Welcome to the Thinking Chrisitan Podcast

Episodes

Feb. 20, 2025

Felicia Wu Song | Restless Devices: How Technology Shapes Us & What W…

s technology shaping us more than we realize ? Are we losing our ability to rest, reflect, and be present ? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Felicia Wu Song , sociologist …

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Feb. 17, 2025

Derek Schuurman | Faith & Technology: Navigating the Digital Age with…

Technology is shaping our world at an unprecedented rate —but how should Christians respond? Are we thoughtfully engaging with the digital world, or are we being shaped by it in ways we don’t even realize? In this episode of ...

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Feb. 13, 2025

Michael Morgan | William Wilberforce: Faith, Friendship, and Cultural…

William Wilberforce wasn’t just a politician—he was a man of deep faith who leveraged his influence to fight for abolition, social reform, and gospel-driven cultural transformation. In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr....

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Feb. 6, 2025

Chris Rappazini | Thinking Christian about Leadership, Faith, and Mov…

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James sits down with Dr. Chris Rappazzini, professor of leadership at Anderson University, author of Moving Forward After Messing Up , and founder of Faithful Steps Forward. James and C...

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Feb. 3, 2025

Mark Hancock | The Crisis with Boys and What To Do With It

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to discuss the unique challenges of raising boys in today’s culture. Mark shares how Trail Life USA is equipping th...

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Jan. 30, 2025

Sharing the Gospel through Sport: A Conversation with Sean McNamara

In this episode, James and Nate welcom Sean McNamara, Chief Sports Officer for FCA. They discuss the ministry of FCA and the expanding arena of sports ministry. Sean talks about the changes he is seeing in the mission field, ...

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Jan. 27, 2025

Finding Comfort in the Ashes: Job, Trauma, and Faith with Dr. Michell…

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Michelle Keener, author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. Together, they discuss how the book of Job...

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Jan. 23, 2025

Thinking about the Practice of Biblical Lament: A Conversation with D…

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...

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Jan. 20, 2025

Christians, Business, and the Business of Discipleship: A Conversatio…

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...

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Jan. 16, 2025

Faith, Politics, and Boundaries: Thinking Biblically about Government…

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 ...

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Jan. 13, 2025

Rediscovering the Bible with The Chosen: A Conversation with Brandon …

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...

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Dec. 30, 2024

Thinking Christian about New Year's Resolutions, Pt 3

In this episode, James supplements the previous episode on resolutions that dealt with practical goal-setting tactics with a more robust, theological vision--the beatific vision. He offers some ideas on how to grow closer to ...

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Dec. 24, 2024

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...

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Dec. 19, 2024

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...

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Dec. 10, 2024

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...

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Dec. 5, 2024

Thinking Christian about Christmas: The Magnificat and Zechariah's Pr…

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 ...

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Dec. 3, 2024

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...

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Nov. 28, 2024

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...

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Nov. 26, 2024

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...

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Nov. 21, 2024

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...

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Nov. 19, 2024

Translating the Bible for Native Populations: A Conversation with Ter…

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 ...

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Nov. 14, 2024

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...

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Nov. 12, 2024

The Blessing of Being in God's Presence: A Conversation with Samuel P…

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...

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Nov. 7, 2024

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...

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