Podcast appearances and mentions of lisa harper

Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life here. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is with some of the world's most renowned Bible scholars and theologians who were with us for Kerygma ‘25 including: Dr. Lynn Cohick, Dr. Craig Blomberg, Dr. Craig Keener, Dr. Dorian Coover Cox, Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Jim Howard, Dr. Nicole Massey Martin, Dr. Eva Bleeker, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle. Here's a sample of just a few of the questions they answer: What's the significance of the numerous “in Christ” references throughout Paul's New Testament epistles and how do they prove that God's love drives His redemptive plan? Why is Augustine's famous assertion: “In essentials – UNITY; in non-essentials, FREEDOM; in all things – CHARITY” necessary for a well-developed ecclesiology and missional focus? How can those of us who are serious about our faith not lose our heart for Jesus and other image bearers in our quest for biblical accuracy and theological acumen? Why do we have to be careful about merging triumphalism and exceptionalism into our faith narrative? How we can best tune our spiritual ears to the shape in which our Creator Redeemer contextualized this love letter we call the Bible? Today's dream team of scholars is about to give us a master class of biblically informed wisdom infused with grace and humility. So please grab a jumbo cup of java, your Bible, a notebook, and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here.

TWS News 1: Do Not Disturb – 00:26 Amateur First Responder: Paragliding – 3:11 Perspective Email – 6:50 Name It & Claim It: CRV – 9:41 Prayer Wall – 13:53 TWS News 2: Ozzy’s Faith – 17:48 5 Calls Calls It: Babysitter’s DoorDash – 22:20 Forrest Frank “Back Brace” Video – 27:55 TWS News 3: Unhinged Orders – 33:36 Lisa Harper’s Girl Logic – 36:43 Flashback Friday – 42:00 Rock Report: Hulk Hogan’s Passing – 44:58 Best Worst Joke Game – 47:46 You can join our Wally Show Poddies Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/WallyShowPoddies

Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life here. During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are hanging out with one of my dear friends, DawnCheré Wilkerson, who's really gifted at something I really struggle with, which is waiting. The first time I met DawnCheré – about ten years ago – she and her husband, Pastor Rich Wilkerson, were in the midst of a very long season of infertility. And yet she was somehow pregnant with hope. When I asked her how she held onto genuine hope and joy after so many years of heartbreak and disappointment, she told me that God was teaching her to live in the wait. Waiting is inescapable. And while we might feel like a whole lot of nothing is going on in a slow burn, we couldn't be more wrong. There most definitely is something going on. God has not forgotten you and because of His immutable presence and grace, we can all experience the miraculous juxtaposition of divine wonder within our waits. So please fix yourself a cup of coffee and your Bible, and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here today.

Welcome to the VOUS Church Podcast.In today's message, The King Who Comes Close, guest Lisa Harper reminds us that Jesus isn't a far-off Savior. He meets us in our pain, carries the residue of our heartache, and calls us close. Holiness starts with proximity, not perfection.As a church, we're stepping into a new season. VOUS SoMi is breaking ground on its permanent home, a space built for worship, community, and the generations to come. It's more than a building. It's a faith move toward the future. Learn more and join the journey at vouschurch.com/build.

Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life here. During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I are diving deep into the swirling waters of gender discrimination disguised as biblically-sound exegesis. Recent polls have revealed that for the first time in American church history, young women are leaving mainline Christian congregations at a higher rate than young men and one of the main reasons cited is their observation and/or personal experience with misogyny. With being treated as “less than” simply because they're female. Thankfully, despite culture's penchant for the prejudicial treatment of women, God's redemptive plan reveals itself over and over again in the metanarrative of the Bible, as evidenced by several Old and New Testament stories we're going to unpack on the porch today. And while we're calling this episode “Let's hear it for the girls” we sincerely hope that all of you amazing brothers who've pulled up a chair to the porch will stay; because gentlemen, we need you. You're in a unique position and have more potential than you probably even realize to help broken hearted daughters in the family of faith heal. We need more than a few good and godly men who will stand up for what the Bible really says it comes to this painful, and often polarizing issue. So please grab an extra-large iced beverage and your Bible – unless, of course, you've got your hands full skimming frogs out of the pool as we get ready for summer - and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here. Learn more about the Hope Together event here.

Lisa Harper encourages the Gateway family as she continues our Pillars series with a special message about communion.

Lisa Harper encourages the Gateway family as she continues our Pillars series with a special message about communion.

Lisa Harper encourages the Gateway family as she continues our Pillars series with a special message about communion.

Lisa Harper encourages the Gateway family as she continues our Pillars series with a special message about communion.

Real healing requires true dependence on God because He didn't create you to carry the weight of life on your own. Let go of self-sufficiency and trust the One who can truly make you whole.

Real healing requires true dependence on God because He didn’t create you to carry the weight of life on your own. Let go of self-sufficiency and trust the One who can truly make you whole. If you’ve just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: ele.vc/tIepfr Scripture References:John 5, verses 1-6Mark 2, verses 13-17See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life here. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is the part-two sequel of An Antidote to Self-Centeredness Disguised as Spirituality. The bottom line is, it's more important than ever to embrace the gospel story as the ultimate lens through which we understand life or pretty soon everything's going to become blurry. Which underscores the new for a new kind of catechism – a fresh way to understand and communicate the concrete, biblical scaffolding of our belief system as Christ-followers. Dr. Trevin Wax calls what we're talking about today a disruptive discipleship tool…Alli and I can guarantee it'll put fresh wind in your sails. So please grab your favorite beverage and your Bible and pull your chair right next to ours on this proverbial porch – we're really glad you're here!

Lisa Harper sits down with Sheila Walsh to discuss common questions that people have about God, like does God really love me? And does God actually answer prayers?    www.ladies4Jesus.org

Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life here. During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I are diving into the swampy waters of ideology with Dr. Trevin Wax. Trevin will help us understand and learn how to better practice what some have called counter-catechesis – that is sorting out our Christian belief system in a thoughtful way that effectively says, “You've heard it communicated like this on a popular podcast or Instagram reel, but now let's look at what the Bible actually says about that issue.” Grab a caffeinated beverage and a hearty snack, plus your Bible and a notebook if you've got one handy, and then come pull up a chair on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here!

In this episode, we're joined by the wise and wonderful Lisa Harper — author, Bible teacher, and one of the most joy-filled voices in the Church today. With her trademark humor and heartfelt honesty, Lisa shares a powerful conversation with Shelley Giglio about theology, friendship, and the beauty of living in a deep community connection. Lisa opens up about her early struggles with inadequacy and how, for a time, theology became a mask she wore rather than a lens through which she could truly see Jesus. But as God gently reshaped her heart, Lisa began to understand that real theology is deeply relational, all about knowing Christ and letting that knowledge transform our lives. In this conversation, Lisa lets us into how that revelation has impacted her view on community, and challenges us to do the same. She also gives us a glimpse into what God is doing through her Kerygma Conference and her new book, “A Jesus Shaped Life.” In true Lisa Harper fashion, this episode is filled with both deep belly laughs and powerful theological truths, serving as a reminder to us that theology isn't just for classrooms or scholars, but for every woman longing to know Jesus and walk with Him more closely.The Grove is an extension of all God is doing here at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to serve and care for women everywhere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @pcc_thegrove or visit thegroveonline.com to get connected.

Mensagem do dia 22 de Junho de 2025 por Lisa Harper www.ibab.com.br Nos acompanhe nas redes sociais www.instagram.com/oficialibab www.facebook.com/oficialibab www.twitter.com/oficialibab

You know that old, familiar ice-breaker question, “If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?” Well, during today's episode of Back Porch Theology – which was taped live at our 2025 Kerygma Summit a few weeks ago. And yes, we happen to be hugely biased, but y'all this bevy of Bible scholars could aptly be described as Wonder Women. Dr. Lynn Cohick is the Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of Houston Theological Seminary. Dr. Eva Bleeker is assistant professor of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care at Denver Seminary. Dr. Irini Fambro, she and her family reside in Dallas where she serves as president of The King's University. Dr. Dorian Coover-Cox is a beloved Old Testament professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and has tutored hundreds of students in Hebrew over the years. And rounding out this dream team is Dr. Nicole Massey Martin. She's currently the COO for Christianity Today, and served as a senior VP at The American Bible Society. Today's episode is going to be FIRE, y'all ~ so please grab a great big iced mocha. Welcome to the porch – we're so glad you've chosen to hang out with us today! Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Purchase NIV Application Bible here.

Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is a part two, so if you haven't listened to last week's conversation with our friend Katherine Wolf, I encourage you to do so. Now before we dive in, I'd like to read a brief excerpt from Katherine's latest book titled, Treasures in the Dark: “David taught me that laughter and worship aren't so different. In fact, they are simply two of the shapes that hope takes. Both laughter and worship are most powerful when offered from full brokenness of body or of circumstance. Sure, it's great to celebrate and praise God when life is good. But whooping with laughter when you can hardly speak or raising your hands in worship from the seat of a wheelchair…now that's evidence of a soul who has found transcending security and joy in Divine Love. Suffering can harden us to the good things in life, or it can open us up to receive them with abandon.” Grab your Bible if you've got one and welcome to the porch…we're really glad you're here. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Purchase NIV Application Bible here.

Some conversations feel like a hug you didn't know you needed. This is one of them. SJR and Lisa Harper pull up to talk about the kind of grace that finds you in the middle of your mess, the love of God that never walks away, and what it means to grow through criticism without losing your softness. They unpack ministry wounds, performance-based faith, recovering from religious shame, and how to hold your calling without breaking your heart. This episode is a full-circle moment for the girls who've wrestled with not being “enough” for the Church but know they're still called. If you've ever felt like you're building something while battling what's behind you, go ahead and lean into this conversation.

Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is with my friend Katherine Wolf about God's compassionate purpose with regards to our pain. Many of you have probably heard or read some of Katherine's story – she suffered a massive stroke when she was 26 years old, not long after giving birth to her and her husband Jay's first son, James. Her story is riddled with debilitating physical and emotional suffering – which she endures to this day – and yet she honestly oozes hope. Because she learned to find treasures in the dark by asking the hard and awkward questions pain prompts: Where is God in this? Am I alone? What is the point of all this suffering? Is hope just a cruel, false promise? Katherine dared to wrestle for answers without letting go of God. This is a rich and layered conversation so it's best to listen slowly and give the tenderest places in your heart time to soak it all in. Thank you for carving out the time to be with us today…we're really glad you're here.

Join the mission! Visit donate.accessmore.com to help fund more episodes and shows like this. Today is a red-letter kind of day here on Back Porch Theology because Alli and I have the undeserved privilege and absolute delight of having a conversation with one of the world's foremost experts on the New Testament canon, specifically the Gospels, Dr. Craig Blomberg. It's not every day you get to sit down with a brilliant saint with a PhD from the University Aberdeen, read an excerpt from his classic book called: “The Historical Reliability of the New Testament” – which, by the way, is just one of almost twenty academic books and commentaries that Dr. Blomberg's written – and then ask him this question: Will you please explain the term “hermeneutical spiral” as well as how it can be useful as we seek to not simply read and interpret the Bible but actually be read and interpreted by the Bible? Welcome to Back Porch Theology's scholar edition…we're really glad you've chosen to hang out with us today.

Author Mary Wiley joins Kirk Cameron for a discussion about the importance of leading our children in a deeper study of scripture. She shares her book, "Discovering the Bible," and examines the significance of strengthening our relationship with God. Don't miss this informative interview on Takeaways with Kirk Cameron on TBN! Missed the last episode? Listen in as Lisa Harper shares the biggest misconception about theology. ⁠⁠WATCH Takeaways with Kirk Cameron episodes for free on TBN+⁠⁠! Each episode of Takeaways with Kirk Cameron features knowledgeable guests having a respectful and thoughtful conversation surrounding topics that are impacting our society every day. Kirk's hope is that you will walk away from this show with practical steps on how to better your family, your community, and your nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the mission! Visit donate.accessmore.com to help fund more episodes and shows like this. During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology after the initial belly laughs we dive pretty deep – as is often the case with BPT - into a theme that's been my heartbeat for the last several years, which is what it really means to live a Jesus-shaped life. To imitate Jesus authentically, not just with religious language and ethical ideology. Theology is anything but sterile subject matter, y'all – it was meant to be lived, not simply learned - because God isn't a proposition to be examined, He's a triune personhood with whom we get to engage! So please get yourself a yummy iced latte, and come hang out on the porch with us…we're really glad you're here!

In celebration of Mother's Day this month, Ruth's sitting down to talk about the wild and wonderful journey of motherhood with a handful of friends in various stages of life. Listen in as Lisa shares her journey into motherhood, how she learned to trust God in the dark and therole gratitude plays in her life. Grab a cup of coffee (or some chips and queso!) and prepare to be encouraged! Resources mentioned:A Jesus-Shaped Life by Lisa HarperBack Porch Theology Podcastlisaharper.org | @lisadharper

Lisa Harper joins Kirk Cameron for a discussion surrounding the biggest misconceptions about theology and how it truly reveals God's desire for community with us. She shares the purpose behind her newest book, "A Jesus Shaped Life," and discusses how to approach theology from a relational perspective. Don't miss these informative interviews on Takeaways with Kirk Cameron on TBN! Missed the last episode? Listen in as Shane Pruitt exposes the cultural lies that many Christians have adopted as Gospel. ⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH Takeaways with Kirk Cameron episodes for free on TBN+⁠⁠⁠⁠! Each episode of Takeaways with Kirk Cameron features knowledgeable guests having a respectful and thoughtful conversation surrounding topics that are impacting our society every day. Kirk's hope is that you will walk away from this show with practical steps on how to better your family, your community, and your nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vote Back Porch Theology for Podcast Impact Award at the K-LOVE Fan Awards! Vote here: KLOVEFanAwards.com! Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is an encore with Natalie Grant and Bernie Herms because we simply could fit all the wisdom bombs they dropped regarding hanging onto hope when the miracle you prayed for seems delayed into one episode! Plus, since we've had lots of DM's and e-mails from y'all requesting content on how to have more Jesus-shaped relationships, we thought it'd be a good idea to ask Nat and Bernie a few questions about what they've learned from 20+ years of marriage, especially given the added stress of extensive travel, public scrutiny, and infertility. We're so glad you're here on the porch with us! Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here.

This Mother's Day, Lisa Harper brings an inspiring message for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, disqualified, or broken. Through the story of two courageous midwives in Exodus, we are reminded that God delights in using unlikely people to accomplish extraordinary things. No matter your story, it's not too late—your “yes” to God could be the beginning of something beautiful.

This Mother's Day, Lisa Harper brings an inspiring message for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, disqualified, or broken. Through the story of two courageous midwives in Exodus, we are reminded that God delights in using unlikely people to accomplish extraordinary things. No matter your story, it's not too late—your “yes” to God could be the beginning of something beautiful.

Vote Back Porch Theology for Podcast Impact Award at the K-LOVE Fan Awards! Vote here: KLOVEFanAwards.com! During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, I have the absolute delight of diving deep into some real-life stuff with two dear friends, Natalie Grant, and her husband, Bernie Herms. Unless you're living off the grid and are listening to BPT through a coconut and dental floss, you've no doubt heard Natalie's stellar voice because she's been a recording artist for over twenty years and has more awards – including multiple female artist of the year awards – than you could fit in the back of a truck. And Bernie's success as a music producer is every bit as extraordinary as Nat's; he's also been honored with a plethora of accolades, including several Grammys. If you feel like you're running low on hope this season because the miracle you've been trusting God for hasn't happened yet, Nat and Bernie's story is going to provide both empathy and encouragement and will help reframe our perspectives regarding God's sovereignty and our expectancy. Lisa Harper's Luke Study is available here. Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here.

In this vulnerable and hope-filled episode, bestselling author and theologian Lisa Harper joins Ginny Yurich to explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: does past pain disqualify us from future purpose? With her signature blend of humor, warmth, and depth, Lisa shares her powerful adoption story, how trauma shaped her early years, and the way God met her in the darkest places to bring about redemption. From being told she shouldn't become a mother because of her history of abuse to becoming a single parent through adoption in her 50s, Lisa offers hard-won wisdom and a message of restoration for anyone who's ever felt disqualified by their past. Together, Lisa and Ginny unpack deep theological truths in a way that's accessible, practical, and deeply personal. They discuss the theology of tears, the beauty of community, and how diving into Scripture with curiosity (and even a little queso) can radically transform your life. This conversation is for the one who's weary, the one who's healing, and the one who's wondering if there's still a beautiful future ahead. Spoiler: there is. ** Get your copy of A Jesus Shaped Life here Learn more about Lisa and all she has to offer (including her podcast!) here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all get ready because my friend Lisa Harper is here! She's one of my favorite teachers and today we're talking about being lifelong learners, the kindness of God, and what we love about Jesus. Her brand new book, A Jesus Shaped Life, comes out tomorrow and I kept wanting to slow down and re-read and underline because it's just so deep and special.   We're also going to dive into our question in our TSF Seasons Guidebook today: How do I rest in this season? If you're following along we're on page 51.  . . . . . You're invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We've got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you're subscribed. We're also going to be reading in the order that's in the Let's Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It's totally up to you! We also have a facebook group for all of us who are reading together!  . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. WayFair: Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online and this summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com now. Our Place: My friends save up to 30% off sitewide now through May 12th at fromourplace.com/TSF.  Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.  Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply. If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're wrapping up a 3-part series on Zephaniah in a series we called “The Theology of Compassionate Consequences”. It may initially sound like an oxymoron – a contradiction in terms - to pair the words “compassionate” and “consequences” together, kind of like “jumbo shrimp” or “act naturally” or “climb down”. It begs the question, “If God really is unconditionally loving, then why do we have to suffer consequences at all?” Here's the deal y'all, God's parameters aren't punitive or pejorative…they are always promissory and protective. Psalm 16:5 says it best, “His boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places.” Alli, Dr. Howard & I are so happy you've chosen to carve out this time to hang out on the porch with us, please grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, then feel free to lean back and put your feet up. This is a safe place to lean further into the unconditional love of our Creator Redeemer. Lisa Harper's Luke Study is available here.

Theology is not just for academics.    Bible teacher, podcaster, and author of A Jesus-Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God, Lisa Harper, delves into theology, which she says can strengthen a relationship with Jesus.    Her new book connects the world of theology and the miracle of Jesus to help us understand His radical kindness and accessibility. She shares personal stories about her connection with faith and the importance of bringing your whole self to God.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writing doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be honest. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you pour out your story - not to impress, but to connect. Bob, Kim, and Lisa remind us that God isn't looking for polished voices, just willing ones. Whether you're in the middle of motherhood or the middle of a manuscript, there's something here for you. Connect with Lisa: instagram.com/lisadharper/A Jesus Shaped Life: https://www.lisaharper.org/a-jesus-shaped-life Connect with Bob: instagram.com/bobgoff Connect with Kim: instagram.com/kimberly.stuart.writes --- Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.

Writing doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be honest. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you pour out your story - not to impress, but to connect. Bob, Kim, and Lisa remind us that God isn't looking for polished voices, just willing ones. Whether you're in the middle of motherhood or the middle of a manuscript, there's something here for you. Connect with Lisa: instagram.com/lisadharper/A Jesus Shaped Life: https://www.lisaharper.org/a-jesus-shaped-life Connect with Bob: instagram.com/bobgoff Connect with Kim: instagram.com/kimberly.stuart.writes --- Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.

[Dr. Lisa Harper is speaking at the Chosen Women's Conference at Seacoast Church in September 2025. Click this link to purchase an online pass, which includes livestream access to all sessions and exclusive content for online pass holders]On this episode, speaker, author, and theologian scholar, Dr. Lisa Harper, joins hosts Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen to talk about her new book, A Jesus-Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God. In her book, Lisa shares personal stories, with a fair share of humor, to reveal how the Holy Spirit has shown her that following Jesus should cause her to become more like him. Its pages theologically support this revelation and explain why studying the Scriptures should make us all more like Jesus. Along the way, Lisa shares fascinating, and perhaps surprising context behind the terminology "Word of God," why it's important to remember that the Bible isn't part of the Trinity, and what believers miss out on by not maintaining a truly restful posture with their maker.  On this Episode: Dr. Lisa Harper /  Instagram / Book / Podcast / WebsiteLynne Stroy, host / Instagram Joey Svendsen, host / Instagram Luke Gaikwad, host / Instagram Bri McCleod, host / Instagram Producer/Editor: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn VandiverWe have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. Also we have a Facebook Page for listeners to keep up with the latest news on "Things You Won't Hear on Sunday" Podcast. Be a Patron of the podcast

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, the second in a series on God's severe mercy – which is kind of like saying His divine discipline ALWAYS takes place under a canopy of grace - we're swimming in the deep end of a colorful, albeit very concise book in the Old Testament called Zephaniah. His overarching theme regarding how our crooked hearts will consistently lead us off cliffs without God's compassionate intervention reminds me of something one of my favorite authors, Brennan Manning, wrote: “If we gloss over our selfishness and rationalize the evil within us, we can only pretend we are sinners and therefore only pretend we have been forgiven.” Come hang out on the porch with Alli, Dr. Howard, and me. Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/ Lisa Harper's Luke Study is available here.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life. Together, they explore how diving into theology isn’t about elitism or intellect—it’s about intimacy. Lisa shares stories that are as moving as they are humorous (yes, snot and sanctification are both on the table), revealing how theological reflection is meant to be lived out in community, kindness, and Christlikeness. From Leviticus to the Trinity, from doctrinal missteps to the presence of God, this episode reminds us that theology done well brings us closer to Jesus and shapes us to reflect His radical love in the world. Whether you're a seminary student or someone whose eyes glaze over at the word "pericope," this episode will meet you where you are—and invite you deeper.

Lisa is a world renown speaker and writer with over 30 years of church and para-church ministry leadership experience. She holds a Masters in Theology from Covenant Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry from Denver Seminary. She's the co-host of the popular “Back Porch Theology” podcast and the author of several books including her most recent book: A Jesus Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology – the first in a series of three – we're going to delve into some pretty spicy subject matter in the colorful Old Testament book of Zephaniah regarding the overt rebellion of God's people. We're going to examine how our spiritual ancestors effectively thumbed their noses at God's holiness, turned their backs on His kindness, and went out and did whatever nasty, selfish stuff their crooked little hearts desired. Plus, they did so despite His gracious warning that there would be serious consequences for their wicked behavior. My guess is things are about to get a little hot up in here so you might want to bring an iced latte to the porch today! Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/ Lisa Harper's Luke Study is available here.

Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here. During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're going to bring this 4- part series on prayer to a close, which is kind of like taking the very last bite of the very last brownie in a pan. It's left me wanting more. A few nights ago, I found myself rereading some of the material I'd studied on prayer in preparation for this series and got lost in an old book my dad gave me many years ago by a saint named, E.M. Bounds. He was an attorney and Civil War soldier, who then became a pastor after being seriously wounded in the war, and ultimately a devoted practitioner and prolific author on prayer. I'd almost forgotten that great man of prayer was the pastor of a church right here in Franklin, TN in the late 1800's, just a few miles from our house. So I drove past his old church, the First United Methodist Church on Fifth Avenue yesterday, and pondered a few of his observations on prayer: • Prayer is not learned in a classroom but in the closet.• Prayer breaks all bars, dissolves all chains, opens all prisons, and widens all straits by which God's saints have been held.• I would rather have prayer without words than words without prayer. And finally it was E.M. Bounds who described Christoformity as the consummate shape of prayer, “When we see how the life of Jesus was but one of prayer, then we must conclude that to be like Jesus is to pray like Jesus.” We're calling today's episode - our swan song on The Theology of Prayer - “How God Himself Said Grace.” So please grab a cup of coffee, your Bible, and a prayer journal – or my favorite thing to write notes on, which is a neon sticky pad – and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here. Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Learn more about The Chosen HERE. Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/

Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here. Today's episode on Back Porch Theology is really special. I mean, all of them are really special. It's kind of like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor, but this feels more like a real family episode, because I get to bring in some friends from the Found Collective. Found Collective is a new event for women to lean more fully into Jesus with Bible teachers and worship leaders. I've got three of my dear friends from the Found Collective, Hosanna Wong, amazing Bible teacher, spoken word artist, Kari Jobe, who's like a little sister, and one of my favorite modern-day psalmists, and Taya Gaukrodger. Taya is also just an amazing artist and worship leader, and we are just kind of hanging out on the porch talking about Jesus, talking about salvation and all that He's done for us. So, this is a little more testimonial than some of our other episodes, which means I hope you are wearing stretchy pants or something comfortable. I hope you've got some sweet tea or your favorite coffee. We want you to lean back, put your feet up, and just enjoy this time of leaning into the embrace of Jesus more fully on the porch. We are so glad you're here! For tickets to Found: Please visit https://foundcollective.com/ Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Learn more about The Chosen HERE. Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/

Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here. What happens with the supernatural starts to become more natural? During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're peeling off whatever emotional Spanx are left and getting totally vulnerable in the praxis of prayer. This is our third conversation in a 4-part series we've titled The Theology of Prayer. Our fervent hope and prayer is that the time we get to spend on the porch today will help demystify the glorious sacrament of prayer and serve as an encouraging catalyst for all of us to become more confident and consistent in our conversations with God. So please grab a cup of coffee – although decaf might be the best option since we're going to learn a few anxiety-pulverizing prayers – your Bible, and a prayer journal if you have one and come exhale into the kindness of King Jesus with us. We're glad you're here. Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Learn more about The Chosen HERE. Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/

How can we maintain our hope in Jesus while waiting on Him? In the first message of our new series, From Death to Life, Lisa Harper explores the gap between God's timing and our own. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can experience His peace, confident that our hope is secure in Him—even when it feels like miracles are taking longer than expected.

It's my birthday!

How can we maintain our hope in Jesus while waiting on Him? In the first message of our new series, From Death to Life, Lisa Harper explores the gap between God's timing and our own. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can experience His peace, confident that our hope is secure in Him—even when it feels like miracles are taking longer than expected.

How do you pray? During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, we're rolling up our sleeves in this second of a 4-part series on prayer and getting practical because we're going to talk about the awesomely vast and varied praxis of prayer. In my experience, far too many of us have been taught - overtly or tacitly - that there's one “right” way to pray and unfortunately the implication we perceived is that we're a square peg in the round hole of prayer and don't know how to “correctly” commune with God. The prayers recorded in the redemptive history of God's people are wonderfully diverse. There are short prayers and long prayers and quiet petitions and shouted pleas, they reflect both the rapture and the rupture of real people experiencing real life! What IS a common denominator in the conversations people had with our Creator in Scripture is the awareness that we humans can't make it by ourselves - we NEED His divine help! So please grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea or thimble full of wheat grass juice, a couple of snacks, your Bible and a prayer journal if you have one - otherwise a couple of sticky notes will do - and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here. Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Learn more about The Chosen HERE. Kerygma Sale! Invite a friend or two and take advantage of a $75 discount on two tickets or $150 off three tickets by entering the codes BIGBIBLES2 or BIGBIBLES3. Visit https://www.kerygmasummit.com/

Ever wonder why do we pray? Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is the first of a four-part series we're really excited and passionate about called The Theology of Prayer. Alli, Dr. Howard and I have talked and dreamed and pondered and of course prayed about doing a series on prayer for years, and I think the main reason it's taken us so long to finally record this series is because the glorious rich, nuanced, profound, practical and transformative experience of communing with our Creator Redeemer is kind of like the mouth-watering brisket they serve at Buccees. Karl Barth – one of my favorite theologians wrote this, “To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” Isn't that good? I'm not nearly as wise as those saints but in my experience of being a Christ-follower for more than half a century now, I've found prayer to be the very scaffolding of my security and contentment. At this point in my life, prayer is as necessary and life-giving as breathing. We're really looking forward to the next couple of episodes and we're so grateful to get to share them with y'all. Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Learn more about The Chosen HERE.

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, the very last stop in our topsy-turvy tour through Judges, we're going to hang out with a hot mess of a man who was my favorite character in biblical narrative – apart from Jesus, of course – when I was a little girl. His name was Samson and I'm not sure why I was so captivated by him when I was a kid because for most of his life, he was a rebel without a clue. Although Sam's birth announcement was engraved by an angel, and he was doted on by good and godly parents who suffered through decades of infertility before they got pregnant with him, he rejected their morality and devotion to God and went careening in the opposite direction. I'm not going to spoil the audacious end of his story in this preview, but if you've been on the porch for the last few episodes, you know that divine redemption is always lurking in the darkest alleys of humanity. Dr. Tim Keller explained it beautifully, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” We're serving up extra portions of hope on the porch today, so we're delighted you've chosen to pull up a chair to chow down with us. Please grab your favorite beverage, and a Bible and let's dive into this divine love story and remind our prone-to-wander selves of the miraculous redemption available to us because God's faithfulness has always been weightier than our flaws! Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here. Learn more about The Chosen HERE.

Save 25% off an annual subscription to Dwell here. During today's podcast on Back Porch Theology we're exploring one of the greatest leaders in the history of God's people who just so happens to be a chick named Deb! She was both a judge and a prophetess. Which means she was kind of like a president and pastor rolled into one - the entire prone-to-wander nation of Israel turned to her for leadership, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. And another unlikely heroine makes her debut during Deborah's timeline, too. Her name was Jael and let me tell you, that woman was LEGIT - she could have held her own against a burly, tatted MMA fighter twice her size! Even though these women's stories take place long before David's in redemptive history, they illustrate what God said to Samuel about Davey when he was anointed to be the future king of Israel before he even started shaving, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” In other words, God delights in using misfits in miraculous ways. Don't forget, the book of Judges was a bleak chapter in the history of God's people – there was no king on the throne, the Word of God was not being taught in the land, and most people were doing whatever crooked little hearts desired. It looked as if their toes were hanging over the edge of obscurity. And based on their rebellion and idolatry, they deserved to be fried into greased spots of oblivion by some divine lightning bolt. Instead, our Heavenly Father inserts a couple of unlikely heroes into their drama, which results in an epic military victory as well as a national revival. The brightest mornings often follow the darkest nights when we give God the sole authorship of our story. It a great day to hang out on the porch, so please grab your favorite beverage, your Bible, and a snack and come prop your feet up with us. We love getting to spend this time with you. Watch the Ark in the Darkness HERE. Learn more about The Chosen HERE.