Episodes

Hundreds of churches once bombed and burned to the ground are not only standing again but thriving in Sudan and South Sudan. Hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them. Resources: Learn more about the Church Reconstruction Program in South Sudan https://www.samaritanspurse.org/construction/celebrating-over-500-new-churches-in-south-sudan/ To hear more about Ryan’s time in Sudan listen to Serving in Uncertainty: The War in Sudan https://onthegro...

What makes temptation so compelling? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer takes us deep into one of Scripture's most foundational passages—the fall narrative in Genesis 3:1-7. Far from a simple story of disobedience, James reveals the sophisticated dynamics at play: the serpent's calculated ambiguity, the woman's thoughtful but tragic reasoning, and the recurring biblical pattern of "seeing good and taking." Exploring the Hebrew nuances often lost in translat...

What does it truly mean to be a "helper"? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer challenges common misconceptions surrounding the Hebrew word ezer , often translated as "helper" in Genesis 2:18. Moving beyond traditional hierarchical interpretations, James explores how ezer is used throughout the Old Testament, revealing its profound connection to strength, support, and indispensable aid—qualities that describe God Himself. He delves into various scholarly view...

What if the tabernacle, the Garden of Eden, and the Great Commission are all telling the same story? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series , Dr. James Spencer uncovers the theological thread that weaves from Genesis to Revelation—a sacred space built not of bricks and curtains, but of God’s presence dwelling among His people. Moving through Eden, the Israelite temple system, Jesus’ incarnation, and into the Church, this episode explores how the beatific vision—the promise of see...

What does it actually mean to be made in the image of God? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series , Dr. James Spencer dives deep into one of the Bible’s most profound claims about humanity. Exploring five major views—the substantive, functional, relational, filial, and Christological—James traces how each contributes to our understanding of human worth, purpose, and calling. But he doesn’t stop with theology. He challenges how modern culture often weaponizes the “image of God” la...

In this premiere episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer takes us to the beginning—not just of the Bible, but of everything. But instead of debating science or timelines, he asks three essential questions: Who is God? Who are we? And what kind of life flows from that relationship? Drawing out the deep theological significance of Genesis 1:1–2:3, James explores God's sovereign, wise, and benevolent nature, the purpose of human life, and how creation’s rhythm calls us to ...

In this episode James interviews Greg Finke who leads Dwelling 1:14 ( www.dwelling114..org ). They discuss the incarnation, Jesus's mission, and the way that Christians can offer testimony about God and the gospel in the midst of a broken world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode of Thinking Christian, guest host Maggie Hubbard continues her conversation with Pam Whitehead. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode of Thinking Christian, our guest host Maggie Hubbard begins the first part of her conversation with Pam Whitehead about her experience with abortion. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

This episode is a replay of a conversation between James Spencer and Maggie Hubbard last year on the changes Canada made to its Medical Assistance in Dying policies. As we think about the Sanctity of Human Life and the various ways we tend to neglect it, these sorts of policies are important. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode, guest host Maggie Hubbard talks with Bryan Doyle from Iron Sharpens Iron. Bryan describes his ministry and talks about the importance of men in the body of Christ. 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 sanctity of human life through the lens of Genesis and various other biblical passages. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode, James and Richard talk about church membership, why it’s important, and some of the factors that may lead people away from participating in a local congregation. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

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.c...

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 lifeaudio...

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.co...

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/co...

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...