Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

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 Christian manhood in a culture saturated with extremes. From the misconception of masculinity as mere dominance or passivity, to the heart-level transformation Scripture calls men into, this conversation pulls no punches. The Lindells explain why spiritual leadership starts not with control but with character—and why community, reflection, and a rightly ordered heart matter more than habits alone. We explore themes like ambition, vulnerability, male friendship, and the subtle dangers of reactionary identity-building. Whether you're a husband, father, single man, or simply someone grappling with cultural models of manhood, this is a conversation worth leaning into. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 🔗 Learn more about Lionhearted and the Stronger Men’s Conference in the show notes. 📖 Get the Book: Lionhearted: A Man's Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled and Fearless 🔗 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.

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 anticipation of our upcoming tour through Germany. But more than that, we dig into the unintended consequences of Martin Luther’s stand—especially his push for lay engagement with Scripture and the rise of the priesthood of all believers. Together, we trace how the Reformation reshaped the role of the church, the home, and the public square. From Wittenberg’s backwater transformation into a theological epicenter, to the complexities of canon law, catechesis, and the teaching office, we ask what’s been gained—and lost—in the modern church. We also explore the shadow side of religious freedom: when everyone gets to interpret Scripture for themselves, does anyone know what it really means? If you’re ready for a spirited tour through church history, political theology, and bratwurst-fueled ecclesiology, this episode is for you. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.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.

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.

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 Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Levi Baker, Assistant Professor of New Testament at William Tennant Seminary, to explore the formation of the New Testament canon. Together, they challenge the popular scholarly narrative that suggests the canon was a late development, instead uncovering the deep historical and theological connections between covenant and scripture.How did early Christians understand the role of new writings in light of the Old Testament? Why do we assume the canon wasn’t in place long before the fourth century councils? And what can the Dead Sea Scrolls tell us about the natural emergence of new sacred texts within a covenant community?Join us for a deep dive into a topic that not only impacts biblical scholarship but also how we understand the reliability and divine orchestration of scripture itself. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 🔗 Find out more about Levi Baker here. 🔗 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 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.

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: C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology. Together, they explore Lewis’s unique ability to blend reason, imagination, and theology—making faith more accessible in a world increasingly skeptical of God. 📖 Topics covered: The influence of Romanticism on Lewis’s storytelling The tension between natural reason and special revelation in Christian thought How Lewis’s legacy continues to speak to today's generation 🎙 Listen now to uncover how C.S. Lewis used story and reason to engage the modern world—and what we can learn from him today. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 🔗 Visit UsefulToGod.com for more biblical resources, courses, and guides on deepening your faith. Order The Last Romantic: C. S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology from ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 📢 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.

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 RefineUs Ministries. Together, they explore how small, intentional choices can lead to lasting transformation in our faith, relationships, and personal growth. Key topics include:✅ Understanding the "messy middle" and why we stay stuck✅ How hidden wounds and past messages shape our identity✅ The power of honesty, forgiveness, and daily surrender✅ Breaking unhealthy cycles and creating new patterns of faith✅ Why transformation isn't just behavior modification Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps, Justin and Trish offer hope for anyone looking to break free from past struggles and walk in the freedom God intends. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 🔗 Learn more about Refine Us Ministries: www.refineus.org You can get One Choice Away from Change on amazon.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 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 an experienced writer, podcaster, and ministry leader, Angie shares her insights on navigating online discourse, the importance of local church accountability, and how Christians can engage in constructive dialogue without compromising truth. Key topics include:✅ Balancing boldness and humility in theological discussions✅ Avoiding the "I follow Apollos" mentality in the digital age✅ Practical ways to handle criticism and avoid bitterness✅ Why the local church should be central to accountability✅ Encouraging Christian unity without sacrificing biblical convictions If you're involved in blogging, podcasting, teaching, or simply engaging in online faith discussions, this episode offers wisdom on how to communicate truth while building up the body of Christ. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To hear more from Angie Velasquez Thorton and to get some of the resources discussed on today's show, see: James's Blog Posts on Leadership: No Flinching: How To Develop a Crucial Leadership Skill Sorry, I Wasn't Listening...And I'm Not Going To Rule of Life Intensive:https://www.jenpollockmichel.com/rule-of-life-intensiveMy Column at TGC Canada:https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/femmes-scriptura/ https://ambassadorofreconciliation.blogspot.com/2023/11/why-and-how-women-should-teach-write.html 📢 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 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 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. Together, they explore how mission and revival are inseparable, why cynicism hinders spiritual growth, and how to recognize and join God’s work in the ordinary moments of life. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical insights, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to be a disciple on mission. 🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ How encountering God daily reshapes our mission✔️ Overcoming cynicism and rediscovering wonder✔️ The role of spiritual habits in preparing for revival✔️ Why mission isn’t just for the “called” but for every believer 📖 Get Reviving Mission with 20% off! (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 👉 IVP Press 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to live with expectancy, curiosity, and a renewed passion for God's work! 🔗 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. #ThinkingChristian #RevivingMission #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.