PODCAST · religion
Front Porch Report
by Taz and Sam
Coming from Conservative Baptist backgrounds, Taz and Sam each had their faith challenged and sharpened by their time spent co-leading a small group Bible Study on a secular college campus. Four years spent in the echo chamber of a different worldview forced them to confront major theological, philosophical, and political controversies in a respectful and intellectually honest manner. Now, with a balanced, yet uncompromised perspective that is so necessary in today's fraught climate, Sam and Taz offer incisive commentary about current events and a model for leading a small group bible study.
Episodes
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The Wilderness as a Blessing
When we read the story of Israel being sentenced to wander the wilderness for 40 years, it can be easy to interpret this fate as a divine punishment. After all, if your goal is a land flowing with milk and honey, what could be worse than a chaotic and resource-poor wasteland? In this episode, Taz...
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Young Jesus in Jerusalem: Luke 2 (part 2)
This week, Luke gives us some unique details about one of the most mysterious periods of Jesus' life, his childhood. Join us as we discuss the impact that a young savior has on the people around him in the second half of Luke Chapter 2. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or Facebook with...
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Unlocking Difficult Texts - Patterns in the Psalms
Certain parts of the Bible can seem confusing or inaccessible to our western eyes. The good news is that the Biblical authors have provided us with a variety of tools and patterns to help us unlock the meaning of difficult texts. In this Episode, Taz and Sam demonstrate using patterns of repeated...
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Psalm 1: "Trees are pretty cool"
Attention! We have a new podcast: Discovery Bible Study from Front Porch Report. Check out the spotify link below or search for us on your favorite podcast platform. https://open.spotify.com/show/3NNy124gtijYdTQwjrmg5C?si=JOqhxdXOTGCWm-pUDxWD5A Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible...
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Who is the Greatest: Luke Chapter 9 (part 3)
This week, we witness a pivot point in Jesus’s ministry, the beginning of his final journey to Jerusalem. Join us as we learn from him about how to be truly great, how to cooperate with people we don’t fully agree with, and how to manage anger appropriately. Bible Translation: Christian Standard...
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Sleep Paralysis Elijah: Luke Chapter 9 (part 2)
What does the Transfiguration of Jesus at the top of a mountain teach us about God, People, and the Gospel? What did Jesus mean when he said “there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God?" Join Taz and Sam this week as they reflect on these and more...
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Who is Jesus: Luke Chapter 9 (part 1)
This week’s passage contains a literary sandwich where the outer bread consists of speculation about Jesus’s identity, and the middle contains enough bread to feed 5,000 men. We see what you did there Luke. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method...
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Already But Not Yet (Live)
Join Taz in this episode as he engages a live audience of middle and high school students, discussing the tension between present struggles and future hope, as outlined in Romans 8:22-25. He explores how hope, rooted in God's past faithfulness, offers patience amidst the challenges of a broken...
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Longing For Heaven (Romans 8:23-25)
Is it appropriate to long for heaven? What do we do when God doesn't answer our prayers for healing? What is the source of Christian Hope? Join Taz and Sam this week as they dive into Romans 8, verses 23-25 to search for the answers to these questions.
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An Interruptible Savior: Luke Chapter 8 (part 4)
An important man approaches Jesus with an urgent request for a miracle, but God does not operate by our timelines. Join us this week as we explore two famous miracles of Jesus, how they interact with each other, and what it means for us today. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible...
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Sooie-cide: Luke Chapter 8 (part 3)
This week, Jesus encounters a man who has been rejected by a colony of rejected people. The “Son of the Most High God” helps him deal with some of his demons and, in the process, teaches us a lot about himself and the Gospel. Join Taz and Sam as they unpack the story of the Gerasene Demoniac.…
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Middleground: Sabbath and the Supreme Court
Supreme Court showdown over Sabbath could change workplaces across US, By Devin Dwyer and Isabella Meneses https://apple.news/A9i4AI_DHSVW-J7T-Te83Dg 7 Things You Should Know About the Lord’s Day, By David Schrock https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/a-brief-history-of-sunday/ Bible...
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Storm Whisperer: Luke Chapter 8 (part 2)
This week, Jesus teaches us what lamps are for, adopts us as his mother, and tells a big storm to calm down (it’s being too loud). Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok:...
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Sow What? Luke Chapter 8 (part 1)
Join us this week as we dive into the parable of the sower and discuss soil types, listening ears, and what obedience looks like. Beach Reach Article: https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/students-flock-to-south-padre-island-for-beach-reach/ Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible...
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Gospel Hygiene: Luke Chapter 7 (part 3)
Join Taz and Sam as they discuss Luke 7's themes of forgiveness, love, and faith. They explore how we sometimes put up theological roadblocks that prevent us from fully embracing the gospel. They also talk about the story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with perfume and how her love for Jesus...
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Sin Changes Theology (bonus)
Is it possible for someone engaged in unrepentant sin to be a trustworthy teacher? Can an individual’s theology and their behavior be separated from each other? It is vital for Christians to consider these questions, especially in an age where more and more giants of biblical thought are having...
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Johnny Be Good: Luke Chapter 7 (part 2)
In the wake of a pair of rather impressive messianic miracles, Jesus is approached by some disciples of John the Baptist who relay that his cousin is no longer sure whether he is actually the Christ. Jesus’s response to this expression of doubt is fascinating. Join Sam and Taz this week as they...
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Divine CPR: Luke Chapter 7 (part 1)
This week, Jesus is on a mission to undo the effects of the curse. He starts by performing a miraculous healing on a man he hasn’t even seen face-to-face based on the faith a Roman Centurion. He then interrupts a funeral by bringing the dead man back to life. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss what...
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The Golden Rule: Luke Chapter 6 (part 2)
This week, Sam and Taz dive deep into Jesus's sermon on the plain and find themselves encouraged and convicted by his teachings, commands and parables. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter:...
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Front Porch Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (part 2)
This week, Taz and Bruce discuss some of the main themes from chapters five through nine of Jesus and John Wayne. We would love for you to read through this work with us and join the conversation. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Fath and Fractured a Nation by Kristin…
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Middleground: The Red Trickle
As election results trickle in, they reveal that the highly anticipated "red wave" is itself merely a trickle. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss the implications of the election results for republicans, Texas and the US as a whole. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @frontreport TikTok…
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Bros and Woes: Luke Chapter 6 (part 1)
This week, Jesus sabbaths with style, sets his final roster for the 12 apostles, and begins the sermon on the plain. Follow along with Taz and Sam as they dive into the text using the Discovery Bible Study method. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study...
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Front Porch Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (part 1)
Jesus and John Wayne is an historical exploration of the American Evangelical movement that, in part, seek to explain why white christians seem to have such rabid support for politicians like Donald Trump. This week, Bruce makes his triumphant return as guest host as he and Taz discuss the first...
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Everybody Needs Somebody: Luke Chapter 5
This week, Jesus picks up a couple of friends, makes a few enemies and tells his first parables. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss the importance of sharing the gospel with our actions and try to figure out what makes new wine better than old. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible...
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The Devil Went Down to Galilee: Luke Chapter 4
Fresh off of his baptism at the hands of his cousin, John, Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness and then starts his ministry in the region of Galilee. In addition to their usual discussion of the DBS questions, Sam and Taz also take a deep dive into literary design and chiasm as they seek to...
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Repentance Requires Life Change: Luke Chapter 3
This week John the Baptist has some choice words for hypocrites (aka all of us), but also describes how repentance can lead to forgiveness. Meanwhile, Sam shares some theories for how Luke and Matthew's geneologies of Jesus can be correct, even though they are different. Join the discussion on...
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Middleground: Student Loan Forgiveness
After the Biden administration announced that certain individuals with federal student loan debt will receive forgiveness from $10,000-$20,000, there was a veritable explosion of vitriol and partisan bickering across social media. Unsurprisingly, a nuanced middleground perspective was missing…
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Christmas In July: Luke Chapter 2 (part 1)
Join us this week as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Texas Summer Style. It's never the wrong time of year to remind ourselves of the "good news of great joy" that a small family and some shepherds got to experience over 2,000 years ago. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)...
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Can God Redeem a Leukemia Diagnosis? (with Bryon Turner)
This week, Taz is joined by his father, Bryon, in a discussion of how suffering can strengthen our relationship with God. Diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in April, Bryon has experienced first-hand how a life can be turned upside down over the course of a single day. Despite the…
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Middleground: Overwhelming Tragedy
In the wake of a Texas Elementary School mass shooting and the release of a bombshell report on the Souther Baptist Convention's on-going sexual abuse scandal, Taz and Sam are overwhelmed by the tragedy of the world. Join us this week as we think through these heavy issues and seek to find the...
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Discovery Bible Study: Luke Chapter 1 (part 2)
The Holy Spirit turns everyone into poets this week, and Sam and Taz are here for it. Join us as we discuss God's faithfulness from generation to generation to the Nation of Israel and to the least of these in the second half of Luke Chapter 1. Join the discussion on twitter, instagram or…
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Discovery Bible Study: Luke Chapter 1 (part 1)
The Angel Gabriel gets his steps in this week as he assists an elderly priest named Zechariah and a young woman named Mary with their unexpected family planning needs. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss Luke 1:1-38, contemplate the freewill of spiritual beings, and try to figure out what ties John,...
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Just Luke 1-9
Taz reads from Luke 1:1 through Luke 9:36 in the Christian Standard Bible translation. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)
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Discovery Bible Study: Season 3 Introduction
Season 3 of Discovery Bible Study is here, but the book Taz and Sam are going to study is a surprise, even to themselves. Join us this week as they cast lots to pick one of the four gospels, then stick around for important historical and textual context that will guide their discussions of the…
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Decoding Deconstruction: An Interview with an Agnostic-Atheist
In an age of mass-exodus from the Evangelical Christian movement, what can Christ-followers learn from the stories of those who have gone through deconstruction? This week, Sam and Taz interview Yididia, a former believer who grew up with a strong faith, but who now identifies as Atheist/Agnostic.
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Middleground: Justice Desserts
In the Season 2 finale of Front Porch Report, Taz and Sam discuss calls for Supreme Court Justice John Roberts to retire, as well as controversy surrounding the Rwandan Government. Take The Hint, John Roberts — It’s Time For You To Retire, Too By John F. Harris -2/03/2022...
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Discovery Bible Study: James Chapter 5 (part 2)
Can a prayer of faith heal a sick person? Can a Christian lose their salvation? Where has Front Porch Report been for the last month? This week, Cohosts Sam and Taz discuss these and more questions in the thrilling conclusion to the book of James. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible...
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The Bowl Season Special
As Universities across the nation prepare to face each other in NCAA Football Bowl Games, Lucas joins the boys to discuss the season to date as well as speculate on the future of TCU and The Big 12. Finally they close with predictions about some of the most exciting Bowl Game prospects.
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Discovery Bible Study James Chapter 5 (part 1)
In part one of their James Chapter 5 bible study, Sam and Taz discuss what Jesus' half-brother has to say about the topics of wealth, patience, suffering, and divine healing. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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Middleground: A Question of Pork
As Democrats struggle to unify behind the Build Back Better Bill, some critics on the left have pointed out what appears to be a hypocritical element of it. Sam and Taz dive deep into these claims and discuss the ideological impurities of political "pork". Second-biggest program in Democrats’...
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Middleground: Beto Luck This Time
Former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke announces that he is running for the Democratic nomination in the 2022 Texas Governor's race. This week Taz and Sam unpack Beto's history, his politics and make a few predictions about how this race is going to turn out.
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Discovery Bible Study: James Chapter 4 (part 2)
This week Sam and Taz continue their deep dive into James Chapter 4 and discuss what applications they can draw from the text. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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Middleground: Collision Course
A former wide reciever for the Las Vegas Raiders faces the end of his career and, potentially, half of his lifetime behind bars for a single night of mistakes. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are barreling toward a geo-political worst-case-scenario. Join Taz and Sam as they discuss what Christians...
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Discovery Bible Study: James Chapter 4 (part 1)
Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 4. This week, the text reveals the relationship between arrogance, boasting, and disrespect. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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Middleground: Migrants in the Middle
As Americans begin to turn their attention away from the Texas border town of Del Rio, Sam and Taz discuss the Christian Worldview implications of another group of Haitian Migrants taking the long, overland journey to the U.S. Southern Border. What motivates these travelers, and how can we apply...
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Discovery Bible Study: James Chapter 3 (part 2)
Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 3. This week, they dive deep into some fascinating aspects of the text, and draw application from it. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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Discovery Bible Study: James Chapter 3 (part 1)
Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James. This week they bring the Discovery Bible Study questions to bear on Chapter 3, and learn about humanity's most dangerous organ. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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Sanctity of Life Special
On September 1st, a law came into effect in Texas that allows citizens to bring civil suits against those who provide abortions and anyone who "aids and abets" abortion. The political firestorm from this law highlights what a stranglehold the topic has on the American political consciousness....
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Middleground: Sex Work and Robotics
The State of Texas makes history by making it a felony to pay for sex, while a woman from Oklahoma exemplifies that not all heroes wear capes. Texas is the first state to make buying sex a felony. Will this help trafficking victims? By Safia Samee Ali - Aug. 12, 2021...
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James Chapter 2 (part 2)
Cohosts Taz and Sam continue their bible study in James Chapter 2. This week, they dive deep into the confusing aspects of the text, and draw application from it. Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com) Discovery Bible Study Method (www.dbsguide.org)
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Coming from Conservative Baptist backgrounds, Taz and Sam each had their faith challenged and sharpened by their time spent co-leading a small group Bible Study on a secular college campus. Four years spent in the echo chamber of a different worldview forced them to confront major theological, philosophical, and political controversies in a respectful and intellectually honest manner. Now, with a balanced, yet uncompromised perspective that is so necessary in today's fraught climate, Sam and Taz offer incisive commentary about current events and a model for leading a small group bible study.
HOSTED BY
Taz and Sam
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Front Porch Report have?
Front Porch Report currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Front Porch Report about?
Coming from Conservative Baptist backgrounds, Taz and Sam each had their faith challenged and sharpened by their time spent co-leading a small group Bible Study on a secular college campus. Four years spent in the echo chamber of a different worldview forced them to confront major theological,...
How often does Front Porch Report release new episodes?
Front Porch Report has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Front Porch Report?
You can listen to Front Porch Report on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Front Porch Report?
Front Porch Report is created and hosted by Taz and Sam.
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