During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, we're going to wrestle with the question: "Is true happiness actually the absence of sadness" and in so doing we're to delve into the theological territory of "theodicy." We're also going to talk openly and honestly about the false assumption that when you put your hope in Jesus, He'll make life easier - possibly even painless. The Biblical text and compelling true story we're diving into is found in the Old Testament Historical book of First Samuel. And since it goes without saying that Alli & I are rabid Dr. Tim Keller fans, we've chosen this quote from Dr. Keller as the tantalizing intro for today's convo on the porch: "While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life's joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world's sorrows, tasting the coming joy." So please grab a cup of coffee and your Bible - unless you're driving or practicing math on an abacus, of course - and come hang out on the porch with us.
Back Porth Theology is sponsored in part by the Tov for Women Event at Northern Seminary. Log onto CWLNorthern.com/events for more information.
Do you have what it takes to do what God has called you to do? To endure to the end? To live unyieldingly in your faith? We can all find ourselves questioning our commitment and ability to move forward, but it's in those moments we must remember the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us. We might feel alone, but we're not. We might feel weak, but God is our strength. And in today's episode, you're going to be empowered to go the distance in your purpose and do what God created you to do.
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L.E. Acuff is a freshman business major at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to writing books, she loves skimboarding, frisbee, and skiing. When she's not behind a laptop, she's behind a sewing machine or a piano, creating clothing or music.
McRae Acuff is a high school junior in Franklin,Tennessee. She runs cross country and track, loves student government, and is somewhere babysitting right now. She's a writer at heart and will probably write the follow up to Your New Playlist all by herself. She and her dad sincerely hope this book helps her get a college scholarship.
Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. When he's not writing or recording his popular podcast, All It Takes Is a Goal, Acuff can be found on a stage as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, and companies around the world, including FedEx, Range Rover, Microsoft, Nokia, and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff's fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Fast Company, the Harvard Business Review, and Time magazine. He lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and two teenage daughters.
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're going to delve into a very colorful Old Testament story that illustrates the symbiotic relationship between blessing and boundaries. History proves over and over again that without the life-giving promises AND parameters of Scripture, we lose our bearings - ultimately our identity and our dignity. Now speaking of boundaries, because the historical context of the Biblical narrative we're going to peruse in this episode is spicy - it reads more like HBO than the Hallmark Channel - I want to encourage y'all to make sure there aren't any little ears listening along with you. Please make sure your kids, grandkids, neighbor's kids or pre-teen passersby are out of earshot, then grab a cup of coffee and your Bible - unless you're driving or arranging a charcuterie board, of course - and come hang out on the porch with Ally and me.
Back Porth Theology is sponsored in part by the Tov for Women Event at Northern Seminary. Log onto CWLNorthern.com/events for more information.
It's fall, ya'll! If you're looking to turn a new leaf or leave some old ways behind in this new season, this fresh episode is for you. Mama to a 7-year-old, NYT bestselling author and FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt joins Paula to talk about all things faith, calling and lifting up others along the way.
Ainsley's faith journey kicked off in the most unexpected of places (hint: where beer pong and flip cup are a given). Hear how prioritizing a higher calling helped her stop burning the candle at both ends and fight back against the paralyzing worry of always wondering what everyone else was thinking about her. Ainsley tells Paula how her long career in broadcasting might not have happened if it wasn't for a fateful conversation with a churchlady. She also shares how after years of just saying yes and keeping a positive attitude she got a game-changing job offer (let alone, while on maternity leave!). Ainsley also shares with Paula the personal story behind her latest children's book, "I'm So Glad You Were Born" and the important and timely message that translates to all ages. This episode will leave you saying, "I'm So Glad I Listened In!"
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Visit Ainsley's website to check out all of her books, including her new release, "I'm So Glad You Were Born"
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Do you ever feel like, from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, life is one big blur? We might try to slow down. We may try to escape the rush and the noise. We'll even find ways to medicate and cope. We wonder if there's a better way, and here's the good news - there is! This episode will encourage you in the truth that God is ready to be your refuge from the rush and empower you with the keys to experience His peace and rest in the midst of the world's madness.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
Why don't we talk about alcoholism in the church? Is there a way to overcome the shame we feel from addiction? Is there really a chance for wholeness and recovery? Irene Rollins is a pastor-turned-author who is shedding light on these topics and breaking the stigma around the church and its relationship with addiction issues. In this episode, I'm chatting with Irene about:
* Dealing with alcoholism in the church
* Identifying addiction issues and active recovery
* Having a safe community to heal with
* Supporting people impacted by addiction
Irene is in recovery from an alcohol addiction and has been sober for a number of years. She talks openly about how unresolved trauma, insecurity and a hard season of life led to a dependence on alcohol. During our conversation, Irene shares her story and how her issues with alcohol impacted her personal and professional life.
This conversation is shared with the intention of creating a dialogue around how the church deals with addiction issues. As you listen, I hope you'll see that help is available to those who need it and that recovery is possible with the right resources and support. So, whether you're looking for healing or trying to better understand how you can support someone through addiction, this episode is for you. You can tag us @biancaolthoff and @irenerollins, we'd love to find out how this podcast spoke to you.
Love you,
RESOURCES/LINKS
Irene Rollins Book - Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back
Treatment / Therapy Programs:
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: "R.A.D."
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're going to lean into another Psalm, which if you listened to last week's episode, you know entails listening intently to one of the tunes on God's proverbial Spotify list since all of the Psalms were originally penned as song lyrics. The particular Psalm we're focusing on today is Psalm 42, which is a bluesy kind of tune and technically classified as a Psalm of Lament. It's also essentially an engraved invitation to mature into a more honest relationship with our Creator Redeemer. To trust Him enough to confess our disappointment, grief, and despair as a raw and unfiltered act of worship. Because from our emotional ashes, God can build a pathway to more secure hope, deeper joy and steadfast peace. So please grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, unless you're driving or sheering sheep of course, and come hang out on the porch with us.
Back Porth Theology is sponsored in part by the Tov for Women Event at Northern Seminary. Log onto CWLNorthern.com/events for more information.
Sit down with award-winning country music singer-songwriter and radio host Granger Smith and his wife Amber for a conversation on their origin story, navigating grief during the loss of their son, River, and life on and off the road as a family of 5.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
Granger: @grangersmith
Amber: @amberemilysmith
