The Common Good Podcast

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What's actually standing between most people and a genuine relationship with God? Pastor Peter Philippi, author of You and God: How to Establish a Personal Relationship with God and a Clear Understanding of His Word, joins Brian From in studio to work through the objections, the confusion, and the keys that open up all of Scripture once you understand what God is actually doing. Peter breaks down why salvation has nothing to do with religion or works, what it means that we were once God's enemies and are now reconciled to him, and why every believer carries the identity of ambassador — whether they know it or not. He also makes a compelling case for the reliability of God's Word: of the 1,000 prophecies in the Bible, 500 have already been fulfilled exactly as written, which makes the remaining 500 a pretty safe bet. A practical, grounded conversation for seekers, new believers, and anyone who has picked up their Bible, put it back down, and wondered if they're missing something. Find the book and learn more at pbmusa.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Knicks trailed by 22 points with seven minutes left and a 0.1% chance of winning. They won in overtime. Brian From takes that improbable comeback and turns it into the lesson we all need: don't quit until the final buzzer sounds, and remember that your God never gives up on you either. Then, three years after Tim Keller's death from pancreatic cancer, Brian revisits what may be his most powerful message — not one preached from a pulpit, but lived out loud as he faced death. Keller's words on resurrection hope, fighting sin rather than cancer, and why suffering strips away respectable illusions of piety are as gripping as anything he ever wrote. Randy Alcorn follows with eight myths about heaven that most Christians quietly believe — from spending eternity in clouds to heaven being boring to not recognizing the people we love. The biblical picture, it turns out, is far more concrete, physical, and extraordinary than most of us have been taught. Plus: discipleship starts with delight, not curriculum; why a master's degree isn't the job guarantee it used to be; and Brian gets personal about the wave of emotions that comes with kids leaving the nest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Zuckerberg thinks AI companions can solve the loneliness crisis. Researchers say it may actually make it worse — and the church needs to pay attention, because a chatbot can simulate friendship but it can never become a neighbor. Brian From digs into what's really at stake when people outsource emotional connection to algorithms. Then: John Piper on resentment, and why expecting to be treated fairly might be the root of more anger than we realize. Brian gets personal about his own struggle to let go after a painful job loss, and Piper's challenge lands hard — why would you expect to be treated better than Jesus was? A piece on Gen Z anxiety that expands well beyond one generation: four commitments that can make anyone less anxious, starting with following the real Jesus and ending with self-denial. The forgotten figure of John the Baptist and his most important line — he must become greater, I must become less — and what it actually looks like to live as an ambassador of Christ. Plus: a 1,300-year-old sword found by a six-year-old on a school field trip, the OJ Simpson trial's Detective Mark Fuhrman passing away, and a closing devotion on what it means to plant your feet on a firm foundation when the storms come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's graduation season, and Brian From mines the best commencement wisdom making the rounds — Eric Church's six guitar strings as six pillars of life (and why faith is the low E that everything else depends on), Rick Warren's sobering reminder that nobody on their deathbed has ever asked for their trophies, and Admiral McRaven's legendary case for why making your bed every morning is actually about the trajectory of your entire day. Then: a genuinely important piece on why parents need to play too — not just schedule their kids' activities, but carve out hobbies, downtime, and unstructured joy for themselves. Research says peak wellbeing hits around $111,000 a year, relationships matter more than wealth, and time may be our greatest currency — but do we actually live like we believe any of that? A 72-year-old grandmother just graduated medical school and is starting her residency, which is either inspiring or convicting depending on where you are with your own dreams. Plus: a company that gave employees a goodie bag instead of a raise, Pizza Hut bringing back the red checkered tablecloths, and a beautiful meditation on why God loves to hear his children cry "help please, Dad."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do non-denominational and Pentecostal churches have in common — and why are they the only two categories of American Christianity consistently growing right now? Brian From digs into new data that points to something deeper than style or structure: a widespread hunger for experiential, Spirit-filled faith in an age where everything feels artificial. Then: Christian nationalism is becoming a household term, and Brian makes the case that the real danger isn't patriotism — it's when Jesus gets used as a lever for political power rather than worshiped as King. A practical word on evangelism that might actually help: forget the clipboard approach and start asking better questions. Three lighter stories — a woman in Alabama who shot her husband for being annoying, a donor who paid off student loans at commencement, and data showing high-powered dads are finally spending more time with their kids. The doctrine of perseverance unpacked: why you'll still be a Christian tomorrow, and it has nothing to do with your strength. And a genuinely clarifying look at what "pray without ceasing" actually means — hint, it's less about bowing your head and more about living in constant communion. Happy birthday, Carrie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday, which means Adam Holtz from Plugged In is back to help you figure out what's actually worth watching — and what to skip. This week: Remarkably Bright Creatures, a quiet, thoughtful drama starring Sally Field as a grieving cleaning woman whose best confidant is a sentient, dying octopus named Marcellus. It's warm, it's mostly clean, and it is absolutely not a kids movie despite the talking sea creature. Then Adam breaks down In the Gray, the new Guy Ritchie thriller with Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and approximately 60 profanities — which prompts a genuinely useful conversation about how Plugged In thinks about relative versus absolute content standards, and why counting swear words actually matters. Plus a preview of what's coming to the big screen this summer, including the Mandalorian film on the horizon. Find full reviews and parental guides for everything at pluggedin.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Pollack was a first-round NFL draft pick living his childhood dream when a broken neck in his second season ended everything — and he says it was the best thing that ever happened to his faith. The forced stillness he'd never allowed himself finally let him hear from God. Then in 2025, his wife Lindsay was diagnosed with brain cancer, and Pollack discovered that watching someone you love suffer is a completely different test than suffering yourself. He joins Brian From to talk about his new book Every Day Counts, what football taught him about failing forward in faith, and the three R's — reflect, repent, repurpose — that transformed his prayer life from awkward obligation to actual conversation. He also makes a point that lands hard: you have to be selfish in the morning so you can be selfless the rest of the day. If God matters, get up earlier. Plus a college football bonus — David weighs in on Michigan, Illinois, Bryce Underwood, and what he's watching heading into the season. A genuinely fun, genuinely convicting hour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over two-thirds of Netflix shows rated for young children contain LGBT characters, themes, or storylines — and the age rating system parents have trusted since 1996 was never designed to flag any of it. Emily Washburn, issues analyst and writer for The Daily Citizen at Focus on the Family, joins Brian From to break down what the FCC is currently investigating, why the board responsible for overseeing TV ratings is stacked almost exclusively with media industry insiders, and what parents can do right now to make their voices heard. The comment process is open, it's simple, and it matters. Emily also points parents toward Plugged In — the most-asked-about topic in their inbox is exactly this one — as a practical resource for navigating what's actually in the movies, shows, and games your kids are consuming. And her closing advice is surprisingly simple: go back to the shows you loved as a kid. They're all on streaming, and your kids might love them too. Visit thedailycitizen.org and fcc.gov to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By age three, more than half of children are already attached to a screen. And if you're waiting for your kids to be the problem, Amy Lowe has some uncomfortable news: the research points back at us first. Amy, director of Wind Shape Camps for Girls and Families, joins Brian From for a candid conversation about what technology is actually doing to kids, why parents are often the ones driving the habit, and what happens when children spend a week unplugged in nature with counselors who model something different. Spoiler: parents keep saying the same thing when they pick their kids up — "I got my kid back." Amy breaks down the case for holding off on screens as long as possible, why giving kids real-world adventures matters more than we realize, and why being passive about technology means it wins by default. Plus a practical word for parents who are newer to this: you actually know more now than previous generations did, and that's an advantage worth using. Find Wind Shape Camps at windshapecamps.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most Christians would never fall for the health-and-wealth gospel. But what about the version that promises comfort instead of cash? Or the one that trades a fat bank account for a platform and an audience? Brian From digs into what Relevant Magazine is calling the new prosperity gospel — and it hits closer to home than a TV preacher ever could. Then: Philippians 4 and the peace that doesn't just reduce anxiety but surpasses understanding entirely — what that actually means and how to access it. Russell Moore on teaching the book of Hebrews 20 years apart and discovering the Bible hadn't changed, but he had — and why that's exactly how a living, active Word is supposed to work. Randy Alcorn on learning to hear God's still small voice, and why abiding matters more than straining. And JD Greear on why generosity isn't a financial test at all — it's a trust test. Three motivations from 2 Corinthians 8 that reframe giving entirely: grace, joy, and follow through.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who or what is forming you? That's the question at the center of this wide-ranging hour. Brian From starts with gas prices hitting $5 a gallon and what anxiety about money keeps pointing us back to, then moves into a fascinating piece on how Gen Z is asking a fundamentally different theological question than previous generations — not "why do bad things happen to good people," but "why don't bad things happen to bad people?" It's a shift that reveals a generation desensitized to sin but hungry for justice, and it has real implications for how the church disciples young people. Then: Ben Sasse is dying publicly and dying well, and Tim Challies makes the case that his greatest legacy may be his final one — while reminding us that faithfulness is faithfulness whether your audience is millions or three. A grieving dad completes the UK Three Peaks Challenge wearing a vest the weight of his late daughter, and Brian unpacks what carrying grief actually looks like. Plus: Chris Bryant, identity, and what happens when everything you thought defined you gets taken away. And a closing meditation on Peter letting down his nets one more time — tired, doubtful, and obedient anyway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is National Foster Care Month, and the numbers are staggering — over 400,000 children are currently in foster care, many of them waiting for a family to say yes. Brian From sits down with Dr. Kimberly Offutt, Executive Branch Director for Bethany Christian Services, for an honest conversation about what foster care actually involves, why it's hard, and why it's worth it. Dr. Offutt brings 24 years of experience to the table — and a deeply personal perspective as a foster and adoptive mom who raised four children who entered the system. She breaks down what the training process looks like, why foster families are asked to care not just for the child but for the whole struggling family around them, and what it means to hold open the door to adoption. Then she closes with a direct challenge to churches: there's a church on every corner, and if each one identified just one family to step in for one child, the body of Christ could solve this crisis alone. James 1:27 was never just a verse. It's a call to action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two major studies just dropped a finding that should reshape how churches think about discipleship: the number one reason Americans leave Christianity isn't church hurt, politics, or scandal — it's that they stopped believing. Brian From unpacks what that means and why it points to a discipleship crisis hiding in plain sight. Then: repentance. Not the vegetable-eating, obligatory kind, but the gift kind — the one Luther put first in his 95 theses and the one Scripture consistently frames as a reason for joy. Plus, a pencil is running for governor of Oregon to protest the state's worst-in-the-nation fourth grade reading scores, and somehow that becomes a meditation on Sabbath rest and why recess matters as much for adults as it does for kids. A sobering update on the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Northern Nigeria — a reminder of what it costs to follow Jesus in other parts of the world — and a close look at the calling of Peter: what it means to leave your nets immediately, and what step of faith might be waiting for you right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tabernacle wasn't designed by committee — every measurement, every furnishing, every detail was a blueprint from heaven itself. Rabbi Kirt Schneider, host of Discovering the Jewish Jesus, joins Brian From to unpack his new book The Mystery of the Tabernacle: Ancient Secrets for Experiencing the Divine Presence, and the conversation is one you won't want to rush. The fence with one entrance. The brazen altar and the transfer of sin. The brass laver made from mirrors, and what it means to let the Spirit show you who you really are. Rabbi Schneider makes the case that understanding the Hebrew roots of the faith isn't just an academic exercise — it's what solidifies your confidence that Jesus is the only way, especially in a cultural moment when even many Christians are quietly beginning to doubt it. A rich, fast conversation that barely scratches the surface. Pick up The Mystery of the Tabernacle wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chosen has become one of the most remarkable storytelling phenomena in the history of Christian media — and the biggest moments are still ahead. Brian From sits down with Stacey Baxter, Senior Director of Marketing Growth and Engagement at Come and See, the organization behind The Chosen, to talk about what makes the show connect with believers and skeptics alike, how it's being translated into 600 languages to reach every corner of the world, and what's coming next. Season six arrives on Amazon Prime this November, a theatrical crucifixion film hits theaters in spring 2027, and the resurrection gets its own film in spring 2028 — timed, not coincidentally, with Easter. Stacey also explains how the show pushes viewers back to scripture rather than away from it, and why Come and See is actively looking for church partners to use The Chosen as an outreach tool. If you've never started watching, Stacey's advice is simple: season one, episode one, and don't plan on sleeping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is fresh off a monumental weekend — his oldest daughter Madeline's college graduation at Hope College in Holland, Michigan — and the joy of that milestone runs through this whole hour. But the reflections go deeper than cap and gown. The chaplain's baccalaureate message on 2 Corinthians 2 leaves Brian with a simple, searching question: when people are in your presence, do they get a whiff of Christ? Then, a throwaway line from Nike's new CEO — "we struggle when we forget who we are serving" — turns into a pointed word for the church and for anyone whose life has quietly drifted toward self. Plus: a Wall Street Journal piece on the rise of the "beta mom" and why the pendulum may have swung too far, new survey data suggesting peak life satisfaction hits at age 52 (good news for Brian at 49), a Gospel Coalition piece on the most alarming political divide in Gen Z — and it's not Democrat vs. Republican — and a closing devotion from Charles Stanley on what it actually means to be aware of God's presence in your daily life, not just on Sundays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mother's Day Sunday is one of the most emotionally loaded mornings on the church calendar — joyful for some, quietly devastating for others. Brian From gets personal about his own family's experience with miscarriage and brings in Dr. Deana Thayer, marriage and parenting associate at Focus on the Family, for an honest conversation about the women who often get left out of the celebration: moms who've experienced infertility or infant loss, stepmoms, foster and adoptive moms, caregivers, and women whose relationship with their own mother carries deep pain. Deana offers practical guidance for pastors, worship leaders, and churchgoers on how to honor Mother's Day without inadvertently causing harm — and issues a gentle but clear warning about the well-meaning platitudes that almost always make things worse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week was Brian's birthday — and it turns out he shares it with Star Wars Day. That's all the excuse needed to bring Plugged In's Adam Holtz into the conversation for a deep dive on George Lucas's galaxy far, far away. How did a $10 million film with an uncertain release become a cultural watershed that changed cinema forever? What did Lucas actually borrow from — Joseph Campbell, Kurosawa, Flash Gordon, Eastern religion, the Bible — and what does that mean for Christians trying to engage it thoughtfully? Adam breaks down the Force as a theological concept, why the original trilogy still holds up for family viewing, and what went so wrong with the sequel trilogy that Disney may be looking to erase it from canon entirely. A fun, fast conversation perfect for any Star Wars fan trying to think Christianly about one of the most enduring stories in pop culture. Find more of Adam's work at pluggedin.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your social media addiction is actually telling you something profound about eternity? Russell Moore makes a startling case in Christianity Today that the infinite scroll isn't just bad for your attention span — it's a counterfeit heaven, and in some ways, a picture of hell. Brian From unpacks that idea alongside a convicting piece from JD Greear on false positive Christianity: if the gospel has changed everything about you, why would your wallet be the one thing left untouched? Then: it's the National Day of Prayer, and Brian makes the case for why political fatigue is no excuse to stop praying for your leaders. Plus — aliens, the Christian faith, and why discovery should embolden belief rather than threaten it. And the story Brian never knew: how Stephen Colbert lost his father and two brothers in a plane crash at age 10, and what 25 years of grief taught him about gratitude.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the sin hiding in plain sight — the one we've dressed up as confidence and call leadership? Brian From tackles pride head-on, drawing from Trevin Wax's convicting piece on why the Church has largely given arrogance a pass even as it ravages our culture and our leaders. Then: a look at altar calls — are they entry points or endpoints? Joseph Woraru's challenge from the Gospel Coalition Africa edition raises the harder question: why do so many respond but so few remain? Plus, Tim Keller on how to spot the idols you didn't know you had, John MacArthur's final sermon and what he chose to say about heaven, a word on the Church — broken, faithful, and still God's Plan A — and a closing devotion on why slowing down to meditate on God's Word is time better spent than almost anything else on your calendar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it actually mean for a church to be successful? Host Brian Fromm draws on years of pastoral experience to push back on the idea that attendance numbers are the ultimate measure of a church's health — and offers a more honest framework for what thriving congregations actually look like. Plus: three practical encouragements for Christians walking through a hard season, a look at how to worship God when he feels distant, and the remarkable true story of a BYU offensive lineman who turned down a $1.5 million NFL contract to become a $22,000-a-year math teacher — all because of his convictions. Brian also reflects on the Savannah Bananas' origin story, what it means to take a real risk on something you believe in, and why joy in God was never meant to be a solo experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and former law enforcement officer Adam Davis joins Brian to talk about his new 90-day devotional, Bulletproof Family, co-written with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. Adam shares why strong families don't happen by accident — they're built through spiritual discipline, intentional presence, and the willingness to own your mistakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Brian's birthday — 49 years old and staring 50 in the face — and that milestone has him in a reflective mood. On this episode of The Common Good, Brian weaves together a handful of compelling threads: the challenging call to forgive even when bitterness feels justified, a sobering statistic about one-third of Americans currently experiencing an existential crisis, the Kentucky Derby's surprise winner and the life lesson it carries, and a powerful warning from the book of Judges about what happens when faith goes unguarded for just one generation. Brian also shares his personal take on capital punishment after listening to Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History, and closes with a devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley on what it actually means to walk wisely. A wide-ranging, honest, and deeply personal hour of radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Brian Fromm sits down with Adam Holtz from Plugged In — Focus on the Family's entertainment review ministry — to talk about Michael, the new Michael Jackson biopic covering his rise from Gary, Indiana to global superstardom. Is it a fair portrait, or does it sidestep the harder questions? Adam breaks down what the film gets right, why legal realities shaped what it couldn't show, and what it means for the value of the biopic genre altogether. Then, Adam pulls back the curtain on Plugged In's popular Theology Of series — deep-dive explorations of the spiritual worldviews embedded in major entertainment franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and the latest entry: Doom. Yes, that Doom. It turns out a demon-shooting shooter from 1993 has more theological substance than you'd expect. Plus — what's coming this summer? Adam previews Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why it may be the movie to watch. Find Adam and the full Theology Of series at pluggedin.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big Friday in the From household — prom night for two kids at Wheaton Academy — and Brian opens the hour with something deeper than small talk: a reflection on what springtime is actually trying to tell us. From the birds waking up to the grass turning green again, Brian makes the case that God didn't design seasons by accident. The cycle of death and new life is a picture written into creation itself, and for anyone living under the weight of broken dreams or regret, it carries a message worth hearing. From there, Brian revisits a Trevin Wax piece on hypocrisy and repentance that's been rattling around in his head — and lands on a phrase worth sitting with: shoot high and repent often. Moral mediocrity dressed up as humility, Wax warns, is just a different kind of rot. Brian also reflects on NFL wide receiver Cooper Kupp's remarks at a men's event in Minnesota, where Kupp articulated something rare: a clear-eyed understanding of why he plays football, and it isn't for Super Bowls. Then Brian weighs in on the unraveling Mike Vrabel/Diana Russini scandal — not to pile on, but to ask the harder question it raises about the hidden corners in all of our lives. Rounding out the hour: a story on young Americans doing a month-long smartphone detox, a meditation on what the great Bible stories all have in common, and a look at Randy Alcorn's vision of worship, music, and ordinary life in heaven.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere — and so are the big questions surrounding it. Is AI going to save the world, or destroy it? And what does any of it mean for people of faith? In this episode, Brian From sits down with Emily Tsiao, a writer for Focus on the Family's Plugged In, to unpack the ethical and theological dimensions of AI. They dig into her recent article Reflecting on the AI Doc, or How I Didn't Change My Mind About Apocalypticism — a response to a documentary featuring conversations with the CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic — and why Emily's core takeaway remains the same: God is still in control. Emily walks through the practical questions too — using AI for creative work, the ethics of AI-generated content, what it means for learning and education, and why letting a machine speak for you might cost you more than you realize. Whether you're an everyday ChatGPT user or just trying to figure out what to think, this conversation is a grounded, thoughtful place to start. Find more of Emily's work at PluggedIn.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many parents are grieving quietly — watching adult children pull away, questioning where things went wrong, and wondering if the relationship can be restored. In this episode, Brian From sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids and author of Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children, to unpack one of the most painful challenges facing families today. Dr. Kathy shares practical wisdom on healthy communication with adult kids, how to navigate the tricky intersection of financial support and emotional distance, and what parents can do when a child walks away from their faith. She also offers an honest look at the role over-involved parenting can play — and what it looks like to parent differently in this new season. If you're exhausted, heartbroken, or just unsure where to begin — this conversation is for you. There is still hope. Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children is available now through Moody Publishers. Learn more about Dr. Kathy Koch's ministry at CelebrateKids.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel ordinary? Like you're just not the kind of person God uses for big things? In this episode, Brian From digs into one of the most overlooked verses in the New Testament — James's reminder that Elijah was "just a human being, like us" — and unpacks what it means that God chooses to do extraordinary things through completely ordinary people. From there, Brian turns to one of Scripture's most sobering passages: Jesus's letter to the church in Laodicea. Wealthy, self-sufficient, and spiritually lukewarm — sound familiar? Brian draws a pointed parallel to the American church today and asks the uncomfortable question: are we the church in Laodicea? Along the way, Brian also explores Russell Moore's provocative idea of the "casinofication" of the church, a striking new study on the rise of "no contact" relationships in America, a genuinely murky ethical question about a family using an AI clone to shield an elderly mother from the death of her son, and why a Relevant Magazine piece about new Christians and microphones might be the most important thing the church needs to hear right now. And he closes with a surprising strategy for finishing well as a Christian — one you probably won't see coming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is full of change — whether you're ready for it or not. Brian From reflects on the personal transitions hitting close to home as his kids approach major milestones, and asks the question we all wrestle with: how do you hold on to what matters when everything around you is shifting? Brian also unpacks a striking survey showing that only 3.4% of worship leaders describe their mental health as excellent, and what church communities need to hear about that. Plus: why a viral Altoids moment between George W. Bush and Michelle Obama says something profound about what Americans are actually hungry for; a challenge to expand your view of worship beyond Sunday morning and a Spotify playlist; the surprising case that a mundane life is actually a courageous one; a cautionary tale about an AI-generated MAGA influencer who fooled millions; and a fresh look at Mary and Martha — and what Jesus was really saying about distraction, urgency, and choosing what's best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes Pastor Bill Farina of Bethel Christian Church in Warren, Michigan. Pastor Bill shares the remarkable story of how he arrived in Michigan in 1987 at age 27 — originally intending only a short fill-in visit to a struggling congregation of eleven senior citizens — and how God redirected his path into what has now become 39 years of faithful ministry at the same church. In this conversation, Pastor Bill opens up about the joys and challenges of long-tenured pastoral ministry, including the privilege of dedicating the babies of babies he once dedicated and officiating weddings for the seventh member of the same family. He unpacks Bethel's vision of being "a Spirit-filled community church touching heaven and earth," rooted in a balanced Pentecostal tradition that leaves room for the Holy Spirit while honoring decency and order. Pastor Bill also shares the convicting question that reshaped his ministry philosophy decades ago: "If your church closed tomorrow, would anyone notice, and would anyone care?" That question drove him into deep community engagement — 17 years on the local school board, 16 years as Senior Chaplain of the Warren Police Department, chaplaincy work at Jimmy John's Field, prison and jail ministries, and partnerships with Forgotten Harvest. The episode closes with a pastoral word of hope for anyone feeling discouraged, drawn from Romans 15:13 — a prayer that the God of hope would fill listeners with joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Learn more about Bethel Christian Church:

Brian From works through a stack of uncomfortable questions for the church. When Eric Metaxas calls for grace toward Trump over the Jesus meme, Brian asks the harder question — do we extend that same grace across the aisle? A new Barna survey finds only 22% of Americans see Christians as empathetic, and nearly half describe the faith as judgmental or hypocritical. Brian sits with what that means for how we engage a watching world. Plus: Moses never entered the Promised Land and Joshua had to take his place — what God's "I am with you" means for us in seasons of fear and transition; a sobering new report showing just 3.4% of worship leaders rate their mental health as excellent, and why pastors need to be asking harder questions of their teams; Tim Challies on why heaven will forget none of its heroes — even the ones no one on earth ever noticed; and Chuck Swindoll's 1985 challenge that still lands today: who do you want to be ten years from now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the wreckage of the Titan submersible to the walls of ancient Rome, this episode traces a single thread: the difference between a culture that worships strength and a faith that finds power in weakness. Brian opens with two somber anniversaries — the Oklahoma City bombing and Columbine — before turning to the cautionary tale of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, whose hubris cost five lives on a preventable voyage to the Titanic. From there, Brian unpacks JD Greer's reflection on the Corona Morales, Rome's highest military honor, and how the Apostle Paul flipped that imagery on its head in 2 Corinthians to boast not in triumph but in being lowered down a wall in shame. The crown that matters isn't earned by climbing over — it's received in weakness. Other segments tackle why middle-aged Americans are lonelier, sadder, and weaker than their global peers (and why the church has the only real answer), a Yale committee's surprising admission about ideological echo chambers in higher education, Matt Chandler on sanctification as a winding coil rather than a straight line upward, and a closing meditation on Psalm 136 and the Hebrew word hesed — God's covenant love that endures forever. Plus: a cold, rainy afternoon at Wrigley watching the Mets extend their losing streak, a shout-out to former producer and current Wrigley organist John Benedict, and the modern confusion of trying to figure out whether someone is talking to you or their AirPods. Because sometimes the most formative work God does in us isn't when we're winning — it's when the floor falls out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it look like if Christians didn't just believe the right things — but actually became like Jesus? Host Brian From sits down with Keas Keasler, associate professor of spiritual theology at Friends University and author of Kingdom Apprenticeship: Dallas Willard's Formational Theology and Missional Vision. Drawing on seven years of deep research — including time spent in the archives of Willard's unpublished papers — Kees brings fresh life to one of the most important Christian thinkers of the last century. Together, Brian and Kees explore what "intelligent mysticism" really means, why "apprenticeship" captures something "discipleship" has lost, and how Willard's vision of character formation might be exactly what the church needs to close the gap between what we profess and how we actually live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of those days — taxes are due, life feels heavy, and the news keeps coming. Host Brian From takes a look at the cultural and spiritual moments that have him thinking. He reflects on the trap of comparison after actor Rainn Wilson admitted he was miserable during the height of his fame on The Office. He digs into Joy Behar's surprising claim on The View that Jesus never actually said he was the Messiah — and why that moment reveals exactly where evangelism gets hard. He covers the rise of AI-generated actors after Val Kilmer's digital likeness appeared in a new film, and the ethical questions it opens up. And he shares a practical six-step framework for becoming evangelism-ready, even when fear and busyness get in the way. The hour closes with a beautiful reflection on the paradox of the brightening path — why the closer we get to God, the more clearly we see our own sin, and why that's actually a sign of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey was released after speaking openly about his Christian faith and pushing back on the NBA's Pride Month celebrations, it sparked a conversation much bigger than basketball. Brian From sits down with Paul Batura — Vice President of Communications at Focus on the Family and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Citizen — to unpack what the Ivey story reveals about religious freedom in America today. From the courtrooms of Colorado to the locker rooms of the NBA, Paul and Brian explore where Christians have room to speak, where the culture is pushing back, and how believers can navigate faith in the workplace with both boldness and wisdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on the anxieties of Tax Day and the deeper question of contentment in uncertain times. He shares a powerful story of courage as a high school principal risks his life to stop a potential tragedy, raising the question: would we have the same courage? Brian also explores the challenging story of Jonah, unpacking themes of grace, judgment, and God’s relentless compassion. Along the way, he considers what it means to trust God even when life doesn’t improve, drawing insight from worship music, personal struggle, and the call to live every part of life for God’s glory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reacts to the firestorm over President Trump's AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like pose — and why even his staunchest Christian supporters called it blasphemy. From there: the weird zombie passage in Matthew 27 that nobody preaches on Easter, whether most Christians are secretly prosperity gospel believers without knowing it, why evangelism doesn't have to feel like a shipwreck, and a closing reflection on our longing for home from Psalm 84.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wondered whether you're really hearing from God or just talking to yourself, you're not alone. Author Rachel Groll joins Brian From to discuss her new daily devotional Hearing Jesus, why she believes the Psalms are the perfect school for learning to recognize God's voice, and how seasons of deep pain can actually sharpen our spiritual hearing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Virginia megachurch made headlines for all the right reasons — and Brian Fromm wants to make sure you heard about it. Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria raised over a million dollars through its Easter offering and used every penny to stop the eviction of 338 families in public housing. That's the church being the church. From there, Brian reflects on the Sunday after Easter and why every Sunday — not just one day in April — is Resurrection Sunday. He also draws some unexpected life lessons from Rory McIlroy's Masters victory, looks at what it practically means to raise children who love the church, and weighs in on a Truth Social post from President Trump that Brian believes every Christian — regardless of politics — should be uncomfortable with. Plus, a brief but powerful dive into one of the shortest books in the Bible: Philemon, and why its one-chapter story of a runaway slave carries the full weight of the gospel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the child doctors told you to let go became the greatest teacher of your life? Brian From sits down with Ken and Mary Sue Grein, whose son Jacob defied every medical expectation — living 37 remarkable years despite cerebral palsy, deafness, a kidney transplant, and a lifetime of physical challenges. Far from a story of hardship, Jacob's life was defined by joy, humor, and a remarkable ability to draw out the best in everyone he met. Ken and Mary Sue share how Jacob transformed their family, shaped their three other children, and pointed them all toward a deeper faith. They also discuss the upcoming film adaptation of Jacob's life and where you can find his story today. If you're carrying something heavy right now, this conversation is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial anxiety, a $100 million church renovation, and Joel Osteen's mansion — Brian opens the show with some honest questions about money, contentment, and whether our attitudes toward both line up with the posture of Jesus. Then, a disturbing story from one of the country's largest school districts, where teachers may be keeping parents in the dark about their children's gender transitions. Plus: the fascinating differences of Gen Z, including why nearly half of them report feeling anxious all the time. Brian closes with a convicting list from pastor JD Greer — five subtle symptoms of a spiritual heart condition — and a challenge to stop hiding behind correct doctrine and a busy calendar, and return to your first love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined by his weekly guest Adam Holtz from Plugged In, Focus on the Family's media review ministry, for a Friday rundown of what's worth your time — and what to know before you watch. First, Adam shares exciting news about an Adventures in Odyssey animated film in development, Journey into the Impossible, an origin story for the beloved Mr. Whitaker that fans can actually help bring to life through crowdfunding. Then, a look at Plugged In's new technology section, built to help parents navigate the real, messy questions about screen time, video games, and kids and devices. Finally, two movies hitting screens this weekend: the anime romance Chao, a Little Mermaid-adjacent story that's a little harder to explain than it sounds, and You, Me, and Tuscany, a new rom-com starring Halle Bailey that Brian is very much already on board for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does a $22 smoothie have to do with your faith? More than you'd think. Brian unpacks a fascinating study on why Americans keep splurging even when the economy feels uncertain — and finds a surprisingly deep spiritual truth underneath the consumer psychology. He also reflects on Elisabeth Elliot's challenge to live with "reckless abandon for the Lord," the powerful story of Jesus restoring Peter after his denial, and what God's repeated promise to Joshua — "Do not fear, for I am with you" — means for whatever you're facing today. Plus: the Artemis II mission, a Birmingham baptism gone tragically wrong, and when to stay in a broken church (and when to go). Brian also shares a personal milestone: six months into his new role as campus pastor at Compass Church in Hinsdale, IL — and what he's learned about identity, healing, and God's faithfulness after a season of deep church hurt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A landmark Supreme Court decision — decided 8 to 1 — just struck down a Colorado law banning certain forms of counseling for minors. But what does it actually mean for families, therapists, and states across the country? Brian sits down with Jeff Johnston, issues analyst and writer for Focus on the Family's Daily Citizen, to break it all down. They discuss what "conversion therapy" actually is (and isn't), how this ruling affects the 20+ states with similar laws, and what parents of kids struggling with sexual identity questions can do right now. Plus, Jeff shares practical advice for Christian parents on how to love their kids well while holding to their faith. Learn more at DailyCitizen.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.