Welcome to the Thinking Chrisitan Podcast

Episodes

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...

Episode page
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 ...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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 ...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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 ...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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 ...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
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...

Episode page
Nov. 6, 2024

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 ...

Episode page
Nov. 5, 2024

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...

Episode page
Oct. 31, 2024

Thinking Christian about Manhood: A Conversation with Vince Miller

In this episode, James wecomes Vince Miller. Vince is an author and speaker focused on helping men live faithfully. Vince and James discuss Vince's new book ( Essential Elements: Forging Godly Men ) the difference between wal...

Episode page
Oct. 29, 2024

Suffering, Endurance, and the Importance of Discipleship: A Conversat…

In this episode, James welcomes Justin Kendrick author of How to Quiet a Hurricane. James and Justic discuss the pitfalls and promise of helping God's people establish a firm foundation in their faith. They talk about the rol...

Episode page
Oct. 24, 2024

Thinking about Anxiety, Media, and Politics: A Conversation with Zach…

In this episode, James speaks with Zach Clinton author of Even If: Developing the Faith, Mindset, Strength and Endurance of Those Who Are Built Different. James and Zach discuss the "even if" life, as well as diving into disc...

Episode page
Oct. 22, 2024

Privileging God (and the Truth) over Politics: A Conversation with De…

In this episode, James wecomes Denise Grace Gitsham. James and Denise discuss the way Chrisitan participation in politics differs from participation in politics more generally. Denise is an on-air political commentator and st...

Episode page
Oct. 17, 2024

The Importance of Leadership: A Conversation with Executive Coach Bro…

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Brock Simmons. Brock is the founder of the Always Present Institute. He has many years of experience in executive coaching and organizational development. James, Nate, and Brock d...

Episode page
Oct. 16, 2024

Thinking about Lament: A Conversation with Julie Bradley

In today's episode, James and Nate welcome Julie Bradley. Julie and Nate have known each other for a long time and attend the same church in Lenxa, KS. Julie talks about the "40 Days of Lament" that she has been …

Episode page