Bombadil's Porch

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We are three Christian dads trying to recover the lost art of sitting on the front porch together to building community, comradery, and taking some time to enjoy the view of God’s Word, and God’s world.

Chris Martin


    • Jun 4, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 5m AVG DURATION
    • 138 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Bombadil's Porch

    S4E24 Tales from Japan and Politics at Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 62:53


    In today's show we discuss a recent trip by the Martin family to Japan and some thoughts in the aftermath of a recent politically charged court case. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E23 Dusting Off the Porch

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 60:47


    After a few months of sitting empty, the Porch resumes with discussions of what has changed in the world, and what remains the same. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E22 Merry Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 56:31


    In this episode we reflect on Christmas past and present and how the season grows sweeter year after year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E21 Spokane Elections, Worldview Clashes, and the Centrality of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 62:24


    In this episode we consider the outcome of the recent election in Spokane County. What is the distinction between tribalism and liberalism, and how does that impact the Christian faith as well as local politics? How do we keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not end up in a ditch of over-correction while navigating the changing cultural landscape? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E20 Dominion from the Garden to the Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 69:52


    In this episode we consider how the command to rule the earth in Genesis finds fulfillment in Christ and application in everyday life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E19 The Young and the Lonely

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 48:28


    In this episode we welcome guest Amanda Jarvis - mom, editor, communication coordinator, and youth leader. We discuss a recent Gallup pole indicating that the loneliest age group is 19-29. Why are the young so lonely, and what can we do to raise resilient and connecting families? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E18 Diversity, Unity, and Testimony

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 72:30


    In this episode we discuss how diversity and unity are both expressed in the Christian faith and how that helps us think through the current issues of multi-culturalism and tolerance. We also consider how our testimony as believers can be the unique, but shared expression of Jesus Christ to all we interact with. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E17 Thinking about the Tragedy in Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 72:35


    In this episode we discuss the tragic display of evil and death in the recent terror attacks against Israel. How should we as Christians respond compassionately, theologically, and biblically? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E16 The Trades, 40 Fingers, Empires, and Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2023 73:44


    In this episode we discuss the value of working in The Trades. Caleb discusses his recent VIP hangout with traveling musicians. We investigate a recent meme involving the Roman Empire, and we affirm the power of narratives and the importance of having only one Hero in the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E15 The Valley Gets a Tagline and the Church Gets a Closeup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2023 71:24


    In this episode we discuss some of the proposed tourism taglines for Spokane Valley. Send us your favorite suggestions! We also consider how recent news and a popular mini-series have put a spotlight on the pitfalls of Christianity focused on appearances more than loving worship from the heart. And we give Caleb a hard time for missing today's recording. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E14 The Boys Are Back in Town

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 73:32


    In this episode we catch up after several weeks of being apart. Fall rhythms of life are kicking off, and there is a big change in the future for one Porch host. We also look at the decline of justice in the West and how to parent grateful children with integrity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E13 An Ancient Word for a Modern Problem and the 10th Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 78:09


    Today we discussed Douglas Murray's* interesting appeal to the moral vice of acedia in attempting to explain the ills of modern society. We also looked at the biblical command not to envy, and how profoundly important this command is for our country, and for our families. *Audio clip of Douglas Murray at the 2023 National Review Institute Ideas Summit in Washington D.C. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E12 Things that go "beep" in the night, parenting promises, and bearing false witness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 118:01


    Today we discussed the unfortunate tale of a janitorial mishap gone very wrong. We also discuss whether proper parenting can guarantee the salvation of our children. Finally, we look at the 9th Commandment and discuss the importance of speaking the truth in an age of snap reactions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E11 A Crash Course in God's Mercy and the 8th Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2023 81:28


    In this episode we rejoice at the kindness of God on display in a recent car and pedestrians accident. We also consider the nature of stealing and how it erodes society from the illegal activities of an individual to the sometimes legal activities of governments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E10 Report from Italy, Arnold's Fear He Won't Be Back, and 7th Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 84:51


    We begin after a few weeks off by hearing from Caleb who is recently returned from a trip to Italy and the Balkans. We also discuss a recent interview with a movie actor famous for saying, "I'll be back," who, ironically, is afraid that he won't. Finally, we consider the prohibition against adultery and how that affects more of life than just marriage. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E9 Can you really beam me up, Scotty? Also, murder is wrong.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 68:42


    In this episode we discuss the nature of man and how that relates to science fiction's common theme of reducing consciousness to mere information. We also consider the next commandment in our series: do not murder. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E8 Drowning in Bad Directions, Adventures Abroad, and Every Parent's Favorite Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 80:48


    In this episode we take instruction from the cautionary tale of two hapless drivers in Hawaii. Caleb fills us in on an upcoming adventure overseas. Finally, we discuss the 5th Commandment, its many applications, and the surprisingly central role it plays in the fabric of civilization. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E7 Are Children Property? The 4th Commandment.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 73:36


    In this episode we discuss the view that conservatives view children as property and use the role to impose authoritarianism. We also look at what Sabbath rest means for Christians today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E6 Generation Zombie, Tom Bombadil's Surprising Origin, and Taking Joy in the Gospel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 78:52


    In this episode we discuss at length a lament over Generation Z and what are some of the unique challenges and unique strengths of this emerging population. We also discuss two letters, including one just recently published for the first time, in which JRR Tolkien discusses why Tom Bombadil doesn't quite seem to fit into the world of Middle Earth. Finally, we discuss, perhaps debate, how the impact of the work of Jesus is to impact our attitude and view of ourselves and the general cheeriness of our outlook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E5 UFO's, Paganism, and the 3rd Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 90:28


    In this episode we discuss why UFO's (UAP's) are back in limelight recently, as well as the rise of pagan symbolism in pop culture. We then continue our study through What Matters Most by looking at the third commandment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E4 Revival and the Second Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2023 112:51


    In this episode we give you twice the Porch as usual! In the first hour we discuss spiritual revival and what attends it. In our second hour, we look at the Second Commandment and get into a vigorous debate about popular depictions of Jesus in contemporary media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E3 Diversity and Oppression and the 1st Commandment

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 68:35


    In this episode we jump from paganism to intellectualism to the worldviews that entrench tribalism and thwart unity before looking to Jesus for the answer. We also continue with part 2 of our series on What Matters Most and discuss why we love the first commandment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E2 Reactions, Overreactions, and New Attention to Old Roads

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 77:07


    In this episode we get some feedback from the Scrub Club. We also discuss the role of emotions in political discourse and the likely return of Logos over Pathos. Finally, an outline is given for some ancient approaches to discipleship that never truly get old. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S4E1 Season 4 begins!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 74:34


    In this episode we reconnect after several weeks away. Recapping a vacation to Asia Minor serves as a good place to meander into our beloved rabbit trails. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E35 The timeless tug-a-war between head, heart, and hands.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2022 69:39


    In this episode we discuss our tendency to legalism, intellectualism, or a life ruled by the passions. We also consider how God calls us to live with head, heart, and hands all united in worship. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E34 The Return of Santa Klontz and Making the Most of the Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 64:26


    Today we shared about some of our favorite Christmas traditions and experiences, and also discussed how to make the most of the Gospel opportunities in the Christmas season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E33 The Many Fragrances of Gratitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2022 66:35


    In this episode we learn more about one Porch host's dedication to the smelly arts and discuss the nature of societal ingratitude. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E32 Voicemails about education, and our thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 76:35


    In this episode we discuss two voicemails related to the issue of public education and give our perspectives. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E31 Halloween Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 65:42


    In this episode, the Porch reprises its annual coming to fisticuffs over the best way for Christians to think about Halloween. It gets a little scary. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E30 Hoist the Black Robes and Take a Stand in the Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 57:53


    In this episode we hear a report from a recent conference about black robe regiments. We also discuss a recent school board meeting about new curriculum and the chance for local parents to make their voices heard. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E29 PayPal, Parallel Economies, and the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 79:28


    In this episode we discuss concern over a recent almost-policy of a major financial institution. We then look at the advantages and disadvantages of establishing parallel institutions in a society. Finally, we consider how Christians can navigate the injunction to be in the world but not of it in a land of Gospel opportunities and crumbling culture. P.S. We also forget to congratulate Nate on his recent birthday. Happy birthday, Nate. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E28 Reminiscing on a Wedding and Loving our Neighbors

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 72:08


    In this episode we reflect on the recent wedding and offer thoughts on helpful principles for early in marriage. We also consider how to intentionally love our neighbors with the right kind of agenda, and without the wrong kind of agenda. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E27 Honey Don't List, a Foreign Staring Contest, and a Camp Searching for Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 80:18


    In this episode we glean some wisdom for husbands from 1913, discuss the stakes of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and consider the lessons of Camp Hope in Spokane. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E26 Cultivating Courage

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 64:52


    In this episode we discuss an act of bravery in an unlikely place. We consider how to encourage similar courage in our own families. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E25 Wisdom at Home and Abroad

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 69:05


    In this episode we discuss how the principles of wisdom are inescapable in the course of world events. We also discuss how we can encourage wisdom in the decisions made by those in our own homes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E24 Catching Up: So-Cal Music, Social Movers, and Swiss Mountains

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 72:22


    In today's episode we catch up after a couple weeks away on various family vacations. We discuss the fun of music concerts on a perfect So-Cal summer evening, parenting in the age of social media influencers, and observations made in the mountains of Switzerland. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E23 Living as Civilized Christians between Empire and Exile

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2022 80:34


    In this episode we discuss a biblical framework for evaluating civilization. How should Christians think of their place in a civilization, especially one like the present, in which old norms are giving way to new challenges and Gospel proclamation remains a paramount urgency? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E22 Which Way's My (Educational) Way?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 83:03


    In this episode we talk through the three most prominent options for education today (public, private, home) and evaluate some relative strengths and weaknesses. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E21 The Price of Happiness and Stopping Homelessness before it Starts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 55:13


    In this episode we discuss a new study declaring the minimum income needed for happiness in the state of Washington. We also look at new policies from the mayor of Spokane attempting to curtail the homeless encampments in the city and how homelessness can be most effectively combatted before it starts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E20 When to Have Kids and How to Grow Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 67:06


    In this episode we consider the advice of a psychologist regarding the having of children. We also discuss thoughts on how to evaluate successful or unsuccessful adulting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E19 When an Algorithm Wants a Lawyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 50:53


    In this episode we discuss the recent case of an A.I. that at least one expert believes has become sentient. What is a Christian view of A.I., how does that relate to authentic relationships, and how do we prepare for a future in which simulated souls compete with real people for the affection of our children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E18 Tales from the Holy Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2022 65:03


    The Porch welcomes Nate back to the USA after a trip abroad to Israel. We discuss some of his many adventures abroad in the land o the Bible. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E17 Baby Baptism vs. Dedication, and Where Was God in Uvalde?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 65:47


    In this episode we consider a question about the difference in purpose and meaning for infant baptisms vs. baby dedications. We also respond to another question about how our theology accounts for evil such as seen in Uvalde, TX. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E16 Our 100th episode! More marriage musings.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 75:45


    In this 100th episode we start by following up on our previous discussion about marriage and meander from there to a variety of related topics. Also, do you know what sound frogs make in Japan? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E15 Horse Races, Horse Medicine, and Preparing for Marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2022 72:09


    In this episode we discuss the unexpected outcome of the recent Kentucky Derby, and the double standards regarding the alternative use of "horse" medicines. Finally, we consider the steady delay of marriage in our culture and what advice we would give to those who are marriage themselves. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E14 Is Roe v. Wade about to Fall?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2022 55:19


    In this episode we discuss the recent leak of a preliminary Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade. What is the significance of this nearly half-century old legislation, and how should Christians be thinking about it today? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E13 Accordion Music to Die For and Ruffled Feathers on Social Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 73:53


    In this episode we consider the curious case of accordion-wielding gangsters in Africa and the wide-ranging reaction to Elon Musk's acquisition of social media giant Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E12 A Politician Coopting Easter and the Vanishing Disney Villain

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 63:27


    In this episode we discuss a viral church message from a prominent Senator delivered on Easter. We also note a recent observation that Disney movies have slowly eclipsed the notion of a villain in their movies and consider the implications. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E11 Spokane-style Pizza and a Slap that Smacks of Masculinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 75:37


    In this episode we address a supposed Spokane-style pizza going viral online as well as consider Will Smith's slap heard round the world and how it has brought discussions of masculinity back to the forefront of the cultural conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E10 Glory and Cleaning Toilets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2022 51:46


    In this episode Chris welcomes his wife Izumi to the podcast for a discussion on how we can glorify God in the parts of life that don't seem particularly glorious. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

    S3E9 Southern Charm and Magnanimity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 73:13


    In this episode we catch up with Nate's adventure in the city of New Orleans and discuss the under-appreciated virtue of magnanimity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bombadilsporch/message

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