The Common Good Podcast The Common Good

(00:00-09:44): Brian and Ian shared their thoughts on Inauguration Day and discussed Gina Ciliberto’s Sojourners article, “Presidents ‘Are Not Supreme Authority’ Inaugural Prayers Remind Us.”

(09:44-27:17): Charles Martin Author of They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storyteller’s Journey with Those Who Dared to Follow Jesus, joined Brian and Ian to chat about his new book, and what it looks like for believers to follow Jesus the way the disciples followed Him. Learn more about Charles and his books at his website.   

(27:17-36:37): Brian and Ian reminisced about Calvin and Hobbes as they chatted about the Mockingbird Blog Post from David Zahl, “Resolving to Love Calvin and Hobbes (25 Years Later).”

(36:37-46:05): In Michael Brown’s Op-Ed for the Christian Post, he explains “Why a Biden presidency could be good for the Church.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction and discussed the importance of putting our trust in God.    

(46:05-55:20): Brian and Ian discussed Bob Smietana’s Religion News Service article, “Is Dave Ramsey’s empire the ‘best place to work in America’? Say no and you’re out.”     

(55:20-1:04:07): Did Jesus rebuke corrupt politicians? In his recent blog post, Craig Greenfield says, “Yes - Jesus called out corrupt politicians all the time.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction. 

(01:04:07-1:13:49): Brian and Ian discussed Megan Bailey’s Beliefnet article, Where is God During COVID-19?   

 

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(00:00-09:37):  In Justin Giboney’s Christianity Today article, “Only Biblical Peacemaking Resolves Racial and Political Injustice” he says, “No other group is better situated to bring healing to this land than the church.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.      

(09:37-27:45): Derrick Puckett, Lead Pastor of Renewal Church of Chicago joined Brian and Ian to talk about working for justice in the weeks and months after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, what it looks like to live out the Gospel, and his prayer for Chicago. 

(27:45-36:25): Are you shaming others for getting COVID-19? Brian and Ian discussed Sherri Gordon’s Verywell Mind article, “Why Some People Are Shaming Others for Getting COVID-19.”

(36:25-46:23): Brain and Ian chatted about Bari Weiss’ blog post, “The Great Unraveling.” Bari says, “The old order is dead.” Brian and Ian shared their thoughts. 

(46:23-55:33): In the TED article, “Why parents should stop blaming themselves for how their kids turn out,” Dr. Yuko Munakata says, “Trying to predict how a child will turn out based on choices made by their parents is like trying to predict a hurricane from the flap of a butterfly’s wings.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.   

(55:33-1:04:01): Becky Harling, Author of How to Listen So Your Kids will Talk, joined Brian and Ian to talk about her book. She also shared encouragement for parents feeling frazzled and anxious. Learn more about Becky and her books at her website.   

(01:04:01-1:14:11): Have you forgotten how to rest? Brian and Ian discussed Grace Ji-Sun Kim’s Spirituality and Health article, “From Sickness to Sabbath: Embracing Rest.” 

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(00:00-09:10): Esau McCaulley with Christianity Today says It’s Not Enough to Preach Racial Justice. We Need to Champion Policy Change. Brian and Ian shared their reaction.           

(09:10-18:59): Ricky Brown, Pastor of New Creation Church shared his perspective on Martin Luther King Jr. and chatted with Brian and Ian about his sermon, “Is There Anything More Christian than Social Justice.”

(18:59-29:32): Quentin Mumphery, Founder and Senior Pastor of New Hope Covenant Church talked with Brian and Ian about the impact of Martin Luther King Jr. and the dangers of reducing Dr. King’s life to sentimentality and quotes.

(29.32-39:04): Tyran Laws, Pastor of The Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and Author of The Round Table chatted with Brian and Ian about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. 

(39:04-48:34): Rev. Alvin C. Bibbs, Sr., Founder and CEO of Justice Journey Alliance, shared his amazing story of meeting Martin Luther King Jr. as a young boy in 1967, and talked with Brian and Ian about his book, Crazy Enough To Care: Changing Your World Through Compassion, Justice and Racial Reconciliation.   

(48:34-57:20): Rev. Watson Jones III, Pastor of Compassion Baptist Church, chatted with Brian and Ian about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and how we can live and work for justice.   

(57:20-1:07:14): Steve Coble, Teaching Pastor of Renewal Church of Chicago, talked with Brian and Ian about the impact that Martin Luther King Jr. has had on his life, and the ways the church can stand for peace and justice. 

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(00:00-09:15): Evangelist Franklin Graham compared Republicans who voted in favor of President Donald Trump’s second impeachment to Judas, who betrayed Jesus Christ in the Bible. Brain and Ian shared their reaction and talked about how the church should respond when people who are viewed as leaders say controversial things.

(09:15-27:30): Don Everts is a writer and the executive director of The Hopeful Neighborhood Project and has served as vice president of global ministries for Lutheran Hour Ministries and has served as a pastor and a campus minister. He joined Brian and Ian  to talk about his new book “The Hopeful Neighborhood Field Guide: Six Sessions on Pursuing the Common Good Right Where You Live”

(27:30-36:44): How should Christians act on social media? Brian and Ian discussed how to navigate the digital world as a person of faith.

(36.44-47:02): “Whataboutism” is all over the public discourse in the wake of the attack on Capitol Hill. Brett McCracken with The Gospel Coalition says that is the mark of foolishness.

(47:02-56:11): Earlier this week, Ian posted  on Twitter: "God’s presence is never what is lacking. We are always in His presence. What is often lacking is our awareness." Ian shared his thoughts behind that Tweet.

(56:11-1:05:21): Timothy Thomas with Christianity Today says Disney Pixar’s latest film Soul reminds us that life is meaningful beyond achieving our goals or saving the world. Brain and Ian shared their reaction.

(1:05:21-1:14:50): Brain and Ian wrapped up the week by sharing some positive stories from The Good News Network.

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(00:00-09:54): U.S. executes Lisa Montgomery, first woman put to death in federal system since 1953. Brian and Ian discussed the debate in the church over the death penalty.

(09:54-19-19): Can you separate the good someone does in their lives from their sins? John Stonestreet has written about Ravi Zacharias for The Christian Post.

(19:19-28:37): According to a new survey, pastors seem more reluctant to address issues of race in their congregations today than four years ago. Brian and Ian shared their own experiences as pastors. 

(28:37-38:07): Daniel Bennett says that we need to get better at losing. He said this even before the events on Capitol Hill. Brain and Ian shared their reaction.

(38:07-47:54): Open Door has released their yearly list of the top 50 countries where Christians are the most persecuted for following Jesus. Brain and Ian shared their reaction.

(47:54-57:49): How can you tell if you’re serving an idol? Brain and Ian did a deep dive into some comments from Tony Evans.

(57:49-1:07:16): Is it time to bring back the front port? In the age of social distancing it could be a good middle ground to connect with people in their community.

(1:07:16-1:16:40): Mr. T has ascended to a whole other level of spiritual maturity than the rest of us. Brian and Ian explain.

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(00:00-09:39): HEADLINES: The House is debating impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time, Pastor Walks Back Claims of Antifa Involvement in Capitol Riot, Jeremiah Johnson gets threats after Trump prophecy apology

(09:39-28:13): Ebony Small is the vice president of multiplication at PULSE.  She joined Brian and Ian to talk about her new book “The Leader In You” and shared practical and biblical wisdom to offer whether you are just starting or are looking for a fresh start in your life and leadership.

(28:13-37:31): Dr Laurie Santos teaches a course on happiness at Yale. She shared some tips on how to make the most of your resolutions this year.

(37:31-47:07): Actress Patricia Heaton shared some  advice for ‘common sense’ Christians who feel they don’t belong amid the political chaos.Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(47:07-57:01): 230 Wheaton College staff and faculty have released a statement condemning the attack at the U.S. Capitol. Wheaton College graduate Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(57:01-1:06:17): Jim Denison shared some inspirational lessons we can learn from a very determined rock climber.

(1:06:17-1:16:09): Trevin Wax with The Gospel Coalition shared some great evergreen advice: You Don’t Have to Have a Well-Formed Opinion on Everything

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