, we have an excellent book idea for the Podcast Ninja!

Don't forget to laugh, Carl. 

Email the Comedian's Family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com.  If nobody is in labor, we'll do our best to respond!

It's the season for MOLE HUNTING.  If you don't remember The Podcast Ninja's technique, he shares all the gory details again in this episode. 

Next, John talks about his big plans to avoid yard work...   (Psssst, he's going to be sorely disappointed, Neighbor!) 

Then, Luke tells us the thing that John shared at Church today that felt noteworthy and then he forgot and then remembered again.   People's actions will tell you what they really think.  It's easy to say, "I am a Christian who believes the Gospel."  But, the choices made in daily life will reveal much!

Finally,  both "Christians" and "Atheists" in America are struggling with an Authority Problem.  We'll unpack that the best we can--but if you know, you know!

Email the Comedian's Family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com . 

First, let's talk about making cake for no reason... And,we need a short word-study, because the word "bi-weekly" has too many definitions.

Next:  John has been watching lots of videos of sermons from Charismatic preachers.  This false doctrine happens to be the very first theological question that Luke and the Peaches tackled before they got married!

Later:  A friend of John's almost made him choke on his chicken caesar salad.  What sort of "authority" are Christians "supposed" to have when it comes to raising the dead?

Finally: Luke wants to know, "Is believing a false Gospel the same as not being a Christian at all?"  How much truth about Jesus do you need in order to be saved?

Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

 

 

Well, Neighbor, it has been TOO LONG since we talked about disc golf!  Go get yourself some discs, so you don't have to be left out of the recurring conversation. 

Next:  We're going to answer all your questions about how to schedule your time...  No, wait, we're going to tell you whether or not to quit your job.   No, actually we're going to talk about productivity. 

Luke feels guilty because he doesn't think he's bringing enough focus to his day job.  How should bosses and employees measure "productivity?"  (And what kind of "productivity" really brings the most value to the people you love?)

There are so many different directions we could take this conversation! But, of course, it always comes back to home-education and family life.  

Contact the Comedian's family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com .