The Common Good Podcast

(00:00-09:16): Pastor Michael Fuelling joins Ian in studio to fill in for Brian today. Michael happens to be a long-time friend of Ian’s from childhood He discusses his experiences with leading Village Church and generational differences within his congregation as well as his community. (09:16-19:28): DC Talk announced that they are touring again as they reemerge after almost two decades. Br...

(00:00-:09:27): What do you do with a crappy pastor? Do you get rid of them, pray for them, both? Brian and Ian touch on t his tongue-in-cheek article from David L Hansen . It touches, in a humorous way, the manner of which a congregation ought to encourage and build up their leaders even if it seems hopeless. (09:27-19:04): A Tennessee detective gave a sermon with hyperbolic and homophobic refere...

(00:00-09:39): Amazing story out of India: 26 girls save from sex trafficking from a tweet . The woman trusted her gut and tweeted that the girls are “crying and feeling insecure”. Brian and Ian discuss this incredible story and dive deeper into the power of social media. (09:39-18:45): Brian and Ian are thrilled that Author Rick Richardson stopped by to talk about his new book “...

(00:00-10:15): Target suffered massive loss of the weekend after their register system went down. Patrons across the country stood in line for up to two hours to check out. Brian and Ian dive deeper into the issue of consumerism and how far we are willing to go in order to shop. They also touch on the necessity of instant gratification by Americans. (10:15-19:56): What did we preach ?? Brian and I...

(00:00-09:12): Ali Stroker became the first person confined to a wheelchair to win a Tony. She expressed her gratitude for those who supported her throughout her life. Brian and Ian talk about this amazing story and think that her statements and achievements will change the way people with disabilities are viewed forever. (09:12-18:43): Ed Stetzer, who is featured frequently on this show, writes &...

(00:00-09:39): Kirsten Gillibrand compares Anti-Abortionists to racists . She expresses that faith should not interfere with women’s rights, as if religion is influencing the defense of human lives. Brian and Ian express their concern of the current political climate and the dangers of expressing conservative values. (09:39-19:10): Why I used to believe in the prosperity gospel, Like Kenneth...

(00:00-09:21): JD Greear expresses his stance with racism and says that “it shows a disregard for the gospel” . Brian and Ian touch on the Southern Baptist President’s statements at a black church this past Sunday. (09:21-19:00): JD Greear continues his slamming of the Church climate today . He says that political affiliation does not matter before faith. We must show restraint t...

(00:00-09:35): The Warriors/Raptors series is heating up after a major comeback from Golden State to take game 5. Durant goes down with an Achilles injury, to the enjoyment of the Toronto crowd. The Raptors held the lead until the last few minutes where the Warriors came back and won by 2. Brian and Ian tie in overcoming adversity and perseverance to the life and walk of a Christian. (09:35-18:59)...

(00:00-09:18): Does God still do crazy things? Brian and Ian discuss this topic in the wake of Pentecost Sunday. Ian compares Pentecost to the collapse of Babel in the sense that Pentecost is the new foundation built in the New Covenant with Christ. (09:18-18:34): Colette Simkins is in town all the way from Suburban Detroit and joins the show for THREE SEGMENTS! She shares her parenting stories an...

(00:00-09:41): What are the repercussions to dating a Christian as an atheist? Brian and Ian touch on an article from The Independent that is written by an atheist and how they fell in love with a Christian. Is there hope for the atheist to find Christ through the love of his girlfriend? (9:41-19:10): Author and Professor Shane Wood joins Brian and Ian to talk about his new book “ Between Tw...

(00:00-:09:50): It is the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, one of the most prolific days of combat in modern American warfare. It is important to reflect and recognize the amazing efforts by the men and women of that day and to honor their bravery. Brian and Ian also reflect on President Reagan’s speech at Normandy in 1984. (09:50-19:25): Pastors are the leaders God ordained to tend each Church bo...

(00:00-09:43): YouTube moves to purge white-supremacist, Nazi, or conspiracy theory videos from their website. Brian and Ian touch on the “slippery slope” of censorship and who are the gatekeepers of our media. While some content may be offensive and extreme, is it dangerous to censor controversial material? (09:43-19:05): Most of us remember our graduations as a pivotal day in our liv...

(00:00-10:15): James Holzhaur’s Jeopardy! run is over! The Chicago native was just shy of the all-time show record. Also, Pastor David Platt explains the President’s unexpected appearance at McLean Bible Church over the weekend. Was it a ploy to score political points? Brian and Ian touch on these topics. (10:15-20:16): Simon Sinek is the king of short, concise, and convicting sound bi...

(00:00-10:34): Pastor of McClean Bible Church, David Platt, prays for President Trump during service. Brian and Ian discuss the premise of praying for leaders. They also touch on the oddity of the President’s appearance and the fine line of Church and State. The pastor did not mention the Virginia Beach shooting during His prayer for Trump. (10:34-20:00): Reigning Heavyweight Champ Anthony J...

(00:00-09:37): White house Wanted the USS McCain ‘Out of Sight’ for Trump’s Japan Visit. Brian and Ian react to this controversial story and what it says about leadership. They also touch on the similarities of leading a church versus a nation, and how leaders can present themselves as a good influence. (09:37-18:55): Bears tight-end Trey Burton writes an article talking about th...

(00:00-09:45): Illinois House passes sweeping abortion rights bill after emotional floor debate. Brian and Ian discuss the responses from both Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D) and Rep. Avery Bourne (R) as they debate. There is an argument that abortion pertains to women’s rights; therefore, a violation of women’s rights. (09:45-19:43): With the nation-sweeping debate of abortion rights, Alabama...

Food For The Poor is a faith-based relief and development charity working in 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.  For more than 37 years they have partnered with local pastors, churches, and parachurch organizations in countries like Haiti, seeking to lift the poorest of the poor out of poverty through feeding programs, clean water initiatives, by providing safe housing,...

(00:00-09:29): Brian and Ian are back after the Memorial Day weekend. They reflect on the day of remembrance, and the importance of remembering as Christians. Jesus told his disciples during the passover feast to “Do this in remembrance of Me”. (09:29-19:15): Former MLB player Bill Bucknor has died at age 69 . Brian and Ian touch on how he is remembered posthumously, versus how he was...

(00:00-09:24): Utah man dies on Everest after setting out to climb the tallest peak on all 7 Continents. Brian and Ian touch on this story and consider his motives . Do you draw a line on following your dreams, or the dreams of a loved one, if a life is at risk? (09:24-19:20): Christians are more focussed on being entertained than fellowshipping in the Church. Brian and Ian reflect on Matt Chandle...

(00:00-10:32): Alabama Public Television pulled an arthur episode after character Mr. Ratburn married a man . Brian and Ian discuss the episode and how we deal with social issues as a society. (10:32-20:41): Several historical monuments have been torn down throughout this “war on history”, and George Washington is next on the hit list. Brian and Ian talk about the importance of recogni...

(00:00-10:03): Millennials are finding their identities in their work. Brian and Ian talk work-life balance. What are the dangers of over-competitiveness in the workplace, or over-working in general as Christians? Does work define our identity? (10:03-19:33): What is the point of marriage? Brian and Ian discuss the ups and downs of life with their spouses. Is the foundation of marriage to be happy...

(00:00-09:27): Former Harvest Bible Chapel leader, James MacDonald, allegedly sought murder for hire . Brian and Ian touch on the story and police investigation. (09:27-19:59): Brian and Ian discuss the persecution complex . Does Christ call us to defend the faith in an offensive manner? Or Does Jesus call us to express His love first? (19:59-29:17): Christians are called to be disciplined and foc...

(00:00-09:38): Billionaire pays student loan debts for entire graduating class. Brian and Ian discuss the aspect of giving. (09:38-18:34): Dallas Jenkins is in the studio with Brian and Ian for Media Mondays. He talks about his writing history and what is in the works. Also, how do busy Christians spend time in the word? (18:34-29:14): Dallas Jenkins continues with Brian and Ian and talks the Game...

(00:00-09:13) SAT tests will feature adversity scores, in addition to the traditional scoring. Brian and Ian discuss whether or not this cancels out the standard of testing. Who determines the score that factors adversity? What are the conditions that are applied to adversity scoring? (09:13-20:32) Mandy Smith, pastor of University Christian Church, is someone who has an understanding of the grief...

(00:00-09:57) Liberty University President, Jerry Fallwell Jr. tweeted that Russell Moore is “SBC Deep State Regime”. Brian and Ian discuss the repercussions of when our faith becomes political. When is public ridicule appropriate? (09:57-28:41) Brian and Ian check in with Todd Chatman with Food for the Poor to talk about their mission and try to help raise money for children in Haiti....