Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

Show Description:In this episode of Thinking Christian, we explore the deeper purpose behind New Year's resolutions from a Christian perspective. Should Christians make resolutions? How can we align our goals with biblical wisdom and cultivate lasting transformation in the new year? Join host Dr. James Spencer as we dive into scripture, unpack common cultural views on resolutions, and discover how to set intentions that honor God. Tune in for a thoughtful and faith-driven approach to the New Year. 👉 Listen to more episodes: [Your Show Link]📖 Subscribe for biblical insights on living out your faith daily.🔗 [Link to your website or social media for further engagement] Keywords/SEO Focus:New Year's resolutions, Christian perspective on resolutions, biblical New Year goals, Christian living, faith-based self-improvement, Biblical wisdom for 2025, Christian mindset for the New Year. This description uses relevant keywords for both Christian-focused and resolution-based searches, while also offering clarity on what the episode will provide. It encourages engagement with clear calls to action (like subscribing or checking out more content). Let me know if you need any adjustments or additional details! If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. You can also find James' article on New Year's resolutions on his author page at christianity.com. If you are interested in hearing more about the beatific vision, check out this episode of Thinking Christian.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode is a replay from last year's conversation between James and Richard Beatty about New Year's Resolutions. They discuss how to think about New Year's resolutions from a practical, goal-oriented perspective, as well as how to approach successes and failures. This episode is aimed at offering tips about pursuing behavior change and habit formation.  If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses New Years resolutions through the lens of Psalm 1. He describes the difference between approaching resolutions from the perpective of changing our behaviors or ourselves and positioning ourselves so that God can transform us. He also describes what he'll be doing over the next few episodes.  If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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.  If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. 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 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.  If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James continues his discussion of Luke 1. He deals with the Magnificat and Zecheriah's Prophecy. He also discusses the importance of Christ's coming from the perspective of Old Testament anticipation. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James begins a short series that will deal with various passages related to Christmas. The announcement of John and Jesus represent the proclamation that God will be doing something new amongst his people. They demonstrate that there is no obstacle too big for God to overcome as he seeks to bring in his kingdom.  If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here.  You can also find more resources at 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 welcome T. J. Jackson, Director of Community Engagement for Life 88.5. They discuss the various ways Life 88.5 works with communities within their listening area to provide food, build relationships, and advance the mission of Life 88.5.  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. You can finid out more about Life 88.5 and T. J. Jackson at https://www.life885.com/programs/t-j-jackson/.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate talk about the need for civility after the election. They consider the various ways Christians can show love for neighbors despite the political polarization in the United States today.  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. You can also gain additional perspective on the intersection between politics and Christianity via James' author page at chrisitanity.com. The following links are to some of the specific articles found there: Is the United States Really Blessed by God? Three Ways Christianity Cuts through Political Noise with Clear Hope What Role Should Law Play in Chrisitan Political Participation? Is Christian Political Participation a Sacred Duty or a Civil Right? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of Warren W. Wiersbe. Dan is a pastor and author of a new book titled Becoming New: 100-Days of Transformation through God's Word. Dan talks about the book's origins in some unfinished papers from his grandfather, as well as the similarities and differences between pastoral ministry today and when his grandfather was pastoring.  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. You can find Dan's book at amazon.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.