Episodes
Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
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 ...
Discipled Men: Rethinking Masculinity Through the Lens of Christ
In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Girarratano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confu...
Gregg Quiggle | False Religion, the Barmen Declaration, and the Fight for the Church’s Soul
In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’...
Reorienting Attention
Your attention may be more than just a cognitive skill—have you ever considered that it could be a moral compass guiding your spiritual journey? In this episode of PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, for an exploration of ...
Beth Allison Barr | From Pulpit to Parsonage: Gender, Ordination, and the Pastor’s Wife
Historian and author Beth Allison Barr joins Thinking Christian to discuss her latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry . We explore the medieval redefinitions of...
David and Brandon Lindell | Lionhearted Manhood: Leading with Strength, Submitting with Heart
In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer is joined by David and Brandon Lindell—pastors at James River Church and authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Life . Together, they tackle the complexities of Christia...
Gregg Quiggle | Martin Luther’s Legacy and the Chaos of Freedom: Reformation, Reform, and the Rise of the Individual
Was the Reformation a spark for spiritual renewal—or the start of theological chaos? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle to explore the sites and significance of the German Reformation in an...
Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
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 ...
Reordering Loves
What happens when we are led by our desires rather than by God's design? Today on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we invite our listeners to explore the deep and transformative concept of reordering our loves—shifting ou...
Danny Adams | Faith, Laughter, and Cultural Conversations
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 ...
The Unbalanced Life
Achieving a “balanced life” is a prevalent concept in our current age, but is it simply a mirage? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, challenges this modern obsession with balance and productivity by inviting us t...
Dr. Levi Baker | The New Testament Canon: A Story of Covenant, Not Controversy
Many assume the New Testament canon was the product of centuries of debate and formalization, but what if the need for new scripture was as natural to early Christians as the New Covenant itself? In this episode of Thinking C...
Spiritual Disciplines
The true measure of spiritual growth isn’t necessarily found in grand gestures—but rather in quiet, consistent moments of faithfulness. In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we unpack the teachings of Matthe...
Keeney Dickenson | Spurgeon, Prayer, and the Power of Preaching
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...
Justification by Faith: Romans 4 and James 2
Embracing a God-centered rhythm of decision-making will transform even the smallest of our choices into acts of faith. In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is diving into this profound concept through examining Eli...
Jeffrey Barbeau | C.S. Lewis, The Last Romantic & Faith in a Post-Christian World
What made C.S. Lewis such a compelling thinker and writer? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau, professor of theology at Wheaton College and author of The Last Romantic: ...
The Sons of Abraham: Galatians 3
What happens when we prioritize God's voice over the world's advice? In today’s episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as he invites us to challenge the cultural mantra of “follow your heart” by examining what it means ...
Justin and Trisha Davis | Breaking Free from the Messy Middle: One Choice Away from Change
Are you feeling stuck in patterns of hurt, shame, or relational brokenness? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Justin and Trish Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change and founders of...
Angie Velasquez Thorton | Handling Criticism & Accountability in Christian Public Ministry
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Angie Velasquez Thornton to discuss the challenges of handling criticism, fostering accountability, and maintaining unity in Christian public ministry. As...
Announcement- Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
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 ...
Abraham's Learning Curve: The Near-Sacrifice of Isaac
What does true obedience look like? In this episode of PREPPED, accompany James Spencer, PhD, as we journey through the challenging narrative of Genesis 22, where Abraham faces the ultimate test: the command to sacrifice his ...
Abraham's Learning Curve: Hagar and Ismael
Today on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we unpack the complexities of Abraham’s journey, exploring how moments of tension, trust, and obedience shaped his legacy. From Abraham’s decision to father a child with Hagar to ...
Jon Hietbrink, Eric Rafferty, and Linson Daniel | Reviving Mission: Discovering God’s Movement in Everyday Life
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with authors Linson Daniel, Jon Hietbrink, and Eric Rafferty to discuss their new book, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God . Togethe...
So Only God Gets the Glory: Abram, the King of Sodom, and a Paradigm for Christian Decision-Making
Could a single act of courage redefine the course of faith and history? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as he unpacks the remarkable narrative of Genesis 14, where Abram’s bold rescue of his nephew Lot re...