Shows
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDChristianity and Open-MindednessCan being open-minded actually lead us astray? Tune in to today’s episode of PREPPED, where host James Spencer, PhD, unpacks the balance between openness and conviction within Christian discipleship. Discover how true open-mindedness does not equate to embracing every idea without exception, but rather about staying rooted in the truth revealed by our triune God.Drawing from Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s powerful insights and biblical perspectives, Dr. Spencer challenges us to rethink how freedom and moral responsibility are intertwined with the exclusive claims of Christ. Learn how divine constraints—far from limiting us—can actually guide us toward s...2025-05-1927 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDPREPPED Highlights: Wisdom, Faith, and Spiritual GrowthJoin us for a special episode of PREPPED as we look back at some of the most thought-provoking and insightful moments from our top five most popular episodes so far. These curated highlights feature deep theological insights, practical wisdom, and powerful reflections that have resonated with our listeners. From exploring sacred spaces to examining the heart of worship in the story of Cain and Abel, each segment offers a unique perspective on living faithfully in a complex world. We’ll also revisit the idea of discipleship as Christian resistance, unpack the symbolism of the biblical flood, and re...2025-05-1334 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDFalse Teaching and False TeachersHow can a teaching feel true and still lead you away from God?In this episode of PREPPED join James Spencer, PhD, as we dissect the subtle dangers of false teaching—particularly the kind that offers comfort at the expense of truth. From the lure of “terrible simplicity” to teachings that twist Scripture to serve political or personal agendas, Dr. Spencer invites us into a thoughtful conversation on discernment, integrity, and the importance of embracing theological complexity.We’ll examine how messages that sound biblical can sometimes redirect our desires away from God, looking at examples...2025-05-0531 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDResponding to GodWhat if the key to spiritual transformation lies not in our circumstances but in our responses to God?
In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, on an exploration of the power of response as a spiritual discipline. Through biblical narratives like the creation story, the call of Moses, and the fall of Jericho, we see that it is God who initiates—and it is our faithful response that leads to transformation.
From Jesus' perfect and ultimate obedience to small, Spirit-led acts of everyday faithfulness, this episode examines how we align our hearts with Go...2025-04-2828 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDReorienting AttentionYour attention may be more than just a cognitive skill—have you ever considered that it could be a moral compass guiding your spiritual journey?
In this episode of PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, for an exploration of this profound idea. Drawing from the insights of neuroscientist Ian McGilchrist, Scripture, and personal experience, Dr. Spencer makes the case that attention is not passive—it’s formative. What we choose to focus on shapes not only how we see the world, but how we respond to God.
Through powerful analogies, we examine how distractions, addictions, and mi...2025-04-2134 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDReordering LovesWhat happens when we are led by our desires rather than by God's design?
Today on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we invite our listeners to explore the deep and transformative concept of reordering our loves—shifting our priorities away from the self and back toward God. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:5, the wisdom of Augustine, and key biblical narratives such as the Fall in Genesis, this discussion highlights how misplaced desires can distort reality, fuel idolatry, and pull us away from God's intentions.
We’ll explore how greed and other disordered loves challenge our spiritual alig...2025-04-1431 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDThe Unbalanced LifeAchieving a “balanced life” is a prevalent concept in our current age, but is it simply a mirage?
In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, challenges this modern obsession with balance and productivity by inviting us to consider a more radical framework: a life wholly devoted to God. Rooted in the call of the Shema from Deuteronomy, this conversation explores how prioritizing God above all else redefines every area of life—not as competing compartments, but as parts of a whole aligned with divine purpose.
Through personal reflections, biblical narratives, and thoughtful theology, join us for...2025-04-1039 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDSpiritual DisciplinesThe true measure of spiritual growth isn’t necessarily found in grand gestures—but rather in quiet, consistent moments of faithfulness.
In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we unpack the teachings of Matthew 6, exploring how giving, prayer, and fasting are not meant to impress others, but to deepen our relationship with God. Grounded in Jesus’ call to pursue an eternal perspective rather than worldly recognition, this episode challenges us to reframe our spiritual habits with authenticity and purpose.
Drawing from personal experience—including an intriguing connection between boxing and spiritual discipline—Dr. Spence...2025-04-0831 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDMaking DecisionsEmbracing a God-centered rhythm of decision-making will transform even the smallest of our choices into acts of faith.
In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is diving into this profound concept through examining Elijah’s quiet moment of stillness in 1 Kings 19 to the subtle yet significant moments in our own lives, uncovering the power of obedience in shaping a life that aligns with God’s plan.
Together, we’ll reflect on the spiritual art of attentiveness and what it means to respond to suffering, uncertainty, or chaos with trust. Drawing insights from Balaam’s story, t...2025-04-0330 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDChristian ResistanceWhat happens when we prioritize God's voice over the world's advice?
In today’s episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as he invites us to challenge the cultural mantra of “follow your heart” by examining what it means to align our choices with God’s will. Through the lens of the Tower of Babel narrative and the lives of key biblical figures such as David and Noah, we explore how true success comes not from ambition or fear, but from obedience and trust in the Lord.
Drawing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we’ll reflect on...2025-03-3133 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDAbraham's Learning Curve: The Near-Sacrifice of IsaacWhat does true obedience look like?
In this episode of PREPPED, accompany James Spencer, PhD, as we journey through the challenging narrative of Genesis 22, where Abraham faces the ultimate test: the command to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, and what this story reveals about faith, love, and surrender.
This isn’t just a story about a test of faith—it’s a profound lesson in understanding God’s word, discerning His intentions, and trusting His timing. From Abraham’s early struggles with Ishmael to the fulfillment of God’s promise through Isaac, we examine how Abraham’s jo...2025-03-2733 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDAbraham's Learning Curve: Hagar and IsmaelToday on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we unpack the complexities of Abraham’s journey, exploring how moments of tension, trust, and obedience shaped his legacy.
From Abraham’s decision to father a child with Hagar to the reaffirmation of God’s promise with Sarah, we examine how attempts to fulfill divine plans through human means can lead to conflict. Through the stories of Ishmael and Isaac, Abram and Lot, and Esau and Jacob, we explore the recurring theme of separation—and how God’s purposes prevail despite human missteps.
In this episode, we’ll also take...2025-03-2432 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDSo Only God Gets the Glory: Abram, the King of Sodom, and a Paradigm for Christian Decision-MakingCould a single act of courage redefine the course of faith and history? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as he unpacks the remarkable narrative of Genesis 14, where Abram’s bold rescue of his nephew Lot reveals a profound story of faith, humility, and God’s providence.
Abram’s victory over a coalition of kings was more than a triumph of strategy—it was a powerful demonstration of loyalty, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to glorifying God. This episode explores the deeper theological implications of Abram’s actions, particularly his refusal of the spoils of war fro...2025-03-2020 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDAbraham's Learning Curve: Sister-Wife Narratives (Egypt and Abimelech)Uncover the intricate dance between faith and fear as we explore Abram's journey into Egypt, in today’s episode of PREPPED.
By unpacking the events of Genesis 12:10-20, where Abram’s decision to present Sarai as his sister, James Spencer, PhD, digs into Abram’s profound struggle of leaning on his own understanding rather than trusting God’s plan. As we explore the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern beliefs and the concept of territorial gods, we reflect on how these themes mirror our own responses to crises.
In this episode, we’ll also be drawing st...2025-03-1719 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDEnter Abram: God's Call of Abram as the Solution to the Problem of IndependenceToday, on PREPPED, we’re exploring what happens when human ambition clashes with divine purpose. Listen in as James Spencer, PhD, contrasts the Tower of Babel narrative with God’s call to Abram, revealing two opposing paths—self-reliance or faith in God’s promises.
Genesis 11 demonstrates humanity’s attempt to make a name for themselves, seeking security apart from God. But in Genesis 12, God calls Abram into a life of trust, redefining what it means to build a lasting legacy. Through this contrast, we uncover the deeper theological implications of ‘name’ and how it relates to our own understand...2025-03-1329 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDChristians and Technology, Part 3: Technology and Self-Sufficiency—Reflecting on DependenceHow often do we let technology trick us into believing we're self-sufficient, drifting away from our dependence on God?
In this episode of PREPPED, join our host, James Spencer. PhD, as we dig into this deep and sometimes uncomfortable question to challenge the modern pursuit of independence, exploring how human limitations are not weaknesses, but invitations to depend on God.
Drawing from biblical accounts of the creation story and the Tower of Babel, as well as insights from theologians like Alicia Uaro and Jacques Ellul, we’re examining how technology can erode empathy and push God...2025-03-1028 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDChristians and Technology, Part 2: Misunderstanding ProgressTrue progress isn't just about the latest tech or societal milestones; it's about aligning with a higher purpose.
Today, on PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, as he challenges the conventional definitions of success, exploring how spiritual growth—not material achievements—serves as the ultimate measure of advancement.
Through the wisdom of the Westminster Catechism and passages such as Philippians 3:13-14, we examine how glorifying God and fulfilling His purpose leads to lasting progress. Drawing from Augustine’s insights on prioritizing eternal goods, we’re unpacking Paul’s teachings on imitating Christ and the dangers of pursuin...2025-03-0630 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDChristians and Technology, Part 1: Just Because We Can, Doesn't Mean We ShouldCan technological advancement pull us away from our divine purpose? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is exploring how technology shapes our spiritual journey, using the Tower of Babel as a framework to examine the tension between innovation and faith.
By drawing insights from Nassim Taleb’s iatrogenics, Marshall McLuhan’s Four Laws of Media, and Nick Bostrom’s Vulnerable World Hypothesis, join us in discussion of how unchecked ambitions—then and now—can distance us from God’s plan. As AI, social media, and modern conveniences reshape our daily lives, are we losing sight of what trul...2025-03-0343 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDUnrestrained and Unguided: A Fresh Take on the Tower of BabelCould it be possible that the Tower of Babel story isn’t really about the tower itself at all?
Today on PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is challenging the conventional interpretations of Genesis 11, revealing that the real lesson isn’t about defiance, but about humanity’s misplaced ambition and misunderstanding of its place in God’s divine order.
By drawing parallels to Adam and Eve, we explore how the builders of Babel weren’t simply rebellious—they were striving for security and greatness on their own terms, failing to trust in God’s wisdom. Through an examination of...2025-02-2737 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDSons of God, Daughters of Men, and NephilimWhat if Genesis 6:1-4 holds the key to understanding humanity’s ancient struggle against divine order?
In this episode of PREPPED, join us as James Spencer, PhD, unpacks one of the most enigmatic passages in Scripture, exploring the identities of the sons of God, the daughters of men, and the Nephilim. Through the recurring biblical motif of “saw good, took”—a pattern that mirrors Eve’s actions in Genesis 3—we examine how these events challenge divine boundaries and reflect humanity’s ongoing defiance.
Delving into ancient Near Eastern myths, we draw connections between figures like Nimrod and the...2025-02-2434 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDThe Biblical FloodWas the biblical flood truly global, or have we misunderstood its scope?
In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, in taking a fresh look at Genesis 6–9, challenging our traditional interpretations, and exploring the theological depth, of the flood narrative. Comparing global and local flood perspectives, we examine how this story functions as an account of decreation and recreation, drawing connections to ancient Near Eastern flood myths like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic.
Through a deep dive into the Hebrew word “eretz”, we’ll investigate whether the flood encompassed the entire earth or...2025-02-2038 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDDiscipleship and Christian ResistanceIs your life more aligned with the world’s distractions or with God’s will? In this episode of PREPPED, we explore discipleship as an act of defiance—an intentional pull away from societal conventions to focus on imitating Christ. Through the use of vivid metaphors, join James Spencer, PhD, to examine how the church can cultivate harmony and purpose in a world filled with noise.
Through the lens of Christian resistance, we’ll share practical steps to nurture spiritual growth in today’s fast-paced culture. From limiting social media distractions to strengthening prayer habits and engagin...2025-02-1728 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDObedience and DiscipleshipObedience isn't just about following rules; it's a journey into understanding the very essence of our relationship with God. In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, challenges the transactional myths surrounding obedience and reveals its true purpose—not as mere compliance, but as a relational act that draws us closer to God.
Drawing from insights by Andy Stanley and the wisdom of Deuteronomy 4:6, we explore how obedience invites us into God’s mission, shaping how we live and flourish within His creation. Rather than viewing blessings as simple rewards, this discussion uncovers how living in alignment with...2025-02-1333 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDEvangelicalism, Exvangelicalism, and Deconstruction: Why Good Theology is the AnswerUnravel the complexities of modern Christianity with James Spencer, PhD, in today’s episode of PREPPED as we unpack the rise of exvangelicalism, the cultural forces shaping modern deconstruction, and the critical role of God’s Word in navigating doubt.
Exploring the impact of technology, shifting religious demographics, and the entanglement of evangelicalism with political ideologies, we examine how institutional priorities have sometimes overshadowed discipleship and individual well-being. James also shares insights from his own faith journey—from a Missouri-centered Lutheran background to his academic pursuits—highlighting how believers can stay anchored in truth even when wrestling with dif...2025-02-1036 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDCain and Abel or Cain and God? Worshipping God on Our TermsWhat if the story of Cain and Abel isn’t just about sibling rivalry but rather a cautionary tale of worship gone astray? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, unpacks the complex relationship between Cain and God in Genesis 4, challenging conventional narratives by highlighting Cain’s self-determined approach to worship, and how the rejection of his offering wasn’t about the material itself, but about the intent and quality behind it, contrasting it with Abel’s sincere devotion.
Through the lens of Cain’s lineage, particularly the figure of Lamech, we explore the destructive legacy of rebelli...2025-02-0629 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDAmbiguity, Misinterpretation, and Self-Determination: Considering the FallIs it possible that we have misunderstood the serpent’s role in Genesis 3? In this thought-provoking episode, James Spencer, PhD, challenges preconceived notions about the serpent in the Garden of Eden, peeling back the layers of Genesis 3:1–7 to reveal its nuanced character. By examining the Hebrew term "arum," often translated as crafty, we uncover its deeper meaning of shrewdness or prudence, inviting a fresh perspective on the serpent’s manipulation of God’s words and the tension it creates between perceived wisdom and divine truth.
We also explore the woman’s response, reflecting on themes of trust and temptat...2025-02-0327 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDA Suitable Helper? Considering the Meaning of EzerWhat if the Hebrew word "Ezer" in Genesis 2 reveals strength and partnership rather than subservience?
In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD uncovers the profound implications of this term and its role in reshaping our understanding of women in biblical narratives. Far from being mere helpers, women are portrayed as essential partners, reflecting God’s own role as a deliverer and protector. By exploring instances where God is referred to as "Ezer," we’ll gain new insights into the collaborative dynamics between men and women, as well as the divine design for mutual reliance and strength.
2025-01-3032 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDWhat Does It Mean to Be Made in God's Image?What if understanding your true identity as an image-bearer of God could transform your life? In this thought-provoking episode, James Spencer, PhD explores the profound implications of being made in the image of God—a timeless concept that shapes how we view ourselves, others, and the world.
Together, we delve into the intrinsic qualities and purpose of humanity as God’s image-bearers, the connection between human dignity, responsibility, and stewardship, and the theological significance of prohibiting idols, drawing parallels to ancient Near Eastern traditions where kings were seen as the “image of God.” By examining biblical references and cult...2025-01-2739 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDCreation, Temple, and the Beatific VisionWhat if the sacred spaces of the Bible could transform your understanding of worship and God’s presence?
In this episode of PREPPED, join Dr. James Spencer on a remarkable journey from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem, uncovering the deep symbolism and spiritual significance of sacred spaces throughout the Scriptures. Together, we’ll explore the imagery of cherubim, priestly language, and the themes of holiness woven throughout the Bible.
Discover how Christ redefined sacrifice and worship, as we connect Old Testament temple imagery to New Testament teachings. Drawing inspiration from biblical scholar Greg...2025-01-2339 min
PREPPED with James Spencer, PhDWhat Creation Tells Us About God: Sovereignty, Wisdom, and BenevolenceWhat if the opening chapters of Genesis offer more than just a historical account—what if they reveal profound truths about our relationship with God? In our debut episode of PREPPED, Dr. James Spencer invites you to step beyond debates on creationism and historical accuracy to uncover the rich theological insights woven into Genesis 1:1–2:3.
Together, we’ll tackle three fundamental questions: Who is God? Who are we in relation to Him? And how should this divine relationship shape our lives?
Discover the intricate narrative and poetic design of the creation story, drawing parallels between Genesis and th...2025-01-2030 minPREPPED with James Spencer, PhD(Trailer) PREPPED: Bridging the Gap Between Academic Theology And Everyday Christian Living With James Spencer, PhDIn a world filled with narratives that deny and overlook God, PREPPED empowers Christians to live out a story that has God at its center. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical ministry, PREPPED equips believers to proclaim the gospel in word and deed by developing a deep understanding of God’s word and the Christian life.
Hosted by James Spencer, PhD, and featuring special guests, this podcast is dedicated to breaking down complex theological ideas into practical, everyday insights, which will prepare you to challenge the world’s narratives about love, politics, success, and what...2024-11-1502 min