Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World (James Spencer - Christian Theology Author and Speaker)

In this episode, James considers Deuteronomy 8. He discusses the dynamics of obeidence and the way that it aligns us with God's order. He also distinguishes God's promised blessing and the prosperity gospel highlighting the dangers of prosperity and the necessity of remembering God.

To connect with James and to find additional content, like the 30-Days in the Gospels Reading Plan or the Walk Through the Gospels course, visit, usefultogod.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy, communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work, to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ How to recognize when your calling is becoming an idol
✅ The difference between a job, a career, and a calling—and why calling leads to the most burnout
✅ How Christian organizations unintentionally pressure employees into overwork
✅ Practical Sabbath rhythms to break the cycle of exhaustion
✅ The three aspects of humility that protect against burnout
✅ Why accountability should go beyond moral failure to include work-life balance

🎙 Ariana also shares her personal journey with workaholism and burnout—plus practical strategies for staying on the right side of healthy calling.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📖 Get Ariana Malloy’s Book – Healthy Calling (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 👉 IVP Press

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate talk about the need for civility after the election. They consider the various ways Christians can show love for neighbors despite the political polarization in the United States today. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can also gain additional perspective on the intersection between politics and Christianity via James' author page at chrisitanity.com. The following links are to some of the specific articles found there:

• Is the United States Really Blessed by God?
• Three Ways Christianity Cuts through Political Noise with Clear Hope
• What Role Should Law Play in Chrisitan Political Participation?
• Is Christian Political Participation a Sacred Duty or a Civil Right?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Naufel, CEO and founder of Axio, an AI company dedicated to reshaping how people learn, grow, and engage with knowledge.

Mark shares his personal faith journey, growing up in a Lebanese Christian family and later transitioning into a Protestant, non-denominational context. His passion for faith and technology led him to found Axio, a platform designed to personalize education through AI while preserving the values and beliefs of individual users.

Together, they explore how AI can be leveraged for good—enhancing education, mentorship, and personal growth—without replacing the irreplaceable: human connection and community. They discuss AI’s role in addressing gaps in education, from personalized tutoring to career mentoring, and how Axio ensures that faith-based learning remains accessible and engaging.

Mark also shares insights on the broader implications of AI, the future of work, and why the Church must engage with technological advancements rather than retreat from them. He highlights the importance of Christian communities being active participants in shaping AI’s future, ensuring that it serves as a tool for discipleship rather than detachment.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mark’s journey from a Catholic upbringing in Lebanon to a Protestant faith in the U.S.

• The role of AI in education, mentorship, and faith-based learning

• How Axio personalizes learning while maintaining biblical values

• The importance of maintaining real-world community in an increasingly digital age

• The future of work and the ethical considerations of AI

• How churches can embrace technology for discipleship and community building

🔗 Learn more about Axio: axio.ai
📩 Interested in beta testing Axio for homeschooling? Reach out to Mark directly at mark@axio.ai

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

🔗 Explore More at UsefulToGod.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Dr. Sean McGever. Sean is the author of numerous books including Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield. James nad Sean discuss early views of slavery, the way that the bible was (at times) used to justify the practice, and the distinction between the institution of slavery and individual practice of that institution. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Sean's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discussed Genesis 15-22 (the life of Abraham). He focuses on Abraham's legitimate concerns and the way he learns to trust God rather than chart his own course. Abraham is, in this sense, a model of discipleship becasue God allows Abraham the time to learn how to truth in Him and, ultimately, to become "one who fears the Lord." 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Dr. James Spencer reads the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke followed by a few thoughts on Luke’s narrative and the way God brings all things together. James and Richard Beattie also discuss joy and Christmas.  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James hosts Samuel Parkison author of To Gaze Upon God. They discuss the beatific vision, eschatology, and Christians conceptions of the afterlife. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Samuel's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and his guest Alin Vrancila discuss the Neighborly Faith research on Christian Nationalism that came out in December of 2023. They focus on one of the statements with which those identified as Chrisitan Nationalist adherents strongly agreed. The statement concerns the federal government's role in instituting "Christian values." James and Alin discuss the implications of such a statement for the Church, for the meaning of the word "Christian," and highlight the difficulties of the statement for an orthodox understanding of the Bible and theology.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Christian Werner. She is an SVP with Public Square, a company focused on helping local businesses succeed while upholding specific values that have been abandoned by some of the other major companies in the United States. Christina and James discuss Public Square and the way businesses often sell ideologies rather than products. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Find out more about Public Square at https://www.publicsquare.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Here is the second part of the discussion between Dr. James Spencer and John Van Sloten on the connection between creation, arts and science. A good way to end the first week of "Thinking Christian." 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Richard discuss the state of higher education through the lens of the recent challenges at Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania. Having served as an administrator in higher education for more than a decade and as a higher education consultant, James talks about the difficulties associated with changing institutions, the dangers of scapegoating, and various other concerns related to the state of higher education. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, we tackle the issue of "cancel culture." We consider the dangers of cheap participation and the limitations of social media advocacy. We also offer tips on how to think Chrisitan about the way we interact with the world as we seek to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James offers a perspective on Halloween that highlights its role in promoting discontentment. He discusses the challenges of being Chrisitan in a consumer society and encourages God's people to rethink the holidays so that they become times for conforming more closely to Christ. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Grace Ji-Sun Kim, professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion, host of the Madang podcast, and author of When God Became White. James and Grace discuss her book, the challenge of navigating difference in the world and the church, and various Korean concepts that may inform our understanding of God and the Chrsitian life. 

We are giving away five free copies of When God Became White. Visit usefultogod.com/bookgiveaway, to register to win. 

You can also visit www.ivpress.com to find Grace's book. Use IVPPOD20 to recieve 20% off your purchase.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Joshua Jipp. Joshua is Professor of New Testament and Director of the Henry Center for Theological Understanding. He is also the author of Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vision of Human Flourishing in Christ. Joshua and James discuss various vision of human flourishing and the necessity of Christ for human flourishing. They also discuss what sort of practices are necessary to conforming more closely to the image of Christ. 

To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

You can get Joshua Jipp's Pauline Theology as a Way of Life at amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with co-host Nate Giarratano and special guest Ryan Ries to discuss Ryan's story. Ryan was a pro-skateboarder who gave his life to Christ and began to proclaim the gospel. 

For more about Ryan and his ministry go to https://ryan-ries.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with co-host Maggie Hubbard and special guest David Eaton. David is Co-founder and CEP of Axis, an organization that provides resources to parents seeking to navigate cultural issues, technology, and a variety of other concerns. James, Maggie, and David discuss smart phones, social media, and the significant influence of parents in the lives of children.

For more about Axis visit www.axis.org. You can find David's book titled Smart Phone Sanity at amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James offers a brief discussion of God and evil. He provides a description of evil as disorder based on Genesis 1-3, as well as considering the role of suffering in the Christian life. 

To read more on God and Evil, visit James' article on christianity.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour, running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery.

James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political theology scholar Dr. Michael McDuffee—two former Moody Bible Institute professors with extensive experience in Germany and a deep love for its history.

🚨 Booking deadline is May 31, 2025.
📍 Visit thomastours.com for more info and to reserve your spot.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Jay Y. Kim, author of Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. James and Jay discuss the promise and pitfalls of digital technologies, how to slow down in a world that is constantly pushing us to speed up, and technology's capacity to shape us into something other than the image of Christ.

You can connect with James at usefultogod.com.

To purchase Jay's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Technology is shaping our world at an unprecedented rate—but how should Christians respond? Are we thoughtfully engaging with the digital world, or are we being shaped by it in ways we don’t even realize?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Derek Schuurman, Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University and author of Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture, and Computer Technology. Together, they explore how theology, technology, and Christian discipleship intersect in our increasingly digital lives.

📌 Key Discussion Points:
✅ How does the biblical narrative shape our approach to technology?
✅ Are we using technology wisely, or is it using us?
✅ Theological insights from Genesis, the Tower of Babel, and eschatology
✅ Are AI, social media, and digital tools eroding true human connection?
✅ How Christians can practice discernment in an efficiency-driven world
✅ Why technology is not neutral—and how we can shape it responsibly
✅ McLuhan’s Four Laws of Media & how they help us evaluate new tech
✅ Practical ways to maintain human flourishing in a digital-first culture

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with how to live faithfully in an age of rapid technological change.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Get Derek Schuurman’s Book: Shaping a Digital World at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welome Joe Beckler, Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Communications for Christian Business Men's Connection (CBMC). James and Joe discuss the unique work that Chrisitan executives and business men do, as well as the ongoing need for discipleship. They also consider the nature and process of discipleship as they think about how the body of Christ can be a light for the gospel in a fallen world. 

If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. 

You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com.

You can find out more about CBMC at cbmc.com. They have a free discipleship resource available here. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Ayanda Khumalo who recently released his album titled In Jesus . Ayanda and James discuss Ayanda's approach to worship and the way he thinks about pulling an album together. 

You can find Ayanda's album on iTunes and a variety of other platforms, which can be found at theakmusic.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses 1 Corinthians 9 and Paul's adaptability in relation to U. S. politics. He urges Christian to follow God's example and discusses that challenges of being "all things to all people" in a digital age. 

For more from James visit usefultogod.com or pick up James's new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness at amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and co-host Nate Giarratano sit down with Vic Murphy. Vic shares his story of getting invovled in skateboarding and BMX as a young man in Alaska, being evangelized by his grandmother, and ultimately coming to faith in California. James, Nate, and Vic discuss the work God is doing around the world through Vic's ministry and the necessity of doing and preaching the basics of the faith in today's world. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses discipleship with Eun Strawser, author of Centering Discipleship: A Pathway for Multiplying Spectators into Mature Disciples. James and Eun discuss discipleship in terms of imitating Christ and the way that our own cultural commitments (or the commitments of others) can hinder us from conforming more closely to Christ's image. Eun also relates her experience leading a church that is centered on discipleship. 

To connect with James or to download free spiriatul growth resources, visit usefultogod.com.

To purchase Eun's book visit ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) or find out more about Eun Strawser at https://www.iwacollaborative.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Dr. May Young who authored a chapter in a book James co-edited titled A Praying People. Dr. Young is an expert on the topic of lament and the book of Lamentations. James and Dr. Young discuss lament more generally and how it can build community in the Church.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Get A Praying People on amazon.com 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses the modern state of Israel. He considers some of the challenges associated with eschatology and encourages Christians (regardless of their views of the end times) to recognize that Israel's conversion is more significant than their political formation as a state. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People, a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Theololigcal Seminary's Center for Asian American Christianity.  

A Praying People: Essays Inspired by Dwight L. Moody is available on amazon.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Praying-People-Essays-Inspired-Dwight/dp/1666765694

Read more from Ashish Varma at: https://caac.ptsem.edu/even-in-the-dark-reflections-on-diwali-and-the-stars-in-the-sky/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate host Tony Cardello. Previously featured on  "I Am Second," Tony shares his testimony. He describes his life prior to coming to Christ and the way Christ healed his marriage, family, and life. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this episode, James Spencer sits down with Dan Meers...the KC Wolf. Dan talks about his career with the Chiefs, their hopes for the Super Bowl, and, most importantly, his Christian faith. You can find out more about Dan and his story at danmeers.org. You can also purchase Dan's book Wolves Can't Fly. All proceeds from the sale of Dan's book go to charity.

Wolves Can't Fly: KC Wolf: Faith, Family and Fur

www.danmeers.org

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this first weekly devotional, James discusses distractions and the way they hinder us from listening to the teachings of Jesus. Considering Luke 10:38-42, James encourages listeners to recognize that Jesus is infinitely more relevant than any other actor or factor we will ever encounter. 

To connect with James and find additional content, like the 30-Day Gospels readign plan or the walk through the gospels course, visit, usefultogod.com. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Marching forward requires an understanding of the direction that God wants us to go. In this special episode of “March or Die”, another Christian podcast on the LifeAudio podcast network, Veteran Jeremey Stalnecker will speak on the importance of spending time with God understanding his directions and how we can do that. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe to March or Die on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!

Check out the top episodes of March or Die: 

A Conversation with Nick Vujicic of Life Without Limbs:

Apple:https://apple.co/3uRCsWK  Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Qa1R

Understanding and Finding Victory in Spiritual Warfare:

Apple:https://apple.co/4383sxV Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Qa22

Developing a Growth Mindset with an Eternal View:

Apple: https://apple.co/434y4jw Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Qa24

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James offers some insights into thankfulness from the book of Deuteronomy and the history of Israel. He then has a brief time of prayer to help Christians cultivate a heart of gratitude. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie discuss the issue of God and change. The address issues related to God and time and the way that learning suggests a deficiency in God's knowledge. They also talk about the various times God appears to change his mind and the way conditional and unconditional decisions play into the portrayal of God, particularly in the Old Testament.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James considers the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. He discusses the Old Testament background of love for neighbor in Leviticus and what it might mean for us to show mercy in today's world. 

For more from James visit usefultogod.com. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James sits down with Dr. Gregg Quiggle, author of the forthcoming book titled Bread and Bibles. They discuss Dwight Moody's enduring impact on the world, the characteristics that make him so compelling, and the challenging aspects of his ministry. James and Gregg also talk about the deep connection between proclaiming the gospel and performing works of care for others.

To pre-order Dr. Quiggle's book, click here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

s technology shaping us more than we realize? Are we losing our ability to rest, reflect, and be present? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Felicia Wu Song, sociologist and author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age (InterVarsity Press). They explore how digital technology influences our sense of self, why constant connectivity isn’t neutral, and how Christians can resist being shaped by algorithms instead of by God.

📌 Key Discussion Topics:
✅ The hidden ways digital media rewires our attention and habits
✅ Marshall McLuhan & Neil Postman—what they got right about the power of media
✅ Why modern tech trains us to consume, not reflect
✅ The rise of digital exhaustion—why even Gen Z is feeling the burnout
✅ Recovering personhood & presence—practical ways to reclaim attention and space
✅ How Christians can build “analog” rhythms that resist digital overreach

🎧 Listen in for a timely conversation on how we can become more thoughtful, present, and grounded in a world designed to keep us distracted.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Restless Devices – Buy at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 

🌐 Dr. Felicia Wu Song’s Website – feliciawusong.com

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It was a pleasure to welcome Shayna Rattler from A God Shift to Thinking Christian. Shayna talks about the trajectory her ministry is taking and how every Christian needs to be listening to and following Christ. She also talks about her ministry with Christian women. 

Find out more about Shayna here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this week's devotional, James considers Matthew 6 and its potential to help Christians think through the various practices in which they are engaged. James encourages us not just to ask whether or not we should engage in a particular practice, but how we should engage in it.  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate discuss the politics of the day. They attempt to differentiate between civic and sacred acts in relation to voting, as well as encouraging Christians to recognize the symbolic "freight" that certain candidates carry for wins and losses. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James offers a biblical perspective on regime changes based on the transition from judges to monarchy in ancient Israel as portrayed in 1 Samuel. He considers the consistent call to love God and neighbor and to fear the Lord and keep his commandments. He encourages Christians to focus on living faithfully and with understanding whether their candidate won or lost. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can also gain additional perspective on the intersection between politics and Christianity via James' author page at chrisitanity.com. The following links are to some of the specific articles found there:

• Is the United States Really Blessed by God?
• Three Ways Christianity Cuts through Political Noise with Clear Hope
• What Role Should Law Play in Chrisitan Political Participation?
• Is Christian Political Participation a Sacred Duty or a Civil Right?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What can sound louder than bullets and tanks, louder than machine guns and entire villages being burned to the ground? What can last longer than scars on someone’s face or heart? What can change a human heart that is determined to do wrong and what can end a conflict that is embedded in a culture? We believe it is an act of mercy. We believe it is a sack of grain that has in it more than grain. It carries a message of humanity, love, hope, dignity, consideration, respect, compassion. It is a simple act of mercy that can sound louder than bullets. Apostle Paul once said: “To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode James interviews Greg Finke who leads Dwelling 1:14 (www.dwelling114..org). They discuss the incarnation, Jesus's mission, and the way that Christians can offer testimony about God and the gospel in the midst of a broken world. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Chris Morris author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward. James and Chris have a candid conversation about mental illness and discuss ways the church might come alongside those struggling with mental illness. They also talk about the importance of developing intimate relationships within the body of Christ.

To connect with James visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

You can purchase Chris's books at the following links:

Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Perfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic Illness

Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church

By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life's Challenges

For more on Chris visit chrismorriswrites.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James is joined by co-host Maggie Hubbard and special guest Krista Boan. She is a former middle school teacher and co-founder of Screen Sanity. James, Maggie, and Krista discuss the difficulties of navigating technology today, particualrly in relation to kids and families. 

For more on Krista, visit kristaboan.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, guest host Maggie Hubbard interviews Joshua Broome. Joshua is an ex-porn star who came to faith in Jesus Christ and became a pastor. They discuss his experience in the pornography industry and his new life in Jesus Christ.

Need help overcoming a porn addiction? Listen to our interview with Sathiya Sam, the founder of DeepClean Coaching: https://apple.co/3UH6fMe / https://sptfy.com/Q3i3 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode is a replay of a conversation between James Spencer and Maggie Hubbard  last year on the changes Canada made to its Medical Assistance in Dying policies.  As we think about the Sanctity of Human Life and the various ways we tend to neglect it, these sorts of policies are important. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Bill Nienhuis, CEO and President of Childcare Worldwide. James and Bill discuss the lives of children in various locations around the world. While children and families face pressures everywhere, there are also a number of lessons to be learned from the church overseas. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can find ways to get involved at Childcare Worldwide at https://childcareworldwide.org/.

Sponsor a child ($42/mo): https://childcareworldwide.org/sponsor?t=0154&c=0154

Send a child to Life Center ($25/mo): https://childcareworldwide.org/project/life-center-membership?t=0154&c=0154

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with president of GotQuestions.org Shea Houdman. Shea and James talk about the genesis of gotquestions.org, how Shea and his team deal with the difficulties of answering questions online, and where the ministry may go next. 

For more on Shea and his ministry visit gotquestions.org. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James and Richard sit down and discuss the results of the State of Theology Report. In this episode, they consider the statement: "God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Isalam." 56% of U.S. Evangelical respondents agreed with the statement in the 2022 report. Is the statement supported biblically? Find out in today's episode of Thinking Christian.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James looks at Genesis 4. He discusses the tension between Cain and God, Cain's poor choice, and the resolution that God ultimately brings about through Seth. He argues that the narrative centers on Cain's unwillingness to worship God on God's terms.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes David Koyzis back to Thinking Christian to discuss the use of the psalms in the liturgy of the church. Davis is affiliated with Global Scholars Canada and is engaged in an international academic ministry of writing, researching, lecturing, and conversing with readers of his books. He is the author of Political Visions and Illusions and We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God. He taught undergraduate political science for thirty years. In addition to his other work, David writes a blog and does on the liturgical use of the psalter. James and David discuss the importance of the psalms to the life of faith, the resources available to guide Christians through the psalter, and the various benefits of daily Christian prayer at the corporate level.

To hear more from James, visit usefultogod.com. To purchase The Book of Common Prayer, visit amazon.com. 

You can read more about David's work with the psalter on his blog at https://genevanpsalter.blogspot.com/p/koyzis-genevan-psalter-project.html. 

For the specific resources noted in the podcast, see below: 

For the specific resources noted in the podcast, see below: 

Cranmer's liturgical legacy

The Alter Psalter: a review

Where Alter's Psalter falters

The Daily Office

Genevan Psalter Project (1985-2021)

God as Judge: Praying the Imprecatory Psalms

Gelineau psalmody

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of Warren W. Wiersbe. Dan is a pastor and author of a new book titled Becoming New: 100-Days of Transformation through God's Word. Dan talks about the book's origins in some unfinished papers from his grandfather, as well as the similarities and differences between pastoral ministry today and when his grandfather was pastoring. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can find Dan's book at amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with journalist, author, and podcaster Katelyn Beaty to discuss her series of essays on her substack "The Beaty Beat" about the "Evangelical Bro Code." They consider the various components of the bro code, possible solutions to the bro code, and the ways the bro code negatively impact both women and men. 

For more from Katelyn subscribe to The Beaty Beat at https://katelynbeaty.substack.com/.

You can also listed to more conversations from Katelyn on her podcast Saved by the City or purchase Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church on amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate welcome Jason Gray. Jason is a Christian recording artist and deep thinker. James, Nate, and Jason discuss the creative process, Jason's musical influences, and the way that Jason goes about writing songs. They also discuss Jason's forthcoming book and some of his other musical offerings. 

To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

You can find out more about Jason Gray at https://www.jasongraymusic.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses 1 Samuel 17, the narrative of David and Goliath. He discusses the differences between David and the other characters in the narrative, as well as highlighting the underlying theology of this well-known Bible story.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. James and Caleb discuss the various challenges associated with Christian nationalism, some of the theological errors associated with the movement, and how to go about interacting with Christian nationalists to encourage a more faithful perspective in which pointing to and glorifying the Triune God takes first place.

For more from James on Christian nationalism and other topics, visit usefultogod.com or pick up his book titled Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness at amazon.com. Be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you don’t miss an episode!

To purchase Disarming Leviathan, visit ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). You can also check out disarmingleviathan.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James follows up the interviews with Ayanda Khumalo and Dan Bremnes with a discussion of worship based on his new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness. You can check out his book on amazon.com. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode James welcomes Carl Amari. Carl hosts Hollywood360, a nationally syndicated radio show, as well as serving as a producer on a variety of audio projects and movies. James and Carl discuss his early interest in radio dramas and how that led him to create dramatized audio versions of the Bible. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can find Carl's audio Bibles and other projets on his amazon.com author page. Check out his radio program here. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James continues his conversation with Lowell Busenitz. They discuss the ways our mindsets are influenced by the gifts God has given us and how to go about thinking well as Christians. 

You can find Soul Work by Lowell Busenitz at amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate welcome T. J. Jackson, Director of Community Engagement for Life 88.5. They discuss the various ways Life 88.5 works with communities within their listening area to provide food, build relationships, and advance the mission of Life 88.5. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can finid out more about Life 88.5 and T. J. Jackson at https://www.life885.com/programs/t-j-jackson/. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Stephen Covert, a natural bodybuilder and owner of Iron Thearpy Club, an explicitly Christian clothing brand and community. Stephen and James talk about fitness, the challenges of fitness on social media, and the way that the disciplines of exercise inform our spiritual disciplines.

For more on The Iron Theapy Club visit https://theirontherapyclub.com/ or on Instagram at @irontherapyclub

You can also find Stephen on Instagram @stephen.covert where he shares his thoughts on keeping Christ primary in the midst of his own fitness regime as well as other fitness related posts. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James hosts Paul D. Miller author of The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism. Paul and James discuss nationalism, politics, conservatism, and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. The conversation offers Christians a fresh perspective on the importance of distinguishing church from state, as well as addressing the need for incremental change as a political strategy. 

To connect with James visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

You can purchase Paul's book at ivpress.com (use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it take to bring faith-based comedy to life while navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with entertainer and comedian Danny Adams to discuss his journey from gospel music to Hollywood, football stunts, and his latest role in Iggy and Mr. Kirk, a new family-friendly show from Brave Books. Danny shares insights on the power of laughter, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how Christian values can shape entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, looking for wholesome content for your family, or just curious about the intersection of faith and media, this episode is packed with engaging insights and plenty of fun!

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Visit braveplus.com to watch the first few episodes for free, and subscribe to BRAVE Plus to access all of Season 1!

• To connect with Danny, learn more about his comedy, live events, and upcoming projects.
  🔗 IAmDannyAdams.com; INSTAGRAM: @iamdannyadams

• Watch Iggy & Mr. Kirk – Where listeners can watch episodes of Iggy & Mr. Kirk.
  🔗 BraveTV

• Brave Books – The publisher behind Iggy & Mr. Kirk and other faith-based children’s books.
  🔗 BraveBooks.us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does Job teach us about suffering, trauma, and faith?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Dr. Michelle Keener, Associate Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Center for Public Theology and Director of Discipleship at her church in Las Vegas. Dr. Keener is the author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors, and together, they dive deep into:

📌 Key Topics:
✅ Why Job’s story is one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible
✅ How trauma studies help us understand Job’s suffering
✅ What Job’s friends got wrong—and how we often do the same
✅ Why God’s response to Job is NOT what we expect
✅ How churches can better support trauma survivors
✅ Discipleship beyond conversion: What we’re missing
✅ Balancing personal faith with Christian community

🎧 If you’ve ever wrestled with suffering, questioned God’s justice, or wondered how to support those in pain, this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Get the Book: Comfort in the Ashes –ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcome Rachel Wojo, author of Desperate Prayers. James and Rachel discuss the difficulties associated with prayer. Rachel offers insights intot he ways she has developed a vibrant prayer life. She also discusses the way life's challenges provide us with opportunities to sharpen our relationship with God.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Rachel's book at deperateprayers.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, guest host Maggie Hubbard continues her conversation with Pam Whitehead.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the tension between exposing sin and rushing to judgment, the biblical framework for justice and accountability, and the consequences of premature or biased reporting. How should Christians navigate the flood of information in a digital age? What does real accountability look like—for both accused and accuser? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on truth, responsibility, and the impact of Christian media on the witness of the Church.

For more thoughts on the verses and ideas discussed in this episode, see James's article titled "Beyond the Scandal: Rethinking Christian Journalism in an Age of Speed and Spectacle" at usefultogod.com/read.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Laura Gallier author of the Delusion Series, a set of fictional novels highlighting the spiritual struggles that are too often lost when we consider the issues we face in today's world. James and Laura discuss Laura's story, her new book, and the other ministries with which Laura is involved. 

For more information on Laura visit www.lauragallier.com

To purchase Laura's book visit amazon.com. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode is a replay from last year's conversation between James and Richard Beatty about New Year's Resolutions. They discuss how to think about New Year's resolutions from a practical, goal-oriented perspective, as well as how to approach successes and failures. This episode is aimed at offering tips about pursuing behavior change and habit formation. 

If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. 

You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pornography is a problem. No matter how you slice it, the widespread accessibility of pornography is impacting our society. In this episode, James sits down with Sathiya Sam of Deep Clean to talk about the challenges associated with pornography and how his ministry helps individuals break their porn addictions. 

You can see more about Sathiya's minstry at https://www.sathiyasam.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James continues his conversation with Rylee Meek of The King's Council and The King's Council Podcast. James and Rylee discuss Rylee's ministry and how the Chruch might think differently about business and money. 

You can find out more about Rylee at www.ryleemeek.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Craig Hendrickson who is the new President of Arrow Leadership. They discuss the use of the Bible and, in particular, Jesus's life as portrayed in the gospels to encourage Christian leaders.   

You can find out more about Arrow Leadership at: https://www.arrowleadership.org/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

William Wilberforce wasn’t just a politician—he was a man of deep faith who leveraged his influence to fight for abolition, social reform, and gospel-driven cultural transformation. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Michael Morgan, president of William Tennant Seminary, to explore the life and legacy of Wilberforce.

How did Wilberforce’s evangelical convictions shape his mission? What role did his friendships and the Clapham Sectplay in his work? And what can the modern church learn from his radical collaboration and holistic approach to faith in action?

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on Wilberforce’s impact, the intersection of faith and social change, and the importance of authentic Christian friendships in discipleship and cultural engagement.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

For more on Michael Morgan and William Tennent, visit https://www.williamtennent.org/.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James is joined by Maggie Hubbard to discuss the "Go Dark, Shine Bright" (GDSB) campaign. GDSB is a seven-day media fast that encourages Christians to step away from media that is hindering their walk with Christ in order to focus on prayer and Bible study. The campaign begins on May 6th, but is available throughout the year.

To sign up for the free campaign, go to godarkshinebright.org. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Jeff King, president of International Chrsitian Concern and author of Islam Uncensored, joins James to discuss Isalm. James and Jeff consider the various interviews Jeff includes in his book, as well as the underlying assumptions and tactics of radical Islam.

For more on Jeff King and International Christian Concern, visit persecution.org. To purchase Islam Uncensored: 14 Leaders: Liberals, Conservatives, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Christians, & A Former CIA Director Reveal: What The Government & Media Won't Tell You About Islam visit amazon.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James talks with Jake Hamilton, author of Journey to Biblical Masculinity: 12 Paths Every Man Must Take. Jake is also the founder and CEO of "The Fight," a ministry dedicated to challenging men to own who they are and discover who they could be. They discuss how to distringuish what it means to be a man from more general spiritual and character formation that would apply to both genders. They also speak about the importance of "owning" one's own self, the need for wise elders in the body of Christ, and the vulnerability necessary to become Christian men. 

To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

To purchase Jake's book, visit amazon.com or thisisthefight.com. You can also find out more about "The Fight" at thisisthefight.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate consider David French's New York Times peice in which he argues that to save conservatism, he is voting for Kamala Harris. In the piece, he claims that Trump is changing the church. James and Nate discuss whether this is true and offer thoughts on how the church needs to be approaching this year's election. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Keeney Dickenson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas, and author of Spurgeon: The Prayer-Powered Pulpit of the Prince of Preachers. They discuss the role of prayer in sermon preparation, Charles Spurgeon’s deep dependence on the Holy Spirit, and how modern pastors can cultivate a preaching ministry that overflows from their personal walk with Christ. Keeney also shares insights from his Prayeradigm Ministries and explains how Spurgeon’s relentless focus on Christ shaped his pulpit ministry. Whether you're a preacher, a teacher, or someone seeking a deeper spiritual life, this episode will challenge and encourage you to abide in Christ in all things.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

📖 Get the Book: Spurgeon: The Prayer-Powered Pulpit of the Prince of Preachers on Amazon
🔗 Learn More: Prayeradigm Ministries
🎧 More Faith-Based Podcasts: Life Audio Network

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Brock Simmons. Brock is the founder of the Always Present Institute. He has many years of experience in executive coaching and organizational development. James, Nate, and Brock discuss the importance of leadership and the various ways of approaching leadership within organizations and within the church. 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

Find out more about Brock and his work at https://www.alwayspresent.institute/who-we-are.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, our guest host Maggie Hubbard begins the first part of her conversation with Pam Whitehead about her experience with abortion. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to discuss the unique challenges of raising boys in today’s culture. Mark shares how Trail Life USA is equipping the next generation of godly men through Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor experiences.

Together, they explore topics like the importance of adversity, the transformative power of hands-on engagement, and how fathers and mentors can help boys build resilience and discover their God-given purpose. Whether you're a parent, mentor, or church leader, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for shaping boys into men who live for Christ.

Discover more about Trail Life USA, their mission, and how your church can get involved in this inspiring movement. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on faith, family, and the future of raising godly men!

You can access the free book Let Boys Be Boys and find out more about Trail Life USA at https://www.traillifeusa.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Rylee Meek of The King's Council and The King's Council Podcast. James and Rylee discuss Rylee's background and how his faith informs his life, ministry, and understanding of business. 

You can find out more about Rylee at www.ryleemeek.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Justin Kendrick author of How to Quiet a Hurricane. James and Justin discuss the pitfalls and promise of helping God's people establish a firm foundation in their faith. They talk about the role of trials in the development of Christian character and the necessity of discipleship.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Justin's book at amazon.com. Find out more about him and his ministry at justinkendrick.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if artificial intelligence (AI) is allowing us to reward our own bad behavior?  At what point is the need for the sort of efficiency AI promises to provide driven by our skewed priorities, broken systems, and unwillingness to address our problems through non-technological means?  I don’t doubt that AI will help humans move beyond where we could go individually or together in certain arenas.  Like other technological platforms, AI will have benefits.  As we look at the various ways AI models are being used, we need to consider in a robust fashion who is benefiting from these new technologies and, perhaps more importantly, how they are benefiting.  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can we improve our relationships just by showing love and respect? How have changes in the culture changed the way we relate to one another? In this episode, James continues his conversation with Emerson Eggerichs, author of Love and Respect and president of Love and Respect Ministries, and Emerson offers his perspective on how showing Love and Respect can help us develop stronger relationships. 

Listen to Part 1: https://apple.co/42Uh4wA / https://sptfy.com/Q3hH 

Get Love and Respect on amazon.com

Find more from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs at www.loveandrespect.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Dayton Moore. In addition to holding various other positions in Major League Baseball, Dayton was a general manager for the Royals. Under his leadership, the Royals won the world series in 2015. James, Nate and Dayton talk about leadership, the need for mentoring, and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. 

Dayton is also the founder and board president of C You In the Major Leagues, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in crisis and developing strong future leaders.

To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

You can find out more about C You In the Majors at https://cyouinthemajorleagues.org/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James Spencer is joined by Alin Vrancila to discuss Christian Nationalism. They continue to examine the Neighborly Faith survey on Christian Nationalism released in December 2023. Having grown up under communism in Romania, Alin brings a unique perspective on the connections between Church and state.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James welcomes Brandon Robbins. Brandon is a pastor and YouTube content creator. James and Brandon discuss his forthcoming book titled The Forgotten Teachings of Jesus, the TV series The Chosen, and the way he thinks about pastoral ministry. Brandon offers encouragement for those who might be "on the fence" about The Chosen noting that he is seeing the show uncover a hunger for deeper biblical study. 

If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. 

You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com.

To connect with Brandon visit https://www.brandonrobbinsministry.com. To pre-order his book, visit https://www.brandonrobbinsministry.com/book.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James has a conversation with Helen Cepero. Helen is the author of Christ-Shaped Character: Choosing Love, Faith and Hope. She also started the C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Seminary and practices spiritual direction formation program at the Journey Center in Santa Rosa, CA. James and Helen discuss spiritual direction, the role of effort and discipline in Christian spiritual life, and the importance of listening to others. 

You can connect with James at https://usefultogod.com/contact-us.

Purchase Christ-Shaped Character at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). You can also get Helen's book titled Journaling as a Spiritual Practice here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with the two founding members of Unspoken. Chad Mattson and Jon Lowry talk about their history together, the challenges of Christian music, and the privilege of being involved in ministry. Chad also shares his testimony. 

You can find out more about Unspoken at https://www.unspokenmusic.com/.

We would also encourage you to check out the ministry Chad mentions in the episode at https://soldiersforfaith.com/.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Raymond Chang, Executive Director of 10x10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary and co-author of Future Focused Church. They explore:

📌 Key Topics:
✅ The "10x10" Initiative: Engaging 10 million young people in faith over 10 years
✅ Why are so many young adults leaving the church? (And how do we respond?)
✅ How relational discipleship can transform church engagement
✅ The biggest leadership & trust challenges churches face today
✅ How to build a "Transformation Team" to drive church renewal
✅ Why churches need a change map: Here, There, Who, & How
✅ Practical steps for reshaping church culture & mission

🎧 This episode is essential listening for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the church.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Get the Book: Future Focused Church 
🌍 Learn More About 10x10: www.tenx10.org
📚 More from Fuller Youth Institute: Fuller Youth Institute

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode continues the conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about Dwight Moody's enduring significance. We discuss Dwight Moody's "secret sauce" and the way God used him to reach the world. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer and producer/journalist, Richard Beattie, talk about Halloween and the globalization of seasons, consumerism, and regionalism.  This came from an Op-ed that James wrote in 2022 for Halloween. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Carmen Joy Imes, an Old Testament scholar and author of Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. They discuss the meaning and significance of the image of God to the life of the church and its members today.

To order Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters visit https://ivpress.com/. You can use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down wit Nancy Pearcey to discuss her new book titled The Toxic War on Masculinity. Nancy shares her research and perspective on the difficulties men are facing, as well as describing some of the odd challenges she faced while writing a book on men. 

Listen to Part 1 here.

Get Nancy Pearcey's new book at: The Toxic War on Masculinity

Learn more about Nancy Pearcey at: https://www.nancypearcey.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses evil and suffering with Ingrid Faro, PhD. Ingrid is professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, IL, and author of Demystifying Evil: A Biblical and Personal Exploration. They discuss the nature of evil, its connection to human perception, and a variety of other topics. 

To purchase Demystifying Evil: A Biblical and Personal Exploration visit https://ivpress.com/. Use the promotional code IVPPOD20 to recieve 20% off your purchase. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.