Lisa Harper's Back Porch Theology

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology takes us into the often-overlooked books of First and Second Chronicles, where Lisa and Allison uncover a beautiful reminder that God is always telling a redemptive story. If you're facing circumstances that feel impossible, this conversation will encourage you to lift your eyes above your current situation and remember that God is still at work, weaving redemption into every chapter of your life. So grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, and pull up a chair on the porch. We're so glad you're here.   Scripture References:  1 Chronicles 11:11-14 2 Samuel 23:9-10 2 Chronicles 20:12

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the final three Minor Prophets—Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—and explore what it means to trust God in the gap between expectation and reality. Through disappointment, waiting, and redemptive discontent, we’re reminded that God is still at work and His promises are still true. So please grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, and come hang out on the porch with us.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Haggai 1:1–5 Zechariah 4:6 Zechariah 7:1–3 Zechariah 9:9 Zechariah 14:9; 20 Matthew 21:4-5 Malachi 2:17 Malachi 3:1; 7 Malachi 4:2-3

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Kristi McLelland for a rich conversation about the Minor Prophets, with a special focus on the book of Hosea. Together, they trace the threads of Hosea’s powerful love story—a living illustration of God's relentless pursuit of His people. While the Minor Prophets contain sobering warnings and calls to repentance, they ultimately point to a God who never gives up on His people and whose story culminates in redemption through Jesus. Pull up a chair and join us—we're so glad you're here. Scripture References:  Joel 2:28   Amos 5:24   Obadiah 1:21   Jonah 2:2   Micah 4:4   Nahum 1:7–8   Habakkuk 3:17   Zephaniah 3:17   Hosea 1:2–8   Hosea 2:1; 5–8; 14–20   Hosea 3:2   Hosea 6:1–3

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison journey through the book of Daniel, one of Scripture’s most compelling stories of faith under pressure. As they walk through Daniel, they explore God's sovereignty, the refining nature of trials, and the confidence that comes from knowing He is faithful to the very end. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, opposition, or a season of waiting, this conversation offers fresh hope and encouragement to keep trusting the God who never leaves our side. Grab your Bible, sweet tea, and settle in—we're so glad you're here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison sit down with Alex Seeley for a powerful conversation about the person and presence of the Holy Spirit through the lens of the book of Ezekiel. Together, they explore God's promise to breathe life into dry bones and what that means for believers who feel weary, discouraged, or spiritually dry. This encouraging conversation is a reminder that God still breathes life into what feels lifeless and that true revival begins with an invitation to the Holy Spirit. Pull up a chair and come hang out with us on the porch—we're so glad you're here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard journey through Jeremiah and Lamentations, exploring the prophetic power of humility, obedience, and unwavering faithfulness in difficult seasons. This rich conversation reminds us that even in our deepest lamentations, God remains faithful, forgiving, and near to the brokenhearted. Pull up a chair - we're so glad you are here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Brooke Ligertwood dive into the beauty, depth, and prophetic hope woven throughout Isaiah. This conversation is a reminder that God is not after performance, He is after our hearts. Pull up a chair, we're so glad you are here. Book Reference: The Prophecy of Isaiah - J. Alec Motyer

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the beauty, mystery, and intimacy of Song of Solomon. Together, they explore the poetic imagery, allegorical themes, and surprising significance of female voices throughout the book, while unpacking how Song of Solomon ultimately points to the deep affection God has for His people. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, lean into the heart of God, and rest in the reality that you are fully known and deeply loved. So pull up a chair and stay awhile.

On today’s Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the wisdom literature of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, exploring the contrast between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly and what it means to live with discernment in a complicated world. From stories about parenting and boundaries to the reminder that life is fleeting and God is faithful, this conversation is both practical and hopeful. Pull up a chair and come hang out on the porch with us!

On today’s Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Amy Orr-Ewing explore forgiveness, repentance, and healing through Psalm 51 and the story of King David and Bathsheba. Together, they unpack why forgiveness isn’t weakness, how Scripture calls us to honestly acknowledge harm, and what it looks like to pursue healing—even in the hardest places. Pull up a chair—we’re really glad you’re here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison walk through the Psalms as a sacred space where every emotion is welcome. From the unresolved grief of Psalm 88 to the messianic hope of Psalm 22, they remind us that God meets us in both sorrow and praise. This episode becomes an invitation to worship with joy, freedom, and abandon. So grab your Bible, pull up a chair on the porch with us—we’re really glad you’re here.

On today’s Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison unpack the story of Job—his suffering, his questions, and his unshakable faith. Through loss, difficult conversations, and God’s final word, we’re reminded that hope and redemption are never out of reach. Settle in—we’re really glad you’re here.

A note before you start - this episode does contain some mature content, so please be aware before listening with little ears around! On today’s Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Lynn Cohick explore the story of Esther, highlighting themes of courage, voice, and obedience. From Vashti’s bold stand to Esther’s pivotal role in saving her people, this episode reminds us how God works through both quiet faithfulness and courageous action. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch—we’re really glad you’re here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison explore the stories of Elijah and Elisha, along with Huldah the prophetess. Along the way, they reflect on the difference between transparency and vulnerability, the grace God shows in moments of burnout and spiritual drift, and the beautiful reminder that God can use anyone—regardless of visibility or platform—to accomplish His purposes.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa & Allison discuss Solomon, the reflections of Ecclesiastes, and the opening chapters of 1 Kings. Though given extraordinary wisdom, Solomon’s life reveals the danger of pursuing success apart from God. The conversation also reflects on David’s costly act of worship and the deeper truth that true wisdom grows in humble hearts that remain dependent on God’s grace. Come join us on the porch—we’re so glad you’re here.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa Harper, Allison Allen, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle unpack the major themes of 1 & 2 Samuel, including kingship, the word of God, and spiritual warfare. They discuss the rise and fall of Saul, the ascent of David, and the biblical warnings against mediums and spiritists. The conversation highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and points to Jesus as the ultimate King and Redeemer. Grab a cup and pull up a chair—we’re so glad you’re here on the porch.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle step into the dramatic world of the books of Samuel—where tearful prayers, wise courage, and supernatural moments collide. From Hannah’s heartbreak and Abigail’s bold wisdom to Saul and David’s contrasting paths of descent and ascent, they explore how God’s Word moves through messy families and broken stories to bring restoration. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch—we’re so glad you’re here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Kristi McLelland step into the book of Ruth—a small but radiant story shining in Israel’s dark days. They unpack misquoted Scriptures, Ruth’s surprising Moabite backstory, and Boaz’s costly kindness, revealing a powerful portrait of covenant friendship and God’s faithful provision. This episode is a reminder that God works through everyday loyalty, kindness, and community. Grab a cup and pull up a chair—we’re so glad you’re here on the porch.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa sits down with Dr. Preston Sprinkle to dive into the book of Judges through the lives of Deborah, Jael, and Huldah—three remarkable women whose stories reveal a God who is both utterly sovereign and intimately kind. They reflect on what Scripture truly reveals about women, leadership, spiritual motherhood, and everyday influence—and how a right view of God’s smiling countenance transforms the way we live, love, and lead. Take a seat and stay awhile; we’re so glad you’re here.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison unpack the book of Joshua—from Jordan River miracles and Caleb’s “give me my mountain” faith to the courage of the daughters of Zelophehad—to explore how God leads us into His promises even when we feel tired, overlooked, or passed over. This episode is a hope-filled invitation to trust that no season of waiting is wasted and that there is still an inheritance in Jesus with your name on it. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Kristi McLelland as they explore the beauty and emotional depth of Deuteronomy, reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the loving purpose behind His instructions. With warmth and hope, they invite us to remember what God has done, trust His presence in seasons of scarcity or loneliness, and rest in the truth that we are His treasured possession. So grab a cup, pull up a chair, and settle in - we’re so glad you’re here.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the book of Numbers, exploring its surprising themes of communication, intimacy, and God’s deeply personal care for His people, reflecting along the way on God’s mercy through the story of Moses and the bold, faithful courage of Zelophehad’s daughters. It’s a hope-filled truth that even in the wilderness, God knows His people by name and never stops drawing them close. Grab a chair and join us on the porch, we saved you a seat.

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard invite us to see Leviticus through a surprising and grace-filled lens, not as a punitive list of rules, but as a profound love story. Together, they explore how Leviticus was designed to draw God’s people into relationship, highlighting the Day of Atonement, the heart of the Mosaic Law, and how these themes echo forward into the New Testament. It’s a thoughtful, hope-filled reminder that God’s heart has always been about dwelling with His people. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God’s guidance, reminding us that God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison take us back into the book of Exodus, one of the most pivotal stories in the Old Testament. Together, they unpack themes of deliverance and bondage, spotlighting the courageous midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the dramatic plagues, and the awe-filled moment at Mount Sinai when God’s glory descended in a cloud. Their conversation reminds us that the God who brought His people out of slavery is still bringing freedom and deliverance to His children today. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch! 

In today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa & Allison explore the story of Abraham ~ an unlikely hero chosen by God in sheer grace. Together, they unpack God’s sovereignty and grace in choosing, calling, and blessing people not because of their merit, but because of His faithfulness. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison walk through portions of Genesis and reflect on how Scripture consistently restores dignity where it’s been lost. Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or ready to dive deeper, this conversation sets the tone for a year of discovering that there are truly no wasted words in God’s story, so pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

In this episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen and Lisa Harper kick off the first episode of 2026 and an exciting new series, No Wasted Words, as we begin walking through the whole Bible together this year. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about Scripture and share our passion for exploring its overarching themes with curiosity, joy, and reverence. Pull up a chair and join us as we step into a new year and a yearlong journey through God’s Word, opening Scripture together with honesty, curiosity, and hopeful expectation.

On today’s episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year’s Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God’s faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating “Ebenezer” stones to mark God’s work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we’re so glad you’re here!

In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God’s story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it’s Christmas on the porch.

In this merry-and-brightly honest episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen, Lisa Harper, and Doc H swap stories from their Christmas tour aka their very first bus tour, complete with equal parts joy, Jesus, and questionable sleep schedules.  They unpack a few favorite Christmas myths ~ including the real story behind Santa ~ and trace them back to the faith-filled roots of Saint Nicholas, the wise men, and other traditions woven through the season. Grab something warm to sip, ignore the Christmas to-do list for a minute, and pull up a chair, there’s room for you on the porch.

Today on the Back Porch, Rabbi Jason sits with Lisa and Allison to journey through identity, covenant, and the God who brings life from barren ground ~ through the pages of Scripture and the pages of their lives. Grab a blanket, pour a warm cup, and come sit with us.

Today on the Back Porch, we welcome Rabbi Jason Sobel for a porch-side chat about how the threads of Scripture ~ Old and New ~ braid into one story pointing to Jesus’s divine identity and mission. We sit with His self-emptying love (kenosis), where humility becomes strength, and find ourselves drawn into shalom - the wholeness, peace, and restoration secured by the cross and resurrection. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

Today on the Back Porch, we’re trading ham for turkey, dressing for stuffing debates, and canned jelly for fresh cranberries as we talk all things Thanksgiving ~ and the deeper gratitude that outlasts the leftovers. We’ll name some hard seasons and the surprising ways God’s goodness has met us there, reminding us that gratitude isn’t denial ~ it’s defiant hope. Take a breather from the Thanksgiving prep, pull up a chair, and join us as we count kernels of kindness from a faithful God.

Today on the Back Porch, as we wrap Mountains & Valleys, Lisa, Allison & Dr. Howard linger on one last ridgeline: Solomon’s story. We watch the golden king step off the path, small compromises becoming idols, until a fractured heart splinters a nation. We consider why sound theology must interpret culture and how Ecclesiastes summons us to fear God and keep His commands. Press pause on the Thanksgiving hustle, pour a warm coffee, and join us on the porch.

Today on the Back Porch, buckle up for a soulful road trip. Lisa and Allison explore Psalm 84 with the sons of Korah, tracing the Valley of Baca—the valley of tears—as a map for our own hard stretches where God meets us in grief, teaches us contentment, and invites us to be fully present right where our feet are. Fill your cup with coffee or cider, wrap up in a blanket, and wander out to the leaf-strewn porch.

Today on the Back Porch, we’re visiting the Jezreel Valley, the Plain of Armageddon, where battles were fought, prophets spoke, and God proved faithful. At this fertile, strategic crossroads of history, Scripture’s conflicts ultimately point us to hope in Jesus. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or cider, settle into a blanket, and meet us on the fall-kissed porch.

Today on the Back Porch (Part 3 of our Mountain & Valley series), Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Jim Howard walk through the theology of peaks and valleys, from Elijah’s bold stand on Mount Carmel to his post-victory crash in 1 Kings 19.  Along the way, we explore how God meets our fatigue and grief with rest, renewal, and the gift of community. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and join us on the porch!

Today on Back Porch, Lisa and Allison continue part two of their six-part series, Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life ~ reminding us that challenges aren’t detours but part of the journey, and that God’s promises are never dead, only fulfilled in His perfect timing. So pour yourself a cup of coffee or spiced tea, settle in, and join us on the porch!

Today on Back Porch, Lisa & Allison kick off a new six-part series Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life. From Lisa’s 50-mile Appalachian Trail hike to Moses’ burning bush encounter, they remind us that God’s presence is steady, His covenant sure, and our journeys best walked with persistence and community. So grab a pumpkin flavored latte, pull up a chair, we’re so glad you joined us!

Today on the Back Porch, we have a special treat for you as we’re sharing a session from Kerygma this past year. Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today and founder of Soulfire International Ministries, unpacks “God’s inconvenient promises.” Through the Shunammite woman’s story, she shows how God’s unexpected healing brings shalom and how trusting His presence leads to lasting peace and restoration. You won’t want to miss this message, so grab your favorite beverage and your Bible, and join us on the porch!

During today’s conversation on the porch, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Brian Litfin unpack the Nicene Creed, emphasizing the Trinity’s unity, the power of the resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Litfin contrasts the gospel’s hope with pagan despair, giving historical and cultural insight into Christ’s victory over sin, death, and Satan. You might be asking - How does this all apply to us today? Listen in as we discuss – right here on the porch!

Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is one of the best we’ve had in a while because it’s basically a dissertation on why play and celebration should be a part of every Christ-follower’s spiritual formation plan!  While there’s no single verse proving that our Savior laughed and played during His earthly life and ministry, there are a plethora of passages that imply it like the literary. The Bible proves over and over again that Christoformity – being shaped like Jesus – isn’t always supposed to be serious and somber. Being playful can be every bit as spiritual as being prayerful.  Today’s going to be a fun day on the porch y’all, so you might want to bring a caffeinated drink, a yummy snack, and your Bible. And try to talk one of your small group friends who thinks spiritual maturity and grumpiness are congruent into hanging out with us too, because we’re going to expose that myth as being biblically indefensible! Thanks for carving the time out of your day to be with us – we love getting to spend these moments on the porch with you.

During today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are tip-toeing carefully into foreign territory because we’re talking about the massive benefit of having moments when we’re not talking!  C.S. Lewis wrote extensively about the value of solitary moments and considered silence to be a powerful force for spiritual transformation – he described it as a strategic way to get closer to God.  It’s going to be a good day on the porch, y’all – whether you’re a saint of few words or a gabber like us – so please pour yourself a mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, grab your Bible, and pull up a chair. We’re so glad we get to spend this time leaning more fully into the love of God with you.

Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology we’re talking about the spiritual discipline of fasting – the willingness to forgo food, or social media, or some other physical or emotional comfort in order to focus more of our attention and affection on God.  One of my favorite ancient theologians, Thomas A’Kempis, wrote this in his classic book “The Imitation of Christ”: True peace of heart therefore is found by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. Our Savior is the only One who can master us without abusing us. And sometimes, allowing ourselves to feel physical hunger pains is what prompts us to lean more fully into Jesus to satisfy the spiritual hunger in our hearts and minds.  We’re diving in pretty deep today y’all, so please grab a tall glass of something refreshing, along with your Bible and a notebook or sticky pad and come hang out on the porch with us. We’re so grateful we get to spend this time with you.

Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is the first in a 4-part series exploring the biblical foundations of “Spiritual Formation.”  There are lots of strong opinions regarding which practices in particular should be included in a classic spiritual formation plan, but we’re only going to cover a couple here on BPT, beginning with table fellowship. Have you ever noticed how often Jesus gathered around a table with His friends and disciples and shared a meal?  The Gospels include as many depictions of our Savior eating as it does Him praying! Frankly, sharing meals and worshipping God are synergistic throughout the Bible. Please grab your favorite beverage, a couple of snacks, and your Bible then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We’re really glad you’re here!

Today’s conversation on the porch is a highlight reel of the theological topics that have garnered the most response from y’all. Things like how the gap between our formal theology and our functional becomes a seedbed of hypocrisy. We’re also going to talk about how the Bible is much more about “we” than “me” and how community is the most effective hermeneutic of the Gospel – in other words, we formulate our understanding of who our Creator Redeemer is largely through the lens of community. Which reminds me, the only reason Alli, Dr. Howard and I get to do this podcast is because you choose to pull your chairs up to the proverbial porch with us – thank you. We’re so grateful for this community of faith and it is such a joy to get to dive deeply into the Word of God and lean more fully into the love of God with y’all. So, you know the drill: grab a cup of coffee  and your Bible – and come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We’re really glad you’re here.

Today’s conversation is a first on Back Porch Theology because we’ve chosen three highlights from the entire library of our previous 188 podcasts and put them together in a special Best-Views-From-the-Porch episode that we hope not only puts a smile on your fact but helps you lean more fully into the unconditional love of our Creator Redeemer. And spoiler alert: we’re covering a wide swath of biblical territory today - from Ezer Kenegdo in Genesis to synergos in Romans - so you might want to bring some high energy snacks and don’t forget your Bible. Alli, Dr. Howard and I are so glad you’re here – it’s both an honor and a delight for us to get to spend this time focusing our attention and affection on Jesus with y’all! Thank you very much for choosing to carve out the time to hang out with us.

Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is a sequel because Alli and I got to hang out with one of our dear friends, Professor Kristi McLelland. This snippet from Kristi’s new book, Feasting on God’s Word, will give you a glimpse of the adventure we’re diving into today: “Life is both long and short. It has high and low moments. The promise of the Bible is that God is with us in and through it all. He has never been afraid of entering into the dust and ruin; restoration renewal, and repair are part of who He is.” We’re diving in pretty deep today y’all, so I’d encourage you to lean in and listen when you’ve got some breathing space and a little elbow room for the great, big, beautiful – albeit possibly weary – heart of yours. So please grab your favorite beverage, some yummy snacks, and that divine love letter we call the Bible. Then pull up a chair and prop your feet up on the porch with Alli, Professor Kristi, and me – we’re grateful you’ve carved out the time and space to be with us today.

During today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I have the distinct privilege of diving deep into this divine love letter we call the Bible with one of our very dear friends who just so happens to be a world-renowned Bible scholar, Professor Kristi McLelland. Kristi spent over a year living in Egypt and Israel so that she could study Scripture in its original socio-historical context, and the fruits of her labor will leave you gob-smacked with wonder over the accessible, redemptive truisms in God’s Word. Just listen to this excerpt from her new book, Feasting on God’s Word, “We are not orphans; we are not fatherless. We do not have to open the Bible and dig something out to feed ourselves. We are not alone in the moment. When we approach the Word of God, we do so as sons and daughters postured to receive. Rather than having to feed ourselves, we are readying ourselves to inherit and take in whatever the living God is ready to say and do as we interact with the Text.” If you want less duty and more delight when you engage with the redemptive narrative and promises found in God’s enscripturated revelation, today’s episode is tailor made for you, baby! So please grab an iced mocha and of course bring your Bible as you pull up a proverbial chair on the porch with us…we’re really glad you’re here!