Just a Thinker

Most Christians will never walk through a prison gate. Yet some of the deepest lessons about grace, repentance, accountability, surrender, and discipleship can be found there. In this episode, we explore real stories from prison ministry, including an inmate praying for his addicted wife, a former gang member learning to walk with Christ, and a powerful reflection on Matthew 25 where Jesus identif...

Does the Texas Parole Board Release Violent Criminals Who are Likely to Re-Offend Intentionally? In this conversation, Bryan Bootka interviews Charlie Malouff, the executive director of Texas C.U.R.E., an organization focused on supporting families impacted by the justice system. They discuss the flaws within the justice system, including the importance of treatment courts, the impact of wrongful...

When Jesus said, “I never knew you,” He wasn’t denying the works — He was revealing the absence of a relationship. Our relationship with Jesus should cause us to love those He loves. Who is it that Jesus cares most for?    It’s a sobering reminder that the heart of Christianity is not performance but proximity. Knowing Jesus means knowing His heart.   👉 Next Steps: 1.   Like & Subscribe for m...

Would the local assembly collapse if leaders were training the body for the work of serving (ministering to) their fellow man? If your pastor put two families together to have communion with another in a home with the intention of edification, would more people be lost or redeemed?   In this conversation, the hosts discuss the current state of the world in relation to biblical prophecy, emphasizin...

What if the solution was not legislative but followers of Jesus taking back all the roles they abdicated to the state?   👉 Next Steps: 1. Like & Subscribe for more deep conversations.  2. Hit the 🔔 to never miss an episode.  3. Drop your biggest takeaway or question below. We read every comment!   Thanks for supporting a family of three living in exile.   In this episode, the hosts discuss t...

Is the Church Prepared for Revival?   If Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Brings Revival, Would Your Congregation Be Able to Disciple the Harvest? Could Your Congregation Handle 200 or 2,000 Newborn Believers?   👉 Next Steps: 1. Like & Subscribe for more deep conversations.  2. Hit the 🔔 to never miss an episode.  3. Drop your biggest takeaway or question below. We read every comment!   Thanks f...

In this episode of Just a Thinker, Bryan is a guest on Revving Up with David Ross. David and Bryan Bootka discuss "Building the Kingdom of God." They explore what it means to seek God's kingdom through tangible actions, personal convictions, and the church's role. The conversation emphasizes that the kingdom is God's reign in our lives and interactions, not just a physical place. They highlight th...

What does it truly mean to build the Kingdom of God? It’s a question that echoes through scripture and sermons, yet the answer often feels elusive. Is it simply attending services and giving offerings, or is there a deeper, more profound meaning? This discussion delves into this complex topic, exploring the multifaceted nature of building God’s Kingdom beyond traditional religious practices. Join...

The Path to True Discipleship: Following to Lead   Discipleship is more than the title of a book—it’s a way of life. In a world where many claim to follow Jesus, few truly embrace the calling of discipleship. This was the central theme of our latest discussion, where we explored the distinctions between merely believing and actively following Christ. In episode 19 of the Just a Thinker podcast, Da...

Join Just a Thinker and host Bryan Bootka as he does some confessing. #JustThinkAboutIt #JustAThinker #DreamBigDoGood JustAThinker.com #UPCI   https://www.youtube.com/@Just-a-Thinker https://www.facebook.com/justathinker2017/ X @_Just_A_Thinker IG @just_a_thinker_podcast  

Join Just a Thinker and host Bryan Bootka as he speaks with Chad Goble and they discuss illegal immigration and the Church.   Illegal immigration is a highly debated issue, especially within the church. As believers, our challenge is to navigate the balance between respecting the law and extending grace to those in difficult circumstances. Should the church take an active role in assisting undocum...

Join Just a Thinker and host Bryan Bootka as he speaks with Dr. Jenifer Wakefield, Executive Director of Restoration Ranch, Texas. Dr. Wakefield's journey into full-time ministry began in 2012 when she transitioned from the corporate world to working at her home church in Austin. Through this role, she encountered individuals in deep distress, including a woman who was suicidal. Realizing she lack...

Join host Bryan Bootka and guest David Ross as they discuss Stan O. Gleason's book Follow to Lead: The Journey of a Disciple Maker    Stan Gleason raises many good points and asks several questions we should all be considering today.    -       What are some non-essential traditions we observe, and how can they hinder rather than help build the Kingdom of God? -       Can you think of an example o...

Are we thinking biblically or politically about our choice of words, especially those we use on social media? Does it matter? 

Libertarian political principles (it is an economic and political system, not a system of ethics) most closely align with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about loving our brother, loving our enemies, and treating others how we would like to be treated. In short, don’t hurt people, and don’t take their stuff.    Republican incumbents are the political equivalent of abusive spouses. They...

Does Congregation Size Help or Hinder the Gospel? 

What expectations do you have for your daughter when it comes to dating or for your future son-in-law? I have a few. We intend to set our children up for success rather than heartache.  Let me know how far off track you think I am.

David Ross is a guest on the 10th episode of the Just a Thinker podcast. He shares his experience with unanswered prayers. We discuss whether or not they are unanswered or is it sometimes they are not answered in the way we want?

Patrick and Bryan discuss what would happen if your congregation had 20 times the new converts this year that you had last year. Is it possible? Would you be able to disciple them? What will you do now?

What would happen if your congregation had 20 times the new converts this year than it had last year? Could you disciple them?

What if we could end the cartel’s reign of terror and related gang violence, minimize loss of life from fentanyl overdoses, and instead put our attention on the heart or spiritual issues that lead to substance abuse in the first place?  What if ending prohibition would do this? What if allowing the legal production and sale of such things would accomplish this? Today, in Episode 0007 of the Just a...

What does thinking two rather than one generation out look like? 

What if the legalization of vices we currently outlaw would enhance our capacity to reach those Jesus expects us to care for?    How often do we challenge our thinking and reflect on our societal norms as followers of Jesus?   Why do we as believers find it challenging to accept that legality doesn't always align with morality, and why is it difficult to be at peace with this realization?    Do we...

Let’s do a thought experiment: Imagine that on your job site, the city inspector seems to have invented 107 new violations today that were not there yesterday, which could cost many thousands of dollars per day in delays. That’s easy for many to imagine because something like that has happened to them, or maybe it is right now.  Now imagine praying for that inspector’s well-being and her highest g...

Welcome to episode 0003 of The Just a Thinker podcast. I am your host, Bryan Bootka. I wonder if Jesus would refer to illegal aliens, the legal term, as “Invaders,” or would he have told us they were our “Neighbors?”   In episode 0001, we discussed citizenship and our identity in Jesus. As his followers, we are part of the church, called out from among the world, and that should inform all we do....