Episodes

Beginning June 17th, James will be releasing weekly devotionals every Monday as part of the Thinking Christian line-up. Subscribe to Thinking Christian on your favorite podcasting platform or visit www.thinkingchristianpodcast.com. You can find out more about James and Useful to God at www.usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James hosts author and slow-living activist Jodi Grubbs to discuss her book titled Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exale. Jodi and James discuss the various ways our world pushes us to move more quickly and take on more than our capacities will allow. They also talk about the church and how community, presence, and intentionality are crucial to develop a cadence of life that allows us to know God, others, and ourselves. To connect with James and Useful to God Ministries, vi...

In this episode, James sits down with journalist, author, and podcaster Katelyn Beaty to discuss her series of essays on her substack "The Beaty Beat" about the "Evangelical Bro Code." They consider the various components of the bro code, possible solutions to the bro code, and the ways the bro code negatively impact both women and men. For more from Katelyn subscribe to The Beaty Beat at https://katelynbeaty.substack.com/. You can also listed to more conversations from Katelyn on her podcast ...

In this episode, James sits down with his friend John Koessler to talk about prayer. In addition to being a retired faculty emiritus from the Moody Bible Institute, John is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work has been featured in Christianity Today and Our Daily Bread. James and John discuss John's recent work When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray. They consider a variety of topics including prayer and anger, the need for transparency and authenticity in prayer, and th...

In this episode, James is joined by co-host Nate Giarratano and special guest Erin Alexandrino. Erin works with Chrisitan and non-Chrisitan men as part of his High Value Man coaching program. Erin, James, and Nate discuss the role of faith in the formation of men, the approach Erin takes to evangelism, and the importance of fitness in men's lives. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James speaks with Grace Ji-Sun Kim, professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion, host of the Madang podcast, and author of When God Became White. James and Grace discuss her book, the challenge of navigating difference in the world and the church, and various Korean concepts that may inform our understanding of God and the Chrsitian life. We are giving away five free copies of When God Became White. Visit usefultogod.com/bookgiveaway, to register to win. You can also v...

In this episode, James and co-host Nate Giarratano sit down with Vic Murphy. Vic shares his story of getting invovled in skateboarding and BMX as a young man in Alaska, being evangelized by his grandmother, and ultimately coming to faith in California. James, Nate, and Vic discuss the work God is doing around the world through Vic's ministry and the necessity of doing and preaching the basics of the faith in today's world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about adve...

In this episode, James sits down with president of GotQuestions.org Shea Houdman. Shea and James talk about the genesis of gotquestions.org, how Shea and his team deal with the difficulties of answering questions online, and where the ministry may go next. For more on Shea and his ministry visit gotquestions.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Jeff King, president of International Chrsitian Concern and author of Islam Uncensored, joins James to discuss Isalm. James and Jeff consider the various interviews Jeff includes in his book, as well as the underlying assumptions and tactics of radical Islam. For more on Jeff King and International Christian Concern, visit persecution.org. To purchase Islam Uncensored: 14 Leaders: Liberals, Conservatives, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Christians, & A Former CIA Director Reveal: What...

In this episode, James sits down with Stephen Covert, a natural bodybuilder and owner of Iron Thearpy Club, an explicitly Christian clothing brand and community. Stephen and James talk about fitness, the challenges of fitness on social media, and the way that the disciplines of exercise inform our spiritual disciplines. For more on The Iron Theapy Club visit https://theirontherapyclub.com/ or on Instagram at @irontherapyclub You can also find Stephen on Instagram @stephen.covert where he share...

In this episode, James discusses evil and suffering with Ingrid Faro, PhD. Ingrid is professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, IL, and author of Demystifying Evil: A Biblical and Personal Exploration. They discuss the nature of evil, its connection to human perception, and a variety of other topics. To purchase Demystifying Evil: A Biblical and Personal Exploration visit https://ivpress.com/. Use the promotional code IVPPOD20 to recieve 20% off your purchase. Discover more Chri...

In this episode, James discusses personhood with Paul Louis Metzger author of More Than Things: A Personalist Ethics for a Throwaway Culture. James and Paul dive into the idea of personalism, how it intersects with technology and other aspects of life, and how Christians might go about making decisions. For a free study guide based on More Than Things, visit https://www.ivpress.com/more-than-things. You can also puchase More Than Things at www.ivpress.com. Use IVPPOD20 to get 20% off your purc...

In this episode, James sits down with co-host Maggie Hubbard and special guest David Eaton. David is Co-founder and CEP of Axis, an organization that provides resources to parents seeking to navigate cultural issues, technology, and a variety of other concerns. James, Maggie, and David discuss smart phones, social media, and the significant influence of parents in the lives of children. For more about Axis visit www.axis.org. You can find David's book titled Smart Phone Sanity at amazon.com. D...

In this episode, James is joined by co-host Maggie Hubbard and special guest Krista Boan. She is a former middle school teacher and co-founder of Screen Sanity. James, Maggie, and Krista discuss the difficulties of navigating technology today, particualrly in relation to kids and families. For more on Krista, visit kristaboan.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's episode, James is joined by co-host Maggie Hubbard and guest Natalie Abbott from Dwell Differently. They discuss Dwell Differently's ministry, as well as hearing Natalie's testimony and considering the importance of memorizing God's word. Dwell Differently also provided a code for Thinking Christian listeners to get a free month's subscription. (Code: Thinking) Check out Dwell Differently at dwelldifferently.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about a...

In this episode, James is joined by Maggie Hubbard to discuss the "Go Dark, Shine Bright" (GDSB) campaign. GDSB is a seven-day media fast that encourages Christians to step away from media that is hindering their walk with Christ in order to focus on prayer and Bible study. The campaign begins on May 6th, but is available throughout the year. To sign up for the free campaign, go to godarkshinebright.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunit...

In this episode, James discusses discipleship with Ron Tewson. Ron is a former pastor and president and founder of Therefore Project. Ron is also the author of Threads: Weaving a Life of Peace and Purpose in a Chaotic World. James and Ron have a conversation about evangelism, discipleship and the need to get back to the basics in the Christian life. Find about more about Ron and his ministry at https://www.thereforeproject.com/. Order Threads: Weaving a Life of Peace and Purpose in a Chaotic W...

In this episode, James sits down with Carmen Joy Imes, an Old Testament scholar and author of Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. They discuss the meaning and significance of the image of God to the life of the church and its members today. To order Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters visit https://ivpress.com/. You can use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio...

In this episode, James sits down with co-host Nate Giarratano and special guest Ryan Ries to discuss Ryan's story. Ryan was a pro-skateboarder who gave his life to Christ and began to proclaim the gospel. For more about Ryan and his ministry go to https://ryan-ries.com/. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Jamie Thomas. Jamie shares his testimony and how he got involved in skateboarding as a teenager. Thomas is a world renowned professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. Jamie Thomas was also in Tony hawks video games "Tony Hawk Pro Skater". Jamie has an amazing perspective and heart for people to really know who Jesus Christ is. For more info check out his social media @jamiethomas Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about ...

In this episode, James discusses the recent research concerning perceptions of religious influence in the United States. While the report offers many reasons to be hopeful, James encourages Christians to ensure their hope is rooted in Christ and to focus on being prepared to obey regardless of the consequences. For the full research report visit https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/03/15/8-in-10-americans-say-religion-is-losing-influence-in-public-life/ For the article James references in ...

In this episode, James and Nate sit down to talk about the origin story Grammy award winning band for King & Country. Luke Smallbone shares some inside info on the new movie "Unsung Hero" movie coming to theaters April 26th. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with the two founding members of Unspoken. Chad Mattson and Jon Lowry talk about their history together, the challenges of Christian music, and the privilege of being involved in ministry. Chad also shares his testimony. You can find out more about Unspoken at https://www.unspokenmusic.com/. We would also encourage you to check out the ministry Chad mentions in the episode at https://soldiersforfaith.com/. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio....

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James sits down with Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute. Brad shares his testimony and describes the landscape of legal issues facing Christians in the United States. You can find the resources noted on the episode at https://pacificjustice.org/resources/for-parents/. Also, check out Brad's radio and television programs at https://mailchi.mp/pji.org/pji-tv-radio. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about adve...