The Common Good Podcast

(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 ho...

(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 &rdqu...

(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 consta...

(00:00-09:27): Surgeon General, Trump sound alarm as U.S. cases top 300,000 . Here are the latest coronavirus updates from around the world. Brian and Ian are bringing the latest on the virus. (09:27-18:55): We hear from Founder of Living with Power and ER Physician, Lina AbuJamra. Her deepest desire is to help people live with power by connecting biblical answers to everyday life. She talks about...

(00:00-10:03) Pastors in multiple states ( Texas , Ohio , and Pennsylvania ) are protesting against stay-at-home orders by having massive services. Brian and Ian discuss the absurdity of it.  (10:03-19:27): Hospital Restrictions Bar Chaplains from Ministering Bedside , writes Griffin Paul Jackson in Christianity Today. At a time when patients and staff are desperate for hope, many spiritual l...

(00:00-09:07): A record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment last week . The actual number of unemployed could be much higher, since many applicants had trouble filing a claim, as state labor departments became overwhelmed. (09:07-18:39): Michael Foust writes “ 44 Percent Say Coronavirus Is 'Wake-Up Call' from God, Sign of His Judgment ” in Christian Headlines. The survey asked...

(00:00-09:03): States across the US are implementing state-wide lockdowns, as the virus continues to spread . PLUS, we talk about this awesome story where a man took extensive measures to be able to see his mom . (09:03-17:59): Samaritan’s Purse Sets Up Field Hospital in Central Park . The ministry’s temporary setup will help alleviate the anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients in New...

(00:00-09:20): Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot closed her press conference with some remarks about the importance of humor and comedy during this time. Brian and Ian listened to it and reacted to her points. (09:20-18:40): We hear from our friend Jon Ross, filmmaker and founder of Somebody’s Nobody , on how he is handling this pandemic. He speaks on uncertainty and how God is the one sure thing...

(00:00-09:14): “ Trump finally leveled with the American people ” writes Peter Bergen in CNN. Plus, Dr. Birx predicts up to 200,000 U.S. coronavirus deaths 'if we do things almost perfectly'"I think in some of the metro areas we were late in getting people to follow the 15-day guidelines," the White House coronavirus response coordinator said on "TODAY." (09:14-18:15): We hear from Pas...

(00:00-09:22): Brian and Ian discuss : “ How two poems about the coronavirus went viral by addressing spiritual needs ”. “ Pandemic ” by Lynn Ungar, and " In the Time of Pandemic, " by Kitty O'Meara both initially posted to Facebook, have become sensations online, reposted everywhere. (09:22-18:45): Timothy’s ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is t...

(00:00-09:40): We are in a season of suffering, a season of grief, and in the season of Lent. Brian and Ian discuss how we recognize Lent in the Season of Coronavirus . (10:37-38:23): We are joined by representatives from Christians Against Poverty . Christians Against Poverty equip local churches with effective poverty relieving tools and empower them to share the good news of Jesus. Vice Preside...

(00:00-09:34): Brian and Ian start the show off by speaking to the hopelessness. Ian talks about the Daily Prayer App that prompts users to stop and reflect on the situation. He also encourages listeners to exercise. (10:29-39:29): We are joined by representatives from Christians Against Poverty . Christians Against Poverty equip local churches with effective poverty relieving tools and empowers t...

(00:00-09:39): Texas Governor Dan Patrick expressed considerations for grandparents willing to sacrifice themselves for their grandchildren. However, Tyler Huckabee writes “ The Church Will Not Sacrifice Anyone for the Economy’s Sake ” in Relevant Magazine. (09:39-18:57): Curtis Sartor, Associate Vice President for Diversity and Spiritual Development at Judson University shares h...

(00:00-09:20): A New York hospital system is barring visitors, including partners, during childbirth due to coronavirus risk . By Michael Nedelman. A health care system in New York is no longer allowing visitors, including partners, for its patients about to give birth, citing Coronavirus risk. (09:20-18:26): Since we are asked to stay at home and remain distant from others, Brian and Ian reflect...

(00:00-09:17): With the virus spreading even more rapidly, states such as California have entered a state of “Shelter-in-place” policy. Gov. Pritzker of Illinois announced this afternoon that Illinois will be entering the same state beginning the 21st.  (09:17-18:15): Since we are asked to stay at home and remain distant from others, Brian and Ian reflect on some devotional though...

(00:00-09:11): Trump Calls for Immediate Economic Relief to Support Families amid Coronavirus Outbreak . Brian and Ian discuss the president’s response to the crisis.  (09:11-18:52): “ Christians, Let’s Flatten the Curve But Remain a ‘Religion for the Sick ’” writes Brewer Eberly, Ben Frush, and Emmy Yang in Christianity Today. Physicians reflect theologica...

(00:00-09:18): In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, churches and small groups have suffered, and have been forced to change their routine. Brian and Ian discuss how they have dealt with the circumstances and how they are managing.  (09:18-18:34): David Fitch writes: “ The Potential of Faithful Presence During a Pandemic ” in MissioAlliance. Brian and Ian take time to discuss h...

(00:00-09:13): Katie Pavlich warns of 'forced compliance' if people don't follow White House coronavirus guidelines. Brian and Ian continue their discussion on the virus and how we are responding to it.  (09:13-18:37): Ryan Burge writes: “ Faith Over Fear? No, It’s Political Ideology that Keeps People Unafraid of COVID-19 ” in Christianity Today. Before the coronavirus hit,...

(00:00-09:28): Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready. CDC provides Interim Guidance for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) . Brian and Ian are covering all they know on the disease and where it is spreading and what to expect for the next few weeks.  (09:28-18:49): The Coronavirus is causing an unprecedented situation worldwide, especially in the United States. We haven&rs...

(00:00-11:04): Beyoncé Mass replaces hymns with ‘Survivor’ and ‘Flaws and All’ . Brian and Ian talk about this fascinating service, and discuss the details. Is it all bad, or is there an aspect of quality community in it? (12:00-39:49): We are joined by Kristi Bramlett , college professor, communicator coach, and so much more. She is hosting a workshop called “...

(00:00-09:09): Tale of two Coronavirus articles: “ COVID-19 Preparedness Is an Opportunity to Literally Love Your Neighbor as Yourself ” and “ How would Jesus Handle the Coronavirus ” in Relevant Magazine. As the disease continues to affect the United States and many ways, how are we supposed to handle it? (09:09-18:35): Evangelical pastor identifies when it's OK to move to...

(00:00-09:35): After years of delegation and trials, Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison . Brian and Ian talk about some of the details and abuse of power in Hollywood and the church.  (09:35-18:48): Pastor Jonathan Stockstill says ministry leaders should have character , not just gifts. Brian and Ian discuss how leaders need to be anointed, not just gifted.  (18:48...

(00:00-08:54): Kirk Franklin: ‘Kumbaya moments’ are not enough for better race relations . Brian and Ian refer to Franklin’s remarks from the Dove award debacle, and now he is talking with the president of TBN in a conversation on race.  (08:54-18:24): In response to #OkBoomer, Anne Kennedy writes “ #OkMillennial, Church Is Still About Jesus ” in Patheos. She tou...

(00:00-09:05): Michael Foust writes “ Trump: 'You Can't Turn Your Cheek' When Attacked as President or You'll Lose ” in Christian Headlines. Brian and Ian talk about this famous quote in the Bible, and how it may not mean exactly what we think it does.  (09:05-18:30): Yes, Christianity Is a Religion, Not Just a Relationship . The rituals and organization play necessary roles. Bria...

(00:00-09:45): Brian and Ian touch on several articles about how to handle and respond to the Coronavirus as Christiains. A church in Germany was exposed to the virus , so the pastor was quarantined. What does Martin Luther teach us about caring for the sick?  (09:45-19:21): The guys discuss “ #OkBoomer: 10 Signs Your Weekend Services Aren’t Designed for the Next Generation &rdquo...