Listen on Your Favorite App
Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World
James SpencerChristians 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.
Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.
Listen on Your Favorite App
Be Fruitful: A Biblical Discussion about the Sanctity of Human Life
January 4, 2024 - 42 min
In this episode, James and Richard discuss the sanctity of human life through the lens of Genesis and various other biblical passages. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Thinking Christian about the Church
January 1, 2024 - 43 min
In this episode, James and Richard talk about church membership, why it’s important, and some of the factors that may lead people away from participating in a local congregation. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Does God Change? Can God Learn? A Theological Discussion
December 26, 2023 - 42 min
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.
The Joy of Christmas- Reading The Story of Jesus’s Birth in Luke’s Gospel
December 25, 2023 - 26 min
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.
Thinking Christian about Harvard, Genocide, Israel, and the State of Higher Education
December 22, 2023 - 59 min
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.
Jesus's Incarnation: What Happened Before the Christmas Story (and Why It Matters to Us)
December 21, 2023 - 32 min
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 insights into the nature of the incarnation and the characteristics Christians should adopt as they model their lives after Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
The Virgin Birth: Considering Matthew's Use of Isaiah 7
December 20, 2023 - 31 min
In this episode, Dr. James Spencer discusses the virgin birth and Matthew's use of Isaiah 7:14. Beginning with an analysis of the Isaiah 7:14 in its Old Testament context, Dr. Spencer moves on to consider various issues of interpretation before describing how Matthew uses Isaiah 7:14 to point to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Does God Accept Worship from Other Religions?
December 19, 2023 - 50 min
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.
Thinking Christian about Making and Keeping New Year's Resolutions
December 18, 2023 - 41 min
In this episode, James and Richard discuss New Year's Resolutions. They discuss various topics based on James' background as a personal trainer and offer tips about when to start a New Year's resolution, what sort of strategy to take as one sets a New Year's resolution, and how to make realistic resolutions. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Thinking Christian about Leadership
December 15, 2023 - 47 min
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.
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
James Spencer earned his Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He believes discipleship will open up opportunities beyond anything God’s people could accomplish through their own wit and wisdom. As such, James seeks to help believers think Christianly about social, cultural, and political assumptions. His desire is to see Christians test God by trusting God so that they conform ever more closely to the image of Christ.
In addition to being a regular contributor to Christianity.com and Washingtontimes.com, James has published multiple works, including Christian Resistance: Learnign to Defy the World and Follow Christ, Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D.L. Moody, Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, and Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.
James currently serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center, an adjunct instructor at Wheaton College Graduate School, and faculty member at Right On Mission.
You can find out more about James at his personal website www.jamesspencer.com.
In addition to being a regular contributor to Christianity.com and Washingtontimes.com, James has published multiple works, including Christian Resistance: Learnign to Defy the World and Follow Christ, Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D.L. Moody, Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, and Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.
James currently serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center, an adjunct instructor at Wheaton College Graduate School, and faculty member at Right On Mission.
You can find out more about James at his personal website www.jamesspencer.com.
