Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World
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Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

James Spencer

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.

Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.

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How Can Christians Overcome Pornography: A Conversation with Sathiya Sam
December 13, 2023 - 57 min
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.
Joshua Broome: From Porn to Redemption
December 12, 2023 - 30 min
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.
Thinking Worship with Stephen McWhirter
December 11, 2023 - 37 min
Honesty, humility and a sense of humor are what makes Stephen Mcwhirter's story so inviting.  In this episode, Stephen, James, and guest co-host Nate Giarrantano discuss Stephen's story, what its like to be a worship leader, and the power of social media to proclaim the gospel. "Come, Jesus Come" a perfect song for Advent and every season.  You can find out more about Stephen at worshipjesus.life. If you are interested in learning more about the gospel, check out "The Uncomplicated Gospel" course at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Reading Ecclesiastes with the Old and New Testaments in Mind with Russ Meek
December 8, 2023 - 51 min
Russell Meek is an Old Testament Scholar and author of Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World. He and Dr. James Spencer discuss the book of Ecclesiastes, how it relates to the broader patterns of the Old Testament and why Ecclesiastes is a hopeful book that every Christian should be reading. It is a great discussion of one of the more difficult books in the bible.  Purchase Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World at amazon.com. Check out Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology co-authored by James Spencer, Russ Meek, and Bryan C. Babcock at amazon.com. You can find more from Russ Meek at www.russmeek.com.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Thinking Christian at NASCAR with Michael McDowell
December 7, 2023 - 48 min
James and guest host Nate Giarranto sit down with Michael McDowell to discuss his testimony, his career in NASCAR, and how he lives out his faith today. Michael McDowell won the Dayton 500 in 2021 and appeared in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2023. He also won Brickyard 200 in 2023. Most importantly, McDowell is a follow of Christ and outspoken Christian athlete. You can find out more about Michael McDowell at mmcdowell.com and on his various social media sites. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Christian Witness and the War in Ukraine: A Conversation with Josiah Venture missonary Lee Humerian
December 6, 2023 - 50 min
In this episode, James sits down with Lee Humerian, a missionary with Josiah Ventures serving in Ukraine. They discuss the current situation in Ukraine and the opportunities the church has to serve in the context of war. We don't talk politics. We just talk about how God works through a people who love him and love others.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Christians and Cancel Culture
December 5, 2023 - 32 min
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.
Tolkien, Prayer, and Doing Theology with Ashish Varma
December 4, 2023 - 46 min
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.
Christians and Anxiety
November 29, 2023 - 31 min
The question of anxiety and fear today runs rampant. How do I let the world's stories capture reality and hinder my walk? What can we embrace and what should we resist? Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie discuss. Follow Thinking Christian on Apple Podcasts & Spotify for more!    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Caring for Others in South Sudan: A Conversation about Grain for Pain
November 28, 2023 - 39 min
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.
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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.
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