Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical perspectives on worry and fear, distinguishes between normal concern and problematic anxiety, and offers practical guidance for believers. Learn how anxiety can be understood from both theological and psychological viewpoints, how to identify when it becomes overwhelming (severity, consistency, time), and how to reorient your attention to God amidst anxious thoughts. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to navigate anxiety with faith and find God's peace in challenging times.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard. In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal journey through his wife's cancer diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of faith, prayer, and discouragement. Discover the importance of lament in the Christian life, how to pray when you don't have the words, and how moments of deep struggle can become profound encounters with Jesus. This conversation offers solace and guidance for Christians navigating difficult seasons, emphasizing that wrestling with God is a vital part of a genuine faith.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase Alive, Loved and Free at amazon.com

Connect with Kyle at the following:

https://revkylenorman.ca/ 
Facebook  Instagram

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation. Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyond end-times predictions to focus on a transformative encounter with Christ. Explore themes of John's loneliness on Patmos, the nature of persecution as pressure to conform, and how the revelation of Jesus Christ calls believers to live faithfully in the present. This episode offers fresh insights for Christians seeking to understand Revelation not just as a roadmap of the future, but as a call to a deeper, Christ-centered life today.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase Thinning the Veil at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve failed morally. Using the recent controversy involving Josh Buice as a springboard, they explore biblical standards for leadership, the quiet erosion of integrity in the digital age, and the pressure cooker of platform-driven ministry.

From elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 to the seductive lure of public influence, this conversation exposes how leadership loneliness, accountability gaps, and misplaced priorities contribute to moral collapse. And most importantly, it asks: What does real restoration look like—and who gets to decide when someone is ready?

If you're a pastor, church leader, or thoughtful Christian seeking discernment in a noisy, performative world, this episode will help you think clearly, biblically, and with grace.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI the "biggest con of the 21st century," how it's impacting university campuses, and its ideological roots that categorize individuals into oppressors and victims. This episode delves into the Christian response to such cultural narratives, questioning underlying assumptions and seeking truth beyond prevailing ideologies. Explore themes of social justice, meritocracy, and the importance of critical thinking for Christians navigating today's complex world.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase DEI Exposed at amazon.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano explore the critical difference between false prophets and false teachers in Scripture. Learn practical biblical discernment tools to evaluate theological claims, understand how to distinguish between doctrinal mistakes and deliberate false teaching, and discover why aligning with God's Word as your ultimate standard is essential for spiritual growth. This theologically rich discussion examines how Christians can maintain doctrinal integrity while navigating complex cultural messages that challenge biblical truth. Perfect for believers seeking to develop stronger discernment skills and church leaders wanting to protect their congregations from misleading teachings. Visit usefultogod.com for additional resources on living faithfully in today's world.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode features Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, who shares his remarkable 25-year journey in Christian music ministry. Mike reveals how God has consistently shown up in both celebratory milestones and devastating personal seasons, demonstrating that authentic ministry flows from personal encounter rather than performance.

Through powerful testimonies of lives transformed by music—including a neighbor's journey to faith through a single song—listeners will discover how God uses melody to break down barriers and open hearts to His message.Whether you're questioning your purpose, facing doubt, or simply seeking deeper theological understanding, this podcast offers calm, thoughtful conversations that highlight God's active work in our world while equipping believers to live faithfully in today's complex cultural landscape.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

Find out more about Big Daddy Weave's tour dates and releases at www.bigdaddyweave.com.

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life. Together, they explore how diving into theology isn’t about elitism or intellect—it’s about intimacy. Lisa shares stories that are as moving as they are humorous (yes, snot and sanctification are both on the table), revealing how theological reflection is meant to be lived out in community, kindness, and Christlikeness. From Leviticus to the Trinity, from doctrinal missteps to the presence of God, this episode reminds us that theology done well brings us closer to Jesus and shapes us to reflect His radical love in the world.

Whether you're a seminary student or someone whose eyes glaze over at the word "pericope," this episode will meet you where you are—and invite you deeper.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase A Jesus-Shaped Life at amazon.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour, running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery.

James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political theology scholar Dr. Michael McDuffee—two former Moody Bible Institute professors with extensive experience in Germany and a deep love for its history.

🚨 Booking deadline is May 31, 2025.
📍 Visit thomastours.com for more info and to reserve your spot.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Girarratano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confused with mentorship or reduced to checklists and programs. James and Nate reframe discipleship as the life-long process of learning to live in full submission to Jesus—and they challenge modern ideas of masculinity that rely more on cultural stereotypes than biblical wisdom. From the Great Commission to the Marks of Paul, from the creeds of the early church to the pressures of 21st-century manhood, this episode digs deep into how men—and all Christians—can learn to embody Christ, not a caricature.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

🔗 Read "What Are the Characteristics of a Christian Man?" at usefultogod.com/read

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.