Lisa Harper's Back Porch Theology

On today's episode Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore some of the most misunderstood passages in 1 and 2 Timothy. From Paul's instructions about women in the church to his encouragement to stand firm in faith, they explore how understanding the cultural context of Ephesus changes the way we read these letters. Together, they remind us that spiritual maturity, sound doctrine, and courageous faith are just as essential today as they were in the early church. So pull up a chair and join us - we're so glad you're here! Scripture References: 1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:11 1 Timothy 2:9–10 1 Timothy 2:11–15 2 Timothy 1:5 2 Timothy 1:6 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Timothy 4:17 2 Timothy 4:18

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Susie Larson tackle a question most of us will face at some point: How do we move forward when someone’s past—or the pain they caused—makes it difficult to see them differently? Through the tiny but mighty book of Philemon, they explore reconciliation, releasing resentment and shame, and the gospel’s power to transform not only people, but relationships. This conversation reminds us that grace frees us from keeping score and invites us to see ourselves and others not through the lens of what has been, but through the redemptive eyes of Jesus. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in on the porch with us, we're so glad you're here. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Philemon 1:1–25 Acts 20:36–38 Job Galatians 3:28 Genesis 15:9–21 John 4:1–42 2 Corinthians 5:16–17 Philippians 2:5–8 Philippians 4:11–13 Philippians 1:12–14 1 Chronicles 28:2–3 Psalm 50:10 Philippians 4:19 Matthew 6:9–13 Psalm 119:18

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by beloved theologian and friend Dr. Lynn Cohick to wrestle with the question: What does joy look like when your circumstances give you very little to be joyful about? They dig into Paul’s letter to the Philippians—a letter overflowing with joy, yet written from prison—and explore what Paul’s resilience and Job’s faithfulness can teach us about remaining anchored in Jesus when life is painful, uncertain, or simply not what we hoped it would be. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch, we're so glad you're here. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Ephesians 2:10 Acts 16 Acts 21–28 Romans 7:15 Romans 8:38–39 Job 1–2; 20-21 Job 13:16 Psalm 34:8 Psalm 42:3, 11 Psalm 56:8 1 Corinthians 13:12 1 Corinthians 15:42–54 Philippians 1:12–21; 27-30 Philippians 2:25–30 Philippians 3:10; 20–21 Philippians 4:4–8; 11–13

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by their friend Kristi McLelland for a rich conversation about freedom, family, and what it really looks like to walk with Jesus through the book of Galatians. Together, they unpack the beauty of our adoption into the family of God, the freedom we’ve been given through the cross, and how the fruit of the Spirit becomes tangible in the way we love, serve, and show up for one another. Because the Gospel isn’t simply something we believe—it changes how we live, how we give, and how we carry each other’s burdens. So grab a cup of coffee (or a scoop of mint chocolate chip!) and pull up a chair on the Back Porch with us. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Galatians 1:1–5 Galatians 1:15 Galatians 4:4–7 Galatians 5:1 Galatians 5:16–26 Genesis 17:1 Acts 19 Matthew 28:18–20 Matthew 6:9–13

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into 1 Corinthians with Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, exploring Paul's call to unity in a church wrestling with division, cultural pressures, and sexual brokenness—and how genuine biblical community calls us back to wholeness. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Psalm 51 1 Corinthians 5:1 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 5:7 Jeremiah 2:13 1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 1:18 John 4 Revelation 3:20 Acts 18

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by New Testament scholar and Anglican priest Dr. Michael Bird for a lively dive into the book of Acts. Together, they explore the inseparable connection between Luke and Acts, the significance of Jesus’ ascension, and the Holy Spirit’s powerful work through ordinary believers as the early church quite literally turned the world upside down. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 20:7-12 Acts 1:8-10 Genesis 1 Psalm 8 Daniel 7 Acts 2:41-45 Acts 17 Acts 13 Acts 2:17-21 Acts 5:40-41 Acts 8:26-40

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison explore the Gospel of Luke, focusing on Jesus' heart for the misfits, the marginalized, and those often overlooked. Luke reveals a Savior who consistently moves toward the overlooked, the broken, and the unlikely with compassion, mercy, and grace. If you've ever felt unseen, like you don't quite fit in, or questioned whether God could really delight in you, this conversation will remind you that Jesus has always made room for people just like us. So come hang out with us on the porch—we've saved you a seat. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Luke 8:1-3 Luke 16:19-24 Luke 18:9-14 Luke 7:11-17 Luke 13:10-17 Psalm 139:1-18 Luke 15:11-32

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison sit down with Kyle Hebert to discuss his remarkable journey from incarceration at Angola State Penitentiary to a life transformed by Jesus. Together, they explore key themes in the Gospel of Matthew, including forgiveness, mercy, the Beatitudes, and the redemptive power of God's grace. Grab your Bible and come hang out on the porch. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 5:1-10 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 18:21 Matthew 18:15-17 Matthew 18:27