Episodes

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....

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.

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 lifeaudi...

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.

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.

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.c...

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.

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.

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/c...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, guest host Maggie Hubbard interviews Joshua Broom. 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. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Honesty, humility and a sense of humor are what makes Stephen McWirther'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 gosple. "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" cours...

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 shold 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 Trajector...

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 podc...

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.

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.

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 D...

Another useful conversation between Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie. 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? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 sim...

Like in so many American Holidays- Gratitude is often regulated to weeks before, and gets reduced to a thing called, "Turkey Day." If we were to really think Christian about it- we would probably give thanks- on a daily basis- if we really think about it! Dr. James Spencer had a little time recently to be thankful for a technical dilemma he found himself in - when travelling through Germany. We call this episode- Grateful Beyond Thanksgiving! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com an...

James offers some insights into thankfulness from the book of Deuteronomy and the history of Israel. He then has a brief time of prayer to help Christians cultivate a heart of gratitude. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode continues the conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about Dwight Moody's enduring significance. We discuss Dwight Moody's "secret sauce" and the way God used him to reach the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's hard to find a place to break in the story of Brian Sumner. Every time he fell, fought, cursed or got caught up in the thrill, something kept him going. This is the continuing story from Part 1, when Dr. James Spencer asks- "So what are you doing now?" Listen to the conclusion of this story. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brian Sumner shares his story of growing up in Liverpool, becoming a professional skateboarder, and coming to Jesus Christ. James, Brian, and special guest host Nate Giarratano discuss Brian's life, explore the Great Commission, and celebrate God's presence in the lives of His people. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James has a discussion with Dr. Gregg Quiggle. Dr. Quiggle is a D. L. Moody expert who contributed to A Praying People, a new book edited by James Spencer and Ashish Varma. He and James talk about who Dwight Moody was and how his life may inform the lives of modern-day Christians. Dr. Quiggle, who is also an expert in the Protestant Reformation, also discusses an opportunity to travel abroad this December to learn about the Reformation. You can email him at ranch812@hotmail.com....