Invisible String Podcast

In this very special Season 1 Finale, we’re joined by J.P. Stephens, philosopher, musician, and educator of two of the three of us. And he’s bringing some spicy Taylor opinions! Come to hear whether or not we’ve converted this Swiftie skeptic, stay to hear his thoughts on enjoying things we love with fellow believers.

Taylor Swift Starter Pack by Rebekah

The Princess and the Goblin

Another controversial song? Of course! We’re discussing I Hate It Here this week. Sarah leads the conversation as we talk around theological threads of longing and contentment. Come to hear which past decade we’d choose to live in, stay to hear how we learn contentment by God’s grace.

The Dead Poets Society Clip

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Alien Slugs and Bugs Song

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs

Christ is Mine Forevermore by CityAlight

On Jordan's Stormy Banks by Keith and Kristyn Getty

As weary pilgrim now at rest by Anne Bradstreet

Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 11:13-16, Joshua 4:20-24, 1 Samuel 7:12, Matthew 6:21, Philippians 4:10-13, Jeremiah 29:4-7, Matthew 5:13-16, Philippians 2:4-8

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This week we’re breaking down another song that’s filled to the brim with spiritual references, The Prophecy.

Ashley leads the conversation as we pull out themes of curses and prayer. Come to help us interpret Sarah’s eye blinking Morse code, stay to hear how curses and prayer come together in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Architect by Kacey Musgraves 

Covenant curses podcast from The Bible Project 

Galatians 3 sermon

N.T. Wright on prayer

Ligonier Ministries on the cursed tree

“Plain milk’s fine…” 

Scripture Referenced: Genesis 3:14-19, Mark 10:20-22, Deuteronomy 28:15-22, Galatians 3:10-14, 1 Samuel 1, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 26:36-46

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We’re jumping back into TTPD tracks with the iconic (and maybe terrifying) Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me? Rebekah leads our discussion this week as we unpack the theological threads of blame and self-preservation. Come for our attempts at pronouncing this acronym, stay for the great reversal of the blameless One taking the blame.

Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley 

Taylor’s speech about how the industry has shaped her

The Gospel Coalition’s article on blame

Scripture Referenced: Genesis 3:13, Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 18:6, Ephesians 6:4, Matthew 10:16, Ephesians 4:26, John 2:15-17, Jeremiah 17:9, Genesis 34, Romans 2:8, Romans 5:8-9

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This week we’re joined by our first guest! We’re thrilled. We’re humbled. Quite frankly, we’re shocked. Dr. Jonathan Pennington is an author, a pastor, and a New Testament scholar who also happens to be a Swiftie. Come to hear why Dr. Pennington recently dressed as Post Malone from the Fortnight music video, stay to hear how he searches for beauty in all areas of life.

Episode Links:

Dr. Pennington’s website

Dr. Pennington’s Instagram

TGC’s debate between Dr. Pennington and Jen Wilkin

This week we’re breaking down the final track of The Anthology, The Manuscript. Rebekah leads our discussion and highlights how we should reflect on our past as believers. Come for all the All Too Well connections, stay for the paradox of suffering ultimately leading to life.

Episode Links

All Too Well Short Film

Sinclair Ferfuson’s sermon on Joseph 

Trusting God by Jerry Bridges 

The Songs of Jesus by Tim Keller

Scripture Referenced: Psalm 106, Psalm 13, Genesis 37-50, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Psalm 105, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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We’re tackling another TTPD track that’s caused quite a stir, But Daddy I Love Him. Ashley leads the discussion as we contrast right judgment with hypocritical judgment. Come to hear our thoughts on all the changes made to the Eras Tour, stay to hear the remedy for the planks in our eyes.

The travesty of the new Lover bodysuit

In case your 90s/00s country knowledge isn’t up to Ashley’s standards: She’s in Love With the Boy and Suds in the Bucket

The balloon interpretive dance

Tim Mackie’s sermon on judgment 

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Scripture Referenced: James 5:16, Matthew 12:34, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:1-5, James 4:11-12, 

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We’re diving right into TTPD tracks with perhaps the most controversial of them all, Guilty as Sin? Sarah leads our conversation as we discuss whether or not what happens in our minds truly makes us guilty. Come to hear why we think the Christian community might be approaching this song all wrong, stay to hear the hope that Jesus offers to guilty sinners. Episode Notes and Links

Plugged In’s review of TTPD

The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Sing Loud, Die Happy by Jim Thompson

Scripture Referenced: James 2:8-12, Matthew 5:17-28, Psalm 51:4, Luke 6:45, Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Isaiah 53:6
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The Tortured Poets Department is here and we have THOUGHTS! Join us as we discuss the themes, the sound, and all the theological threads that we can’t wait to pull out.

Episode Notes

Alex Clark’s review of TTPD

It’s another topical Tuesday! Has Taylor had a change of heart on marriage? Come to hear our one word first impressions of The Tortured Poets Department, stay to hear how idolizing marriage can take multiple forms.

Episode Notes and Links

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

Scripture Referenced: Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 7:6-8, Ephesians 5:31-32

Check out our playlists on Spotify and Apple Music