The Boundless Show

Trusting God in a waiting season, plus pursuing sexual purity with godly motives, and handling conflict well in dating.

Featured musical artist: Je’kob ( https://www.facebook.com/iamjekob )

Roundtable: When God Tells You to Wait

What does it look like to trust God’s plan in a season of waiting? Our guests discuss times they’ve waited on God in their careers, relationships and faith journeys — even when doing so was hard. They’ll also address how to balance trusting God with taking action toward something you want.

Culture: Lessons From Purity Culture

Purity culture has gotten a bad rap — some of it for good reason. But don’t throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. Purity culture placed a high value on God’s design for sexuality and its place within marriage. That said, pastor and author Dean Inserra acknowledges the movement’s shortcomings. While we should always prioritize sexual integrity, he reminds us that obedience around our sexuality shouldn’t become an idol in our efforts to serve God. Dean reframes the conversation around God’s truth and grace, allowing us to submit our sexuality to God for His glory and our good.

Pure: Why the Bible’s Plan for Sexuality Isn’t Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive 


Get the book "Pure: Why the Bible’s Plan for Sexuality Isn’t Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-08-18?refcd=1454007

Inbox: Different Ways to Handle Conflict 

She and her boyfriend are wondering: Is there a difference between compromising, yielding, and resolving conflict? Counselor M.T. Wilson breaks down different ways to handle conflict, and explains how you can determine if you’re applying it effectively in dating.

Having good boundaries while engaged, plus overcoming an eating disorder, and when to try to repair a damaged friendship.

Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech ( https://www.darlenezschech.com/ )

Roundtable: Boundaries Leading up to Marriage (Part 2)

The temptation to blur lines and push physical, emotional and relational boundaries is often stronger during engagement than other phases of dating. It’s also tricky to navigate compromise and common ground in the areas of finances, family and more. We brought in marriage mentors Roger and Diane Ingolia to shed light on appropriate boundaries to set for yourselves and others during the critical pre-marriage season. You’ll also hear from newlyweds Gabriel and Hannah Nymeyer on how they tackled these challenges while engaged. In part two, the couples address the importance of healthy physical boundaries.

Culture: Beating an Eating Disorder

Many young adults live with an eating disorder. Because the struggle is rooted in shame, most suffer in silence, even denying that there’s a problem. Grace McCready shares her own journey with an eating disorder — something she still fights every day. She’ll address the lies Satan uses to trap us, how she wrestled with body image and wrong thinking, and ways that counseling and community provide much-needed hope.

Link to Counseling Services: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/?refcd=1060202

Get the book "Real Recovery" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-08-11?refcd=1454205

Inbox: Should I Reconnect With a Friend Who Hurt Me?

She was friends with a woman a number of years ago. While things weren’t always stable in their friendship, a bridge was burned when the friend made a very hurtful comment. Now, our listener is questioning if it’s best to reconcile or move on. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Having good boundaries while engaged, plus important info before you get married, and is it OK to work alone with coworkers of the opposite sex?

Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado ( https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/?hl=en )

Roundtable: Boundaries Leading up to Marriage (Part 1)

The temptation to blur lines and push physical, emotional and relational boundaries is often stronger during engagement than other phases of dating. It’s also tricky to navigate compromise and common ground in the areas of finances, family and more. We brought in marriage mentors Roger and Diane Ingolia to shed light on appropriate boundaries to set for yourselves and others during the critical pre-marriage season. You’ll also hear from newlyweds Gabriel and Hannah Nymeyer on how they tackled these challenges while engaged. In part one, the couples address family dynamics and finances.

Culture: Things to Know Before Getting Married

There are many cultural lies circulating around marriage, most making marriage out to be either a drudgery or a fairy tale. A good marriage takes work, intention, an open heart and a sense of fun. Dana Che, host of “Real Relationship Talk,” joins us to discuss a few things she wished she had known before walking the aisle. Whether you’re newly married or someday hope to be, this is a must listen.

Link to RealRelationshipTalk.com ( https://realrelationshiptalk.com/ )

Link to Real Relationship Talk Podcast ( https://realrelationshiptalk.com/podcast/ )


Inbox: Should I Work Alone With Someone of the Opposite Sex?

She works as an EMT where her job requires her to be alone with male colleagues for long periods of time. Some of her Christian friends have cautioned against this, but didn’t support their opinions with Scripture. In this type of situation, what is necessary and wise? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Launching into adulthood, plus Todd Friel on how to know if you’re a true Christian, and the pressure to use preferred pronouns.

Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta ( https://www.danielbashta.com/welcome )

Roundtable: Welcome to Adulthood

Do you feel like everyone else is independent: paying their bills, doing their taxes, making decisions and just generally “adulting”? It’s easy to feel left behind or experience anxiety around the many changes you must navigate in this season. Some of it is “life stuff” like the above. Some of it is relational — learning how to let go of your parents, make friends and find community. Our guests share the ups and downs of their own adulthood journeys and give encouragement for making the transition a smooth and (mostly) successful one.

Culture: A Question of Salvation

News flash: Just because you walked an aisle or prayed a prayer doesn’t mean you’re saved. So what does? All of us have questioned our salvation at one time or another, so can we really be sure? Evangelist and apologist Todd Friel shows how the prosperity gospel, “get out of hell free” gospel, churchgoer gospel and other false gospels lull people into complacency, yet Scripture itself is clear on what it means to be saved. Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation on what matters most when it comes to salvation and eternity.

Link to Wretched.org: https://wretched.org/

Link to Todd's "Ten Point Test to See if You Are Saved": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLIWG6JO6NM

Inbox: Should Christians Use Preferred Pronouns?

As a Christian, is it lying or loving to address someone with their preferred pronouns — even if they don’t align with their biological sex? When asked to declare pronouns at work, school or on social media, how should we respond? Family and gender analyst Jeff Johnston weighs in.

Qualities of a humble spouse, plus dating someone who confesses a sin pattern, and how to respond when your friend has a porn problem.

Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts ( https://kerrieroberts.com/ )

Roundtable: The Humble Spouse

Humility is to relationships what gasoline is to cars; without it, a relationship can’t move forward. In marriage, humility is especially important since spouses are in covenant together as one flesh. Our guests are honest about where they were on the humility scale going into marriage, and how they’ve learned to be more humble since. They’ll also give insights on how to spot humility in the people you date.

Culture: Spotting a Sin Stronghold in Dating

All of us have hang-ups and sins we must address. But what do you do when the person you are dating confesses a serious sin pattern like alcoholism, drugs or porn? Is there a way to balance grace with truth, and at what point do you need to cut off the relationship? Christine Snyder tells her story of facing an unwanted divorce due to her husband’s addictions and unfaithfulness, while counselor Glenn Lutjens provides expert advice on when to pull the plug on a problematic dating relationship.

Link to Counseling Services: ( https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/?refcd=1060202 )

Inbox: Does Everyone Have a Porn Problem?

She’s known more than a few friends in her Christian community who’ve confessed a problem with pornography. She’s frustrated that porn seems to be “winning” in the hearts and minds of those around her, and doesn't know what to do. When the next friend confesses, what should be her response? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.

How women experience safety with men, plus leaving an abusive relationship, and navigating political differences in dating.

Featured musical artist: David Dunn ( http://www.daviddunnmusic.com/ )

Roundtable: How Women Experience Relational Safety

For women, safety is very important. Not just physical safety, but emotional, spiritual and relational safety. But what does this look like in everyday life? This week’s guests share what makes them feel safe when they interact with guys. They’ll also discuss how they feel when a man isn’t a safe person, and some cues for discerning the difference.

Get the book "Do Hard Things": https://store.focusonthefamily.com/do-hard-things/

Culture: Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Sadly, many people face the reality of an abusive relationship. Some are in toxic situations and don’t even know it. What are the signs, and is there a way and a time to get out? Counselors Glenn Lutjens and Jenny Coffey offer hope to those suffering abuse, whether manipulation, gaslighting, physical, emotional or spiritual. In this conversation they define the difference between an abuser and an everyday jerk, what to do in an abusive situation, and how you can support a friend who’s currently being abused.

Inbox: When Dating and Politics Don’t Mix

He’s dating a girl, and they’re both serious about their faith. But he’s curious if it’s important for them to agree on political and social issues that aren’t explicitly addressed in Scripture. How should they talk about it, if indeed they have a disagreement? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.

Advice for marrying in your 30s, plus part two of a dating Q&A with Jonathan Pokluda, and maximizing your engagement season.

Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker ( http://www.nathantasker.com/ )

Roundtable: Marriage Challenges For 30-Somethings

Marrying in your 30s gives you the benefits of a little more life experience, stability and (hopefully) maturity. But it also comes with unique challenges. You’ve become more settled in your ways, you’ve accumulated some baggage, and you’re maybe a bit more cynical. Nate and Melinda recently married in their 30s and did the hard work of addressing some of their individual issues before tying the knot. Dr. Trent Langhofer counseled them individually as well as together to help give their marriage the healthiest start possible. All three join us this week to share their journey.

Culture: Dating Q&A With Jonathan Pokluda (Part 2)

After years of working with young adults, Pastor Jonathan (JP) Pokluda has fielded just about every dating question you could imagine. He joins us to answer even more, and this time they’re your questions — asked by live audience members and submitted on social media. In part two this week, JP answers questions about reaching the commitment stage of a relationship, how to know if a guy is truly interested in you, and the worst dating advice he’s ever heard.

Get the book: "Outdated" for your donation of any amount:: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-06-30?refcd=1436602

Inbox: Making the Most of Engagement

She’s recently engaged and is wondering how to maximize this season. What are the best ways to prepare for marriage? What should she and her fiance keep in mind? Besides doing premarital counseling, should they read a book, set some goals, focus on certain conversations — or all of the above? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.

Get the book: "How We Love": https://store.focusonthefamily.com/how-we-love/?refcd=1436602

Managing Money Despite Inflation: Episode 752

Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust ( https://www.aaronshust.com/ )

Tips for fighting inflation, plus part one of a dating Q&A with Jonathan Pokluda, and having boundaries with opposite-sex friends.

Roundtable: Don’t Let Inflation Get You Down

Inflation is hitting all of our wallets. From higher gas prices to the cost of groceries and travel, it seems like everything is getting more expensive. How do we cope? We share money-saving tips, corners we’re cutting, and investment opportunities we’re exploring for the future. We also admit what we’re not willing to let go. Join us for this fun yet practical conversation!

Culture: Dating Q&A With Jonathan Pokluda (Part 1)

After years of working with young adults, Pastor Jonathan (JP) Pokluda has fielded just about every dating question you could imagine. He joins us to answer even more, and this time they’re your questions — asked by live audience members and submitted on social media. In part one this week, JP tackles questions about crushing on a coworker, not having time to date, and how to handle it when someone doesn’t text you back.

Receive the Book "Outdated: Find Love That Lasts When Dating Has Changed" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-06-30?refcd=1433102

Inbox: Boundaries With Opposite-Sex Friends

While having friends of the opposite gender is great, it’s important to have good boundaries to avoid confusion, false intimacy, and the dreaded “friendlationship.” The question is, which boundaries are recommended? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Insider tips to express romantic interest, plus evangelism for everyday people, and when you struggle to make friends at church.

Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC ( https://mosaic.org/MSC )

Roundtable: How Do I Know If They’re Interested?

Men and women are very different, including how we express romantic interest. This can lead to miscommunication, assumptions or long periods of wishing and wondering where you stand. Our guests share the many missteps they’ve taken in pursuing, wooing and (dare we say it?) flirting with the opposite sex, and what they learned from those experiences. They’ll also break down what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making a move, and what makes a person stand out from the crowd.

Culture: Sharing Your Faith in Simple Ways

“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” This principle also applies to how you share your faith, because without a relationship, your attempts at evangelism can only go so far. Pastor Jay Benson and Jill Hill are both passionate about sharing Jesus in their communities and friend circles, and they have many stories of how they’ve invited non-Christians into their everyday lives. They’ll also share simple and effective ideas for engaging our neighbors, coworkers and others who need the gospel.

Inbox: Time to Find a New Church?

She’s been going to the same church for five years but still doesn’t feel connected. Her schedule is also very busy, so socializing outside of work hours is not an easy thing. Is it time to find a new church or stick it out and hope to make friends? Our friend Josh Zeichik weighs in.

Letting go of what others think of you, plus Nick Hall’s modern vision for evangelism, and is it too early to define the relationship?

Featured musical artist: Danen Kane ( https://danenkane.com/home )

Roundtable: Don’t Be a Slave to Others’ Opinions

We’ve all been guilty of walking into a room and immediately wondering what everyone thinks of us. But truth be told, most people aren’t thinking about us — they’re thinking about themselves. How can we live confidently without constantly worrying about others’ good opinion? Our guests share their own struggles in this area and give helpful ways to be aware of how we are viewed by others without being ruled by it.

Culture: An Evangelism Woodstock

In 1972, a massive event called Explo ‘72 took place in Dallas, Texas. Thousands of young adults gathered from all over the country and were inspired and equipped to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into their communities and around the world. On this year’s 50th anniversary of Explo ‘72, evangelist Nick Hall is hosting a 21st-century version of that historic gathering. Called Together ‘22, this free event will take place at Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas on June 24-25. Nick joins us to talk about how sharing the gospel in 2022 is both similar to and different from how it was done 50 years ago. What are the unique challenges and opportunities he sees today? Join us for this exciting conversation and details on this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Sign up for Together ‘22 ( https://together22.pulse.org/ )

Inbox: Defining the Relationship Already?

She’s been going on dates with the same guy for eight weeks, but neither of them has defined their relationship. Is it time for her to say something, or should she wait for him to take initiative and speak up? Our host Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Article: Whose Job Is It to Define the Relationship? ( https://www.boundless.org/blog/whose-job-is-it-to-define-the-relationship/ )