The Boundless Show

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 GarrardRoundtable: Losses of 2020As 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 SatanWe’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 BaptismHe 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 & DaughtersRoundtable: Pastors Tackle the PandemicWhen 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 PrayFor 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 ArtistsRoundtable: 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 StingThe 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: AbandonRoundtable: 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 MythsPeople 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 StrumpelRoundtable: Love the Way You ServeYou 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 GoveaCulture: A Cop’s Best Tips for Staying SafeAre 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 ChurchShe 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 WorshipRoundtable: Quarantine Book FavoritesCOVID-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 JohnstonCulture: 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.

Giving effective encouragement, plus managing your mental health in the election season, and dating when a successful business is in play. Featured resource: Lighthouse Network  Featured musical artist: David BalocheRoundtable: Be Encouraged!What is encouragement? Is it being optimistic? Sharing a compliment? Biblical encouragement is much bigger, and there are great ways to both give and receive encouragement in all areas of life. We need true, soul-sustaining encouragement now more than ever. Our guests tell stories of how effective encouragement has made a big difference in their faith, their attitudes, and even in the small details of their days. Culture: Your Mental Health and the 2020 ElectionEvery day, a new headline threatens to derail us with anxiety, anger or depression. The polls change and our moods follow suit. Uncertainty about what life will look like in November has us on edge. How can we maintain any type of sanity? Psychiatrist Dr. Karl Benzio gives practical ideas for managing your mental health while still staying informed during this crazy election season.  Inbox: Business, Money and MarriageHe’s the owner of a small but very profitable business. Now he’s ready to date again, but last time his relationship ran into problems because of his career. Can he find a balance between the demands of work and maintaining a healthy relationship? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.

Finding quiet time strategies that work for you, plus a Q&A session on how to share your faith, and when your crush is out of reach. Featured musical artist: Stu GarrardRoundtable: Study the Bible in a Way That Works for YouHave you tried being more disciplined to read your Bible and pray, but still struggle to do it every day? You see people who seem so spiritual and into it, and you feel intimidated. In a world that keeps us busy and distracted, how can we effectively and joyfully make time for God? Our guests share their struggles of developing the habit, plus unique methods and personalized tips that ultimately brought success, not shame.Culture: Evangelism Q&ASharing your faith in today’s world is tricky. Every situation and person is different, so how do you winsomely tell others about God? Our summer interns asked Dr. Mike Bechtle the practical questions around witnessing to others — and loving them in the process.  Inbox: Phantom CrushShe only met him once, and fell hard. She got her hopes up, he went away, and now she heard he’s in a relationship. It’s the crush that never had a chance. Heartbroken, how can she move on? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

The pros and cons of having a roommate or living by yourself, plus using your personality to share your faith, and feeling invisible at church.Featured musical artist: HollynRoundtable: Having Roommates Vs. Living AloneIt’s an important question: Should I find someone to help pay the rent, or embrace having my own space? Anyone who’s had a bad roommate experience will tell you that who you live with can make or break your housing situation. Living alone can be great, but there are huge benefits to doing life with others, too. Our guests tell their stories of having a roommate versus going solo, and how you can determine the living arrangement that’s best for you right now.  Culture: Evangelism and Your Personality As an introvert, Dr. Mike Bechtle felt stuck in how to share his faith. Methods like walking up to complete strangers to introduce the gospel felt awkward and forced. But over time, Mike realized God gave him his unique personality on purpose, and being introverted still affords great opportunities to represent Christ. He learned evangelism is more about getting to know and love people, then having honest conversations. When we know how God wired us, sharing about Jesus comes more naturally. Inbox: Feeling Forgotten at ChurchShe’s been at her church for three years, and has even served on ministry teams. Yet she hasn’t made any close friends and wonders if people there know she exists. Even after a car accident, nobody from the congregation came to visit her. Is it time to find a new church, or should she continue trying to fit in? Lisa Anderson gives ideas for moving forward.

More on how Christians should approach the 2020 election, plus getting rid of toxic thoughts, and feeling trapped into marrying someone. Featured musical artist: Je’kobRoundtable: 2020 Voting Angst (Part 2)Election Day 2020 is approaching, and many American voters are uneasy, if not downright upset. In the midst of so much unrest and uncertainty, it’s easy for Christians to ask: “How should I vote? Should I even vote at all?” Our guests continue last week’s conversation regarding the tension they feel in anticipation of November, how they’re evaluating the candidates and issues, and how we can keep our eyes on Christ and our sanity intact despite the craziness. Culture: Mind ControlAuthor Jennie Allen knows firsthand what it’s like to endure the darkness of toxic thoughts and overwhelming fear. After an incident at a speaking engagement a few years ago, she battled 18 months of intense anxiety. But in walking through that season, she learned that we’re not doomed to be a victim of our own minds. Instead, with God’s help, we can replace toxic thoughts with the truths of God’s Word, and with grace, move into spiritual and emotional wholeness.Inbox: Trapped in an EngagementHe’s engaged, but there’s one problem — he’s feeling forced to marry the woman. He admittedly doesn’t find her attractive, but feels pressured by his parents to go through with it since she has many great qualities. Should he back out before it’s too late? One of our counselors will bring some perspective to this sticky situation.