The Boundless Show

Nerd Culture and Christ: Episode 936

Using nerd culture to share Christ, plus Scripture’s solution to addiction and strongholds, and what to do about Bible study cliques. Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Bringing Jesus Into Your Nerdy Hobbies Fantasy novels. Video games. Cosplay. There is a growing fascination among young adults for what we call nerd culture. If you’re nerdy and proud, what does that mean for you as a Christian? Are there any concerns with content in this genre? And is there a way to bring Jesus into it? Three of our nerdiest friends are ready to dish and defend all things nerd and talk about creative and practical ways to have fun in this world while inviting God into it. The Theology of… Pokémon The Theology of… Halo The Theology of… The Lord of the Rings The Theology of… Final Destination Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Strongholds and Scripture Have you ever done a Bible study on the topic of addiction and bad habits? Well, now you can. Dr. Karl Benzio and Rose Ann Forte have written one, and are here to talk about it as well as why God’s Word is the answer to the strongholds, false beliefs and besetting behaviors that hold us prisoner. Whether alcohol or drugs, sex, bitterness and anger or something else, finding hope in Scripture, journaling gratitude, rewiring your thought patterns and practicing new rhythms will get you unstuck. Here’s to real and radical change in 2026! Transformed by His Promises: A 12-Week Devotional for Freedom from the Psychological Slavery of Life-Interfering Behaviors Link to Counseling Services Find More About Rose Ann Forte Learn About the Honey Lake Clinic More on Karl’s Work Inbox: Bible Study Cliques Does your small group or Bible study feel like junior high? Lisa Anderson gives advice for navigating the scene when it starts feeling cliquish. Find us on YouTube

Sermon Suggestions: Episode 935

Teaching we want to hear in 2026, plus God’s plan for your career, and an executive’s career resource recommendations. Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: What I Wish My Church Would Talk About As you look forward to spiritual growth in 2026, what do you hope your pastor will preach on? What do you feel is needed by Christians in terms of scriptural guidance and instruction? Or maybe encouragement? Any specific Bible passages or topics seem especially relevant? Our guests ponder this potential; actually talking to their pastors about it — well, we’ll see! Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: God’s Will for Your Career Does God have specific direction for your career? Does it matter what you do? Jordan Raynor lives, thinks and breathes all things calling and vocation. He spends time this week helping us decipher what listening to the Holy Spirit looks like when it comes to our jobs. He also offers tips for being proactive, pursuing growth, and moving on. The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You’re Not Sharing the Gospel) Watch This Segment on YouTube Visit Jordan’s Website Inbox: Favorite Career Resources If you’re a successful executive coach, what are your go-to career resources? Ken Lane has a list of books, podcasts and assessments that you should check out. Find us on YouTube

Family Christmas Traditions: Episode 934

Christmas activities across generations, plus the story behind the YouVersion Bible app, and overcoming the fear of a better option. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: How My Family Celebrates Christmas Does your family have Christmas traditions that are non-negotiable? Maybe a special dish or dessert someone makes, a movie you watch every year, or a church service you attend together. Passing traditions down through generations makes the holiday season extra special, so our guests get nostalgic in sharing their own traditions and why they choose to prioritize them in the midst of everything else they could be doing. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Billions of Bibles If you have the Bible app on your phone, you can thank Bobby Gruenewald. He birthed the idea in an airport, and what landed in Apple’s app store on day one has now tallied over one billion downloads. Bobby joins us for an insider’s look at the story behind the YouVersion app, what it can do (did you know our host, Lisa Anderson, has a reading plan there?), and how it’s reaching the world. Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are Download the YouVersion App Read The Dating Manifesto Plan Inbox: Overcoming FOBO If you have too many choices and are plagued by indecision, how do you avoid feeling like there’s always a “better” option out there? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube

Jesus on the Job: Episode 933

Taking the gospel to work, plus Kyle Idleman on what it means to guard your mind, and should you bring your significant other home for Christmas? Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Sharing the Gospel With Coworkers If you work in a secular industry or environment, is it possible to make your faith known? What are creative ways to bring the gospel into how you show up on the job? Our guests have experience living out their faith in creative ways in everything from the corporate world to customer service to a counseling practice. They’ll give you the courage and tools to speak up, love your coworkers, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the office, classroom, factory and beyond. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Thoughts Got You Stuck? How do you keep your mind settled and sorted when too many things compete for your attention? Pastor and popular author Kyle Idleman explains what it means to guard your mind, and how fighting toxic thoughts, calming the chaos and fighting for truth makes a difference when fielding offenses and Satan’s lies. Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back Inbox: Bringing Your Date to Christmas You want to bring your boyfriend or girlfriend to meet your family at Christmas. But what are the dos and don’ts for doing so? Counselor Erin Smalley weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube

Just Friends: Episode 932

Friendships with the opposite sex, plus what we can learn from the elderly, and the difference between the Holy Spirit and your conscience. Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: Platonic Guy-Girl Friendships Is it possible for men and women to be “just friends”? There’s an ongoing debate on the topic, with some arguing it’s possible while others maintain that it inevitably leads to something awkward (or worse, inappropriate). Our guests break down the pros and cons and give tips for doing friendship with the opposite sex in a God-honoring way. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Practical Love for the Elderly Whether it’s your parents, grandparents, neighbor or fellow church member, God’s call to love our elders is clear. But it isn’t always easy. Senior citizens may be slower than us, have different perspectives, and can even be critical or aloof. But if you have the patience and intention to dig deep, there’s potential for rich relationship and even the opportunity to learn. Isabel Tom lived her entire childhood and young adult years with her aging grandparents. She now works with the elderly and shares her thoughts on what you stand to gain by prioritizing time with the seniors around you. The Value of Wrinkles: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: Conscience or the Holy Spirit? Venturing into a dangerous situation. Asking someone out. Knowing God’s will on a job offer. We all look for direction in various circumstances, but how do you know whether that prompting is your conscience or the Holy Spirit? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube