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!
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!
Hi, friend. I hope you're well today.
Today we're talking about tests. What do you do when you face a test? How do you respond? If you're struggling to see the value in your struggle, try this: Don't look at your test as an interruption to life, but as training for life. No one ever said the road would be easy or painless, but God will use this mess for good.
Hello, my friend. I sure hope you're having a good day. If you're the type of person who listens to podcasts while you sit in traffic or stand in lines, today's topic has a touch of irony-waiting. No one's favorite activity. Especially when we're waiting for deliverance from a painful circumstance. But may I remind you of the promise found in Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
In this episode, Christine Caine wraps up her powerful series on wisdom by diving deep into Psalm 34-a psalm born in the middle of David's trauma, fear, and exile. She breaks down the backstory of David's desperate flight from Saul, his bizarre strategy of pretending madness, and his writing of a worship-filled psalm from the darkness of the cave of Adullam. Christine unpacks what it means to seek God when everything falls apart, to worship through fear, and to trust God's wisdom over worldly answers. Whether you're facing anxiety, betrayal, or confusion, this episode is a reminder that the wisest thing you can do is run to God, not from Him-and that worship is always the gateway to wisdom.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
In this episode, Christine Caine delivers a passionate call to live with wisdom. Through Paul's example, Christine unpacks four vital traits for a wise life: purpose, humility, endurance, and faithfulness. She challenges us to live with the long view in mind-choosing to finish strong, keep watch over our lives, and never settle for a comfortable, complacent version of Christianity. If you're tired, tempted to quit, or drifting from the race God has marked out for you, this episode will reignite your passion and remind you that wisdom is staying in it until the very end.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
What do you do when your past pain makes it hard to trust the people in your present? In this vulnerable and hope-filled convo, Lysa TerKeurst joins Levi and Jennie to talk about her new book, I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, navigating red flags in relationships, and the difference between healing and hiding. They dive into emotional triggers, boundaries, marriage after betrayal, and how God meets us in the messy middle. Plus, Lysa gets real about painting, grandbabies, and Florida beach life with her new husband, Chaz. This one hits deep and might just heal a place in you.
Connect with us on social!
Lysa: @lysaterkeurst
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
I Want To Trust You But I Don't: https://bit.ly/3EzlBfZ
Moving on When Your Marriage Doesn't: https://bit.ly/42E9Sou
Get the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
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 Harper
Back Porch Theology Podcast
lisaharper.org | @lisadharper
In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Alicia Britt Chole for a profound conversation on spiritual formation, leadership, and staying faithful through the night seasons. Alicia shares how she, as a former atheist, became a passionate follower of Jesus, learned to linger in Scripture, and why so many leaders fall short-not for lack of passion, but lack of depth. If you've ever wrestled with burnout, grief, or disillusionment in your faith, this episode offers hope, truth, and a deeply needed reminder: Jesus is with us in the dark.
SHOW NOTES:
From Atheist to Disciple
Alicia shares her radical encounter with Jesus and how her love for Scripture began the moment she believed.
The Word Is Alive-So Don't Just Read It, Relate to It
She describes how lingering in just a few words of Scripture can lead to spiritual awakening and deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Why Leaders Are Falling-and What We Can Learn
They unpack the growing trend of spiritual burnout and moral failure in leadership, and how depth and honesty are crucial for longevity.
What We Do with Conviction Matters Most
Alicia reminds us that the Holy Spirit is always working, but it's our response to His conviction that shapes our future.
The Night Is Normal-And Jesus Is in the Middle of It
They explore what it means to find Jesus in suffering, how to process church hurt, and why shared pain with Christ becomes holy ground.
Follow Alicia Britt Chole, @aliciabrittchole
Follow Christine @ChristineCaine
Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
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.
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.
Fund conversations that matter: donate.accessmore.com
This week, Rebecca is joined by fellow musician and new friend Jordan St. Cyr. In this episode, they share about showing compassion, sitting with people in their pain, and resting in knowing that God is in control.
Guest Jordan St. Cyr is a singer, songwriter, husband, and father. He recently released his self-titled debut album, featuring the top five radio hit "Fires'' and his first number one single "Weary Traveler." Jordan was born in Canada, but now calls Nashville home with his wife and four children - two daughters and two sons.
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme.
What do you do when your past pain makes it hard to trust the people in your present? In this vulnerable and hope-filled convo, Lysa TerKeurst joins Levi and Jennie to talk about her new book, I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, navigating red flags in relationships, and the difference between healing and hiding. They dive into emotional triggers, boundaries, marriage after betrayal, and how God meets us in the messy middle. Plus, Lysa gets real about painting, grandbabies, and Florida beach life with her new husband, Chaz. This one hits deep and might just heal a place in you.
Connect with us on social!
Lysa: @lysaterkeurst
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
I Want To Trust You But I Don't: https://bit.ly/3EzlBfZ
Moving on When Your Marriage Doesn't: https://bit.ly/42E9Sou
Get the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Do you feel comfortable talking with your kids about faith and science? Today's guest, Passion founder Louie Giglio, reminds us that God can handle scientific scrutiny as He is the creator of all things. In his new book for kids, The Wonder of Creation, you'll find a great resource to share the world of science with your child from a Biblical worldview. We'll also talk about developing a passion for Christ that lasts.
Today you will learn:
5:30 The more is discovered in the universe, the more we see intelligent design
6:00 It's okay to say, "I don't know the answer to that. Let's find out."
7:00 Let's dismantle the wall between God and science
9:45 Show your kids the James Webb telescope
10:50 Why you must begin with Genesis 1:1 for children
12:30 Valuing your children but not making them the center of the universe
14:45 Putting down screens and getting outside instead
18:00 How can we raise a worshipper? The power of a dad to influence his kids to follow Jesus
21:00 Your heart can still burn for God in your 40s, 50s, 60s
24:40 Prepare your kids for what the values they will learn in college so it will not rattle them to the core
27:00 Worldview is set young - don't wait - get your young kids in a worship environment
Learn more about Louie Giglio's new book, The Wonder of Creation
Need help with your child's media choices? Read Arlene's book co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman, Screen Kids and visit Happy Home University to take the free quiz - Is my child getting too much screen time?
What if the devil knew your weaknesses better than you did? In this episode, JP explains how the enemy studies our habits, patterns, and even family history-like a coach analyzing game film-to find ways to destroy us. But the good news? God equips us with everything we need to stand strong.
Candace, Lev, and JP open up about spiritual warfare in everyday life-from the arguments in a young marriage to the pressure of working in the public eye. They talk about how demons can't read our minds but can observe our words, habits, and bloodline to wage a targeted attack. JP explains what Scripture means when it talks about generational strongholds and how geography, culture, and even well-meaning Christians can unknowingly become instruments of discouragement.
They also dive into what it means to put on the armor of God, how spiritual warfare isn't always loud or cinematic, and why prayer is the key to staying grounded. You'll also hear a powerful listener question from a woman facing chronic illness while raising a young family-and the hope that comes from remembering this truth: you're not home yet, but God is with you every step of the way.
In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Alicia Britt Chole for a profound conversation on spiritual formation, leadership, and staying faithful through the night seasons. Alicia shares how she, as a former atheist, became a passionate follower of Jesus, learned to linger in Scripture, and why so many leaders fall short-not for lack of passion, but lack of depth. If you've ever wrestled with burnout, grief, or disillusionment in your faith, this episode offers hope, truth, and a deeply needed reminder: Jesus is with us in the dark.
SHOW NOTES:
From Atheist to Disciple
Alicia shares her radical encounter with Jesus and how her love for Scripture began the moment she believed.
The Word Is Alive-So Don't Just Read It, Relate to It
She describes how lingering in just a few words of Scripture can lead to spiritual awakening and deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Why Leaders Are Falling-and What We Can Learn
They unpack the growing trend of spiritual burnout and moral failure in leadership, and how depth and honesty are crucial for longevity.
What We Do with Conviction Matters Most
Alicia reminds us that the Holy Spirit is always working, but it's our response to His conviction that shapes our future.
The Night Is Normal-And Jesus Is in the Middle of It
They explore what it means to find Jesus in suffering, how to process church hurt, and why shared pain with Christ becomes holy ground.
Follow Alicia Britt Chole, @aliciabrittchole
Follow Christine @ChristineCaine
Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
In this powerful 200th episode, Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with the legendary TobyMac for a raw, vulnerable, and hope-filled conversation. From his earliest days with DC Talk to the crushing loss of his son Truett, Toby shares the story behind his music, his deep faith, and what it means to fight for joy amid unspeakable pain. They laugh, cry, and reflect on legacy, healing, and what "Heaven on My Mind" really means. This episode is a must-listen for anyone walking through hardship or seeking to hold onto hope.
Connect with us on social!
TobyMac: @tobymac
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Stream "Heaven On My Mind": https://bit.ly/4jBHnPE
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Timestamps:
00:45 - Celebrating 200 Episodes Live in Franklin
02:15 - TobyMac's First Concert Memories + DC Talk Origins
05:30 - Why He Keeps Making Music After All These Years
09:40 - The Summer Camp that Changed His Life Forever
14:10 - Losing Truett: Grief, Faith, and Finding Strength
19:05 - Writing "21 Years" and the Birth of Heaven on My Mind
23:50 - The Story Behind "God Did It" and Waging War on Jadedness
Fund conversations that matter: donate.accessmore.com
Weathering the Storm is back with a new season full of incredible testimonies! In this first episode of season 2 Ryan sits down with one of the biggest names in Christian music history... first as a founding member of DC Talk and now as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait.
Hear about how Michael's weathered the storms of growing up in the inner city of D.C. and being a rival of TobyMac, losing his way in L.A. and finding his way into the Newsboys. New 'Weathering the Storm' episodes drop every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
Click HERE for more on Ryan.
Pornography is not what it used to be. Much more than just photos of unclothed adults, it's more violent and prevalent than ever. How can you keep your kids safe online? Expert and author Dr. John Foubert is here to explain how pornography is affecting the brains, hearts and future families of children and teens. On today's episode you'll learn:
3:00 What is happening in a child's brain when they see pornography?
4:50 Can a brain reset back to a healthy level after porn use?
5:20 Why is porn especially dangerous to tween and teens?
7:10 How soon do you talk to your kids about this subject?
10:20 From 2008-2011, exposure to kids under 13 rose from 14% to 49%
13:00 What do studies show between the link between porn and sexual violence?
15:00 How should you respond when you catch your child looking at pictures of naked people?
16:20 Did you know there is a link between porn and depression and anxiety?
18:00 The physical damages that happen to kids when they view porn
21:50 How to best talk with your kids about porn in a way they will want to listen to you
Today's guest Dr. John Foubert is a thought leader who has testified before Congress and has been called on by the White House and the Pentagon about how to end sexual violence. He's been a guest on CNN and NPR and is cited regularly in papers like the NY Times, US News and World Report, and the Washington Post. Dr. Foubert's newest book is Protecting Your Children from Internet Pornography - understanding the science, risks, and ways to protect your kids.
Learn more about Dr. John Foubert on his website.
Visit Happy Home University for Arlene's free monthly resource.