Alan Cross, Lead Pastor of Petaluma Valley Baptist Church and Author of “When Heaven and Earth Collide: Racism, Southern Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus,” joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his book and his article at The Bulwark, “Securing the Border Without Hardening Our Hearts.”  

Connect with Alan on Twitter at @AlanLCross

Alan Cross, Lead Pastor of <a href="http://www.petalumabaptist.org/">Petaluma Valley Baptist Church</a> and Author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Heaven-Earth-Collide-Evangelicals/dp/1603063501">&ldquo;When Heaven and Earth Collide: Racism, Southern Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus,&rdquo;</a> joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his book and his article at The Bulwark, <a href="https://www.thebulwark.com/securing-the-border-without-hardening-our-hearts/">&ldquo;Securing the Border Without Hardening Our Hearts.&rdquo;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Connect with Alan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/alanlcross?lang=en">@AlanLCross</a>

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 chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;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 chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.

The Common Good Podcast

The Common Good

Guest: Alan Cross, Lead Pastor of Petaluma Valley Baptist Church and Author of “When Heaven and Earth Collide" - Discussion on his book and his article, “Securing the Border Without Hardening Our Hearts” - September 27, 2021

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.

It's one of those days &mdash; 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&nbsp;The Office. He digs into Joy Behar's surprising claim on The View that Jesus never actually said he was the Messiah &mdash; 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 &mdash; why the closer we get to God, the more clearly we see our own sin, and why that's actually a sign of growth.

Worn Out, Waking Up, and Watching the World Go By

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.

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 &mdash; Vice President of Communications at Focus on the Family and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Citizen &mdash; 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.

Faith, Freedom, and the NBA: The Jaden Ivey Story

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.

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&rsquo;s relentless compassion. Along the way, he considers what it means to trust God even when life doesn&rsquo;t improve, drawing insight from worship music, personal struggle, and the call to live every part of life for God&rsquo;s glory.

Guest: Alan Cross, Lead Pastor of Petaluma Valley Baptist Church and Author of “When Heaven and Earth Collide" - Discussion on his book and his article, “Securing the Border Without Hardening Our Hearts” - September 27, 2021

The Common Good

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