The Boundless Show

What we’re grateful for even in a difficult year, plus biblical dating advice from The Porch, and how important is spiritual fervor?  

Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship 

Roundtable: Giving Thanks for All the Hard Stuff

Channeling Alexander from the popular children’s book, many of us describe 2020 as the “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” year. We’ve faced grief, loss, delays and disappointments in everything from jobs, health, our social lives, the political landscape and more. To say that 2020 has been tumultuous is an understatement. With so much uncertainty and hardship, why should we be grateful? And how do we actually do it? Our guests talk about the struggles they’ve faced this year, but also how they’ve learned to trust God and stay thankful through them all.   

If you going through a difficult time right now, check out our Counseling service.

Culture: Dating Priorities for Christians

In our tech-saturated world, hiding your secrets can be easy during the early stages of dating. But over time, your true character (and your date’s) will come out. How do you steer clear of fake game-playing and choose wisely in conversations and connections? Pastor David Marvin, leader of Watermark Church’s The Porch — one of the largest young adult gatherings in the U.S. — joins us to discuss a recent series on dating they did called Matchmaker. He’ll give practical and biblical advice for dating and relating in today’s culture. 

Inbox: Is He Spiritual Enough?

She met him online and thinks he’s a great guy. He seems to like talking about politics and cars, but when it comes to spiritual topics, something seems off. Is that a problem, or is she too quick to judge? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.

Staying fit and well during Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus the latest online dating tips (and traps), and is it OK to have a crush on a coworker?

Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker

Roundtable: A Healthy Holiday Season

Many struggle with gaining weight during the holidays. With so many sugary and fatty foods on the table, is it even possible to go through Thanksgiving and Christmas without putting on a few extra pounds? Plus, with COVID still looming and flu season sneaking in, focusing on our health is becoming more of a chore. Our guests discuss what motivates them to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and generally take care of themselves during this hectic season. With a little bit of mindfulness and consistency, they assure us it’s possible to get through the holidays healthy and fit.  

Culture: A Better Way to Date Online

Online dating is a fun yet sometimes scary adventure. Putting yourself out there could lead to crazy dates — or finding the love of your life. Margot Starbuck is knee deep in online dating sites right now, and has lived to tell about it. She shares her best tips and tactics, but also cautions against the most common pitfalls of finding love online. Listen in for an immensely practical update on dating digitally in today’s world. 

Inbox: Coworker Crush

She really likes her coworker, but doesn’t know if he’s a Christian. He’s also a supervisor at the office, so is it inappropriate to crush on him and hope for something more? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Maintaining a long-distance friendship, plus marriage advice from 1 Corinthians 13, and when COVID-19 triggers anxiety and OCD. 

Featured musical artist: Vertical Church

Roundtable: Long-Distance Friendships

You used to be great friends. But life happened, one of you moved away, and now you’ve drifted apart. You miss spending time together and interacting face-to-face. Is it possible to stay close friends with someone even across cities, states or continents? Our guests share the strategies and struggles of long-distance friendships. Listen in for helpful ways to balance local friends and far-away friends, plus tips on being a good friend in general.   

Culture: Preparing for a Great Marriage

It’s easy to daydream about your wedding day, but how often do you think intentionally about life-long commitment? Well, what better way to get ready for a strong marriage than to hear from someone who’s lived it? Bob Lepine, pastor and co-host of “FamilyLife Today,” talks from 1 Corinthians 13 about the ups and downs in marriage, what he says most in premarital counseling, and what it means to truly love your spouse. 

Inbox: COVID-19, Anxiety and OCD

With all the chaos in our world today, our listener is struggling to deal with her anxiety and OCD, especially regarding her fear of getting COVID. She’s reading her Bible, but still feels out of control. What can she do to calm her soul? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in with encouragement and insight.

Remaining hopeful amid the losses of 2020, plus Lisa’s pastor answers questions about Satan, and a listener and his girlfriend disagree on baptism. 

Featured musical artist: Stu Garrard

Roundtable: Losses of 2020

As 2020 draws to a close, its effects are still being felt. Many have experienced loss and have had to make drastic changes to events like wedding ceremonies, graduations and funerals. Some have lost jobs, others have lost loved ones. We’ve all lost daily life the way we once knew it. How can we stay positive with all that’s happened? Our guests talk about personal losses and life-altering adjustments they’ve faced this year, but also how their faith in Jesus has sustained them through the most difficult moments.   

Culture: Understanding Satan

We’ve seen him in cartoons and as a Halloween costume, blamed him for our own bad behavior, and heard fire and brimstone sermons about him and a place called hell. But who exactly is the devil, and what is he up to on any given day? Pastor Mark Bates will answer these tricky questions and give wisdom for recognizing and resisting Satan’s schemes. He’ll also shed light on the Antichrist and the number 666 (this week’s episode number!). Best of all, he’ll remind us of what the devil has coming to him at the end of the age.  

Inbox: Disagreement on Infant Baptism

He knows she’s a wonderful Christian who loves God and lives out her faith, but they disagree on how and when to get baptized. She’s for infant baptism; he’s for believer’s baptism. How can they move forward in spite of this disagreement? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.

Pastors tell us how to do church during the pandemic, plus last-minute tips for Tuesday’s national election, and she’s uncomfortable with him saying “I love you.”

Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters

Roundtable: Pastors Tackle the Pandemic

When COVID-19 shut down countries and economies around the world, churches were uniquely affected. Many churches shut their doors and went online immediately, and some have yet to resume meeting in person. The distance and disconnectedness have taken their toll. Many church-goers feel angry and isolated; some have drifted away entirely. This week’s panel of pastors shares the frustrations and challenges they’ve encountered in leading a church during this unprecedented time, as well as opportunities for ministry and growth that have surfaced. They also give helpful ideas for staying connected at church and supporting your pastor and ministry team in this season.   

Culture: Cast Your Ballot and Pray

For months, we’ve been bombarded with TV commercials and bulk mail ads telling us who and what to vote for (and against) in this national election. And now the time has come. With the election less than a week away, it’s time to cast your ballot. John Stonestreet, president of The Colson Center for Christian Worldview, explains why it’s important for Christians to vote in this election — and how to make an informed decision. He also gives tips for discerning the truth from a lie in the midst of information overload. Most importantly, he calls us to pray for God’s will and glory to be revealed, whatever the outcome. 

Inbox: Uncomfortable With “I Love You”

She’s dating a guy and really likes him. But after a couple of dates, he’s already saying “I love you.” She’s tried to awkwardly ignore it, but it’s making her increasingly uncomfortable when he says it. Is it time to speak up? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.

Women tell how their boyfriends proposed, plus a peek inside The Babylon Bee, and his church-going date doesn’t put Christ first.

Featured musical artist: Various Artists

Roundtable: Engagement Stories (The Girls’ Side)

In part two of this discussion on proposal dos and don’ts (part one with the guys last week!), the ladies remember the details of that moment their boyfriends got down on one knee. Along with their stories, they talk about what made the experience meaningful, important conversations to have beforehand, their advice to men planning a proposal, and how to know if you’re ready to make the leap from dating to getting engaged. 

Culture: The Babylon Bee Has Just the Right Sting

The news is so serious these days. While it’s important to stay informed about important issues and events, it’s also necessary to have a good laugh — especially when the humor points out your little (or not so little) hypocrisies and keeps you humble. Kyle Mann, editor in chief of The Babylon Bee, tells about his journey of becoming a satire writer, what it’s like to have the world read your stuff (and sometimes believe it!), and how he’s learned to take his faith seriously amid all the hype.   

Inbox: Christ’s Not the Center of Her Life?

He’s taken her on a few dates and really enjoys spending time with her. But when he asked about her faith, she mentioned not being in the same place as him spiritually. She’s very involved at her church, so her response seemed rather odd. Is this a red flag, or should he keep dating her to find out more? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.

Men tell how they proposed to their girlfriends, plus myths about singleness, and is it time to stop texting a male friend?

Featured musical artist: Abandon

Roundtable: Engagement Stories (The Guys’ Side)

With the holidays fast approaching, many young men are engagement-ring shopping in anticipation of popping the question to their girlfriends. The process can be nerve-wracking, but also a lot of fun. In part one of this conversation (part two with the ladies next week!), men share their proposal stories including the dos and don’ts, the plans and the surprises, and helpful ideas for making an engagement day meaningful. 

Culture: Sam Allberry on Singleness Myths

People say and assume a lot of weird things about singleness — and single adults. Pastor and author Sam Allberry has heard most of them. In this interview he addresses seven of the sneakiest, lamest and most damaging myths the world and even the church perpetuate about being single, and offers practical ways to respond to them. He also shares helpful encouragement for those of us wanting to reject the myths and thrive as Christian singles.   

Inbox: Daily Texts, but Nothing Serious? 

She’s been texting a guy daily for a year, but claims she doesn’t want anything serious because he doesn’t seem serious about his faith. Is it possible to stay in contact and remain friends? How should she move forward? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Helping others by doing what you’re good at, plus practical safety tips for a dangerous world, and feeling awkwardly judged at church.

Featured musical artist: Aaron Strumpel

Roundtable: Love the Way You Serve

You are good at something — probably several things. Even if you feel like nobody notices your efforts, especially when you’re helping others, God does. But how do you use what you’ve been given? Is your talent for a purpose greater than yourself? Our guests talk about how they’ve learned to serve others with their God-given abilities and passions, and remind us that in God’s hands, no talent is ever wasted. 

Guests: Dan Robbins, Diane Ingolia, Rod Govea

Culture: A Cop’s Best Tips for Staying Safe

Are you prepared for when something unexpected threatens your safety? Police officer Chris Ausec says most people are unaware of or overconfident about the potential dangers they may face. From public places to your home to navigating things like Craigslist and other online traps, he’ll give practical ideas for protecting yourself when danger comes knocking.

Inbox: Feeling Judged at Church

She and her roommate are best friends and attend church together. But as they awkwardly hang around the welcome counter in the narthex, it feels like people are judging them or making assumptions about them. Is it all in her head? What should she do? Lisa Anderson offers some helpful advice.

Books to try in an era of social distancing, plus cohabitation and the single Christian, and is it OK to call out your Mom?

Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship

Roundtable: Quarantine Book Favorites

COVID-19 lockdowns have allowed (or forced, depending how you look at it) more time at home. What better opportunity to catch up on your reading list? With all the noise going on in the world, reading can be the perfect escape. It can also be informative, challenging and so much more. Our guests talk about their favorite books they’ve read over the past few months, and discuss some of their most influential authors. 

Guests: Glenn Stanton, Sara Bess Kemeny, Jeff Johnston

Culture: Are Christian Singles Living Together?

Many young couples, even Christians, are living together before tying the knot. What’s the real motivation for this, and what’s the outcome? Does it prepare you for marriage or derail you? Dr. David Gudgel counsels many engaged couples and addresses cohabitation through a biblical and practical lens. He gives us some good things to think about in this interview.

Featured Book: "Before You Live Together: Will Living Together Bring You Closer or Drive You Apart?"

Inbox: Should I Confront Mom?

She’s 26 and is living in her parents’ home. Her mom shows visible disrespect to her dad, but when our listener brought it up with Mom in the past, it didn’t go over well. Is it time for another confrontation? Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.