The Thinklings Podcast

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 310— Baby Step Millionaires

Welcome to Episode 310 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week we announce our August giveaway and the upcoming IRBC Young Adult Retreat before discussing Dave Ramsey’s Baby Step Millionaires. We consider how our beliefs about money shape our financial behavior—and how the same principle applies to our theology and Christian lives. We close in Ezekiel 18 with a call to personal responsibility and repentance.

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

1:18 — August Substack Giveaway: The Odyssey

3:13 — IRBC Young Adult Retreat

4:16 — Nonsense & Frivolities

5:20 — Books & Business: Baby Step Millionaires

14:34 — How Our Beliefs Affect Our Behavior

20:02 — Final Meditation: Ezekiel 18

📚 Books & Business

📖 Baby Step Millionaires — Dave Ramsey

We discuss Ramsey’s seven “baby steps,” financial discipline, saving, debt, and the surprising difference between being a millionaire and a billionaire. More broadly, the conversation turns to how wrong beliefs produce wrong behavior—and how consistent, seemingly small choices can make a significant difference over time.

🌿 Final Meditation

Ezekiel 18

We consider Ezekiel’s repeated declaration that “the soul who sins shall die” and the individual responsibility each person has before God. Neither a godly nor ungodly upbringing determines how we must live today. The chapter concludes with God’s mercy and a simple call: repent, turn, and live.

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The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 309 — Changed Into His Likeness

Welcome to Episode 309 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week we announce our August Substack giveaway and an upcoming Thinklings appearance at the IRBC Young Adult Retreat. In Books & Business, we review Changed Into His Likeness by J. Gary Millar, discussing its biblical theology of sanctification, some helpful observations, and several significant theological concerns. We conclude with Romans 12 and what it means to offer our entire lives to God as living sacrifices.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 4:25 — August Substack Giveaway

* 5:17 — IRBC Young Adult Retreat Announcement

* 7:17 — Frivolities & Josh Update

* 8:11 — Books & Business: Changed Into His Likeness

* 20:13 — Final Meditation: Romans 12

📚 Books & Business

📖 Changed Into His Likeness: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation — J. Gary Millar

We work through Millar’s biblical theology of personal transformation and sanctification. While the book offers some helpful thoughts about the gospel, perseverance, and God’s work in changing believers, we raise concerns about its starting point, treatment of the Old Testament, and understanding of regeneration and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it receives a 1 on the Thinklings Goodness Scale.

🌿 Final Meditation

Romans 12:1–2

We consider Paul’s command to present our bodies as a “living sacrifice” to God. Unlike an Old Testament sacrifice, the Christian continues living—and therefore must continually choose to offer every part of life to God. The question for us is simple: Are we offering our whole lives to God?

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 308 — The Total Money Makeover

Welcome to Episode 308 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings welcome new listeners, announce the July Substack book giveaway, and spend the bulk of the episode discussing Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover. The conversation explores biblical stewardship, debt, generosity, and practical wisdom for managing money before concluding with a meditation from 1 Kings 1–2 on authority, mercy, and receiving God’s grace well.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 2:49 — Listener Spotlight & Podcast Updates

* 4:28 — July Substack Book Giveaway

* 6:15 — Frivolities & Josh Update

* 8:11 — Books & Business

* 20:45 — Final Meditation (1 Kings 1–2)

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Carter📖 The Total Money Makeover — Dave Ramsey

Charlie revisits Dave Ramsey’s classic after nearly twenty years and explains why it has shaped the way he thinks about money. The discussion covers Ramsey’s “baby steps,” paying off debt, budgeting, generosity, and why financial stewardship is ultimately about honoring God rather than simply building wealth.

🌿 Final Meditation

1 Kings 1–2

Andy reflects on the transition from David to Solomon and Adonijah’s repeated attempts to seize the throne. The Thinklings discuss authority, mercy, and the consequences of rejecting grace. The episode closes by encouraging believers to receive God’s mercy with humility instead of continuing to pursue their own way.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

Welcome to Episode 307 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week, Tim reviews Douglas Wilson’s How to Exasperate Your Wife, leading to a practical discussion about biblical marriage, household leadership, parenting, love, respect, and masculine responsibility. The episode concludes with a meditation from Acts 7 on receiving biblical correction with humility.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 0:50 — Opening Conversation: Christian Art & Substack

* 6:02 — Announcements & July Book Giveaway

* 7:09 — Frivolities & Josh’s Absence

* 8:44 — Books & Business: How to Exasperate Your Wife

* 9:03 — The Wife as Ruler of the Home

* 14:05 — Should a Husband Do the Dishes?

* 20:21 — Teaching Boys Responsibility

* 22:54 — Love, Respect & Servant Leadership

* 25:28 — Strength, Tenderness & the “Two-by-Six” Husband

* 27:21 — Thinklings Goodness Scale

* 28:03 — Final Meditation: Receiving Correction from Acts 7

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Little📖 How to Exasperate Your Wife — Douglas Wilson

Tim reviews Wilson’s practical book on marriage and gives it a 6 on the Thinklings Goodness Scale. The discussion focuses on the wife’s authority in managing the home, the husband’s responsibility to lead without constantly undermining her, and the difference between servant leadership and overbearing control. The Thinklings also discuss household responsibilities, raising boys to embrace greater responsibility, and the need for husbands to balance strength with tenderness.

🌿 Final Meditation

Acts 7

Andy reflects on Stephen’s sermon before the Sanhedrin and the leaders’ violent response to biblical correction. The passage raises a practical question: How do we respond when a pastor, mentor, parent, or faithful friend tells us something difficult but true? Humility is essential for sanctification, and believers should be willing to receive biblical correction rather than destroy relationships to avoid it.

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.

JOIN THE THINKLINGS ON SUBSTACK

@thethinklingspodcast@profstearns@timlittle00@thinklingcarter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 306

Abounding Grace, Great Books, & the Bitter Taste of Sin

Welcome to Episode 306 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings celebrate the release of Abounding Grace, the Festschrift honoring Dr. Myron Houghton, reflect on his lifelong love of theology, great books, and Tolkien, and conclude with a meditation from Proverbs 5 on why temptation often appears sweet before revealing its bitter end.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 2:01 — Announcements

* 3:21 — Substack Giveaway

* 4:56 — Frivolities

* 6:49 — Books & Business

* 15:00 — Final Meditation (Proverbs 5)

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Little📖 Abounding Grace: A Festschrift in Honor of Dr. Myron Houghton

Tim introduces the newly released Festschrift honoring Dr. Myron Houghton, highlighting its contributors, several standout chapters from Romans, and the influence Dr. Houghton had as a theologian, teacher, reader, and lifelong learner. The conversation also reflects on his remarkable library, his love for the Great Books and Tolkien, and the example he set of cultivating both the mind and the Christian life.

🌿 Final Meditation

Proverbs 5:3–5

Andy considers Solomon’s warning about temptation. Sin often appears attractive—its words are “sweeter than honey” and “smoother than oil”—but its end is bitter and destructive. Believers are encouraged to distrust the initial appeal of temptation, seek wise counsel, and remember that what looks pleasant in the moment often leads to regret if pursued apart from God’s wisdom.

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.

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* @thethinklingspodcast

* @profstearns

* @timlittle00

* @thinklingcarter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 305

Parenting, Great Books, & the Hobbit Verse

Welcome to Episode 305 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings announce a new Substack giveaway, share a book recommendation on biblical parenting, reflect on the purpose of education, and conclude with Charlie’s “Hobbit verse” from 1 Thessalonians 4, encouraging believers to aspire to a quiet, servant-hearted life.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 1:33 — Substack Book Giveaway

* 2:28 — Announcements & Josh Update

* 3:26 — Books & Business

* 10:24 — Great Books & Education

* 13:37 — Final Meditation (1 Thessalonians 4)

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Stearns📖 Parenting Essentials — Andreas & Margaret Köstenberger

Andy reviews this practical guide to biblical parenting, highlighting the importance of presence, loving leadership, and raising children with intentionality and wisdom.

🌿 Final Meditation

1 Thessalonians 4:9–12

Charlie reflects on Paul’s exhortation to “aspire to live quietly.” Far from encouraging laziness or isolation, Christians are called to pursue lives marked by humble service, faithful work, brotherly love, and a testimony that points others to Christ.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.

JOIN THE THINKLINGS ON SUBSTACK

* @thethinklingspodcast

* @profstearns

* @timlittle00

* @thinklingcarter

If you subscribe to any of these Substack accounts in the month of July, you will be entered to win Abounding Grace—the Myron Houghton Festschrift! If you don’t want to do Substack, but you do want to buy a copy—head on over to FBBCbooks!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

Contentment Can Be Learned

Welcome to Episode 304 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings catch up on summer projects, publications, and Fourth of July plans before Charlie reviews a book on biblical exegesis. The episode concludes with a meditation on Philippians 4 and the biblical secret of contentment.

JOIN THE THINKLINGS ON SUBSTACK:

The Thinklings Podcast (@thethinklingspodcast)Andy Stearns (@profstearns)Timothy Little (@timlittle00)Charlie Carter (@thinklingcarter)

WIN A THINKLINGS MUG

You can still tag us on social media with a picture of you and a non-thinklings mug, and you can win a new thinklings diner mug!

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 0:21 — Substack Update

* 1:51 — Thinklings Diner Mug Giveaway

* 2:01 — Summer Updates & Announcements

* 4:58 — Books & Business

* 9:56 — Final Meditation

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Carter📖 Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook — John H. Hayes & Carl R. Holladay

Charlie reviews the book from the perspective of a Bible teacher, discussing its strengths, concerns, and why discernment is important when reading academic biblical scholarship.

🌿 Final Meditation

Philippians 4:10–13

Charlie considers Paul’s famous statement, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” in its original context. Rather than a promise of unlimited achievement, Paul teaches that contentment is a virtue learned through trusting Christ in both abundance and need.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 303

Welcome to Episode 303 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings share a few podcast updates, celebrate the arrival of a new book honoring Dr. Myron Howden, enjoy some listener frivolity, and then Charlie gives his full review of This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. The episode closes with a meditation from Psalm 150 on cultivating a life of joyful praise.

⏱️ Chapters

* 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

* 0:22 — Substack Update

* 2:02 — Announcements

* 3:12 — Thinklings Diner Mug Giveaway

* 4:00 — Listener Frivolities

* 6:05 — Books & Business

* 26:57 — Final Meditation

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Carter📖 This Is Happiness — Niall Williams

Charlie shares his thoughts after finishing the novel, discussing its themes of contentment, place, community, forgiveness, and the beauty of ordinary life. He explains why it’s an ideal summer read and reflects on one of the book’s most memorable passages.

🌿 Final Meditation

Psalm 150

Andy reflects on the biblical call to praise God with joy and celebration. Looking at Psalm 150, he encourages listeners to marvel at God’s mighty works and cultivate hearts that naturally respond to His greatness with worship.

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.:::

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Welcome to Episode 302 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This week the Thinklings begin with some podcast updates, discuss the new Thinklings Diner Mugs, debate which season of hobbit life best fits each person, and enjoy a conversation about C.S. Lewis before turning to a discussion of pastoral qualifications and the importance of guarding sound doctrine in the local church.

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

1:55 — Thinklings Diner Mug Giveaway

2:53 — Coffee, Diner Mugs & Hobbit Seasons

9:32 — Books & Business

19:50 — Final Meditation

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling LittleThat Hideous Strength — C.S. Lewis

Tim shares thoughts after revisiting Lewis’s final Ransom Trilogy novel, leading to a conversation about modernity, technology, imagination, and some of Lewis’s recurring themes throughout his fiction.

🌿 Final Meditation

Andy reflects on pastoral qualifications from 1 Timothy and Titus, discussing the responsibility pastors have to guard sound doctrine, teach faithfully, and shepherd God’s people according to Scripture.

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.

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The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 301

Hobbit Types, Diner Mugs, and Wholehearted Love for the Lord

Welcome to Episode 301 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This episode begins with the Thinklings choosing what kind of hobbit they would be: cozy hobbit, seven-meals-a-day hobbit, gardening hobbit, adventure hobbit, or party hobbit. After that, there’s a quick reminder about the Thinklings Diner Mug giveaway, a Books & Business discussion, and a final meditation from God’s Word.

⏱️ Timestamps

6:43 — Thinklings Diner Mug Giveaway

Want to win a Thinklings Diner Mug?

Take a picture of yourself with a regular, non-Thinklings mug while looking appropriately sad that it isn’t a Thinklings Diner Mug.

Post it on Facebook and/or Instagram by July 4.

Tag The Thinklings Podcast.

Wait in eager anticipation.

(Two posts = two entries.)

7:32 — Books & Business📚 This Is Happiness — Niall Williams

Charlie discusses This Is Happiness, a slow and thoughtful novel about a young man returning home to a small town as electricity arrives. The conversation touches on happiness, beauty, friendship, life, and the way good stories can awaken us to what is true and meaningful.

20:33 — Final Meditation🌿 Loving the Lord Above All Else

Tim reflects on passages from Deuteronomy, Exodus, Zechariah, and the teaching of Jesus to emphasize that love for God must be supreme over every other love. The meditation calls listeners to examine their hearts, repent where needed, and cultivate a wholehearted devotion to the Lord.

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Subscribe on Substack for show notes, updates, and future Thinklings content.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thinklingspodcast.com