In this episode, James continues the "Becoming Useful to God" Series with a discussion of getting and remaining free from the Love of Money. He discusses Deuteronomy 8 and Luke 16, as well as referencing the life of D. L. Moody. You can download "Becoming Useful to God" at usefultogod.com. To purchase Dr. Spencer's book Useful to God: Eight Lessons…

In this episode, James talks about the characteristic of humility as he continues the "Becoming Useful to God" series. He considers Philippians 2 and the way Christ's humility serves as a paradigm for our humility. He also offers practical tips for becoming more humble as believers. You can download "Becoming Useful to God" at usefultogod.com. To p…

In this episode, James continues with his series on Becoming Useful to God by looking at the characteristic of being "Studious" or being a student of God's word. He considers Deuteronomy 17 as a way of underscoring the way God's word transforms our relationship with God and others. You can download "Becoming Useful to God" at usefultogod.com. To pu…

In this episode, James continues the "Becoming Useful to God" series by discussing the Lord's prayer in Luke 11. You can download "Becoming Useful to God" at usefultogod.com. To purchase Dr. Spencer's book Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of Dwight L. Moody, visit amazon.com. You can also get Dr. Spencer's new book Serpents and Doves: Chr…

In this episode, Dr. Spencer begins a new series on "Becoming Useful to God" based on his book Usefult to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of Dwight L. Moody. He tackles the characteristic of being surrendered to God through the lens of the fear of the Lord in Deuteronomy 6. You can download "Becoming Useful to God" at usefultogod.com. To purchase …

In this episode, James discusses 2 Peter 3 and the theme of "hasten and hope."Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers the implications of Matthew 24 and its relationship to the theme of "witness and endurance."Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James discusses faith and salvation across the Old and New Testaments. He addresses some of the ideas that tend to confuse modern-day readers seeking to understand the connections between the Old and New Testaments with regard to salvation and ends with a discussion of Ephesians 2 and the humility that inevitably accompanies faith.…

In this episode, James continues to discuss "The Uncomplicated Gospel" through the theme of flesh and Spirit in Romans 8. You can download the Uncomplicated Gospel at www.usefultogod.com.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers Jeremiah 7 and the issue of false hope. He discussed the all-encompassing nature of our faith and the subtle ways we develop false securities in our lives. James considers some potential false securities Christians may develop in the political realm in his new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the A…

In this episode, James continues his discussion of the themes in "The Uncomplicated Gospel," a guide available as a free download at usefultogod.com and oneplace.com. He encourages God's people to listen to the heart of the psalmist and hightlights the deep desire the psalmist has for the word of God. James has an extended discussion of obedience i…

In this episode, James considers Deuteronomy 30:11-20. He draw parallels between Detueronomy 30 and the creation narrative, as well as discussing the relationship between obedience and blessing. James has an extended discussion of obedience in his new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness, which is now availa…

In this episode, James is joined by Dr. Richard Averbeck, professor emeritus at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the first reader on James' dissertation. In this first of two interviews, they discuss Dr. Averbeck's new book, as well as a variety of topics related to the Old Testament Law. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at use…

In this episode, James is joined by Dr. Richard Averbeck, professor emeritus at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the first reader on James' dissertation. In this first of two interviews, they discuss Dr. Averbeck's new book, as well as a variety of topics related to the Old Testament Law. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at use…

In this episode, James discusses Exodus 1 and 2. He considers the symilarities between Pharaoh and Moses both of who attempt to control situations that are out of their control. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at usefultogod.com or at oneplace.com. Be sure to follow us at oneplace.com as well.…

In this episode, James considers the long and winding road Abram takes as he seeks to secure an heir. Beginning in Geneis 15 and ending in Genesis 22, James speaks to the use of Genesis 15:6 in the New Testament, the challenge of evaluating Abraham's relationship with Hagar, and the faith that Abraham develops as he continually seeks to walk with G…

In this episode, James considers the implications of Genesis 14 for the contemporary lives of believers. He provides an inpretation of the text and suggests that Abram's refusal to take anything from the King of Sodom offers a paradigm for modern-day believers. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at usefultogod.com or at oneplace.com. Be…

In this episode of Useful to God, James looks at the Tower of Babel narrative. He encourages God's people to think about the unrestrained and unguided use of our God-given abilities, as well as warning against the dangers of pride. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at usefultogod.com or at oneplace.com. Be sure to follow us at oneplace…

In this episode, James discussed the narrative of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. He covers various interpretive issues, as well as encouraging Christians to consider what it means to live life on God's terms. Be sure to download "The Uncomplicated Gospel" at usefultogod.com or at oneplace.com. Be sure to follow us at oneplace.com as well.…

In this episode, James is joined by Maggie Hubbard to discuss two of the themes in "The Uncomplicated Gospel," a free guide downloadable at usefultogod.com or at oneplace.com. James and Maggie have a conversation about Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Genesis 3:1-7.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James is joined by his pastor Jeff Roth from Skyline Church in O'Fallon, Illinois for a discussion on Mark and how Jesus' sending of the disciples might inform our lives today.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers the beginning of Mark's gospel including the baptism of Jesus, his temptation, and the callling of the first disciples.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers the crucifixion of Christ in Luke's gospel, as well as the Old Testament background of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James continues the thirty days in the gospels challenge by looking at the narrative of Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke's gospel.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James discusses the story of the rich man and Lazarus as told by Jesus in Luke's gospel.

In this episode, James discusses the Great Commission in the gospel of Matthew. He connects Christ's authority to the task of being and making disciples.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James and Ricard Beattie, discuss Matthew 4:1-11...the narrative of Jesus' tempation. This narrative is crucial to understanding who Jesus is and foreshadows the sort of sacrifice Jesus will make on the cross. This narrative provides a paradigm to help us resist the temptations we face.…

In this episode, James continues the thirty days in the gospels challenge with a discussion of the beatitudes in Matthew.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers one of Jesus' "I am" statements: "I am the good shepherd."Oleh Useful to God

James and Jack Painter discuss John's account of Jesus' final sign in the Gospel of John. In the raising of Lazarus, we see that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Be sure to check out Dr. Painter's blog title "In Plain Sight" at https://jacksonpainter.substack.com. You can also see upcoming courses from Drs. Spencer and Painter at https://www…

We are continuing our 30 Days in the Gospels challenge by considering the "Doubting Thomas" narrative in John 20. We will be thinking about the theme of faith in John as well as connecting the Doubting Thomas narrative with the stated purpose of John's gospel.Oleh Useful to God

Continuing the 30 Days in the gospels challenge, Dr. James Spencer considers Jesus's farewell discourse in John's Gospel.Oleh Useful to God

In this episode, James considers John 4 and Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan Women.

In this episode, James considers the first chapter of John's gospel. This chapter deals with the deity of Jesus and the way that the first chapter of John frames Jesus as the Word of God made flesh.Oleh Useful to God