Episodes
Dr. Michelle Keener | Suffering, Faith & the Book of Job
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 D...
Creation, Temple, and the Beatific Vision
What if the sacred spaces of the Bible could transform your understanding of worship and God’s presence? In this episode of PREPPED, join Dr. James Spencer on a remarkable journey from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem,...
Thinking about the Practice of Biblical Lament: A Conversation with Dr. May Young
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Dr. May Young, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Taylor University, to discuss her newly published book, Walking with God T...
What Creation Tells Us About God: Sovereignty, Wisdom, and Benevolence
What if the opening chapters of Genesis offer more than just a historical account—what if they reveal profound truths about our relationship with God? In our debut episode of PREPPED, Dr. James Spencer invites you to step bey...
Christians, Business, and the Business of Discipleship: A Conversation with Joe Becker
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 busin...
Faith, Politics, and Boundaries: Thinking Biblically about Government and Discipleship
In this episode of Thinking Christian , James and Nate reflect on their deep dive into the intersection of faith and politics throughout 2024 as we look ahead to the presidential inauguration. They explore how Christians can ...
Rediscovering the Bible with The Chosen: A Conversation with Brandon Robbins
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...
Thinking Christian about New Year's Resolutions, Pt 3
Show Description: In this episode of Thinking Christian , we explore the deeper purpose behind New Year's resolutions from a Christian perspective. Should Christians make resolutions? How can we align our goals with biblical ...
Thinking Christian about New Years Resolutions, Pt 2
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...
Thinking Christian about New Years Resolutions, Part 1
In this episode, James discusses New Years resolutions through the lens of Psalm 1. He describes the difference between approaching resolutions from the perpective of changing our behaviors or ourselves and positioning oursel...
Jesus's Incarnation: What Happened Before the Christmas Story (and Why It Matters to Us)
In this episode, Dr. James Spencer considers Philippians 2. While it isn't a traditional "Christmas" text, Phillippians 2 offers some important backgrount regarding Jesus's decisions prior to the incarnation. The text offers ...
Thinking Chrisitan about Christmas: The Virgin Birth
In this episode, Dr. James Spencer discusses the virgin birth and Matthew's use of Isaiah 7:14. Beginning with an analysis of Isaiah 7:14 in its Old Testament context, Dr. Spencer moves on to consider various issues of interp...
Thinking Christian about Christmas: The Magnificat and Zechariah's Prophecy
In this episode, James continues his discussion of Luke 1. He deals with the Magnificat and Zecheriah's Prophecy. He also discusses the importance of Christ's coming from the perspective of Old Testament anticipation. If you ...
Thinking Christian about Christmas: The Announcement of John and Jesus
In this episode, James begins a short series that will deal with various passages related to Christmas. The announcement of John and Jesus represent the proclamation that God will be doing something new amongst his people. Th...
Serving Communities through Broadcasting
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 relation...
Practicing Civility after the Election
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 conn...
Spiritual Transformation and the Work of Warren W. Wiersbe
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 origin...
Translating the Bible for Native Populations: A Conversation with Terry Wildman
In this episode, James sits down with Terry Wildman. Terry is the lead translator of the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament . Terry and James discuss the current state of minsitry to Native ...
(Trailer) PREPPED: Bridging the Gap Between Academic Theology And Everyday Christian Living With James Spencer, PhD
In a world filled with narratives that deny and overlook God, PREPPED empowers Christians to live out a story that has God at its center. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical ministry, PREPPED equips be...
Thinking about the Old Testament: A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Chen
In this episode, James welcomes Dr. Kevin Chen, author of Wonders of Your Law . James and Kevin discuss Kevin's idea of "nexus passages" and their value in understanding the Old Testament, tracing themes, and pulling together...
The Blessing of Being in God's Presence: A Conversation with Samuel Parkinson
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 late...
A Redemption Story: Tony Cardello's Testimony
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. T...
Thinking Christian after the Election: Our Task Doesn't Change
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 ...
Theology, Religion, and 'The Office': A Conversation with Dan Cameron
In this episode, James wecomes Dan Cameron. Dan is the editor of Theology, Religion, and 'The Office': Beauty in Ordinary Things that will be available later this year. They discuss James's contribution to the volume, as well...