Back Porch Bible Studies

What if love is far more than emotion, attraction, or acceptance? In this episode of Back Porch Bible, we uncover the powerful meaning of biblical agape—the self-giving love of God that moved toward sinners through Jesus Christ and still transforms hearts today. Journey with us through First Epistle of John 4:7–16 as we confront modern distortions of love, discover why truth and love can never be separated, and learn how abiding in God produces a love strong enough to sacrifice, forgive, and endure. If you’ve ever wondered what real love actually looks like, this episode will challenge and encourage you deeply.

How do you recognize the voice of truth when so many spiritual voices sound convincing? In 1 John 4:1–6, John warns believers to test the spirits while reminding us that we do not stand alone—the Spirit of God within us is greater than the spirit of the world.

Ever wonder if your salvation is really secure — especially when your heart condemns you? In 1 John 3:19–24, we discover that assurance isn’t based on feelings but on the transforming work of God within us. Learn the difference between conviction and condemnation, why God is greater than your doubts, and how faith and love confirm that you truly belong to Him.

How do we know if God’s life is truly in us?

In this episode of Back Porch Bible, we explore 1 John 3:10–18, where the apostle John gives a powerful and sobering answer: look at how you love.

Biblical love isn’t sentimental or convenient. It’s not merely words, intentions, or feelings. Scripture teaches that agapē love is evidence of spiritual life—the visible proof that we have passed from death into life.

Through the contrast of Cain and Abel, John reveals how hatred grows from a heart that resists truth. But he also points us to the ultimate definition of love: Jesus laying down His life on the cross.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How love reveals which spiritual family we belong to
• Why hatred exposes spiritual death
• How the cross defines real love
• What it looks like to love in action and truth in everyday life

Love is not something we perform to prove we are good people.

Love is the evidence that God’s life is flowing through us.

So if you want to know whether God’s life is truly in you…

look at how you love.

Who are you because of whose you are?

In this episode of Back Porch Bible Podcast, we continue our Abide & Thrive study through 1 John and explore the powerful truth of our identity as children of God.

In 1 John 3:1–10, John invites us to stand in awe of the Father’s love—a love that doesn’t just forgive us but welcomes us into His family.

We explore:

• What it means to truly belong to God
• The tension between who we are now and who we will become
• How future hope shapes present transformation
• Why sin and our new identity cannot comfortably coexist
• How abiding in Christ reveals our family resemblance

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, belonging, or wondering how faith changes everyday life, this conversation will encourage you to rest in the truth:

You are not an orphan—you are a beloved child of God.

What protects us from deception? John’s answer may surprise you — not just discernment, but belonging.

As we continue Part 2 of our journey through 1 John (chapters 3–5), we pause at 1 John 3:1 to behold the astonishing love of the Father — agapē — the initiating, redefining love that calls us His children and anchors our identity in Christ. Together, we explore how abiding in God’s love reshapes who we are, how we live, and how we love others.

If you missed the foundation of abiding and walking in the light, go back and listen to Part 1 (chapters 1–2) before continuing the journey with us on the back porch.

Step into Part 2 of our journey through 1 John (chapters 3–5) as we explore 1 John 2:18–29 and John’s urgent reminder for believers living in “the last hour.” When deception sounds sincere and truth feels harder to recognize, how do we stay steady? John’s answer is surprisingly simple: abide in Christ.

In this episode, we talk about antichrists, discernment, and how the Spirit anchors us so we can live with confidence instead of fear. If you’re new, start with Part 1 (chapters 1–2) to build the foundation of abiding, walking in the light, and living from fellowship with God.

In this final workshop episode, we move from study to living—where God’s Word shifts from information to transformation. Application is where truth takes root in your daily life. Learn how to bridge the gap between hearing the Word and living it out with clarity, courage, and joy.

WomenInChristianLeadership.org

Ever wondered what a single word can unlock in your Bible study? Word studies let you dig beneath the surface, discovering shades of meaning and richness often lost in translation. We’ll walk step by step through how to do a word study so you can uncover the depth God has woven into His Word. Grab your tools—it’s time to dig!

WomenInChristianLeadership.org

Want to slow down and let Scripture speak for itself? Bible phrasing helps you break a passage into natural thought lines so you can see the flow and emphasis the writer intended. It’s like putting the text in 3D—suddenly patterns, contrasts, and connections pop off the page. Join us and learn how to phrase your way into deeper understanding!

WomenInChristianLeadership.org