Front Porch Report

This week, Jesus encounters a man who has been rejected by a colony of rejected people. The “Son of the Most High God” helps him deal with some of his demons and, in the process, teaches us a lot about himself and the Gospel. Join Taz and Sam as they unpack the story of the Gerasene Demoniac. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

Supreme Court showdown over Sabbath could change workplaces across US, By Devin Dwyer and Isabella Meneses https://apple.news/A9i4AI_DHSVW-J7T-Te83Dg 7 Things You Should Know About the Lord's Day, By David Schrock https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/a-brief-history-of-sunday/ Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Jesus teaches us what lamps are for, adopts us as his mother, and tells a big storm to calm down (it's being too loud). Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

Join us this week as we dive into the parable of the sower and discuss soil types, listening ears, and what obedience looks like. Beach Reach Article: https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/students-flock-to-south-padre-island-for-beach-reach/ Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

Join Taz and Sam as they discuss Luke 7's themes of forgiveness, love, and faith. They explore how we sometimes put up theological roadblocks that prevent us from fully embracing the gospel. They also talk about the story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with perfume and how her love for Jesus was rooted in the forgiveness of her sins. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation! So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and let's dive in! Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

Is it possible for someone engaged in unrepentant sin to be a trustworthy teacher? Can an individual's theology and their behavior be separated from each other? It is vital for Christians to consider these questions, especially in an age where more and more giants of biblical thought are having previously hidden sin patterns brought to the light. What Are Theologians For? The Case of Karl Barth's Adultery - Samuel G Parkinson https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/theologians-karl-barth-adultery/

In the wake of a pair of rather impressive messianic miracles, Jesus is approached by some disciples of John the Baptist who relay that his cousin is no longer sure whether he is actually the Christ. Jesus's response to this expression of doubt is fascinating. Join Sam and Taz this week as they discuss this and more using the discovery bible study method. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Jesus is on a mission to undo the effects of the curse. He starts by performing a miraculous healing on a man he hasn't even seen face-to-face based on the faith a Roman Centurion. He then interrupts a funeral by bringing the dead man back to life. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss what these two incredible stories have to teach us today. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Sam and Taz dive deep into Jesus's sermon on the plain and find themselves encouraged and convicted by his teachings, commands and parables. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Taz and Bruce discuss some of the main themes from chapters five through nine of Jesus and John Wayne. We would love for you to read through this work with us and join the conversation. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Fath and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

As election results trickle in, they reveal that the highly anticipated "red wave" is itself merely a trickle. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss the implications of the election results for republicans, Texas and the US as a whole. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Jesus sabbaths with style, sets his final roster for the 12 apostles, and begins the sermon on the plain. Follow along with Taz and Sam as they dive into the text using the Discovery Bible Study method. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

Jesus and John Wayne is an historical exploration of the American Evangelical movement that, in part, seek to explain why white christians seem to have such rabid support for politicians like Donald Trump. This week, Bruce makes his triumphant return as guest host as he and Taz discuss the first four chapters of this provocative, compelling, and convicting book. We would love for you to read through this work with us and join the conversation. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Fath and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok: @frontporchreport Email: thefrontporchreport@gmail.com

This week, Jesus picks up a couple of friends, makes a few enemies and tells his first parables. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss the importance of sharing the gospel with our actions and try to figure out what makes new wine better than old. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Fresh off of his baptism at the hands of his cousin, John, Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness and then starts his ministry in the region of Galilee. In addition to their usual discussion of the DBS questions, Sam and Taz also take a deep dive into literary design and chiasm as they seek to explain what at first seems like a narrative plot hole. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Referenced Materials: The Satan: How God's Executioner Became The Enemy by Ryan E. Stokes Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by Brandon J O'Brien and E. Richards

This week John the Baptist has some choice words for hypocrites (aka all of us), but also describes how repentance can lead to forgiveness. Meanwhile, Sam shares some theories for how Luke and Matthew's geneologies of Jesus can be correct, even though they are different. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or Facebook with #SundaySchoolDropouts  Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)    Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

After the Biden administration announced that certain individuals with federal student loan debt will receive forgiveness from $10,000-$20,000, there was a veritable explosion of vitriol and partisan bickering across social media. Unsurprisingly, a nuanced middleground perspective was missing from most of these hot takes. Join Taz and Sam this week as they try to tackle this historic announcement from as many angles as possible while exercising empathy towards those who are ecstatic, and those who are appalled. *correction* since recording this episode, it was revealed that individuals who continued to pay down their debt during the COVID-19 moratorium have the opportunity to apply for a refund of those payments. Therefore it is not entirely accurate to say that this policy has no benefit for people who just finished paying their debt.

This week, Luke gives us some unique details about one of the most mysterious periods of Jesus' life, his childhood. Join us as we discuss the impact that a young savior has on the people around him in the second half of Luke Chapter 2. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or Facebook with #OneStepAway Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Join us this week as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Texas Summer Style. It's never the wrong time of year to remind ourselves of the "good news of great joy" that a small family and some shepherds got to experience over 2,000 years ago. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

This week, Taz is joined by his father, Bryon, in a discussion of how suffering can strengthen our relationship with God. Diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in April, Bryon has experienced first-hand how a life can be turned upside down over the course of a single day. Despite the struggles that have accompanied the diagnosis and chemo treatment, Bryon is, in some ways, closer to God than ever. Be encouraged with us today as he tells his story. To read more about Bryon's story, follow his blog on Caring Bridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amyandbryonturner/journal/view/id/62980317cffc763a6b30128a Join the conversation, or express your support with this week's hashtag: #BryonWins

In the wake of a Texas Elementary School mass shooting and the release of a bombshell report on the Souther Baptist Convention's on-going sexual abuse scandal, Taz and Sam are overwhelmed by the tragedy of the world. Join us this week as we think through these heavy issues and seek to find the goodness of God in a truly difficult place.

The Holy Spirit turns everyone into poets this week, and Sam and Taz are here for it. Join us as we discuss God's faithfulness from generation to generation to the Nation of Israel and to the least of these in the second half of Luke Chapter 1. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or Facebook with #samvsbabies Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

The Angel Gabriel gets his steps in this week as he assists an elderly priest named Zechariah and a young woman named Mary with their unexpected family planning needs. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss Luke 1:1-38, contemplate the freewill of spiritual beings, and try to figure out what ties John, Ezekiel, and Malachi together. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or facebook with #samsangels Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Taz reads from Luke 1:1 through Luke 9:36 in the Christian Standard Bible translation. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)

Season 3 of Discovery Bible Study is here, but the book Taz and Sam are going to study is a surprise, even to themselves. Join us this week as they cast lots to pick one of the four gospels, then stick around for important historical and textual context that will guide their discussions of the text this season. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

In an age of mass-exodus from the Evangelical Christian movement, what can Christ-followers learn from the stories of those who have gone through deconstruction? This week, Sam and Taz interview Yididia, a former believer who grew up with a strong faith, but who now identifies as Atheist/Agnostic.

In the Season 2 finale of Front Porch Report, Taz and Sam discuss calls for Supreme Court Justice John Roberts to retire, as well as controversy surrounding the Rwandan Government. Take The Hint, John Roberts — It's Time For You To Retire, Too By John F. Harris -2/03/2022 https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/03/john-roberts-scotus-justices-00005051 DreamWeek event with Rwandan ambassador draws scrutiny Brooke Crum - 1/21/2022 https://sanantonioreport.org/dreamweek-event-with-rwandan-ambassador-draws-scrutiny/

Can a prayer of faith heal a sick person? Can a Christian lose their salvation? Where has Front Porch Report been for the last month? This week, Cohosts Sam and Taz discuss these and more questions in the thrilling conclusion to the book of James. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

As Universities across the nation prepare to face each other in NCAA Football Bowl Games, Lucas joins the boys to discuss the season to date as well as speculate on the future of TCU and The Big 12. Finally they close with predictions about some of the most exciting Bowl Game prospects.

In part one of their James Chapter 5 bible study, Sam and Taz discuss what Jesus' half-brother has to say about the topics of wealth, patience, suffering, and divine healing. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)   Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

As Democrats struggle to unify behind the Build Back Better Bill, some critics on the left have pointed out what appears to be a hypocritical element of it. Sam and Taz dive deep into these claims and discuss the ideological impurities of political "pork". Second-biggest program in Democrats' spending plan gives billions to the rich By Alyssa Fowers and Simon Ducroquet - November 16, 2021 https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/11/16/second-biggest-program-democrats-budget-gives-billions-rich/

Former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke announces that he is running for the Democratic nomination in the 2022 Texas Governor's race. This week Taz and Sam unpack Beto's history, his politics and make a few predictions about how this race is going to turn out.

This week Sam and Taz continue their deep dive into James Chapter 4 and discuss what applications they can draw from the text. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

A former wide reciever for the Las Vegas Raiders faces the end of his career and, potentially, half of his lifetime behind bars for a single night of mistakes. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are barreling toward a geo-political worst-case-scenario. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss what Christians need to consider in these two imortant developments. Henry Ruggs III drove 156 mph seconds before fatal car crash, prosecutors say ESPN News Services - November 3, 2021 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32543330/henry-ruggs-iii-drove-156-mph-seconds-fatal-car-crash-prosecutors-say What Will Drive China to War? Michael Beckley and Hal Brands - Nov 1, 2021 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/us-china-war/620571/

Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 4. This week, the text reveals the relationship between arrogance, boasting, and disrespect. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

As Americans begin to turn their attention away from the Texas border town of Del Rio, Sam and Taz discuss the Christian Worldview implications of another group of Haitian Migrants taking the long, overland journey to the U.S. Southern Border. What motivates these travelers, and how can we apply the principle of the Image of God to what has been described as a "border crisis?" Haitians En Route To The U.S. Crowd A Colombian Town, Before Trekking Through Jungle John Otis - NPR September 29, 2021 https://www.npr.org/2021/09/27/1040829977/haitian-migrants-inundate-a-colombia-town-on-the-way-to-u-s-border

Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 3. This week, they dive deep into some fascinating aspects of the text, and draw application from it. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James. This week they bring the Discovery Bible Study questions to bear on Chapter 3, and learn about humanity's most dangerous organ. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

On September 1st, a law came into effect in Texas that allows citizens to bring civil suits against those who provide abortions and anyone who "aids and abets" abortion. The political firestorm from this law highlights what a stranglehold the topic has on the American political consciousness. Whether you are Pro-Choice or Pro-Life, chances are you have strong opinions about abortion. This week, join Sam and Taz as they take a deep dive into what the bible says about the Image of God, the Dignity of Human Life, and try to discern when life really begins.

The State of Texas makes history by making it a felony to pay for sex, while a woman from Oklahoma exemplifies that not all heroes wear capes. Texas is the first state to make buying sex a felony. Will this help trafficking victims? By Safia Samee Ali - Aug. 12, 2021 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-first-state-make-buying-sex-felony-will-help-trafficking-n1276617 10 girls on Afghanistan's robotics team rescued By Kait Hanson - Aug. 19, 2021 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/oklahoma-mom-11-helps-rescue-10-girls-afghanistan-s-robotics-n1277153

Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 2. This week, they dive deep into the confusing aspects of the text, and draw application from it. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Texas Democrats are playing hide and seek with their Republican colleagues. But who stay away from home the longest? Meanwhile, Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston is in some legal hot water for covering up the sins of his father. What is a Christian to do with this? Join Taz and Sam this week to find out. Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan signs 52 arrest warrants for absent Democrats in bid to end chamber's weekslong stalemate By Cassandra Pollock and Patrick Svitek - Texas Tribune- Aug 10, 2021 Megachurch Co-Founder Is Charged With Concealing Child Sexual Abuse By Yan Zhuang - The New York Times - Aug 5, 2021

Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in the New Testament book of James. This week, they learn about the sin of paritality and the relationship between faith and works. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

This week, join Sam and Taz as they bring the Christian Worldview to bear on your pantry, and your gun-safe. The lie of “expired” food and the disastrous truth of America's food waste problem Stop throwing your food away. By Allissa Wilkinson - Vox - July 8, 2021 https://www.vox.com/22559293/food-waste-expiration-label-best-before Are We Attempting to Serve Two Masters, Jesus and Gun Rights? Reflections from a school shooting survivor. By Taylor Schumann - Christiantity Today - June 24, 2021 Is it Christian to support the 2nd amendment? By JD Greear https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/is-it-christian-to-support-the-2nd-amendment/

Taz reads the entire book of James from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation. Use this episode as an opportunity to meditate on the text as you prepare to study more in-depth with Sam and Taz in the Discovery Bible Study series. Christian Standard Bible: https://csbible.com

Cohosts Taz and Sam begin a new bible study in the New Testament book of James. This week they discover the truth about doubt and what true religion looks like. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Taz and Sam are joined by guest host, Suzanne, as they explore the themes of honor and shame in the Nickelodeon animated TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. What does the gospel mean to Aang or Prince Zuko? What went wrong with the live action movie? Is there hope for the future netflix series? What does Twilight have to do with any of this? Listen along to find out.

Welcome back to Front Porch Report, where cohosts Taz and Sam are here to bring you Christian Worldview analysis of current events and culture, as well as an in depth bible study. Join us this season as the guys go through the book of James, discuss major events happening in the world and occasionally break to deconstruct a pop culture phenomenon. The report is in and we can't wait to go over it with you.

Taz and Sam reflect on the events and implications of the past several months and the major themes that they observed in their Discovery Bible Study of Ezra. Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Bible Project Video on the Holy Spirit (https://bibleproject.com/learn/holy-spirit/) https://www.gotquestions.org

Cohosts Taz and Sam complete their bible study in Ezra, and explore the murky morals of the priest's prounouncement to the exiles. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)

Race, justice, and the tragedy of the human condition are at the forefront this week as Taz and Sam explore the aftermath of a vadalism in San Antonio, Texas, and a legacy of polution in Los Angeles, California. Ramen shop vandalized with racist messages after owner speaks out against Texas' reopening KSAT - Jakob Rodriguez, March 14, 20201 https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/03/14/ramen-shop-vandalized-with-racist-messages-after-owner-speaks-out-against-texas-reopening/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=ksat12&fbclid=IwAR3BmMcpSURPeEs1YQMDjhVT2Afmf4q2q8wgU67F3OyQPfwbtnS0jkeEiWQ The Exide plant in Vernon closed 3 years ago. The vast majority of lead-contaminated properties remain uncleaned Los Angeles Times - Tony Barboza, Ben Poston April 26, 2018 https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-exide-cleanup-20180426-story.html 'I felt I killed my children': lead poisons California community – and fills kids' teeth The Guardian - Brian Osgood March 29, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/29/i-felt-i-killed-my-children-lead-poisons-california-community-and-fills-kids-teeth