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

JOIN THE THINKLINGS ON SUBSTACK

@thethinklingspodcast
@profstearns
@timlittle00
@thinklingcarter

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.

🎧 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

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.

🎧 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

For the month of July, the Thinklings are giving away a book to one of our Substack readers.

Entering is easy: simply follow or subscribe to any one of the following accounts before July 31:

@thethinklingspodcast
@profstearns
@timlittle00
@thinklingcarter

Each account approaches books, theology, Scripture, ministry, and the Christian life from a slightly different angle. Follow one—or explore all four—and join the conversation.

We’ll select and contact the winner after the giveaway closes.

Know someone who loves books? Restack this note and help us invite a few more readers into the Thinklings corner of Substack.

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

Follow The Thinklings Podcast on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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!

The Thinklings Podcast is a conversation among three (preferably four) friends who share a love for Scripture, theology, books, teaching, and the life of the church. , , and bring experience from biblical studies, pastoral ministry, Christian education, discipleship, and camp ministry, but the podcast is less a lecture hall than a table around which thoughtful Christians can gather. The main fourth member is Josh, who is now a Christian School Administer in Minnesota (also why he isn’t on as many episodes).

Andy teaches Bible and Greek, Charlie focuses on discipleship and Christian ministry, and Tim specializes in Old Testament studies. Together, they discuss the books they are reading, the ideas they are considering, and the ways Scripture should shape Christian thought and practice.

Our goal is simple: to think carefully, read widely, laugh often, and encourage one another toward wisdom and faithfulness. Whether we are discussing theology, literature, ministry, culture, or the occasional piece of “Ink,” we hope to offer conversations that are serious without being stuffy and thoughtful without losing their sense of humor.

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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:

(@thethinklingspodcast)
(@profstearns)
(@timlittle00)
(@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.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Follow The Thinklings Podcast on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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

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.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Follow The Thinklings Podcast on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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

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 Little
That 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.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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

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?

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

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

3. Tag The Thinklings Podcast.

4. 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.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Follow The Thinklings Podcast on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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

If you’re going to have good thoughts about good books with good friends,
you need a good mug to go with it.

We’re giving away a batch of official Thinklings diner mugs, and entering is simple.
Show us your current, tragically non-Thinklings mug, tag us, and you’ll be entered
for a chance to win.

Contest Rules

1. Post a picture on Facebook and/or Instagram of you holding a
   “non-Thinklings mug.” Of course, you should look appropriately
   bummed that it is not a Thinklings mug.

2. Tag The Thinklings Podcast in your post so we can see your entry.

3. Make your post before July 4 to be entered!

We’re planning to give away 10 mugs!

One Facebook post and one Instagram post means two chances to enter.

Wow, 300!

Welcome to Episode 300 of The Thinklings Podcast!

Three hundred episodes later, the Thinklings are still gathering around microphones to talk about books, ideas, theology, and the Christian life. In this milestone episode, the conversation begins with some classic Thinklings banter before turning to reflections on reaching 300 episodes and what the podcast has meant over the years.

And because 300 episodes deserves a celebration, the Thinklings are giving away some Thinklings Diner Mugs!

☕ Thinklings Diner Mug Giveaway

Want a chance to win a Thinklings Diner Mug?

Here’s what you do:

1. Take a picture of yourself with a regular, non-Thinklings mug while looking absolutely dejected that you don’t own a Thinklings Diner Mug.

2. Post the picture on Facebook and/or Instagram by July 4. (Two posts = two entries!)

3. Tag The Thinklings Podcast in your post.

4. Wait in eager anticipation to discover whether you’ve won a mug!

🎙️ Episode Highlights

• Opening banter and summer conversation

• Reflections on 300 episodes of The Thinklings Podcast

• Favorite memories, lessons learned, and gratitude for listeners who have joined the journey along the way

📚 Books & Business

Thinkling Stearns

• A Place at the Table

🌿 Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Colossians 1, reflecting on the supremacy of Christ, His work of reconciliation, and the hope believers have in Him.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly conversations on books, theology, education, and the Christian life. Thanks for joining us for 300 episodes—and here’s to the next 300! 🎉

Welcome to Episode 299 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This is another special summer episode of the podcast, which means a shorter format and a relaxed conversation. The Thinklings begin with some random banter, including a discussion about the pronunciation of Hebrew when reading Scripture in church and a fun summer prompt before moving into Books & Business and a final meditation.

Thanks for tuning in to this summer conversation!

📚 Books & Business

Reading the Old Testament: Method and Study — Thinkling Little

🌿 Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Proverbs 7, offered by Thinkling Stearns, encouraging listeners to pursue wisdom and avoid the paths of folly.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly conversations on books, theology, and the Christian life!

Welcome to Episode 298 of The Thinklings Podcast!

This is a special summer episode of the podcast, which means it is a truncated format. In this summer edition, the Thinklings keep things simple with just one Books & Business selection followed by a final meditation to encourage listeners for the week.

Thanks for tuning in to this summer conversation!

📚 Books & Business

Only the Lover Sings — Thinkling Carter

🌿 Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Ecclesiastes 12, offered by Thinkling Little, calling listeners to remember their Creator with reverence, humility, and wisdom.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

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Welcome to Episode 297 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, the Thinklings take time to reflect on the past semester, looking back on memorable moments, lessons learned, classroom experiences, and the books and ideas that shaped the school year. The conversation then turns toward summer plans — including reading lists, vacations, projects, and what each Thinkling is looking forward to in the months ahead.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Main Content

• Semester reflections and thoughts from the past school year

• Summer plans, vacations, projects, and upcoming reading

• Books the Thinklings hope to tackle over the summer

• Conversations about rest, growth, and preparing for the next season

Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Scripture, encouraging listeners to reflect with gratitude and look ahead with wisdom and hope.

Listen & Subscribe

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Welcome to Episode 296 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, the Thinklings spend time discussing Basil the Great, reflecting on memorable quotes, theological insights, and practical wisdom from one of the early church fathers.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Books & Business

A History of the Catechumenate — Thinkling Carter

Sex, Dating, and Relationships — Thinkling Little

The Autobiography of George Mueller — Thinkling Boyd

“I Prepare Sermons 4 Weeks in Advance” (Article) — Thinkling Stearns

Main Content

A discussion of Basil the Great, including quotes, reflections, and thoughts on his life and theology.

Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Joshua 24.

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Welcome to Episode 294 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, the Thinklings talk about godly jealousy and what it means in the Christian life.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Books & Business

Godly Jealousy — Thinkling Stearns

Pastoring Men — Thinkling Carter

Hesed and the NT — Thinkling Little

The Power and the Glory — Thinkling Boyd

Main Content

A discussion on godly jealousy and how it relates to faithfulness to God.

Listen & Subscribe

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Welcome to Episode 293 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, the Thinklings turn their attention to Jesus and genders, exploring how Christ’s life, teaching, and interactions shape a biblical understanding of men and women. The conversation considers how Jesus affirms God’s design while also confronting cultural distortions, calling His followers to truth, dignity, and faithfulness.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Books & Business

Tough Topics — Thinkling Tim

Paradise Lost: A Biography — Thinkling Josh

Considering Sparrows — Thinkling Andy

Preaching God’s Word — Thinkling Charlie

Main Content

A discussion of Jesus and genders, focusing on how the Gospels present Christ’s view of men and women, the restoration of God’s design, and the implications for discipleship today. The Thinklings reflect on how Jesus models both truth and grace in addressing questions of identity, calling, and community.

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Welcome to Episode 292 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, the Thinklings reflect on worship and sanctification, considering how the Christian life is shaped by the God who makes His people holy. Drawing from key passages in Romans, Philippians, and 2 Corinthians, the conversation explores how worship, humility, and transformation belong together in the life of faith.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Books & Business

Discipleship Retreat Prep — Thinkling Carter

No Such Thing as Bad Words — Thinkling Little

Middlemarch — Thinkling Boyd

Godly Jealousy — Thinkling Stearns

Main Content

A discussion on worshipping the God who sanctifies, focusing on Romans 12, Philippians 2, and 2 Corinthians 4–5. The Thinklings consider what it means to offer ourselves to God in worship, to follow Christ in humility, and to be transformed by grace into a life of faithful obedience and eternal perspective.

Final Meditation

A closing meditation from Romans 12, Philippians 2, and 2 Corinthians 4–5, calling listeners to worship, humility, and steadfast faith in the sanctifying work of God.

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