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!
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.
We've arrived at Holy Week. This is the most significant week in the Christian calendar. In the coming days, someone will attend a church service for the first time. Someone will hear the gospel for the first time and choose to follow Jesus. And the celebration in heaven will be jubilant.
We've spent the last few episodes discussing the promises of John 3:16. As we wrap up this series ahead of Easter Sunday, I want to talk to you about eternity-the reality of hell and the great hope of heaven. "Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful truth that wisdom is not something we arrive at-it's a lifelong pursuit. Drawing from the story of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2), Christine reveals how even Jesus had to grow in wisdom and stature. Christine challenges us to resist complacency, stay curious, and continually seek God's wisdom in every area of life. If you've ever felt stagnant in your faith, this episode will inspire you to keep growing and trust that God is not finished with you yet.
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.
In this episode, Christine Caine dives into the book of James to uncover the difference between real faith and counterfeit faith. Christine challenges us to examine whether our faith is producing fruit and aligning with the life of Jesus. While works are not a requirement for salvation, they are the natural result of a living, active faith. If your faith isn't producing evidence of transformation, it's time to ask why. Christine encourages you to walk by faith, not by sight, and to reflect the truth of Jesus in your everyday life. This episode will inspire you to cultivate a faith that's not just spoken, but lived.
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.
Hi, my friend. I hope you're doing well today. For the next few weeks on the podcast, leading up to Easter, I'll be sharing from one of my favorite verses.
I've been asked what I would choose if I could only preach one topic or one passage for the rest of my life. I think this is it-John 3:16. The Hope Diamond of the Bible. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
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/
In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with JJ Dalton for an authentic conversation about faith, identity, and living on mission. JJ shares how navigating life as the wife of an NFL quarterback came with both privilege and pressure-and how God helped her overcome insecurity and find strength in her true identity. JJ opens up about the challenges of staying grounded in faith when the spotlight is on, raising kids with intention, and finding purpose beyond performance. This episode will inspire you to trust God's plan and live with confidence in your God-given purpose.
SHOW NOTES:
Finding Identity Beyond the Spotlight
JJ shares how her identity was initially tied to her husband's career and how God helped her discover her true value apart from status or success.
Overcoming Insecurity and Finding Confidence in Faith
JJ reflects on how feelings of inadequacy and doubt once held her back-and how learning to trust God's truth helped her find freedom.
Staying Grounded in Faith During Life's Highs and Lows
From career wins to tough seasons, JJ discusses how staying focused on God's purpose helped her and her husband stay anchored through uncertainty.
Raising Kids With Intention and Purpose
JJ talks about the importance of helping her kids understand their identity in Christ and how to stay thankful and grounded, no matter the circumstances.
Living on Mission-No Matter the Platform
JJ shares how getting involved in A21 and the fight against human trafficking gave her a deeper understanding of living on mission beyond the football field.
Follow JJ Dalton, @jjdalton5
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, the whole gang - Alli, Dr. Howard, Belle, and me - have gathered together to celebrate Christmas! We're talking all things Yule with y'all - okay, I know that was so cheesy but eggnog and fruitcake tend to activate my dorky sentimental side! And while we are going to take a stroll down memory lane today, we're also going to talk about how the miracle of the Incarnation should inform and permeate the other 364 days of our calendar. J.I. Packer explained the magnitude of Christmas like this: It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, that the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. 'The Word became flesh.' God became a man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation. I've thought about Dr. Packer's observation often these past few weeks of Advent - about how our holy, transcendent Creator Redeemer condescended to earth in a suit of skin to be born in a Bethlehem barn. Australian theologian John Nolland actually refers to the Incarnation as the divine condescension. I can't quite wrap my mind around a love so vast that it compelled the King of all kings to lay down His ruling scepter in glory and lower Himself not only to human form but ultimately to be nailed to a cross. King Jesus became like us on order to rescue and redeem us. Goodness gracious, Christmas is SO MUCH BIGGER than December 25th y'all! So please grab a spiced apple cider, a peppermint mocha, a tumbler of eggnog, or some other Yuletide beverage concoction and your Bible - unless you've got both hands on an electric knife and are making a mess out of what was a beautiful holiday ham mere moments ago, of course - and come hang out on the porch with us!
What does it mean to pursue the dreams that God places on your heart?
In this week's episode of The High Note, Tauren is talking with his friend, worship pastor and author, Wade Joye! In this conversation they share tools to help you discover what God has placed on your heart, and how to accomplish those dreams in HIS strength. Get ready to examine the posture of your life and how it relates to seeing what only He can do in your life.
In this episode they cover:
2:06 - What is Tauren dreaming about right now and how is he putting action to it in this current season?
6:24 - Tauren talks about his experience planting a local church and processes the imperfections and offenses that come with being involved in church
12:09 - What's stopped Tauren from leaving the church after all he's walked through?
18:19 - What Tauren has learned through other people's critiques of him
23:03 - How to determine if your striving is coming from your own strength or Godly ambition
28:47 - The importance of determining what success means to you
31:33 - What Tauren's waiting season was like before he was able to step into the dreams God called him to
37:51 - Wade's fulfilling journey in building trust with God
44:04 - There's a you that you haven't met yet. What does that mean?
Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells
Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!
Fund conversations that matter: donate.accessmore.com
Rebecca is joined this week by her mum, Helen Smallbone, for a conversation on nurturing your child's heart. In this episode, she shares wisdom on fostering connection within your family, creating teachable scenarios in the home, and turning to Jesus in parenting.
Guest Helen Smallbone is a loving wife, mother of seven, grandmother of thirteen, and new author who recently released her first book, Behind The Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family. She is also the co-founder of MUMlife Community and co-host of AccessMore's MUMlife Podcast.
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme.
The New Testament reports stories of people being healed by touching ... or by being touched by ... Jesus or his disciples. On this journey, Dr. G explores what we know about the power of human contact. And he concludes the adventure by giving you some valuable, practical tips about how to maximize the power of your own healing human touch. Email Dr. G directly by clicking HERE.
Can you remember the last time you went through a period of intense doubt?
In this episode of "12 Truths & A Lie," Pastor J.D. talks about the most famous doubter of all time-Thomas-and shows us how we can deal with our doubts. Many of us think that our doubts disqualify us spiritually. But doubt is like a raised foot: It can step backwards in unbelief, but it can also walk forward in faith.
You'll learn what to do with your doubts, as well as what God says to you in the midst of your doubt. Like Thomas, you may not get all of your questions answered. But you may get something even better-a love too wonderful for words.
Check out J.D.'s new book '12 Truths & A Lie'
Today we are going to learn about Sabbath through Middle Eastern eyes and through the historic cultural context of the Bible. Sabbath is other than, more than and better than the ways we usually think of Sabbath here in the West. The world has a way of knocking rest right out of us. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of Sabbath as running so much deeper, wider and more than merely resting after working, catching our breath in the rat race of life.
There are 2 systems at play in the world. There is empire and there is kingdom. Empire is anchored in scarcity, and functions within striving and straining. There's never enough and the acquisition of more is the way to make sure you have enough. Kingdom is sabbathed, functioning within sufficiency and quiet trust in the Living God as our Father. It can relinquish because it trusts that there will be enough. We are not orphans or the fatherless. We can rest because He is always working.
The Bible tells the story of Sabbath as a celebration of restoration. Shabbat is the Hebrew word where we get our English word sabbath. Shabbat means "to cease". What is it that we are ceasing? During Sabbath we cease our work to remember and celebrate God's work. What work is that? That right now He is making all things new. A deep and profound restoration, renewal and repair are underway.
I pray you will feel the Lord's loving invitation into His Sabbath rest today.
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/
Will anything truly happen to you when you die? Or will it just be "lights out" for you? On this journey, Dr. G talks directly with Dr. Bruce Greyson, the world's leading scientific expert on near-death experiences (NDEs), about his fascinating new book that summarizes his decades of research on the subject. Email Dr. G directly by clicking HERE.
For more information on NDEs, Dr. G recommends visiting the website of the International Association for Near-Death Studies: https://www.iands.org/
He also recommends "After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond," Dr. Greyson's brand new, much-anticipated book: https://www.amazon.com/After-Doctor-Explores-Near-Death-Experiences/dp/1250263034
Pastors John and Wayne answer questions about various subjects within the theme of change and transition. Questions like: how have you learned to grieve painful transitions more effectively? How do you navigate resistance to the change you're trying to implement? How do you rebuild after a season of a lot of change? They answer these questions and more.
Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!
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