

The Boundless Bible
The Boundless Bible
The Boundless Bible is a podcast dedicated to discussing the many layers and perspectives the Bible offers to those interested in deepening their views and understanding.Hosted by three friends from very different walks of life and life experiences, who've come together through curiosity of, and respect for, the living Word.Our hosts are:DAVID SHAPIRO -- was born an Orthodox Jew, later an atheist, ex-military and MMA fighter, David heeded the call to Jesus and is now an ordained Pastor, specializing in Apologetics.JAVIER MARQUEZ -- Originally from Brooklyn, moved to LA to be an actor, and deeply found the Lord which led him to work in the church, lead Bible studies and grow his faith.JASON HOLLOWAY -- grew up in the church, left in college, and spent the next 2 decades immersed in learning world religion, spirituality, science, and mythology, recently returning to the Faith with renewed insight and perspective.After a year of weekly discussions, we came to find that sharing and debating their different perspectives had become an exciting way to introduce new ideas to old thinking, grow their understanding, and strengthen their faith.We are aware that there are many people out there who feel their questions haven't been answered, whose curiosity has been tamped down, or who just generally feel their community doesn't allow open dialogue, and our goal is to give those people a place to listen, ask questions, and engage with their curiosity to find a deeper and more robust connection to their faith.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 22, 2025 • 5min
QUICK Qs: What Is One Thing That Christians Could Practice to Strengthen Their Walk
Send us a textWe explore essential spiritual practices that could transform a Christian's weekly life, focusing on silent prayer, putting faith into action, and practicing regular forgiveness.• Jason emphasizes the importance of silent prayer – not just talking to God but listening for His voice• Moving beyond self-focused prayers to create space for hearing God's whisper• Taking what we learn from Scripture and actually putting it into practice• Seeing God's blessings manifest when we step out and live our faith• Practicing forgiveness in daily interactions, not just major offenses• Approaching disagreements as opportunities to find truth together, not battles to win• Recognizing that defensive postures create tension and stress in relationships• Understanding that forgiveness creates space for mutual understandingSupport the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 17, 2025 • 44min
39: Book of Jonah: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide
Send us a textHave you ever run from something you knew God was calling you to do? The story of Jonah resonates with anyone who's ever resisted divine direction, especially when that direction leads toward people we'd rather not help.Our conversation explores how this ancient narrative goes far deeper than the children's story most of us learned. Jonah wasn't just running from God – he was running from God's mercy toward people he deemed unworthy. The brutal Assyrian capital of Nineveh, known as "the city of blood," represented everything the Israelites feared and despised. Yet God's compassion extended even there, much to Jonah's dismay.We unpack fascinating symbolic elements often missed in casual readings. The "great fish" (not specifically a whale) carries profound significance when connected to Nineveh's fish-god Dagon who supposedly devoured doves – with Jonah's name literally meaning "dove" in Hebrew. No wonder the reluctant prophet's arrival captured immediate attention! His grudging five-word sermon sparked perhaps history's most successful mass repentance, proving God's purposes advance even through our half-hearted obedience.The story's ending, where God uses a plant and worm to teach Jonah about misplaced priorities, serves as a powerful mirror for examining our own prejudices about who "deserves" grace. We reflect on personal experiences of resistance to divine calling and how silence – both Jonah's time in darkness and God's concluding quietness – creates space for profound spiritual transformation.Whether you're currently feeling swallowed by circumstances, running from responsibility, or struggling with extending grace to difficult people, this episode offers fresh perspective on God's relentless pursuit of both the lost and the reluctant messengers He calls to reach them. Listen, reflect, and consider where your own Jonah story might be unfolding right now.Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 15, 2025 • 4min
QUICK Qs: What Do You Listen To In The Car?
Send us a textEver wonder what plays through someone else's speakers during those long drives? Our conversation takes a fascinating detour into the audio preferences that accompany us on life's journeys.The simple question "Do you listen to sermons, podcasts, or worship music in the car?" sparked revealing insights about how we process information and what we value. Jason immediately pointed out the missing option—audiobooks—his longtime companion for technical learning while on the move. His dual passion for knowledge acquisition and worship music represents the perfect harmony between intellectual curiosity and spiritual nourishment.David's story about subjecting his college-bound son to nine consecutive hours of John Lennox lectures during their cross-country drive had us all laughing in recognition. These parental audio "tortures" can become surprisingly influential, as another host shared how his father's oldies-only policy during childhood road trips eventually transformed his musical taste as an adult. These moments highlight the subtle yet powerful ways fathers shape their children's perspectives, even through something as seemingly insignificant as car audio choices.Our discussion revealed how our listening patterns adapt to different circumstances—shorter drives might call for music, while longer journeys open space for deeper engagement with audiobooks or sermons. Podcasts have become increasingly popular among us, partly due to their digestible length and diverse content options. The tension between feeling obligated to finish what we start versus embracing shorter content formats reflects broader approaches to information consumption in today's content-saturated world.What plays through your car speakers? Share your road trip soundtrack preferences and join our conversation about how these choices reflect who we are and what we value on life's journey.Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 10, 2025 • 45min
38: Noah's Ark: Wash Away What You Think You Know
Send us a textThe story of Noah's Ark hides profound truths beneath its familiar surface. Far from the simplified Sunday school version, the biblical account reveals a complex narrative of judgment, redemption, and divine protection that continues to challenge and inspire thousands of years later.Dive deep with us as we uncover startling revelations: Noah didn't bring just two animals of each kind, but seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals. The ark journey wasn't just 40 days but nearly a full year. These details transform our understanding of this pivotal moment in biblical history.Beyond correcting misconceptions, we explore the theological richness of this narrative. The flood represents both judgment and purification—a cosmic baptism cleansing creation. God's covenant with Noah establishes a pattern of divine promises that extends through Scripture. Meanwhile, the rainbow takes on new significance as God's bow pointed toward heaven, a sign of His taking responsibility rather than threatening humanity.We also examine fascinating scientific perspectives supporting a catastrophic flood event. From the mysterious "fountains of the deep" correlating with recent discoveries of massive subterranean water reserves, to geological evidence worldwide suggesting rapid flooding, these findings challenge us to reconsider the historical dimensions of this account.Perhaps most surprisingly, we confront Noah's fall after the flood—his drunkenness and the subsequent blessing and cursing of his sons—revealing that even the "righteous" remain imperfect. This human element reminds us that faith isn't about personal perfection but trusting God's perfect plan.Whether you're a lifelong believer or skeptical seeker, this episode will transform how you understand one of the Bible's most iconic stories. Join us as we navigate the waters of ancient text to discover timeless wisdom for today.Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 8, 2025 • 4min
QUICK Qs: Do you Mark Your Bible or Not?
Send us a textHave you ever wondered how others interact with their sacred texts? In this lighthearted yet revealing conversation, we dive into our personal Bible study habits and uncover surprising differences shaped by our backgrounds, traditions, and personalities.Javi confesses his Bible "looks like I'm trying to write a new Bible" with extensive notes and highlights throughout. He's recently returned to his physical study Bible after a digital phase, rediscovering old highlights that remind him of his studious younger self. Meanwhile, our other host details an elaborate color-coding system where yellow marks passages to revisit, green signifies daily life lessons, pink identifies instances of Jesus being harsh, and blue highlights significant questions.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when David shares how his Orthodox Jewish upbringing instilled reverence for sacred texts that prohibits marking them in any way. Despite more than a decade in a different tradition, he still struggles to make even the smallest mark in his Bible—a powerful testament to how deeply ingrained our spiritual practices become. "If you drop the book on the floor, you pick it up and kiss it," he explains, describing how the Torah is never touched directly but approached with a pointer.Whether your Bible looks "like a unicorn exploded on it" or remains pristine and untouched, this episode reveals how our approaches to scripture reflect our unique spiritual journeys. Join us for this thoughtful exploration of faith practices, and share your own Bible study habits with us!Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 3, 2025 • 50min
37: Abdu Murray: The Beauty of Embracing The Truth
Send us a textAbdu Murray is an author, attorney, and leading Christian apologist who has spent years engaging some of the most pressing questions about faith and culture. Once a devout Muslim, Abdu dedicated nearly a decade to investigating the historical, philosophical, and scientific claims of Christianity before coming to faith in Jesus.Today, he serves as the President of Embrace the Truth, a ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel through open conversations, debates, and media. Abdu has spoken around the world at universities, churches, and conferences, and is known for his thoughtful approach to skepticism, worldview issues, and the intersection of culture and Christianity.He is the author of several influential books, including Saving Truth, Grand Central Question, Apocalypse Later, and More than a White Man’s Religion. He also hosts the podcasts All Rise, Deliberations LIVE, and CouldaShouldaWoulda, where he brings courtroom-style clarity to the big questions of life and faith.Connect with Abdu Murray and explore more of his work here:Website: embracethetruth.orgPodcast: All Rise on SpotifyYouTube: Embrace the TruthTwitter/X: @AbduMurray-------------------------------What drives someone to abandon their religious heritage and embrace a completely different faith? For Abdu Murray, former Muslim and now president of Embrace the Truth, it was a relentless nine-year quest for truth that led him to Christianity."I had thought that Christianity insulted God's greatness through the cross, the incarnation, the Trinity," Murray reveals with striking candor. "When I realized these things don't insult God's greatness but actually demonstrate it, something profound stirred within me." This realization marked a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey, showing how what we initially resist might ultimately be what we're seeking.Murray's story cuts through common misconceptions about religious conversion. His transformation wasn't instantaneous but developed through years of careful investigation, including moments where beauty revealed itself unexpectedly—like when watching the film "Dead Man Walking" stirred emotions he couldn't ignore. As a Muslim writing "that's beautiful" repeatedly in the margins of the Bible, Murray found himself increasingly drawn to the teachings that would eventually transform his life.The conversation ventures into fascinating theological territory, particularly Murray's compelling explanation of the Trinity as logically possible and theologically necessary. "God is one what that exists as three whos," he explains, offering a refreshingly clear framework for understanding this often-misunderstood doctrine. His articulation shows how the Trinity actually fulfills what many Muslims seek—a truly great God who needs nothing outside Himself to express love.Perhaps most moving is Murray's honest reflection on what his conversion cost him in terms of identity and community. In honor-shame cultures, changing your faith means becoming someone who briSupport the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Sep 2, 2025 • 3min
QUICK Qs: Which Miraculous Food Would You Choose?
Send us a textDavid asks which biblical food we'd choose to taste: manna, fish and loaves, or wedding wine from Cana, prompting a surprisingly passionate debate about divine cuisine.• One host chooses wedding wine because Jesus made it with his own hands, creating a direct connection to Christ• The manna appeals to our curiosity since the Bible gives limited description of this mysterious desert sustenance• Concerns about fish temperature and preparation methods make the loaves and fishes less appealing• Unexpected debate about whether people at the miracle were biting directly into whole fish• Jewish host makes a connection between the biblical fish and bread and modern bagels and lox• Bible specifically mentions the wedding wine was exceptional quality, influencing our final choicesLet us know which biblical food you'd most want to taste by reaching out on social media or emailing us with your thoughts!Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Aug 27, 2025 • 57min
36: Greg Koukl: Building Faith One Question at a Time
Send us a textGreg Koukl is a Christian apologist, radio host, and author best known for equipping believers with practical tools to share and defend their faith with clarity and grace. He is the founder and president of Stand to Reason, a ministry dedicated to training Christians to think clearly, make a gracious defense, and engage culture with confidence.With advanced degrees in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology, Greg has taught on more than 80 university campuses and debated leading atheists and skeptics in the U.S. and abroad. His warm yet strategic style has made him a trusted voice in Christian apologetics for over 30 years.Greg is the author of several influential books, including Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air (with Francis Beckwith). His “Columbo tactic” for asking questions has become a hallmark tool for Christians seeking to engage with skeptics respectfully and effectively.Connect with Greg Koukl and his work here:Website: Stand to ReasonBooks: Greg Koukl on AmazonPodcast: Stand to Reason PodcastTwitter/X: @gregkouklYouTube: Stand to Reason------------------What if the most effective way to share your faith isn't through forceful arguments, but through thoughtful questions? Greg Koukl, founder of Stand to Reason, brings decades of apologetics experience to this transformative conversation about defending Christianity in an increasingly skeptical world.Koukl's journey from skepticism to faith during the Jesus Movement of the 1970s shaped his understanding of how people genuinely come to belief. After witnessing countless shallow and shrill exchanges between Christians and non-believers, he founded Stand to Reason with a mission to equip believers to defend their faith with knowledge, wisdom, and an attractive manner.The conversation explores Koukl's renowned "Columbo tactic," which uses strategic questions to navigate challenging spiritual discussions. Rather than immediately countering objections with statements, Koukl demonstrates how questions like "What do you mean by that?" create space for deeper dialogue while forcing others to clarify their own positions. This approach proves particularly effective when addressing common statements like "I'm spiritual but not religious."Particularly fascinating is Koukl's perspective on biblical reliability. He challenges the notion that Christians must convince skeptics of biblical inerrancy before sharing the gospel. Instead, he suggests approaching the New Testament as reliable historical documents that provide compelling evidence for Jesus's life, teachings, and resurrection. The conversation delves into archaeological findings supporting early Christian beliefs and dismantles the claim that Jesus's divinity was a later theological development.Perhaps most revolutionary is Koukl's distinction between "harvesting" and "gardening" in evangelism. While many ChrisSupport the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Aug 25, 2025 • 4min
QUICK Qs: Which Biblical Character is Your First Memory?
Send us a textWe dive into our earliest biblical memories, revealing surprisingly different formative experiences with scripture that shaped our faith journeys.• David's first Bible story memory is Zacchaeus, remembered through the children's song "Zacchaeus was a wee little man"• Songs stick with children, which is why they're such an effective teaching tool• One panelist's earliest memory was the crucifixion, which felt noble but incomprehensible as a child• Charlton Heston's "The Ten Commandments" and family Passover Seders formed another's first biblical impressions• Even Mel Brooks' comedic interpretation of Moses dropping the commandments served as an early biblical introduction• The varied experiences highlight different ways children encounter and interpret scriptureSupport the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.

Aug 20, 2025 • 31min
35: The Lords Prayer: The Long Version of a Short Prayer
Send us a textImagine approaching the Creator of the universe with the simple, intimate word "Dad." This revolutionary concept forms the foundation of what we now call the Lord's Prayer—perhaps the most recited and least understood set of words in Christian tradition.In this thought-provoking conversation, we unpack the radical nature of Jesus' prayer template, examining how it shattered religious conventions of its time while establishing a pattern believers still follow today. From the stunning intimacy of addressing God as "Abba" to the challenging condition of forgiveness ("forgive us as we forgive others"), we explore how these ancient words continue to transform modern hearts.The prayer's brilliance lies in its dual nature: a precise set of words we can turn to when our own fail us, and a flexible template guiding our spontaneous conversations with God. We discuss how Jewish listeners would have recognized familiar echoes of covenant ceremonies and the Ten Commandments woven throughout, creating a prayer that was both revolutionary and deeply rooted in their spiritual heritage.Whether you recite the Lord's Prayer daily or have never given it much thought, this conversation invites you to see these familiar words with fresh eyes. Beyond religious routine lies an invitation to authentic relationship—where prayer becomes less about perfecting our spiritual performance and more about connecting with a Father who already knows what we need before we ask.Join us as we explore the profound simplicity and challenging depths of history's most influential prayer. Have you discovered how these ancient words can breathe new life into your own prayer journey?Support the showHave a topic, verse, or story you'd like us to cover? Tell us on the socials at @theboundlessbible: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok Join the new Facebook Group: The Boundless Bible Discussion Group If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you.


