
Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World
Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2024 • 18min
Thinking about Distractions with Mary, Martha, and Jesus
In this first weekly devotional, James discusses distractions and the way they hinder us from listening to the teachings of Jesus. Considering Luke 10:38-42, James encourages listeners to recognize that Jesus is infinitely more relevant than any other actor or factor we will ever encounter. To connect with James and find additional content, like the 30-Day Gospels readign plan or the walk through the gospels course, visit, usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jun 13, 2024 • 54min
How Should Christians Think about Human Flourishing: A Conversation with Joshua Jipp
In this episode, James welcomes Joshua Jipp. Joshua is Professor of New Testament and Director of the Henry Center for Theological Understanding. He is also the author of Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vision of Human Flourishing in Christ. Joshua and James discuss various vision of human flourishing and the necessity of Christ for human flourishing. They also discuss what sort of practices are necessary to conforming more closely to the image of Christ. To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can get Joshua Jipp's Pauline Theology as a Way of Life at amazon.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jun 10, 2024 • 45sec
Announcement about Upcoming Episodes of Thinking Christian
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.

Jun 6, 2024 • 56min
Thinking about Our Fast-Paced Lives: A Conversation with Jody Grubbs
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, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can find out more about Jodi at https://jodigrubbs.com/. Her book is available at https://www.ivpress.com/live-slowly (enter IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jun 4, 2024 • 56min
How Should Christians think about the "Bro Code": A Conversation with Katelyn Beaty
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 Saved by the City or purchase Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church on amazon.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May 29, 2024 • 57min
Thinking about the Awkward Conversation of Prayer: A Conversation with John Koessler
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 the importance of acknowledging one's own personality as they approach God in prayer. You can get John's book on amazon.com or at his website johnkoessler.com where you can also find free resources designed to go along with When God Is Silent for use in small group study. There is also a link for a discount on When God is Silent at johnkoessler.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May 27, 2024 • 48min
Thinking about Evangelizing and Discipling Men: A Conversation with Erin Alexandrino
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.

May 24, 2024 • 43min
What Are We Missing about God: A Conversation with Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim
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 visit www.ivpress.com to find Grace's book. Use IVPPOD20 to recieve 20% off your purchase. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 7min
Why the Basics of the Faith Matter: A Discussion with Evangelist and BMX Rider Vic Murphy
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 advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May 20, 2024 • 57min
What Are the Biggest Questions Christians Are Asking: A Conversation with Shea Houdman
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.
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