Episodes
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S4E24 Tales from Japan and Politics at Home
In today's show we discuss a recent trip by the Martin family to Japan and some thoughts in the aftermath of a recent politically charged court case.
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S4E23 Dusting Off the Porch
After a few months of sitting empty, the Porch resumes with discussions of what has changed in the world, and what remains the same.
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S4E22 Merry Christmas
In this episode we reflect on Christmas past and present and how the season grows sweeter year after year.
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S4E21 Spokane Elections, Worldview Clashes, and the Centrality of Christ
In this episode we consider the outcome of the recent election in Spokane County. What is the distinction between tribalism and liberalism, and how does that impact the Christian faith as well as local politics? How do we keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not end up in a ditch of over-correction...
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S4E20 Dominion from the Garden to the Cross
In this episode we consider how the command to rule the earth in Genesis finds fulfillment in Christ and application in everyday life.
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S4E19 The Young and the Lonely
In this episode we welcome guest Amanda Jarvis - mom, editor, communication coordinator, and youth leader. We discuss a recent Gallup pole indicating that the loneliest age group is 19-29. Why are the young so lonely, and what can we do to raise resilient and connecting families?
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S4E18 Diversity, Unity, and Testimony
In this episode we discuss how diversity and unity are both expressed in the Christian faith and how that helps us think through the current issues of multi-culturalism and tolerance. We also consider how our testimony as believers can be the unique, but shared expression of Jesus Christ to all…
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S4E17 Thinking about the Tragedy in Israel
In this episode we discuss the tragic display of evil and death in the recent terror attacks against Israel. How should we as Christians respond compassionately, theologically, and biblically?
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S4E16 The Trades, 40 Fingers, Empires, and Heroes
In this episode we discuss the value of working in The Trades. Caleb discusses his recent VIP hangout with traveling musicians. We investigate a recent meme involving the Roman Empire, and we affirm the power of narratives and the importance of having only one Hero in the story.
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S4E15 The Valley Gets a Tagline and the Church Gets a Closeup
In this episode we discuss some of the proposed tourism taglines for Spokane Valley. Send us your favorite suggestions! We also consider how recent news and a popular mini-series have put a spotlight on the pitfalls of Christianity focused on appearances more than loving worship from the heart.…
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S4E14 The Boys Are Back in Town
In this episode we catch up after several weeks of being apart. Fall rhythms of life are kicking off, and there is a big change in the future for one Porch host. We also look at the decline of justice in the West and how to parent grateful children with integrity.
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S4E13 An Ancient Word for a Modern Problem and the 10th Commandment
Today we discussed Douglas Murray's* interesting appeal to the moral vice of acedia in attempting to explain the ills of modern society. We also looked at the biblical command not to envy, and how profoundly important this command is for our country, and for our families. *Audio clip of Douglas...
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S4E12 Things that go "beep" in the night, parenting promises, and bearing false witness
Today we discussed the unfortunate tale of a janitorial mishap gone very wrong. We also discuss whether proper parenting can guarantee the salvation of our children. Finally, we look at the 9th Commandment and discuss the importance of speaking the truth in an age of snap reactions.
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S4E11 A Crash Course in God's Mercy and the 8th Commandment
In this episode we rejoice at the kindness of God on display in a recent car and pedestrians accident. We also consider the nature of stealing and how it erodes society from the illegal activities of an individual to the sometimes legal activities of governments.
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S4E10 Report from Italy, Arnold's Fear He Won't Be Back, and 7th Commandment
We begin after a few weeks off by hearing from Caleb who is recently returned from a trip to Italy and the Balkans. We also discuss a recent interview with a movie actor famous for saying, "I'll be back," who, ironically, is afraid that he won't. Finally, we consider the prohibition against...
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S4E9 Can you really beam me up, Scotty? Also, murder is wrong.
In this episode we discuss the nature of man and how that relates to science fiction's common theme of reducing consciousness to mere information. We also consider the next commandment in our series: do not murder.
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S4E8 Drowning in Bad Directions, Adventures Abroad, and Every Parent's Favorite Commandment
In this episode we take instruction from the cautionary tale of two hapless drivers in Hawaii. Caleb fills us in on an upcoming adventure overseas. Finally, we discuss the 5th Commandment, its many applications, and the surprisingly central role it plays in the fabric of civilization.
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S4E7 Are Children Property? The 4th Commandment.
In this episode we discuss the view that conservatives view children as property and use the role to impose authoritarianism. We also look at what Sabbath rest means for Christians today.
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S4E6 Generation Zombie, Tom Bombadil's Surprising Origin, and Taking Joy in the Gospel
In this episode we discuss at length a lament over Generation Z and what are some of the unique challenges and unique strengths of this emerging population. We also discuss two letters, including one just recently published for the first time, in which JRR Tolkien discusses why Tom Bombadil…
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S4E5 UFO's, Paganism, and the 3rd Commandment
In this episode we discuss why UFO's (UAP's) are back in limelight recently, as well as the rise of pagan symbolism in pop culture. We then continue our study through What Matters Most by looking at the third commandment.
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S4E4 Revival and the Second Commandment
In this episode we give you twice the Porch as usual! In the first hour we discuss spiritual revival and what attends it. In our second hour, we look at the Second Commandment and get into a vigorous debate about popular depictions of Jesus in contemporary media.
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S4E3 Diversity and Oppression and the 1st Commandment
In this episode we jump from paganism to intellectualism to the worldviews that entrench tribalism and thwart unity before looking to Jesus for the answer. We also continue with part 2 of our series on What Matters Most and discuss why we love the first commandment.
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S4E2 Reactions, Overreactions, and New Attention to Old Roads
In this episode we get some feedback from the Scrub Club. We also discuss the role of emotions in political discourse and the likely return of Logos over Pathos. Finally, an outline is given for some ancient approaches to discipleship that never truly get old.
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S4E1 Season 4 begins!
In this episode we reconnect after several weeks away. Recapping a vacation to Asia Minor serves as a good place to meander into our beloved rabbit trails.
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S3E35 The timeless tug-a-war between head, heart, and hands.
In this episode we discuss our tendency to legalism, intellectualism, or a life ruled by the passions. We also consider how God calls us to live with head, heart, and hands all united in worship.
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S3E34 The Return of Santa Klontz and Making the Most of the Season
Today we shared about some of our favorite Christmas traditions and experiences, and also discussed how to make the most of the Gospel opportunities in the Christmas season.
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S3E33 The Many Fragrances of Gratitude
In this episode we learn more about one Porch host's dedication to the smelly arts and discuss the nature of societal ingratitude.
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S3E32 Voicemails about education, and our thoughts
In this episode we discuss two voicemails related to the issue of public education and give our perspectives.
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S3E31 Halloween Special
In this episode, the Porch reprises its annual coming to fisticuffs over the best way for Christians to think about Halloween. It gets a little scary.
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S3E30 Hoist the Black Robes and Take a Stand in the Schools
In this episode we hear a report from a recent conference about black robe regiments. We also discuss a recent school board meeting about new curriculum and the chance for local parents to make their voices heard.
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S3E29 PayPal, Parallel Economies, and the Church
In this episode we discuss concern over a recent almost-policy of a major financial institution. We then look at the advantages and disadvantages of establishing parallel institutions in a society. Finally, we consider how Christians can navigate the injunction to be in the world but not of it in…
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S3E28 Reminiscing on a Wedding and Loving our Neighbors
In this episode we reflect on the recent wedding and offer thoughts on helpful principles for early in marriage. We also consider how to intentionally love our neighbors with the right kind of agenda, and without the wrong kind of agenda.
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S3E27 Honey Don't List, a Foreign Staring Contest, and a Camp Searching for Hope
In this episode we glean some wisdom for husbands from 1913, discuss the stakes of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and consider the lessons of Camp Hope in Spokane.
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S3E26 Cultivating Courage
In this episode we discuss an act of bravery in an unlikely place. We consider how to encourage similar courage in our own families.
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S3E25 Wisdom at Home and Abroad
In this episode we discuss how the principles of wisdom are inescapable in the course of world events. We also discuss how we can encourage wisdom in the decisions made by those in our own homes.
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S3E24 Catching Up: So-Cal Music, Social Movers, and Swiss Mountains
In today's episode we catch up after a couple weeks away on various family vacations. We discuss the fun of music concerts on a perfect So-Cal summer evening, parenting in the age of social media influencers, and observations made in the mountains of Switzerland.
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S3E23 Living as Civilized Christians between Empire and Exile
In this episode we discuss a biblical framework for evaluating civilization. How should Christians think of their place in a civilization, especially one like the present, in which old norms are giving way to new challenges and Gospel proclamation remains a paramount urgency?
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S3E22 Which Way's My (Educational) Way?
In this episode we talk through the three most prominent options for education today (public, private, home) and evaluate some relative strengths and weaknesses.
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S3E21 The Price of Happiness and Stopping Homelessness before it Starts
In this episode we discuss a new study declaring the minimum income needed for happiness in the state of Washington. We also look at new policies from the mayor of Spokane attempting to curtail the homeless encampments in the city and how homelessness can be most effectively combatted before it...
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S3E20 When to Have Kids and How to Grow Up
In this episode we consider the advice of a psychologist regarding the having of children. We also discuss thoughts on how to evaluate successful or unsuccessful adulting.
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S3E19 When an Algorithm Wants a Lawyer
In this episode we discuss the recent case of an A.I. that at least one expert believes has become sentient. What is a Christian view of A.I., how does that relate to authentic relationships, and how do we prepare for a future in which simulated souls compete with real people for the affection of...
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S3E18 Tales from the Holy Land
The Porch welcomes Nate back to the USA after a trip abroad to Israel. We discuss some of his many adventures abroad in the land o the Bible.
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S3E17 Baby Baptism vs. Dedication, and Where Was God in Uvalde?
In this episode we consider a question about the difference in purpose and meaning for infant baptisms vs. baby dedications. We also respond to another question about how our theology accounts for evil such as seen in Uvalde, TX.
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S3E16 Our 100th episode! More marriage musings.
In this 100th episode we start by following up on our previous discussion about marriage and meander from there to a variety of related topics. Also, do you know what sound frogs make in Japan?
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S3E15 Horse Races, Horse Medicine, and Preparing for Marriage
In this episode we discuss the unexpected outcome of the recent Kentucky Derby, and the double standards regarding the alternative use of "horse" medicines. Finally, we consider the steady delay of marriage in our culture and what advice we would give to those who are marriage themselves.
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S3E14 Is Roe v. Wade about to Fall?
In this episode we discuss the recent leak of a preliminary Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade. What is the significance of this nearly half-century old legislation, and how should Christians be thinking about it today?
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S3E13 Accordion Music to Die For and Ruffled Feathers on Social Media
In this episode we consider the curious case of accordion-wielding gangsters in Africa and the wide-ranging reaction to Elon Musk's acquisition of social media giant Twitter.
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S3E12 A Politician Coopting Easter and the Vanishing Disney Villain
In this episode we discuss a viral church message from a prominent Senator delivered on Easter. We also note a recent observation that Disney movies have slowly eclipsed the notion of a villain in their movies and consider the implications.
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S3E11 Spokane-style Pizza and a Slap that Smacks of Masculinity
In this episode we address a supposed Spokane-style pizza going viral online as well as consider Will Smith's slap heard round the world and how it has brought discussions of masculinity back to the forefront of the cultural conversation.
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S3E10 Glory and Cleaning Toilets
In this episode Chris welcomes his wife Izumi to the podcast for a discussion on how we can glorify God in the parts of life that don't seem particularly glorious.
About this show
We are three Christian dads trying to recover the lost art of sitting on the front porch together to building community, comradery, and taking some time to enjoy the view of God’s Word, and God’s world.
Hosted by
Chris Martin
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