Trending
Today on Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Susie Larson dive into First and Second Thessalonians and what it looks like to live with genuine hope when life doesn't go the way we prayed it would. They explore how the expectation of Jesus' return should shape the way we live today, why dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential, and how prayer anchors us when suffering, illness, or unanswered questions threaten to steal our hope. If you've ever wondered whether your struggle means you're somehow lacking faith, this conversation is a reminder that weakness and unanswered prayer are not evidence of God's absence. He is still at work, still faithful, and still writing your story. So pull up a chair and sit with us - we're so glad you're here.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
- Ephesians 3:20-21
- Luke 7:37-38
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13
- 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8
- 1 Corinthians 4:20
- Romans 8:6
- Ephesians 6:10-18
- Hebrews 4:12
- 1 John 3:2
- Philippians 4:19
- Hebrews 11:32-40
- 2 Corinthians 1:20
- 2 Peter 3:8
- 1 Peter 1:7
- Judges 6:14
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
In today's Couples Therapy episode, we dive deep into the lives of Erin and Ben Napier, the beloved couple behind HGTV's Home Town! They share a candid look at their relationship, blending their professional lives with personal intimacy. They open up about how some people have called them "codependent" - and we touch on the difference between a couple being "connected" vs. "codependent." Ultimately, the big difference isn't how close you are- it's whether your closeness comes from love and security or fear and dependency. They talk about the security they've had in their relationship, and in one another since the early days of their love, and how they work hard to stay connected. We unpack the importance of emotional connection, and how to cultivate that in day-to-day life. Tune in to this episode today!!
Quiz: Are you connected or codependent?
A Connected Couple
* Wants to be together, but doesn't feel like their emotional stability and security depends on being together.
* Has a strong sense of WE without losing their sense of ME (understands their individual strengths, differences, personalities).
* Can spend time apart without feeling threatened or abandoned by the other person.
* Supports each other's individuality, interests, friendships, and growth.
* Can disagree without fearing the relationship is falling apart.
* Takes responsibility for their own emotions while supporting each other emotionally.
* Has healthy boundaries and respects the word "no."
* Makes decisions together without needing permission for every individual choice.
* Can be honest about needs, feelings, and frustrations without fear.
* Celebrates each other's strengths rather than feeling threatened by them.
* Experiences intimacy through vulnerability, not control.
* Chooses connection out of love, not obligation or guilt.
* Recognizes that two emotionally healthy individuals contribute to a healthy relationship.
A Codependent Couple
* Feels like they can't function emotionally or mentally without the other person.
* Loses their individual identity in the relationship.
* Experiences significant anxiety, guilt, or insecurity when spending time apart.
* Neglects friendships, interests, or personal needs to keep the relationship secure.
* Avoids conflict because disagreement feels like rejection or abandonment.
* Feels responsible for managing or fixing the other person's emotions.
* Struggles to establish boundaries because saying "no" feels selfish.
* Needs constant reassurance, approval, or validation from their partner.
* Confuses caretaking, rescuing, or self-sacrifice with love.
* Feels threatened when their partner becomes more independent.
* Uses guilt, emotional withdrawal, or control to maintain closeness.
* Stays connected out of fear of losing the relationship rather than freedom to choose it.
* Believes "If you're not okay, I can't be okay."
Click here to WATCH the full episode.
Podcast Extras:
Relationship Skills - Order Now!
Relationships don't fall apart because of a lack of love but struggle because of a lack of skill. As you and your partner move through the four seasons of a relationship each bringing its own rhythms, challenges, and opportunities for growth-how you show up will either strengthen your relationship or slowly wear it down.
Originally released as Love in Every Season, this updated and expanded guide from licensed professional counselor Debra Fileta is your road map to the skills you need to strengthen your relationship at every stage. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married, Relationship Skills will help you
* in SPRING: stop ignoring red flags and build on a healthy foundation
* in SUMMER: build connection and intimacy without losing yourself
* in FALL: communicate honestly, repair, and grow through conflict
* in WINTER: stay intentional when things feel stagnant
Let this guide help you take your relationship skills to the next level so you can grow in maturity, deepen intimacy, and build a relationship that lasts!
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY! DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of nine books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
Most people hit Leviticus and bail, so Skip Heitzig built a flight plan that gets them all the way to Revelation. Levi and Jennie sit down with their spiritual father to talk Soaring Above It All, a 365-day devotional with no dates on the pages (miss a day, so what?), plus the sermon-as-a-ladder lesson and why young Levi looked like a future pulpit or prison case. Bonus: Chip Lusko and his razor-blade tape editing, and a round of Lies or Truth with Skip's bibliography.
Connect with us on social!
Skip Heitzig: @skipheitzig
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Soaring Above It All: https://bit.ly/4gHb9SH
The Bible from 30,000 Feet: https://bit.ly/4iGX2iT
Soaring Through the Bible (kids): https://bit.ly/4x6zqrF
Skip's website: https://bit.ly/4i1CPUJ
Connect with Skip Heitzig Podcast: https://bit.ly/4zRVMzF
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
Time Stamps:
00:00:00 - Godfather Skip and a gratitude list longer than his bibliography
00:02:43 - Why 30,000 Feet exists: nobody hangs around 11 years
00:07:05 - Soaring Above It All: 365 days, zero dates, no guilt
00:17:00 - Pulpit or prison? Skip's first read on young Levi
00:34:33 - Chip Lusko cut sermon tapes with a razor blade
00:42:58 - Lies or Truth: Did Skip write a book about Cadillacs?
On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Pastor Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle for a conversation about why the Bible remains foundational to our faith and how the truth of Scripture shapes the way we live. Along the way, they explore the message of Colossians and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, as well as empathy, forgiveness, discipleship, and why the local church matters. So grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and come hang out with us on the porch!
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8
- Colossians 3:1-2
- Exodus
- Luke 4:16-21
- Luke 10:25-37
- Philemon 10-16
- Matthew 5-7
- Colossians 1:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Ephesians 1:18
- Colossians 2:8-10
- Genesis 3
- Colossians 1:9-10
- Ecclesiastes 1:2
- Philippians 4:4-7
- Genesis 1:1
- Genesis 1:26-27
- Genesis 37-50
- John 14:11
- John 14:6
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
