Reading Guards and God's Word: How Scripture Changed the Heart of a Linebacker Forever | James Kaczor | Ep. 016

Reading Guards and God's Word: How Scripture Changed the Heart of a Linebacker Forever | James Kaczor | Ep. 016

Author: Ryne Jungling January 20, 2026 Duration: 52:39
Stories of His Glory
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf ImprovementSpiritualitySports

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with former NDSU Linebacker and current FCA College Rep. James Kaczor. James is a three-time FCS National Champion, a AFCA Second Team All-American, and a two-time First Team Missouri Valley Conference Linebacker, but those titles pale in comparison to the fact that James has been saved by faith in Jesus Christ and is a child of the one true God.

Listen in as James shares the amazing story of how God used scripture and the faithfulness of key individuals in his life to transform James's heart in addition to:

  1. His upbringing and life before knowing Christ
  2. How knowing God's truths made football a place for James to grow with other brothers in Christ
  3. James's advice for new or young believers on where to start reading scripture
  4. His role and his why behind his ministry with FCA
  5. A few of his favorite books and podcasts that would help aid you in knowing God deeper and being like Christ
  6. The Gospel's Power and Message by Paul Washer
  7. Holiness by J.C. Ryle
  8. Bible Talk Podcast
  9. His simple system for scripture memorization
  10. For more on this visit use the links below to listen to the Heart of Flesh podcast episode titled Recovering an Often Neglected Spiritual Discipline.
  11. Spotify
  12. Apple Podcast

Verse of the Day:

Philippians 3:8-10

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. _____

Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

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Hosted by Ryne Jungling, Stories of His Glory explores the profound intersections where faith meets competition. This isn't a podcast about winning games, but about the personal transformations that happen when individuals in the world of sports encounter something greater. You'll hear directly from coaches, athletes, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff as they share unscripted conversations about the moments that defined them-stories of unexpected hope, resilience forged through loss, and the quiet impact of a life lived with purpose off the field. These narratives move beyond simple inspiration, offering tangible glimpses into how faith shapes character, leadership, and community in the high-pressure environments of athletics. Tuning in provides a space for reflection, whether you're deeply involved in sports or simply appreciate hearing about authentic human journeys. The Stories of His Glory podcast connects the universal themes of struggle and triumph to a deeper spiritual context, making it a unique listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, or the untold stories behind the scores. Each episode feels like a candid locker-room talk, focusing on real-life application and the ongoing journey of faith.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

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