Lisa Harper's Back Porch Theology

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by New Testament scholar Dr. Scot McKnight and trauma-informed counselor Adrienne Gibson for a conversation about trauma through the lens of 2 Corinthians. Together, they explore Paul’s vulnerability, the four common trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and the importance of processing our stories within healthy community. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 10–13 2 Corinthians 10 2 Corinthians 11 Acts 13 Acts 20:7–12 Isaiah 42:1–4 Christian Counseling Resources Valor Counseling — Adrienne Gibson Christian counseling resources through Adrienne Gibson: www.valorcounselingaz.com Psychology Today — Find a Counselor To find a counselor in your area, visit Psychology Today and use the filters to narrow your search by location, specialty, insurance, and more: www.psychologytoday.com

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into 1 Corinthians with Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, exploring Paul's call to unity in a church wrestling with division, cultural pressures, and sexual brokenness—and how genuine biblical community calls us back to wholeness. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Psalm 51 1 Corinthians 5:1 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 5:7 Jeremiah 2:13 1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 1:18 John 4 Revelation 3:20 Acts 18

On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa is joined by theologian and author Dr. Preston Sprinkle for a deep dive into Romans 16 and the remarkable stories of three women who played significant roles in the early church: Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia. Together, they unpack the leadership, influence, and ministry of these women and explore what their stories reveal about women’s roles in the early church and the spread of the Gospel. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and join us on the back porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Romans 16:1-7 Romans 8 Acts 2 Romans 15 Romans 9-11 Romans 14-15 Romans 1 Romans 2 John 13 Matthew 22 Mark 10 Philippians 2 Romans 16:23 Acts 18:25-26 Romans 16:7 1 Chronicles 22:8 Romans 8:1

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by New Testament scholar and Anglican priest Dr. Michael Bird for a lively dive into the book of Acts. Together, they explore the inseparable connection between Luke and Acts, the significance of Jesus’ ascension, and the Holy Spirit’s powerful work through ordinary believers as the early church quite literally turned the world upside down. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch! SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 20:7-12 Acts 1:8-10 Genesis 1 Psalm 8 Daniel 7 Acts 2:41-45 Acts 17 Acts 13 Acts 2:17-21 Acts 5:40-41 Acts 8:26-40

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa & Allison welcome Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams from She Reads Truth for a rich conversation through the Gospel of John. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond treating the Bible as a rule book and instead encounter it as an invitation to know the Living Word—Jesus Himself. From abiding in Christ to the power of God's living and active Word, this episode is a reminder that Scripture is meant to transform us, not just inform us. Grab your Bible and pull up a chair - we're so glad you're here. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Hebrews 4:12 John 15:4 John 13-17 Hebrews 5:7

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison explore the Gospel of Luke, focusing on Jesus' heart for the misfits, the marginalized, and those often overlooked. Luke reveals a Savior who consistently moves toward the overlooked, the broken, and the unlikely with compassion, mercy, and grace. If you've ever felt unseen, like you don't quite fit in, or questioned whether God could really delight in you, this conversation will remind you that Jesus has always made room for people just like us. So come hang out with us on the porch—we've saved you a seat. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Luke 8:1-3 Luke 16:19-24 Luke 18:9-14 Luke 7:11-17 Luke 13:10-17 Psalm 139:1-18 Luke 15:11-32

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison welcome Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Dr. Michael Bird for a rich conversation on the Gospel of Mark. Together they show why the cross doesn't contradict Jesus' identity as the Messiah—it confirms it. If you've ever wondered how God brings hope through suffering, this episode will encourage you to see the cross as the ultimate expression of His love and victory. So grab a cuppa, your Bible, and come hang out on the porch with us. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 15 Mark 9:1 Mark 8:27-9:1-12 Mark 14:66-69 Psalm 110:1 Daniel 7:13 Mark 10:45 Mark 7:24-30 Mark 9 Mark 10:13–16

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison sit down with Kyle Hebert to discuss his remarkable journey from incarceration at Angola State Penitentiary to a life transformed by Jesus. Together, they explore key themes in the Gospel of Matthew, including forgiveness, mercy, the Beatitudes, and the redemptive power of God's grace. Grab your Bible and come hang out on the porch. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 5:1-10 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 18:21 Matthew 18:15-17 Matthew 18:27

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison head into Ezra and Nehemiah and discover that sometimes God's greatest miracles aren't dramatic moments of rescue—they're the long, faithful work of rebuilding. As God's people return from exile and begin clearing away decades of rubble, we're reminded that restoration often happens one brick, one prayer, and one act of obedience at a time. It's a timely reminder that God still brings beauty from rubble. Pull up a chair and come join us on the porch. We're so glad you're here. Scripture References: Isaiah 44:26-28 Psalm 51 Ezra 10:2-3 Nehemiah 3:12 Nehemiah 4:10 Galatians 6:15 Nehemiah 2:16 Ecclesiastes 7:2 Ezekiel 37 Nehemiah 6:9

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.