So as “Steward Administrators of the King.” So that's the identity part. Now let's go to the doing. So like I said, I was gonna do it in reverse order. Now we're going back to the doing. So we all understand, or least well enough, be fruitful, multiply, but the whole subdue portion. A lot of folks, for right or wrong reasons, they're really uncomfortable with subdue.
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. David Ross and host Bryan Bootka continue their discussion of Rev. Stan O. Gleason’s book Follow to Lead: The Journey of a Disciple Maker.
If you’ve been in a local church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard pastors and teachers talk about the freedom that comes from confession. But most of us delay it because we believe the lie that “No one else struggles like I do. No one will understand.”
Let me tell you: That is NOT true.
Do not put it off. You are not alone.
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 undocumented individuals? If so, what does that look like in a biblical framework?
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 lacked the resources and knowledge to truly help, she sought guidance through prayer, leading her to seminary.
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 of a ministry that happens outside the walls of your local congregation’s building?
Are we thinking biblically or politically about our choice of words, especially those we use on social media? Does it matter?
Libertarian political principles (an economic and political system, not a system of ethics) 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.
Does Congregation Size Help or Hinder the Gospel? What is the purpose of the body of believers (the church)?
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?
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?
Proverbs 13:22 - Thinking about the 3rd Generation
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 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 good.
Why would you even consider doing so?
Welcome to episode 3 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 1, 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. Perhaps we should see ourselves as the Jews who were carried off to Babylon, exiles in a foreign land.
If you were asked about your national identity, would you say without hesitation, a Christian, or would you say American? If you answer “Christian,” have you considered how that should shape your view on public policy?