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Just a Thinker

Just a Thinker

By: Bryan Bootka
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Do we, Christians, support public policies that are incongruent with a biblical worldview? And if so, how would we know?

How should a biblical worldview inform our approach to Criminal Justice, Education, Immigration, Illegal Drugs, Taxes, and more from a public policy standpoint? We can all think critically about these subjects even if we are not experts in a specific area, but are we thinking biblically about them?


Or is it possible that, as believers with a biblical worldview, we still need to thoroughly consider our approach to these subjects in light of how Jesus handled the relevant situations of His day?


Should we not at least consider the possibility that our approach is influenced more by the world’s norms and ethics than by Jesus? Is it possible that what Jesus said then could still have a powerful impact on today’s politics in precisely the place where ethics meets public policy? I think so.

Consider what Jesus said to believers who were in a country occupied by a foreign superpower:


"Observe those who bring about harmonious relationships between opposing people; they assuredly are fortuned with the 'good life,' for they shall be called the sons and daughters of God."


The good life. You know, the kind of blessed life everybody desires to have.


Jesus says it is for the peacemakers.


Not the Machiavellian power colluders playing all the right angles, scheming for all the advantages, and securing whatever they can for themselves. No, not them.


And not the moral legalists, either, who are diligent about keeping themselves untarnished by the messiness of life. No, not them.

Nor the armed revolutionaries, confident in their just cause.


No, to Jesus, the good life, the blessed life, belongs to those who step into the messiness of life and attempt to bring about some harmony from the conflict.


Those folks, the risk takers, they’re living the ‘good life.’


Will they be successful in their attempts for peace? Perhaps.


That doesn’t diminish their flourishing because it is in the doing, not necessarily in the successful outcome.


Those in conflict may have reasons to want to keep the conflict alive. Consider the foreign military officer, the Roman commander, and the local revolutionary fighter, the Jewish Zealot. One or both of them may have seemingly rational reasons for not wanting peace.


Nevertheless, a peacemaker will try to bring these two opposing sides together in some harmonious relationship. This is no trivial matter.


Even if those two directly involved truly appreciate the peacemaker, many others within the broader sphere of political influence may not be so pleased.


Okay, so what’s the point?


Everyone has reasons to justify their strong positions of opposition against one another. Roman commander vs Jewish Zealot; Democrat vs. Republican. The list could go on and on and always will. Why?


Because divisiveness is easy.

“Staying out of it” is easy.

Apathy is easy.

But peacemaking is not.

It wasn’t then. It isn’t now.


But it does lead to the Good Life. Don’t we believers want as much of it as possible?

We must reconsider how our worldview shapes our approach to today's relevant, often contentious subjects, and how to engage those entrenched in political opposition, which sometimes includes ourselves.
#CultureQuestioning #KingdomBuilding #DiscipleMaking

Copyright 2025 Bryan Bootka Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 26: Does the Texas Parole Board Release Violent Criminals Who are Likely to Re-Offend Intentionally?

    Episode 26: Does the Texas Parole Board Release Violent Criminals Who are Likely to Re-Offend Intentionally?
    Dec 9 2025

    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 convictions, and the need for independent oversight. Charlie shares real-life examples of individuals who have faced injustice and emphasizes the importance of community involvement and support for rehabilitation. The conversation also highlights the Youth Ambassador Program and the need for second-chance employment opportunities for those re-entering society after incarceration.

    👉 Next Steps:

    1. Like & Subscribe for more deep conversations.

    2. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.

    3. Share your biggest takeaway or question in the comments — we read every one!

    4. Thank you for supporting a family of three living in exile.

    🔑 Takeaways

    - Texas C.U.R.E. supports families impacted by incarceration.

    - Treatment courts can provide better outcomes for non-violent offenders.

    - Many individuals in prison are there due to systemic flaws.

    - Wrongful convictions are a significant issue in Texas.

    - Community support is crucial for rehabilitation efforts.

    - The parole board often releases violent offenders without proper review.

    - Independent oversight is needed in the Texas prison system.

    - Rehabilitation should start early in the incarceration process.

    - Youth programs can help prevent future incarceration.

    - Second-chance employment opportunities are vital for reintegration.

    📌 Connect with Us

    🔗 Just a Thinker – https://JustAThinker.com

    🔗 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Just-a-Thinker

    🔗 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justathinker2017/

    🔗 X – @_Just_A_Thinker

    🔗 Instagram – @just_a_thinker_podcast

    🔗 TX C.U.R.E. Inc https://txcureinc.org/

    #CultureQuestioning #KingdomBuilding #DiscipleMaking #Faith #RelationshipWithGod #KnowingJesus #Miracles #SpiritualGrowth #JustAThinker #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndAction #ServeWithLove #PodcastTalk #CommunitySupport #ChristLikeLove #SocialJustice #ChristianCommunity #Outreach #InspireChange #CultureQuestioning #KingdomBuilding #DiscipleMaking #UPCI #Discipleship #KingdomOfGod #Chosen #Faith #BelievingLoyalty #KingdomOfGod #Faith #Christianity #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #BibleStudy #SermonOnTheMount #Stewardship #PrisonMinistry #Church #CommunityImpact #ChristianLife #UnansweredPrayers #SignsAndWonders #PrivateVictories #SaltAndLight #WorkAsWorship #JustThinkAboutIt #DreamBigDoGood #church #personal growth #relationships #humility #community #transformation #discipleship #service #politics #dialogue #socialissues #spiritualbattle #current events #persecution #unity #reentry #incarceration #healthcare #education #media #dialogue

    #TXCURE #justicesystem #treatmentcourts #wrongfulconvictions #paroleboard #rehabilitation #communitysupport #youthprograms #secondchanceemployment #advocacy
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 25: Knowing Jesus: Understanding Our Personal Responsibility to the Marginalized

    Episode 25: Knowing Jesus: Understanding Our Personal Responsibility to the Marginalized
    Nov 18 2025

    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 more deep conversations.

    2. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.

    3. Share your biggest takeaway or question in the comments — we read every one!

    4. Thank you for supporting a family of three living in exile.


    🔑 Takeaways

    • One can cast out demons AND not make it into the eternal Kingdom of God.
    • Do not confuse personal responsibility, as commanded by Jesus, with corporate responsibility or what the state may do.


    📌 Connect with Us

    🔗 Just a Thinker – https://JustAThinker.com

    🔗 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Just-a-Thinker

    🔗 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justathinker2017/

    🔗 X – @_Just_A_Thinker

    🔗 Instagram – @just_a_thinker_podcast

    #CultureQuestioning #KingdomBuilding #DiscipleMaking #Faith #RelationshipWithGod #KnowingJesus #Miracles #SpiritualGrowth #JustAThinker #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndAction #ServeWithLove #PodcastTalk #CommunitySupport #ChristLikeLove #SocialJustice #ChristianCommunity #Outreach #InspireChange #CultureQuestioning #KingdomBuilding #DiscipleMaking #UPCI #Discipleship #KingdomOfGod #Chosen #Faith #BelievingLoyalty #KingdomOfGod #Faith #Christianity #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #BibleStudy #SermonOnTheMount #Stewardship #PrisonMinistry #Church #CommunityImpact #ChristianLife #UnansweredPrayers #SignsAndWonders #PrivateVictories #SaltAndLight #WorkAsWorship #JustThinkAboutIt #DreamBigDoGood #church #personal growth #relationships #humility #community #transformation #discipleship #service #politics #dialogue #socialissues #spiritualbattle #current events #persecution #unity #governmentshutdown #healthcare #education #media #dialogue



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    54 mins
  • Episode 24: Awakening the Church: A Call to Action

    Episode 24: Awakening the Church: A Call to Action
    Oct 28 2025

    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, emphasizing the urgency for the church to awaken and adapt to new dynamics. They explore the importance of discipleship, community engagement, and the need for believers to take an active role in outreach. The conversation highlights the necessity for churches to collaborate and support one another in fulfilling the Great Commission, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by modern society.

    👉 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.

    🔑 Takeaways:

    - The current events are seen as fulfilling biblical prophecy.

    - There is an urgency for the church to awaken to its mission.

    - Discipleship should focus on small group settings for effective ministry.

    - Individual believers play a crucial role in outreach and evangelism.

    - Community engagement is essential for reaching the lost.

    - Churches should collaborate rather than compete for souls.

    - The shift in church dynamics requires new approaches to ministry.

    - Believers must be prepared to share their faith confidently.

    - The harvest is plentiful, but more workers are needed.

    - We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach others.

    📌Connect with us:

    🔗 OGM Network http://ofgodandmen.network/

    🔗 Pastor Michael Weedman https://thefive-foldpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

    🔗 Bryan Bootka |Just a Thinker JustAThinker.com

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    1 hr and 4 mins
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