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The Boundless Show

Focus On The Family

Life is challenging for Christian singles. How do you balance work and personal life? How do you own your faith? How can you date with a purpose? And prepare for marriage? All while honoring God through it all? Hit up The Boundless Show, a Christian podcast for young adults, for some good, honest conversation. The young adult years are full of possibility and choices that shape who you become. Join host Lisa Anderson to discuss the highs and lows, lean on each other, and trust God in this important season of adulthood.

Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Description:

Life is challenging for Christian singles. How do you balance work and personal life? How do you own your faith? How can you date with a purpose? And prepare for marriage? All while honoring God through it all? Hit up The Boundless Show, a Christian podcast for young adults, for some good, honest conversation. The young adult years are full of possibility and choices that shape who you become. Join host Lisa Anderson to discuss the highs and lows, lean on each other, and trust God in this important season of adulthood.

Language:

English

Contact:

Focus on the Family Colorado Springs, CO 80995 1-800-232-6459


Episodes
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Relationship Seasons: Episode 896

4/3/2025
Obeying God’s commands about sex (part two), plus Ben Stuart on breakups, engagement and marriage, and how do you prepare to be a stay-at-home mom? Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 2) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christian at all. If any of these scenarios describe you, you’re not alone. God is pretty clear about His sexual standards and design, so why is it so hard to obey them? And in today’s culture, why should we? In part two of this no-holds-barred conversation, our guests discuss why church can be a difficult place to talk about sexual struggles, how sex in marriage is a big deal, and finding a future beyond sexual sin. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Moving From a Breakup to Marriage Most of us go through at least one breakup while dating, but is there a way to navigate a relationship’s demise without getting caught in a bad cycle of them? Pastor Ben Stuart broke up with a girlfriend in college and learned a few valuable lessons in the process. Breakups may be part of your journey through the relational seasons of being single, dating, getting engaged and getting married. But as Ben explains, it’s possible to survive a breakup (or several) and move toward marriage with confidence. Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age Visit Ben’s Instagram Inbox: Prep to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom Our listener dreams of being a stay-at-home mom and is asking how she should prepare. Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:01:07:55

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Is Every Christian Single Having Sex?: Episode 895

3/27/2025
Obeying God’s commands about sex, plus Ben Stuart on battling adversity and temptation, and how to maximize your final year of college. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 1) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christian at all. If any of these scenarios describe you, you’re not alone. God is pretty clear about His sexual standards and design, so why is it so hard to obey them? And in today’s culture, why should we? In part one of this no-holds-barred conversation, our guests open up about their sexual histories, grapple with the truths of God’s Word (even the tough parts), look forward with renewed hope, and cast a vision for finding both strength and grace in God’s forward-focused and for-our-good design for sex. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Fighting Temptation and Finding Rest We’re in a spiritual war against the world, our own sinful desires, and even Satan himself. We need to fight temptation, worthless pursuits, discouragement and adversity on every side. As fighters, our need for rest can be just as important as how we handle the battle — but where and when do we find this rest? Pastor Ben Stuart is passionate about helping young adults find intimacy with God through ancient rhythms and practices. He knows we can reject the enemy’s lies and embrace our true identity in Christ. Pushing through the struggle we are then afforded rest at the often unexpected pastures and streams that God provides. This discussion will help you start the journey. Rest and War: Rhythms of a Well-Fought Life Visit Ben’s Instagram Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: Making Your Last Year of College Count What should you do to maximize your last year of college? How can you enjoy this season while preparing for what comes next? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:58:57

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Strategies for Saving: Episode 894

3/20/2025
How we budget and save for stuff, plus what to do when you feel behind in life, and conversations with someone who has doubts about God. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Are You Living Paycheck to Paycheck? A bucket-list trip. A new house. A different car. The latest smartphone. All great things, but they require money. Many of us have gotten used to living paycheck to paycheck and putting things on credit cards. Is there a better way to spend and save without going into debt or eating mac and cheese until we’re 40? Our guests reveal what they’re saving money for, how they’re doing it, and why delayed gratification and planning for the future can be rewarding. If you’re needing clarity on how to better save towards a long-term goal, you’ll be inspired by our discussion. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Am I Behind in Life? Your friend gets a promotion. Another friend starts dating. A couple in your small group is expecting their first child. Meanwhile, you’re underemployed and staring at another apartment’s popcorn ceiling. This was Meghan Asbury’s life. Every milestone her friends hit left her feeling more and more behind. She moved to a new city for a fresh start, but that didn’t help. The months and years following led to a fair amount of grieving, soul-searching, and reevaluating her situation. In the process she learned a lot about herself, God, His plans for us, and what it means to be “on track.” You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want Visit Meghan’s Website Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: When a Loved One Doubts God A friend or family member admits they’re having doubts about God. How can you respond without freaking out or sounding preachy? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:57:08

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Overcoming Trauma: Episode 893

3/13/2025
Make your Bible reading more meaningful, plus identifying and addressing trauma in your life, and what did Paul mean by his “thorn in the flesh”? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: Beyond Bible 101 You grew up in church, but is the Bible still a bunch of stories and moral lessons to you? Do you want to go deeper and not just know facts, but really get to know God himself? The possibilities for personal study and devotion are endless and sometimes overwhelming. Our guests share their favorite ways to study God’s Word, how they’ve experienced transformation through it, and what has helped them dig deeper along the way. Watch This Segment on YouTube Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Understanding the Effects of Trauma Trauma has many forms, and many of us have experienced it on some level. Whether neglect, violence, abuse, injury or tragedy, trauma can be difficult to identify and even harder to process and heal. Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie joins us to define trauma, demonstrate how to name it, and explain how Christians can respond appropriately to ensure we or others get the help we need. Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care Visit Eliza’s Website Inbox: A Thorn in the Flesh In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul describes his metaphorical “thorn in the flesh.” What exactly did he mean by that and subsequent phrases like, “When I am weak, then I am strong”? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:59:36

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Give This Up for Lent: Episode 892

3/6/2025
A challenge to ditch your screens, plus a conversation on sexuality and the church, and when your friend says she’s bisexual and a Christian. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Join Our Screen Fast In anticipation of Lent, our friends at Plugged In have teed up a screen fast. Wanna join? If taking a break from digital devices including your smartphone, tablet, TV and gaming console sounds challenging (work exceptions are OK), then this fast may be for you. Two Plugged In team members plus our friend Georgia join us for an honest assessment of our own screen usage and what it might look like to pause for a week and prioritize the real world. Take The Technology Addiction Assessment Link to Bring Your Bible’s Instagram Page Link to Plugged In Website Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Discussing Sex in Church Sex is a difficult topic to talk about — especially at church. But the Bible has a lot to say about it, and sadly, sexual sin doesn’t stay outside the church walls. Ellen Dykas is single and part of a ministry dedicated to conversations and restoration around sex, including addiction. She talks with us about how the church can champion a healthy and biblical framework for sexuality and how it can offer healing to the sexually broken. Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters Visit Ellen’s Website Harvest USA’s Online Courses Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: When a Christian Friend Says She’s Bisexual If your friend is dating the same gender but still claims to be a Christian, how do you respond? Jeff Johnston weighs in. Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:59:24

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Wedding Planning Hacks: Episode 891

2/27/2025
Plan your wedding like a boss, plus Ellen Dykas on navigating lifelong singleness, and how to see God at work in a culture of negativity. Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: How to Plan a Wedding Weddings are big business, and the pressure to have a “perfect” day is real. To make it all happen, many couples invest thousands of dollars and months of preparation. Is the effort worth it? According to experts, what deserves your time and money, and what doesn’t? What are some things to have in mind as you sort out the details? What parts of the planning should the groom-to-be have a say in or take over altogether? How can you make the day meaningful and God-honoring? Our panel of two professional wedding planners plus one engaged (and overwhelmed) guy shares first-hand experience in making your day memorable and manageable on all fronts. Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Fruitful Singleness Ellen Dykas has been in ministry most of her life, first in international missions and now in leadership for an organization devoted to sexual wholeness. Oh, and she’s in her late 50s and single. She details her journey in singleness, including the pressure to be married, how she finds purpose every day, what’s tough and what’s great about being single, what it’s like to be a leader alongside men in ministry — and much more. Next week she’ll be back to talk about sexuality and the church! Visit Ellen’s Website Inbox: Fighting Negativity When you’re surrounded by negativity and darkness in today’s world, where can you look to see God at work? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:57:12

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Gen Z and Dating Apps: Episode 890

2/20/2025
Overcommitment on church activities, plus Suzanne Gosselin on Gen Z’s apathy toward dating apps, and what if your date has mental health issues? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Church Involvement Overload Sunday services. Volunteering. Helping others throughout the week. Not to mention Bible study, small group, committee meetings and discipleship. If you aren’t careful, doing good and even “godly” activities out of guilt can lead to burnout. Besides, if you’re always at church, what do you do about your neighbor and others who don’t know Christ? To help us find equilibrium, our guests share how they’re learning to pause, prioritize and even cut back on their commitments to find joy in what God actually wants from them and for them. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: A Young Adult Exodus From Online Dating In the early 2000s online dating sites were brand new, and heading into the 2010s and beyond, increasing numbers of couples credited digital connections for helping them find their spouse. But the latest statistics indicate Gen Z is ditching online dating apps. Boundless friend and contributor Suzanne Gosselin shares insight on why young adults aren’t as prone to swipe right as older generations. True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life Dating Apps Lose Popularity Among Gen Z Visit Suzanne’s Website Inbox: Dating and Mental Health Issues Is it possible to have a good dating relationship if you or your significant other struggles with depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness? Counselor Joannie DeBrito joins us to answer. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:57:01

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Best Rom-Coms and Romantic Movies: Episode 889

2/13/2025
Our favorite romantic films, plus the history of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day, and attending the wedding of someone you used to date. Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: Best Movies for Valentine’s Day Do you have a go-to film for Valentine’s Day? Do you prefer a rom-com or an epic romance or period drama? To help you celebrate February 14th, our panelists duke it out over the all-time best movies about love and romance. Listen in to see if your favorite makes the list and hear our opinions on what makes for a great love-centric storyline. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Link to Plugged In Website Culture: Will the Real St. Valentine Please Stand Up? Where did the Valentine’s Day traditions of flowers, romantic cards and heart-shaped candies come from? It started with St. Valentine, a real person with a fascinating story. To help separate truth from legend, historian Bill Petro shares facts, fiction and legacy around the Roman priest and the holiday that shares his name. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity Visit Bill Petro’s Blog Inbox: Attending the Wedding of Someone You Dated What if you’re invited to the wedding of someone you used to have feelings for? What if it was someone you actually dated? A counselor offers advice. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:55:20

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Is Purity Dead?: Episode 888

2/6/2025
Encouragement when your home life isn’t ideal, plus hope for single parents, and are Christians still committed to God’s standard for sex? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Love Where You Live What’s your current living situation and how do you feel about it? You may live by yourself, with roommates, your parents, or a married couple or family. Whatever the circumstances, each situation has pros and cons. Our panelists have lived in a variety of settings and with different types of people. They discuss lessons they’ve learned along the way as well as tips for staying encouraged and making the most of where God has you right now, even if it’s not ideal. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Single Parent Path Tez Brooks got the news nobody wants when his first wife left him. His divorce was both an emotional low and a spiritual wake-up call. In the years following, he navigated life as a single dad — raising two kids, adjusting to a new normal, embracing church and community in a new way, and healing relational wounds. Now remarried, Tez shares encouragement and strategies for single parents who feel overwhelmed, plus advice for trusting God when your life is turned upside down. The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce Tez’s Website Inbox: What Happened to Sexual Integrity? Our listener is frustrated that almost none of his friends are obeying God’s Word when it comes to sex. What are the implications, and is it right to care? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:52:02

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Clear Communication: Episode 887

1/30/2025
How to communicate to others with honesty and clarity, plus tips for adulting well, and addressing a struggle with OCD. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Say What You Mean You’re trying to plan an event, but you can’t get anyone to RSVP. You know you have to turn someone down, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings. You started a text trail with a friend, and now they’ve gone MIA. Sound familiar? Why is it so hard to initiate, commit, respond, be honest — all the things that are hallmarks of mature communication? Our guests discuss the importance of following up, showing up, and speaking up honestly in our relationships. There’s a reason the Bible says, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil (Matt. 5:37). Together we can learn how to do better, starting with this conversation. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How to Be an Adult At 19, Tez Brooks took a leap of faith and moved 1,000 miles away from home. He soon had a rude awakening that being an adult is no easy task; he couldn’t even do his own laundry. Now the author of “Adult-o-Nomics,” a fun yet practical guide to mastering life skills, Tez addresses our need to take responsibility, master necessary tasks, relate to the opposite sex, and more. Adult-o-Nomics: How to Nail It On Your Own Tez’s Website Inbox: A Christian Approach to OCD Our listener admittedly wrestles with OCD and is looking for help from a Christian perspective. Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:57:37

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Beware of Ghosts: Episode 886

1/23/2025
The perils of ghosting, plus a fitness coach’s God-centered approach to health, and should you get married if you’re poor? Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Alternatives to Ghosting “I’ve been ghosted!” It’s a common complaint among daters, but it happens in friendships and other contexts as well. Whether you’re guilty of ghosting or have been on the receiving end of this annoyingly passive “dump,” we’d all agree there are better, kinder, and healthier ways to end a relationship, say no, and move on. Our guests disclose their own confessions and frustrations around ghosting, and offer alternative solutions for these awkward junctures in relationships. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Putting God in Your Fitness If your January fitness goals have already been jettisoned, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Professional fitness coach Kim Dolan Leto thinks one of our biggest diet and exercise mistakes as Christians is not inviting God into the process. But does God care about workouts and weigh-ins? What can Kim possibly be talking about? Far from a shame-based, effort-intensive plan, Kim’s approach to getting healthy is grounded in Scripture and a holistic view of how God designed our bodies to work. If you’re tired of white-knuckling your fitness goals only to fail yet again, this conversation deserves a listen. Fit God’s Way: Your Bible-Based Guide to Food, Fitness, and Wholeness Kim’s Website Fit God’s Way Inbox: Can I Get Married if I’m Poor? Culture tells us we need to be financially secure before adding marriage to the mix. Is that true, or can you get married even if you’re poor? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:58:12

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Build Your Confidence: Episode 885

1/16/2025
What confidence looks like, plus a young adult’s journey with chronic pain, and how to honor God in everyday life. Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC Roundtable: Confident Relationships, Work and Identity What is confidence, and how do you get it? It’s probably more than Julie Andrews dancing around a Salzburg fountain and chirping, “I have confidence!” Yet it seems that some elements of confidence can be learned, if not merely wished into existence. Our guests share tips for being more confident on the job, in relationships, and in understanding who you are. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Young Adults and Chronic Pain Olivia Feller started having weird symptoms in her teens. Doctor after doctor failed to provide a diagnosis, cure, or even relief, and eventually Olivia’s pain became debilitating. College was a blur of medical appointments, skipped classes and missed milestones and events. Olivia, still on her journey, learned to face pain and chronic illness head-on as she turned to the only one with the answers — God himself. She shares what worked, what didn’t work, and how God, friends and others were her strength when she had none. Hold Hope: Encouragement for Christians with Chronic Pain Inbox: How Do I Honor God? What does it mean to “honor God” and others in the life we live and the choices we make? It’s a big question that one of our counselors sheds some light on. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:57:53

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Rethinking Alcohol: Episode 884

1/9/2025
The difference between rest and procrastination, plus a challenge to go 40 days alcohol-free, and do girlfriends need to submit to their boyfriends? Featured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Are You Resting or Procrastinating? When you’re working hard to reach new goals, it’s important to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. But can you tell the difference between true rest and straight-up procrastination? Our guests share their best insights on when it’s time to take a break versus when it’s time to get off the couch and get busy. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Case for Sobriety Christy Osborne had long been a casual drinker, but when her mother died, she became alcohol-dependent. Her downtime, social time and vacation time revolved around booze. Although Scripture isn’t absolute on the issue of drinking in moderation, Christy knew that alcohol had become central to her life. She explored what sobriety might look like: how it would affect her health, relationships and mindset. Now a sobriety coach, Christy joins us to share her journey and suggestions for making an objective assessment of our relationship with alcohol. Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind Inbox: Should a Woman Submit to Her Boyfriend? Scripture tells wives to submit to their husbands. In dating, does that same principle apply between women and their boyfriends? Counselor Brenda Huerta weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:54:24

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New Year Transitions: Episode 883

1/2/2025
Embracing changes in a new year, plus what grief looks like, and do you hate responsibility? Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: New Year, New Opportunities A new job. An engagement. Starting a dating relationship. Moving to a new place. One of the beauties of life is the chance to grow, try new things, and step into adventure. But with change comes a whole new set of challenges. To share wisdom on getting through adjustments you’ll make this year, our guests discuss what lessons they’ve learned through life’s transitions. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Process of Grief Grief comes in many forms. Whether death, injury, disappointment or betrayal, grief often arrives unannounced and without an instruction manual. Rather than progressing in a straight line or on a specific timetable, grief moves in cycles. At least that’s what counselor and educator Dr. Ray Mitsch says. The victim of a serious accident that has him in constant pain, Dr. Mitsch walks us through how to navigate the different components of grief, how to comfort the grieving, and when to know it’s time to get professional help in processing loss. The Seasons of Our Grief: Embracing the Journey Inbox: I Don’t Like Responsibility Being a grownup means taking responsibility for everything from life skills to decisions to how we treat others. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. If you’re responsibility-averse, you’ll be encouraged by the words of counselor Jeff Brown. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: Adult Before 30?

Duration:00:55:55

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The Nightmare After Christmas: Episode 882

12/26/2024
Intentional relationships with non-Christians, plus what happened after Jesus’ birth, and when friends deconstruct their faith. Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Out of the Christian Bubble Many of us have at least one friend, family member or coworker who’s not a Christian. But if we’re honest, we tend to spend most of our time with other believers; between family, church, ministry opportunities and small group, it’s easy to stay in a faith-filled comfort zone. What are intentional ways to mix it up, branch out, and get out of the Christian “bubble”? Our guests discuss ways they’ve learned to step out of their routines, build community, and be a light for Christ. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: First Christmas, Then Herod If you were part of our Advent text experience, you heard regularly from John Greco. This week he reflects on lessons he’s learned from his extensive study of Advent, and why it’s good for Christians to think of the Christmas story in the bigger context of history. To that end, he’ll read a short excerpt from his book “Rediscovering Christmas” titled “The Nightmare After Christmas.” Rediscovering Christmas: A Twelve-Day Journey to the Manger Inbox: When Friends Leave the Faith How do you respond when a friend announces, “I’m done being a Christian”? One of our counselors weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: When a Pastor Like Josh Harris Abandons Christianity

Duration:00:51:10

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Keep Dating Fun: Episode 881

12/19/2024
How to be a fun date, plus sharing Jesus with the cynical and deconstructed, and how do you accept your current situation in life? Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: Fun Date Ideas Dating doesn’t always have to be serious. In fact, your ability to have fun as a couple is a good litmus test for whether you should marry. Our guests share their best strategies for staying chill in the dating process, as well as some of their most creative date ideas. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Gospel for Young Adults Aaron Pierce grew up a missionary kid in Amsterdam and saw his parents share the gospel with people in some of the darkest corners of the city. He’s now part of his parents’ ministry, specializing in reaching non-religious young adults with the hope of Jesus Christ. In his experience, what are the most natural, “just be yourself” ways to reach your peers? You’ll probably need to get out of your comfort zone, but chances are you’ll have conversations that are meaningful and eternity-focused. Join the conversation to hear some of Aaron’s best stories and suggestions. Not Beyond Reach: How to Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconstructed, and the Non-Religious Steiger International Inbox: Accepting Where You Are Your current season of life might be great or it could be a mess. Regardless of your circumstances, how do you come to terms with where you are today? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Guest: Tim Sanford Find us on YouTube Article: Managing Anxiety Article: How to Develop a Resilient Mindset Link to Counseling Services

Duration:00:54:39

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‘Tis the Season…for Siblings: Episode 880

12/12/2024
Sibling time over the holidays, plus trading anxiety for peace, and should you change jobs to advance your career? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Sibling Connections at Christmas What are your sibling dynamics like during the holidays? Some of us have great relationships with our brothers and sisters, but for others, interactions and conversations can be shallow, awkward, or even tense. Our guests share both good and difficult moments they’ve had with their siblings; if you aren’t sure how to connect meaningfully with your family this Christmas, you’ll be encouraged by our discussion. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: What God Does With Anxiety Rates of anxiety among young adults are at an all-time high. How do we cope? Do we white-knuckle it and hope things get better? Not according to Whitney Lowe, who argues that God not only can but wants to take our anxiety if we’ll bring it to Him. Join us for practical suggestions for setting our minds on God and bringing peace to our minds and hearts. Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God Whitney’s Instagram Inbox: Will Changing Jobs Put Me Ahead? Some suggest that if you change jobs, you’ll advance in your career more quickly. But is that actually true? Career expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in. Find us on YouTube

Duration:00:55:15

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Cancelled By Their Kids: Episode 879

12/5/2024
Serious strain between parents and adult children, plus why church history matters, and should you do a missions trip when your parents disapprove? Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain Roundtable: “Mom and Dad, We’re Done” The holidays should be a joyous time of gathering with family and friends, but all too often they are marked by absence, distance and strife. For some, the choice to “cancel” family members — including your own parents — brings confusion, hurt and relational wreckage. Our guests this week are parents with strained or non-existent relationships with their adult children. They share the details behind their unique journeys, their hope for reconciliation, and how they’re choosing to rely on the Lord as they wait. Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Abusive Relationships Page Culture: Why Care About Church History? We know about the New Testament apostles. You’ve likely heard of Martin Luther and John Calvin. But for what purpose? Does learning about church history (and a bunch of dead guys) inform and shape our lives today? Historian and blogger Bill Petro joins us to give a crash course, explaining why church history is not only instructive, but also fascinating. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity Visit Bill Petro’s Blog Inbox: My Parents Dissed My Missions Trip She wants to go on a missions trip but her parents are opposed out of concern for her safety, among other things. Is going the right or wrong decision? Missionary Wendy Hamon spent years in difficult and dangerous overseas situations; she offers advice. Find us on YouTube

Duration:01:01:15

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Hospitality for All: Episode 878

11/28/2024
Your home is a great place to gather, plus living each day with heaven in mind, and how to make your faith your own. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Invite People to Your Home Do you enjoy hosting parties and get-togethers, or does the thought of people at your place intimidate you? With the holidays upon us, now’s a great time to have people over. But hospitality isn’t just for special occasions. Whether big or small, planned or impromptu, creating space and structure for people to eat, connect, feel loved and heard is something the early church modeled well. But what can it look like for us — for you — today? Our guests have creative ideas for sharing their space and fostering connection with all sorts of people; listen in as they share the challenges and benefits of gospel hospitality. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Why Eternity Matters Today Does the reality of heaven influence the way you live right now? Do you even think about heaven and its impact on your daily choices? Pastor Mark Bates explains how where we’ll spend eternity should influence our relationships, careers, priorities, and the everyday decisions before us. If you’re wondering why heaven matters, this discussion will encourage you. Inbox: Your Parents’ Faith, or Yours? You may have grown up in church — even walked an aisle or prayed a prayer. At some point, though, you have to take ownership of your faith and make it not just something you’ve “inherited,” but something you’ve internalized. How do you do this? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. Find us on YouTube

Duration:00:52:18

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Practical Compassion for the Poor: Episode 877

11/21/2024
Living on purpose while you’re single, plus ways to help the homeless and poor around you, and what’s a Christian’s obligation to evangelize? Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: Purpose in Singleness You may want to get married, but is there a way to maximize your singleness while you wait? Our guests, all single, share their best strategies for finding community, chasing after growth, meeting people, and serving others in a season of singleness. If you feel your life lacks purpose or has stalled out, you’ll be inspired by their thoughts. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Wise Ways to Help the Homeless You stop at an intersection and a homeless person is there, holding a sign asking for help. How do you respond? We know the Bible tells us to love and care for the poor among us, but how can we do this with compassion and effectiveness? Travis Williams leads the multi-outreach Springs Rescue Mission, a place of hope for addicts, the mentally ill, homeless and others. Every day he sees these challenges first-hand, and he offers ideas to help Christians move the needle of care in our own communities. Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World The Needy Outside My Window Visit Springs Rescue Mission’s Website Inbox: Do I Need to Preach on Street Corners? Is aggressive, public evangelism the call of every believer — even to the point of preaching on street corners? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. Find us on YouTube

Duration:01:03:43