Brian From

The Common Good Podcast

Religion EN ↓ 2244 episodes

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chan...

Author

Brian From

Episodes

David Mathis shares encouragement from his new book, “Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God,” Brian and Aubrey comment on a SNL sketch on abortion, and they unpack Trevin Wax’s article, “Why Suffering Pushes Us Toward or Pulls Us Away from God” 09.11.2021 50:58

(00:00-8:02): Brian and Aubrey shared their thoughts on the SNL Weekend Update sketch, “Goober the Clown on Abortion.” (8:02-26:40): David Mathis, Executive Editor for desiringGod.org and Pastor at Cities Church , joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his new book, “Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God.” Learn more about David’s book and his articles at de...

Daniel Kooman discusses his new book, “Breath of Life,” Brian and Aubrey unpack Karen Swallow Prior’s article, “Truth, justice and the torturing of tolerance,” and they reveal their TOP FIVE Underdog Movies - November 5, 2021 06.11.2021 52:50

(00:00-7:38): Brian and Aubrey shared their thoughts on Karen Swallow Prior’s Religion News Service article, “Truth, justice and the torturing of tolerance.” (7:38-26:00): Daniel Kooman, Director, Producer, and Co-founder of Unveil Studios , joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his new book, “Breath of Life: Three Breaths that Shaped Humanity.” Learn more about Danie...

Dr. John Perkins discusses his new book, “Count it All Joy: The Ridiculous Paradox of Suffering,” Brian and Aubrey share encouragement on Jesus’ call to the Church, and they debate the appropriate time to start listening to Christmas music - November 4, 2 05.11.2021 56:47

(00:00-8:02): What are the dangers of painting with a broad brush? Brian and Aubrey talked about this and discussed Nick Geddes’ Outkick article, “Jemele Hill Blames Virginia Election Results on White Supremacy.” (8:02-17:13): Brian and Aubrey shared what “Grinds their Gears” as they discussed: People talking loudly on cell phones at restaurants, drivers who don&rsquo...

Blair Linne shares encouragement from her new book, “Finding My Father,” Brian unpacks Scott Sauls’ article, “The Mathematics of Derailing Spiritually,” and he reveals valuable lessons from Ecclesiastes - November 3, 2021 04.11.2021 41:29

(00:00-8:06): Brian unpacked Scott Sauls’ Churchleaders.com article, “The Mathematics of Derailing Spiritually.” (8:06-25:28): Blair Linne, spoken word artist, actress, and speaker, joined Brian to talk about her new book, “Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness.” Learn more about Blair and her book at blairlinnepoetry.com and connect with...

Brian and guest co-host Steve Coble discuss the value of multiethnic ministry, Steve shares how God called him to become a pastor, and Brian and Steve unpack Stephen Altrogge’s article, “5 Signs You’re a Miserable Legalist” - November 2, 2021 03.11.2021 54:53

(00:00-9:17): Brian welcomed guest co-host Steve Coble! Steve is the Pastor of Teaching, Discipleship, and Spiritual Formation at Renewal Church of Chicago . Learn more about Steve at renewalchicago.com Steve shared about his friendship with Derrick Puckett and how God called him to become a pastor.  (9:17-18:59): Brian and Steve discussed abortion and shared ways the Church can support singl...

Dr. Michael Mantel discusses his new book, “Thirsting for Living Water,” Sarah Lee shares about the Global Church Forum , and Brian and guest co-host Steve Coble talk about faith and politics - November 1, 2021 02.11.2021 55:22

(00:00-9:12): Brian welcomed guest co-host Steve Coble! Steve is the Pastor of Teaching, Discipleship, and Spiritual Formation at Renewal Church of Chicago . Learn more about Steve at renewalchicago.com Brian and Steve shared their thoughts on Tish Harrison Warren’s New York Times opinion article, “We Remember Saints Because They’re a Lot Like Us.”   (9:12-27:29): Dr....

Sarah Zylstra shares a powerful story about, “The Hard Blessing of Conjoined Twins,” Eugene Park unpacks his article, “Don’t Lease Your Faith,” and Brian and Aubrey discuss the value of church community - October 29, 2021 30.10.2021 46:50

(00:00-10:05): Why do we need to attend a local church if we have a community outside of church? Brian and Aubrey discussed this and commented on an Instagram video from Donald Miller, “The faith I keep. And the religion I leave behind.”   (10:05-18:43): Sarah Zylstra, Senior Writer & Faith-and-Work Editor for The Gospel Coalition and Coauthor of “Gospelbound: Living wit...

Lee Strobel shares amazing stories from his new book, “The Case for Heaven: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for Life After Death,” Jared Wilson discusses his new book, “Love Me Anyway: How God's Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing,” and Brian and Au 29.10.2021 53:02

(00:00-7:31): Why does art matter in times of conflict? Brian and Aubrey talked about this and shared their thoughts on the following articles:  “In Somalia, a rare female artist promotes images of peace” “Why art has the power to change the world” (7:31-25:46): Lee Strobel, Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado...

Jason Romano shares about his passion for faith and sports and his work at Sports Spectrum, Pastor Chuck Mironas discusses his radio ministry, “Show Them Grace,” and Brian and Aubrey offer encouragement on finding forgiveness and grace after we make mista 28.10.2021 44:54

(00:00-8:48): Brian and Aubrey talked about John Pavlovitz’s Relevant Magazine article, “Have We Made the Bible Into an Idol?” (8:48-27:34): Jason Romano, Director of Media at Sports Spectrum and Host of the Sports Spectrum podcast , joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his work at Sports Spectrum, “The Increase 52 Week Devotional,” and his book, "The Uniform of Lead...

Tyler Huckabee unpacks his articles on Christian objections to the COVID-19 vaccine and cancel culture, Benjamin Vrbicek discusses his new book, “Shepherd & Sheep: Essays on Loving & Leading in a Local Church,” and Brian and Aubrey react to the tragic dea 27.10.2021 52:41

(00:00-9:07): Brian and Aubrey reacted to the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins and discussed David Moye’s HuffPost article, “Donald Trump Jr. Selling 'Alec Baldwin Kills People' T-Shirt.” (9:07-26:39): Tyler Huckabee, Senior Editor at Relevant Magazine and Co-Host of the Cape Town Podcast joined Brian to talk about some of his recent articles.  "Addressing One of the Most Com...

Bob Smietana discusses the conflict in the SBC, Billy Hallowell explains how parents can help their kids navigate Halloween, and Brian shares an encouraging story about a group of dads making an impact at a Louisiana high school - October 25, 2021 26.10.2021 56:25

(00:00-8:21): Brian commented on the news story from the Today Show, “Internal Facebook documents reveal more red flags about misinformation on site.” (8:21-28:31): Bob Smietana, veteran religion writer and National Reporter for Religion News Service , joined Brian to discuss the conflict in the SBC, division among Evangelicals, and some of his recent articles:  “Sarah Davis...

Dr. Derwin Gray shares encouragement from his book, “God, Do You Hear Me?: Discover the Prayer God Always Answers,” Karen Swallow Prior discusses her Religion News Service column, “Beauty is the extravagance that makes us human,” and Brian and Aubrey talk 22.10.2021 1:00:25

(00:00-8:39): Brian and Aubrey unpacked their article for The Better Samaritan at Christianity Today, “How to Regain Mental, Spiritual, and Social Health in a Post Pandemic World.”   (8:39-28:38): Dr. Derwin Gray, Co-Founder and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church and the Author of “The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness,” joined Brian and Aubr...

Dr. Alan Noble discusses his new book, “You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World,” Brian and guest co-host Steve Coble reflect on heaven, and they share encouragement on dealing with doubt - October 21, 2021 22.10.2021 50:59

(00:00-9:35): Brian welcomed guest co-host Steve Coble! Steve is the Pastor of Teaching, Discipleship, and Spiritual Formation at Renewal Church of Chicago . Learn more about Steve at renewalchicago.com (9:35-26:54): Dr. Alan Noble, Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University , Cofounder of Christ and Pop Culture , and Leadership Council Member for the AND Campaign , joined Brian...

Dr. Mark Yarhouse discusses his book, “Emerging Gender Identities,” Brian and Aubrey share what they wish they had done differently during the pandemic, and they reveal their TOP FIVE Pie Flavors - October 20, 2021 21.10.2021 53:00

(00:00-9:06): Brian and Aubrey unpacked Thom Rainer’s Churchanswers.com blog post, “Five Things Church Leaders Wish They Had Done Differently During the Pandemic.” (9:06-26:09): Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College , Director of the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute , and Coauthor of “The Integration of Psychology and Christianity,” joine...

Taylor Schumann discusses her new book, “When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough,” Brian and Aubrey react to the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special “The Closer,” and they share encouragement from a 2-year-old and a centenarian - Octo 20.10.2021 53:54

(00:00-7:55): Should the local church be run the same way as a Walmart? Brian and Aubrey discussed this and commented on a tweet from Carey Nieuwhof, “Why is the local Walmart run better than the local church? That's a tragedy.”   (7:55-26:36): Taylor Schumann, writer and activist, joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about her new book, “When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough:...

Dr. Jim Denison discusses his upcoming book, “The Coming Tsunami,” Brian and Aubrey talk about the dangers of enmeshing politics with church, and they share encouragement from their article, “How to Regain Mental, Spiritual, and Social Health in a Post Pa 19.10.2021 45:37

(00:00-6:07): Brian and Aubrey reacted to the news about “17 American and Canadian missionaries kidnapped by gang members in Haiti.” (06:07-13:05): Brian and Aubrey commented on a tweet from Eva McKend, “NEW -- More than 300 Black churches across VA will hear from @KamalaHarris btwn Sun. and November 2 in video message that will air during morning services as part of outreach eff...

Should parents be punished if children are bullies? Plus, Dr. Dane Ortlund on his new book “Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners” 15.10.2021 34:21

(00:00-08:35): Brian and Aubrey discussed how parents should react if their children are accused of bullying other students at school and what punishments for bullying should look like. (08:35-24:45): Dr. Dane Ortlund is the senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church and author of several books, including “Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers.” He joined...

Craig Deall shares how Foundations for Farming is revolutionizing agriculture and sharing the Gospel in Zimbabwe, Brian and Aubrey discuss the importance of resolving bitterness, and they unpack “The Ten Commitments Behind the Ten Commandments” - October 14.10.2021 54:56

(00:00-8:17): Brian and Aubrey discussed Bob Smietana’s Religion News Service article, “Menlo Church investigation finds no direct evidence or disclosures of sexual abuse.” (8:17-19:42): Craig Deall, CEO of Foundations for Farming , joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about the work of Foundations for Farming in Zimbabwe and how the organization is  revolutionizing agriculture i...

Dr. Derwin Gray shares encouragement from his new book, “God, Do You Hear Me?: Discover the Prayer God Always Answers,” Brian and Aubrey reflect on the life of C.S. Lewis, and they discuss what “Grinds their Gears” at the school drop-off line - October 13 14.10.2021 52:44

(00:00-5:56): Brian and Aubrey commented on the NBC News article, “Many Amazon corporate employees may stay 'mostly remote.'” They also reflected on how life will never be the same after the pandemic.  (5:56-25:54): Dr. Derwin Gray, Co-founder and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church and Author of “The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness,” joined...

Dr. Rob Dixon shares encouragement from his new book, “Together in Ministry,” Brian and Aubrey react to Jon Gruden’s resignation, and they discuss how we can use social media to share our faith - October 12, 2021 13.10.2021 53:55

(00:00-9:23): How can parents combat the media's influence in their children’s lives? Brian and Aubrey talked about this and commented on Ryan Foley’s Christian Post article, “George Barna shares 4 ways Christian parents can combat media’s influence in children’s lives.” (9:23-18:55): Dr. Rob Dixon, Associate Regional Ministry Director with InterVarsity Christia...

Karen Swallow Prior explains why “Beauty is the extravagance that makes us human,” Brian and Aubrey discuss the antidote to anxiety about the future, and they share how the Church is helping Afghan refugees - October 11, 2021 12.10.2021 51:54

(00:00-7:09): Should we celebrate Columbus Day? Brian and Aubrey talked about this and commented on the following news stories:  “Columbus Day is not a holiday the U.S. — and Italian Americans — should celebrate” “Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day? Getting to the heart of the American identity crisis” “Celebrate Columbus’s Achievements&rdqu...

Guest co-host Catherine McNiel shares about her new book, “Fearing Bravely,” Aubrey and Catherine react to the “60 Minutes” interview with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, and they reveal their Top Five Karaoke Songs - October 8, 2021 09.10.2021 47:09

(00:00-8:41): Aubrey welcomed guest co-host Catherine McNiel! Aubrey and Catherine discussed the “60 Minutes” interview with Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen. (8:41-18:03): Aubrey chatted with Catherine about her upcoming book, “Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies.” Learn more about Catherine and her books at catherinemcniel.com &nb...

Matt Smethurst unpacks his article, “Don’t Follow Your Heart,” Dr. Angie Ward shares encouragement from her book, “When the Universe Cracks: Living as God’s People in Times of Crisis,” and Brian and Aubrey talk about finding joy when life is difficult - 07.10.2021 58:40

(00:00-7:16): Brian and Aubrey discussed Apoorva Mandavilli’s New York Times article, “A ‘Historic Event’: First Malaria Vaccine Approved by W.H.O.” (7:16-24:06): Matt Smethurst, Managing Editor of The Gospel Coalition and Lead Pastor of River City Baptist Church , joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his book, “Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church...

Dr. Steve Bryan discusses faith & politics, Brian and Aubrey share what “Grinds their Gears” at the grocery store, and they unpack Faith Eury Cho’s Propel Women article, “Learning to Listen When God Speaks” - October 6, 2021 06.10.2021 53:25

(00:00-7:21): Brian and Aubrey discussed Kate Shellnutt’s Christianity Today article, “Southern Baptists Agree to Open Up to Abuse Investigation.” (7:21-17:43): Dr. Steve Bryan, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School   joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his Gospel Coalition article, “Neither Progressive nor Conservative: The Politics of a...

Pastor Colin Smith discusses the “Open the Bible” Event coming up on October 16th, Kelly Olson shares about her ministry, The Baton Pass, and Brian and Aubrey offer encouragement on loving someone with dementia - October 5, 2021 06.10.2021 42:59

(00:00-8:13): When do protests cross the line and become harassment? Brian and Aubrey discussed this and commented on Ashley Reese’s Jezebel article, “Absolutely Bully Kyrsten Sinema Outside Of Her Bathroom Stall,” and David French’s tweet, “Personal harassment is way over the line. It creates dangerous situations, and somebody is going to get hurt. There's no excuse....