Episodes

In this episode, James and Nate discuss the politics of the day. They attempt to differentiate between civic and sacred acts in relation to voting, as well as encouraging Christians to recognize the symbolic "freight" that certain candidates carry for wins and losses. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . Discover mor...

In this episode, James welcomes Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is the author of The Way of Belonging. James and Sarah discuss the idea of belonging, how it differs from fitting in, and the way that our relationship with God and our own self-awareness helps us cultivate a sense of belonging in the various contexts of our lives. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take th...

In this episode, James welcomes Fred Pry, Vice President of Administration at Child Evangelism Fellowship. James and Fred discuss the ministry of CEF, the various resources CEF makes available to share the gospel with children, and the ways CEF has navigated legal obstacles and other forms of oppostion (including opposition from a Satanic Temple) to share the gospel with kids in public spaces. For more from James, visit usefultogod.com . To find out more about Child Evangelism Fellowship, visit ...

In this episode, James welcomes David Koysis back to Thinking Christian to discuss the use of the psalms in the liturgy of the church. Davis is affiliated with Global Scholars Canada and is engaged in an international academic ministry of writing, researching, lecturing, and conversing with readers of his books. He is the author of Political Visions and Illusions and We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God . He taught undergraduate political science for thirty years. In add...

This week, James looks at Genesis 11:1-9, which is often reffered to as the Tower of Babel narrative. After making several observations about the text, James offers an interpretation of the narrative that connects it to God's call of Abram in Genesis 12. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . Discover more Christian po...

In this episode, James speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor . James and Caleb discuss the various challenges associated with Christian nationalism, some of the theological errors associated with the movement, and how to go about interacting with Christian nationalists to encourage a more faithful perspective in which pointing to and glorifying the Triune God takes first place. For more from James on Christian nationalism and other ...

In this episode, Carmen Joy Imes returns to talk about her book titled Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters . James and Carmen talk about the importance of the Old Testament, the way the Ten Commandments are often misunderstood and misapplied, and how bearing God's name shapes the message of the Old and New Testaments. For more from James visit usefultogod.com or pick up James's new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness at amazon.com . You can purch...

In this episode, James talks with Miranda Zapor Cruz who is a professor of hisotrical theology at Indiana Weslyan University and author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters . James and Miranda discuss various perspectives on Christians and politics, as well as the way Christian nationalism harms Christianity. For more from James visit usefultogod.com or pick up James's new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness at...

In this episode, James talks with fellow Old Testament scholar Michael Rhodes about biblical justice. Michael is the author of Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World and Formative Feasting, Practicing the King’s Economy . He also has numerous articles in Christianity Today and The Biblical Mind. He spent more than fourteen years in community development in urban ministry work. He is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and is currently a lecturer in Old Testament at Ca...

In this episode, James looks at Genesis 4. He discusses the tension between Cain and God, Cain's poor choice, and the resolution that God ultimately brings about through Seth. He argues that the narrative centers on Cain's unwillingness to worship God on God's terms. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . Discover more...

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Dayton Moore. In addition to holding various other positions in Major League Baseball, Dayton was a general manager for the Royals. Under his leadership, the Royals won the world series in 2015. James, Nate and Dayton talk about leadership, the need for mentoring, and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. Dayton is also the founder and board president of C You In the Major Leagues, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and fam...

In this episode, James talks with Jake Hamilton, author of Journey to Biblical Masculinity: 12 Paths Every Man Must Take. Jake is also the founder and CEO of "The Fight," a ministry dedicated to challenging men to own who they are and discover who they could be. They discuss how to distringuish what it means to be a man from more general spiritual and character formation that would apply to both genders. They also speak about the importance of "owning" one's own self, the need for wise elders in...

In this episode, James sits down with Jay Y. Kim, author of Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. James and Jay discuss the promise and pitfalls of digital technologies, how to slow down in a world that is constantly pushing us to speed up, and technology's capacity to shape us into something other than the image of Christ. You can connect with James at usefultogod.com. To purchase Jay's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). Discov...

In this episode, James discusses 1 Samuel 17, the narrative of David and Goliath. He discusses the differences between David and the other characters in the narrative, as well as highlighting the underlying theology of this well-known Bible story. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . Discover more Christian podcasts ...

In this episode, James has a conversation with Helen Cepero. Helen is the author of Christ-Shaped Character: Choosing Love, Faith and Hope. She also started the C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Seminary and practices spiritual direction formation program at the Journey Center in Santa Rosa, CA. James and Helen discuss spiritual direction, the role of effort and discipline in Christian spiritual life, and the importance of listening to others. You can connect with James...

In this episode, James is joined by co-host Nate Giarratano. James and Nate discuss some of the conversations that occurred at last week's National Conservatism Conference in Washington, D.C., where Pastor Doug Wilson, Al Mohler, and others spoke about America, politics, and Christianity. James lays out five ideas that are crucial for understanding the relationship between Church and state and interacts with some of the statements made at the conference. To connect with James, visit usefultogod....

In this episode, James sits down with David Koyzis author of Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement . He also writes a blog titled " Notes from a Byzantine-Rite Calvinist ." David and James discuss the challenge of idolatry in the political realm, as well as strategies for Christians to love God and neighbor by engaging in activities oriented toward justice. To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us . You can find Citizenship Without Illusi...

In this episode, James considers Matthew 10. He talks about what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples (and us!) by sending them out on their initial mission. He also provides an explanation of what it looks like to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . Discover more Chris...

In this episode, James hosts Paul D. Miller author of The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism . Paul and James discuss nationalism, politics, conservativism, and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. The conversation offers Christians a fresh perspective on the importance of distinguishing church from state, as well as addressing the need for incremental change as a political strategy. To connect with James visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us...

In this episode, James discusses discipleship with Eun Strawser, author of Centering Discipleship: A Pathway for Multiplying Spectators into Mature Disciples . James and Eun discuss discipleship in terms of imitating Christ and the way that our own cultural commitments (or the commitments of others) can hinder us from conforming more closely to Christ's image. Eun also relates her experience leading a church that is centered on discipleship. To connect with James or to download free spiriatul gr...

In this episode, James considers the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. He discusses the Old Testament background of love for neighbor in Leviticus and what it might mean for us to show mercy in today's world. For more from James visit usefultogod.com . Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode, James and Nate discuss a Pew Research study titled "Cultural Issues and the 2024 Election." They talk about how Christians might approach specific cultural issues, the differences between the roles of the state and the church, and the attitudes that Christians might adopt as they seek to be faithful in a fallen world. For more from James, visit usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-...

In this episode, James welcomes Chris Morris author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward. James and Chris have a candid conversation about mental illness and discuss ways the church might come alongside those struggling with mental illness. They also talk about the importance of developing intimate relationships within the body of Christ. To connect with James visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us . You can purchase Chris's books at the follo...

In this episode, James discusses Jesus's baptism and subsequent temptation in the gospel of Matthew. He considers each of the temptation's Jesus faces and the lessons that Christians can learn from Matthew 4. For more from James visit usefultogod.com . Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .