Today is a red-letter kind of day here on Back Porch Theology because Alli and I have the undeserved privilege and absolute delight of having a conversation with one of the world's foremost experts on the New Testament canon, specifically the Gospels, Dr. Craig Blomberg. It's not every day you get to sit down with a brilliant saint with a PhD from the University Aberdeen, read an excerpt from his classic book called: "The Historical Reliability of the New Testament" - which, by the way, is just one of almost twenty academic books and commentaries that Dr. Blomberg's written - and then ask him this question: Will you please explain the term "hermeneutical spiral" as well as how it can be useful as we seek to not simply read and interpret the Bible but actually be read and interpreted by the Bible? Welcome to Back Porch Theology's scholar edition...we're really glad you've chosen to hang out with us today.
Are you feeling stuck, exhausted, or ready to give up? In this episode of Equip and Empower, Christine Caine shares how to keep moving forward in faith-even when it feels like you've hit a wall. Whether you're waiting on God's promises, battling self-doubt, or just out of strength, this message is for you.
You'll learn:
- How to silence doubt and discouragement.
- What to do when your journey feels delayed.
- How to hold on to hope when you feel like quitting.
This is part of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong, no matter your season.
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer to pair with Resilient Hope. Download your 'Hope Kit' now!
+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
This week on The Writing Room, we're talking with our friend Brad Montague about what it means to make things that matter. From the joy of making something new to the sting of things not going the way we hoped, this episode is packed with encouragement for anyone brave enough to show up and create from love.
Connect with Brad: instagram.com/bradmontague
montagueworkshop.com/brad
Connect with Bob: instagram.com/bobgoff
Connect with Kim: instagram.com/kimberly.stuart.writes
---
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Hello, my friend. I sure hope you're having a good day. If you're the type of person who listens to podcasts while you sit in traffic or stand in lines, today's topic has a touch of irony-waiting. No one's favorite activity. Especially when we're waiting for deliverance from a painful circumstance. But may I remind you of the promise found in Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology after the initial belly laughs we dive pretty deep - as is often the case with BPT - into a theme that's been my heartbeat for the last several years, which is what it really means to live a Jesus-shaped life. To imitate Jesus authentically, not just with religious language and ethical ideology. Theology is anything but sterile subject matter, y'all - it was meant to be lived, not simply learned - because God isn't a proposition to be examined, He's a triune personhood with whom we get to engage! So please get yourself a yummy iced latte, and come hang out on the porch with us...we're really glad you're here!
The fruit of the Spirit is... LOVE. Join Ruth for this episode introducing a new summer series, considering what it means to truly abide in Christ, and how the fruit of love shows up in our lives.
All summer long, join us in meditating on what it means to abide and consider the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These short episodes, full of Scripture, are designed to be an opportunity to pause and realign your heart with truth.
Scripture referenced:
Galatians 5:22-23
Mark 12:30-31
John 13:34-35
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
1 John 4:7-12
Romans 12:9-10
Resources mentioned:
GraceLaced Fruit of the Spirit Collection
(gracelaced.com/FOTS) - use code POD15 to take 15% off items in the collection
Pastor Dino Rizzo joins Levi and Jennie for a powerful conversation on serving people at every level-from launching over 1,100 churches through ARC to bringing slippers and hope to juvenile detention centers. They talk about the heartbeat behind outreach, what makes a successful church plant, why slippers might just change the world, and the surprising secret to post-sermon peace. This one's packed with practical gold and heartfelt moments.
Connect with us on social!
Dino: @dinorizzo
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
ARC Ministries: https://bit.ly/4jnrtHu
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
Timestamps:
00:45 - Dino's Montana Vibes & Ministry Appreciation
02:15 - Learning from Missionary Legends & Church Outreach DNA
06:28 - Why Dino's Fired Up About Juvenile Detention Ministry
12:10 - How to Start Serving in Prisons and Detention Centers
18:26 - The ARC Story: Church Planting with Purpose
28:45 - Post-COVID Church Trends and Outreach Evolution
In this episode, host Christine Caine brings together powerful moments from our best interviews on identity to help you stand firm in who God created you to be. You'll hear from remarkable voices like Nona Jones, Priscilla Shirer, Katie Modrau, and Christine herself as they share truth and encouragement to combat lies and comparison. If you've ever wrestled with questions about who you really are, this episode will strengthen your foundation and remind you that your identity is anchored in Christ.
SHOW NOTES:
Healing the Broken Pieces
Nona Jones shares how trauma impacted her sense of worth-and how God stepped in to heal what was broken and restore her identity.
Identity That Can't Be Shaken
Christine and Priscilla Shirer discuss how knowing who you are in Christ provides unshakable confidence in a world constantly trying to define you.
The Power of God's Word in Identity Formation
Priscilla emphasizes the necessity of Scripture in discovering who you really are and staying anchored when lies try to creep in.
You Are Not What You Do
Katie Modrau opens up about separating her calling from her value, especially in seasons of transition, motherhood, and uncertainty.
Letting God Write Your Story
From deep wounds to divine purpose, each guest's story testifies to a God who redeems our past and redefines our future.
Follow Nona Jones @NonaNotNora,
Follow Priscilla Shirer @PriscillaShirer,
Follow Katie Modrau @KatieModrau
Check out the Resilient Hope Summer Series on the Equip & Empower Podcast
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
In this powerful 200th episode, Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with the legendary TobyMac for a raw, vulnerable, and hope-filled conversation. From his earliest days with DC Talk to the crushing loss of his son Truett, Toby shares the story behind his music, his deep faith, and what it means to fight for joy amid unspeakable pain. They laugh, cry, and reflect on legacy, healing, and what "Heaven on My Mind" really means. This episode is a must-listen for anyone walking through hardship or seeking to hold onto hope.
Connect with us on social!
TobyMac: @tobymac
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Stream "Heaven On My Mind": https://bit.ly/4jBHnPE
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
Timestamps:
00:45 - Celebrating 200 Episodes Live in Franklin
02:15 - TobyMac's First Concert Memories + DC Talk Origins
05:30 - Why He Keeps Making Music After All These Years
09:40 - The Summer Camp that Changed His Life Forever
14:10 - Losing Truett: Grief, Faith, and Finding Strength
19:05 - Writing "21 Years" and the Birth of Heaven on My Mind
23:50 - The Story Behind "God Did It" and Waging War on Jadedness
Pastor Dino Rizzo joins Levi and Jennie for a powerful conversation on serving people at every level-from launching over 1,100 churches through ARC to bringing slippers and hope to juvenile detention centers. They talk about the heartbeat behind outreach, what makes a successful church plant, why slippers might just change the world, and the surprising secret to post-sermon peace. This one's packed with practical gold and heartfelt moments.
Connect with us on social!
Dino: @dinorizzo
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
ARC Ministries: https://bit.ly/4jnrtHu
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
Timestamps:
00:45 - Dino's Montana Vibes & Ministry Appreciation
02:15 - Learning from Missionary Legends & Church Outreach DNA
06:28 - Why Dino's Fired Up About Juvenile Detention Ministry
12:10 - How to Start Serving in Prisons and Detention Centers
18:26 - The ARC Story: Church Planting with Purpose
28:45 - Post-COVID Church Trends and Outreach Evolution
One of the most well known psalms in the entire Bible is Psalm 23. It is affectionately referred to as the "Shepherd's Psalm". The Scriptures often use the metaphor of shepherd/sheep to describe our relationship with the Living God. He is the Good Shepherd, faithfully tending to His flock. Interestingly, even in modern-day Israel you see shepherds with their sheep. The Living God was using imagery that they would regularly see to remind them often of His faithful presence in their lives.
For years I have watched shepherds with their sheep in the wilderness regions of Israel. Shepherds know how to lead their flocks from grassy patch to grassy patch and through the dusty wilderness between. This is much closer to the imagery being taught to us in Psalm 23:2. It's not so much "green pastures" like we see in Ireland. It's "grassy pastures" in the wilderness.
When we find ourselves in a wilderness season, our FIRST question is, "How do I get out of this wilderness?" The Jewish people view the wilderness very differently and they ask a much better question. We will discover their question and so much more within it today.
The Living God does some of His best work in the wilderness. I hope today's teaching helps you reimagine the wilderness seasons in your own life as you look for your "word in the wilderness".
In this episode, host Christine Caine brings together powerful moments from our best interviews on identity to help you stand firm in who God created you to be. You'll hear from remarkable voices like Nona Jones, Priscilla Shirer, Katie Modrau, and Christine herself as they share truth and encouragement to combat lies and comparison. If you've ever wrestled with questions about who you really are, this episode will strengthen your foundation and remind you that your identity is anchored in Christ.
SHOW NOTES:
Healing the Broken Pieces
Nona Jones shares how trauma impacted her sense of worth-and how God stepped in to heal what was broken and restore her identity.
Identity That Can't Be Shaken
Christine and Priscilla Shirer discuss how knowing who you are in Christ provides unshakable confidence in a world constantly trying to define you.
The Power of God's Word in Identity Formation
Priscilla emphasizes the necessity of Scripture in discovering who you really are and staying anchored when lies try to creep in.
You Are Not What You Do
Katie Modrau opens up about separating her calling from her value, especially in seasons of transition, motherhood, and uncertainty.
Letting God Write Your Story
From deep wounds to divine purpose, each guest's story testifies to a God who redeems our past and redefines our future.
Follow Nona Jones @NonaNotNora,
Follow Priscilla Shirer @PriscillaShirer,
Follow Katie Modrau @KatieModrau
Check out the Resilient Hope Summer Series on the Equip & Empower Podcast
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
What if the enemy could convince you that sin is freedom-and silence is safety? In this deeply personal episode, Candace, Lev, and Pastor JP unpack how the enemy deceives by flipping the value of everything: making cheap things seem worthy and making eternal things seem disposable.
JP opens up about switching price tags on a Boys II Men CD as a teenager-a story that becomes a metaphor for how we can be mislead. They explore how spiritual apathy, pride, fear of man, and a shallow view of eternity can all keep believers quiet when the world needs truth the most.
Candace shares about her own conviction over staying silent on set and Lev wrestles with pride and significance. This episode is both sobering and empowering, calling every listener to live for what truly matters.
What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't fear-but distraction? Candace, JP, and Lev unpack how the enemy uses busyness, noise, and even our own thoughts to keep us from intimacy with God.
JP shares the emotional story of a dying man whose final words-"Don't wait like I did"-remind us how easily we can miss what matters most. From golden calves to glowing screens, the team exposes how distraction can become modern-day idolatry and explains why the mind is the primary battleground in spiritual warfare. Candace also opens up about the mental exhaustion of spinning too many plates and how she's fighting to reclaim peace, focus, and rest.
You'll walk away with practical strategies to identify your biggest distractions and learn how to redirect your attention back to Jesus. Because if the enemy can't destroy you-he'll try to distract you.
How do we heal from our past without repeating its mistakes?
In this episode of The High Note, Tauren sits down with Paul Scanlon to explore the power of breaking generational cycles, navigating deep wounds, and embracing true humanity. Paul opens up about growing up with an alcoholic father and being estranged from his siblings, shedding light on the struggles of moving forward without the support of those who hurt us. He shares his thoughts on how healing comes not from religious formulas, but from deeply understanding our humanity. Tune in as Paul challenges us to step outside the confines of our Christian bubble, emphasizing the importance of connecting with those who think differently and developing empathy through uncomfortable conversations. This episode is a transformative conversation about healing, growth, and learning to speak the language of humanity-whether in the church or on the street.
Jesus revolutionized human history in countless ways, as no other single individual ever has. On this journey, Dr. G explores the fascinating story of how Jesus radically changed how the world keeps track of time. Many people today work overtime to scrub Jesus and Christianity from humanity's everyday existence, but after going on today's journey, you'll understand their misguided efforts are doomed to fail.
Dr. G wants to hear from you! So join the conversation with him and your fellow travelers now on his FACEBOOK PAGE. Or email Dr. G directly by clicking HERE.
ORDER DR. G's NEWEST BOOK! Believing is Seeing.
* Tyndale
* Books-A-Million
* ChristianBook
* Amazon
* Barnes & Noble
Science + God is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrG.
Former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Tebow returns to chat with Levi and Jennie about embracing purpose beyond titles, navigating identity shifts, and the journey to motherhood. From hilarious godparent auditions to raw reflections on surrendering her literal crown, Demi brings deep wisdom and delightful charm. Plus, she gives the inside scoop on her new children's book, Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose, and how biltong nearly ruined Levi's jaw. This one's got laughs, life lessons, and lots of love.
Connect with us on social!
Demi: @demitebow
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose: https://bit.ly/4jygThN
A Crown That Lasts: https://bit.ly/3YSYnbx
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
Timestamps
08:14 - Building community after moving
02:50 - Losing the crown, finding purpose
03:13 - Godparent auditions begin
14:18 - Pink stroller + growing together
29:28 - Princess Paris & purpose for kids
55:28 - Sharing the stage at Passion SA & speaking in her second language
In this episode, host Christine Caine offers a vulnerable and passionate look at what it means to live on mission in every season. She shares the heart behind the Propel Cohorts, the value of spiritual formation, and why mentorship isn't about finding someone to imitate-but becoming more like Jesus. Christine speaks directly to women across every generation, stage, and calling, encouraging them to rise, lead, and be transformed. If you've ever longed for growth, clarity, and deep spiritual community-this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES:
The Heart Behind Propel Cohorts
Christine shares how years of global ministry and a hunger to mentor led to the creation of Propel Cohorts, a space that integrates leadership, spiritual formation, Scripture, and calling.
Mentorship That Leads to Jesus, Not to Imitation
Christine opens up about her own journey of mentorship and how true spiritual leaders point you toward Christ, not themselves.
A Place for Every Woman
Whether you're a college student, stay-at-home mom, CEO, or ministry leader-Christine unpacks how Propel Cohorts are designed for women in every sphere.
The Holy Spirit Still Leads
This isn't just a leadership program-it's about cultivating a life that's deeply rooted in the Spirit and formed through obedience.
It's Never Too Late to Start
From women in their 20s to their 70s, Christine shares stories of transformation and reminds listeners that if you're breathing, God's not finished with you yet.
Follow Propel Women, @propelwomen
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.