The Boundless Bible

The Boundless Bible
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Jun 2, 2025 • 6min

QUICK Qs: What's easier? Forgiving Enemies or Forgiving Friends?

Send us a textSupport 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.
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May 28, 2025 • 34min

23: Burning Bush: An Invitation to Get Closer to God

Send us a textMoses encounters God through a burning bush on Mount Horeb, leading to a profound dialogue about identity, purpose, and the nature of God's relationship with humanity.• God calls Moses by name twice, showing He knows and recognizes Moses personally• The burning bush represents a paradox – fire that doesn't consume – symbolizing God's transformative presence• God instructs Moses to remove his sandals because he stands on holy ground• The Hebrew term for "holy ground" (admat Kodash) is the same word used for the dirt from which Adam was formed• Moses hides his face in fear, but God continues the conversation, meeting Moses in his unworthiness• God reveals His name as "I AM WHO I AM," establishing His self-sufficient, independent nature• Moses returns to the same mountain later to receive the Ten Commandments, demonstrating how God changes the person, not the place• Personal relationship with God isn't meant to remain private but should flow outward into community• Accountability and support from others helps sustain what begins in personal encounterIf this podcast is your burning bush, we'd love to hear about it. Find us on social media, join David's Facebook discussion group, and please subscribe, like, and rate our podcast to help others find us.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.
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May 26, 2025 • 6min

QUICK Qs: How Do You Focus While Reading Scripture?

Send us a textWe tackle the challenge of reading the Bible when life is chaotic and your mind feels scattered. Each of us shares personal techniques for maintaining focus and getting the most from scripture study despite distractions.• Javi recommends the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) for intentional reading• Reading scripture line by line and writing down observations helps maintain focus• David uses audio Bible at 1.6x speed while reading silently to accommodate his dyslexia• Using a pointer or finger to track text while reading improves concentration• Jason alternates between fast reading for narrative comprehension and very slow, detailed study• Reading in darkness with only a page-illuminating neck lamp eliminates distractions• Digital Bible apps allow for switching between translations and can help maintain focusTry different methods to find what works for you—whether it's systematic approaches, environmental modifications, or digital tools.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.
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May 21, 2025 • 22min

22: Nativity: Was there REALLY no room at the inn?

Send us a textEver wonder if we've misunderstood the Christmas story all along? Our fascinating deep dive into Luke 2:7 reveals how a single word completely transforms the narrative we thought we knew. When examining the original text, we discover it doesn't say "no room at the inn" but rather "no place for them" – a subtle distinction with profound implications.The traditional portrayal of a heartless innkeeper turning away the holy family crumbles when viewed through the lens of Jewish customs. In first-century Bethlehem, a birthing woman needed separation from others due to ritual purity laws. Rather than rejecting Mary and Joseph out of callousness, the innkeeper may have been following cultural protocols by directing them to the only appropriate location available – the back portion of the home where animals were kept for warmth and security.This reframing opens multiple interpretations of the Christmas story. Is it about missed opportunities to receive blessings? God showing up in unexpected places? Or perhaps it reveals how tradition can sometimes interfere with truly welcoming the divine into our lives? The parallels between Christ's humble birth and his humble death create a powerful pattern that weaves throughout scripture – consistent examples of how God subverts human expectations at every turn.The Christmas narrative takes on rich new dimensions through this cultural understanding. We see how Joseph and Mary, though poor, were provided for through the gifts of the wise men. We recognize the profound humility that marked both the beginning and end of Jesus's earthly journey. Most importantly, we're challenged to examine where our own traditions might be preventing us from recognizing God's presence in unexpected places and circumstances today.The team explores how our traditional understanding of the Christmas innkeeper story may be based on a misinterpretation. We examine the subtle but crucial difference between "no room" and "no place" in Luke 2:7, revealing how Jewish birthing customs provide essential context for Jesus's birth.• The original text doesn't say "no room at the inn" but "no place for them" – a distinction that changes the entire narrative• Jewish purity laws required birthing women to be separated from others as they were considered ritually unclean• Bethlehem homes typically had living quarters with cave systems behind for animals, not separate barn structures• The innkeeper likely wasn't rejecting Mary and Joseph but directing them to an appropriate birthing location• This story demonstrates how tradition can sometimes impede understanding God's true message• Jesus's humble birth parallels his humble death – a consistent pattern of subverted expectations• The gold, frankincense and myrrh gifts likely financed the holy family's escape to Egypt• God consistently appears in unexpected places and circumstances throughout biblical narrativesListen now to discover the profound layers of meaning hidden in this familiar story and how they might transform your understanding of the divine narrative playing out in your own life.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.
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May 19, 2025 • 6min

QUICK Qs: How Do You Focus During Prayer?

Send us a textWe dive into the challenge of staying focused during prayer time and share our personal struggles and practical solutions. Prayer isn't about perfect concentration but building a relationship with God through both speaking and listening.• Jason shares how he stopped beating himself up over lack of focus and switched to short prayers throughout the day• Praying out loud helps maintain concentration and engagement• Writing prayers down can help articulate thoughts more clearly than speaking• Sitting in silence after prayer creates space to hear God's response• Creating an intentional environment free from distractions improves prayer focus• Prayer shouldn't be treated as a task to check off, but as relationship-building• Even during mental wandering, God remains present with us "in the fog"• Setting yourself up for success might include quiet spaces or background worship musicJoin our new Facebook group "The Boundless Bible Discussion Group" to share your own prayer techniques and connect with our community.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.
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May 14, 2025 • 38min

21: DEBBIE CAUDLE: The Healed Woman

Send us a textDebbie Caudle, MS, LPC, NCC, is a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate complex relationship challenges. Known as the “Master Changemaker,” she blends clinical insight with biblical wisdom to guide clients through healing, communication, and personal growth. Debbie specializes in women's issues, marital and premarital counseling, and life transitions, offering virtual sessions through her practice, By Divine Design Coaching. Debbie Caudle, MS, LPC, NCCShe is also the host of The High Ticket Woman podcast, where she explores topics at the intersection of faith, emotional health, and relational transformation. Apple PodcastsDebbie’s personal journey—including divorce, remarriage, and deep spiritual study—fuels her passion for helping others find clarity, connection, and the courage to change. Her approach is direct, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that lasting change is possible when we align with God’s design for our lives.-------------------A powerful exploration of healing, faith and mental health through the biblical story of the bleeding woman who touched Jesus's robe after 12 years of suffering. Licensed therapist Debbie Caudill joins us to unpack the profound mental and emotional dimensions of this brief but transformative encounter.• The bleeding woman's physical condition made her socially "unclean" and isolated for 12 years• True loneliness differs from being physically alone—one can be surrounded by people yet feel isolated• The woman displayed extraordinary faith by breaking social norms to touch Jesus's tassel• Jesus publicly acknowledges and validates her, calling her "daughter" and restoring her dignity• Mental health struggles often involve feeling ostracized and losing your sense of identity• Healing requires both faith and action—the woman didn't just pray at home but took initiative• Suffering serves as a tool for growth and refinement when we maintain the right perspective• Christianity and mental health therapy both acknowledge we can't control circumstances, only our responses• Perception shapes our emotional intensity—changing our view of situations gives us powerIf you're struggling with your mental health, remember it's not about how long healing takes, but about never giving up. Learn more about Debbie's work at www.debbiecaudle.com.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.
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May 12, 2025 • 5min

QUICK Qs: When Did God Meet You Where You Are?

Send us a textHave you ever experienced a moment when divine presence felt so real it changed everything? That's exactly what we explore in this heartfelt conversation about encountering God in our most vulnerable moments.David takes us through a powerful testimony of identity crisis after suffering a devastating bicep tear that threatened everything he thought defined him. As someone whose self-worth was entirely wrapped up in physical strength—from military service to professional fighting—facing permanent limitation forced a profound spiritual reckoning. What he discovered in that dark moment was a God who redefined his worth beyond physical capability, resulting in both spiritual transformation and what David describes as a miraculous physical recovery.Meanwhile, Jason reveals how prayer becomes his divine meeting ground. When interceding for others, he experiences a beautiful surrender where personal pressure dissolves into divine partnership. The realization that people don't need his wisdom but God's wisdom through him creates a peace that transforms his approach to supporting others.Perhaps most surprising is Javi's confession that this very podcast represents his divine appointment. After weeks of praying "Use me, Lord" during worship, the invitation to join Boundless Bible initially received his firm "no"—only to be immediately reversed when he recognized God's answer to his prayers appearing in unexpected form. His story perfectly captures how God's timing often challenges our comfort zones while perfectly aligning with our deepest spiritual desires.What's your story of God meeting you where you are? We'd love to hear how the divine has intersected with your journey at precisely the moment you needed it most. Subscribe, share your experiences in the comments, and join our conversation about the boundless ways God shows up in our lives.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.
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May 7, 2025 • 31min

20: Paul: From Persecutor to Preacher

Send us a textThe remarkable transformation of Saul the persecutor into Paul the apostle stands as one of Christianity's most powerful redemption stories. From actively hunting down and killing followers of Jesus to becoming Christianity's most influential evangelist, Paul's journey demonstrates the unfathomable depth of God's grace.What would it feel like to sit beside someone who had killed your family and friends because of your faith, only to watch them stand and preach about that same faith? This jarring scenario frames our exploration of Paul's life—a Pharisee so dedicated to preserving Jewish tradition that he violently opposed the early Christian movement until a blinding encounter with Christ on the Damascus road changed everything.The symbolism of Paul's temporary blindness runs deep. For three days he couldn't see, eat or drink—a period mirroring Jesus's time in the tomb and representing Paul's own spiritual death and rebirth. After years spent studying Scripture as a Pharisee, Paul suddenly found himself reinterpreting everything through a radically new lens. His unique background as both a Roman citizen and Jewish scholar positioned him perfectly to bridge worlds, explaining how Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies while bringing this message to non-Jewish populations throughout the Mediterranean.Though often criticized for his harsh rhetoric and strong opinions, Paul's forceful approach served a crucial purpose during Christianity's formative years. While the original disciples largely remained in Jerusalem, Paul traveled extensively, establishing churches across Asia Minor and Greece. His consistency in teaching helped create a doctrinal foundation that allowed Christianity to flourish beyond its Jewish origins. In his own words, "I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am."Paul's story continues to resonate because it demolishes the notion that anyone is beyond redemption or usefulness in God's kingdom. If God could use someone with Paul's violent background to spread the gospel of peace, imagine how He might use you—with all your flaws, failures, and unique experiences. The question isn't whether you're worthy enough (none of us are), but whether you're willing to respond in obedience when called.• Paul was a scholarly Pharisee who actively persecuted early Christians• His encounter with God on the Damascus road left him blind for three days• After conversion, Paul had to prove himself to the very people he had persecuted• His background as a Roman citizen and Jewish scholar uniquely positioned him for ministry• God used Paul's harsh experiences to forge a leader who could establish churches worldwide• Paul's testimony gave him credibility when speaking to people of all backgrounds• As writer of most of the New Testament, Paul helped translate Old Testament teaching into the Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.
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May 5, 2025 • 5min

QUICK Qs: How Do You Find God in Dark Times?

Send us a textWhen life's storms hit hardest, how do we keep our spiritual footing? David, Javi, and Jason tackle this profound question with raw honesty and practical wisdom drawn from their personal faith journeys.Javi opens with a vulnerable admission many believers can relate to – the tendency to rely on personal strength rather than God's when life gets overwhelming. He shares how even the smallest prayer can become the first step back to spiritual groundedness, gradually rebuilding the daily practices that reconnect us with God's presence. His journey from self-reliance to divine dependence offers a roadmap for anyone feeling spiritually disconnected during challenging seasons.The conversation takes a refreshingly honest turn when Jason acknowledges that sometimes God's presence doesn't feel tangible during our darkest moments. Rather than offering platitudes, he emphasizes the role of sheer determination – continuing to live faithfully even when the emotional connection feels absent. This gritty perseverance, continuing to pray even when those prayers become more raw and questioning, demonstrates that authentic faith can accommodate doubt, frustration, and the full range of human emotions.Drawing from his background as a martial artist, David highlights the crucial role of community in maintaining spiritual groundedness. He describes the transformative impact of surrounding himself with godly mentors who have weathered decades of faith challenges, knowing when to offer wisdom and when simply to be present. This reminder that we weren't designed to navigate our spiritual journeys alone offers hope to listeners feeling isolated in their struggles.Whether you're currently weathering a difficult season or preparing for inevitable future challenges, this conversation provides practical strategies for maintaining spiritual rootedness when life feels anything but stable. Join us for this honest exploration of faith during hardship that acknowledges the reality of spiritual struggle while pointing toward sustainable practices for remaining connected to God through it all.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.
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Apr 30, 2025 • 38min

19: The Prodigal Son: Celebration, Redemption and All of Us

Send us a textThe Parable of the Prodigal Son might be the most profound story of redemption ever told. In this soul-stirring episode, hosts David, Javi, and Jason unpack the breathtaking cultural context behind this familiar tale, revealing layers of meaning you've likely never considered.Did you know that in ancient Jewish culture, asking for inheritance early was equivalent to wishing your father dead? Or that the father's act of running to greet his son would have been considered deeply undignified for a man of his status? These cultural insights transform our understanding of this timeless story.The hosts share their personal connections to the parable – Jason especially identifies with the prodigal's journey, having returned to faith after years away. This vulnerability opens up a broader conversation about hitting rock bottom, squandering opportunities, and the unexpected joy of being welcomed back with celebration rather than condemnation.Perhaps most surprising is the fresh perspective on the older brother. Far from being a minor character, his resentment reveals a heart that was physically present but spiritually distant – serving from obligation rather than love. As one host observes, "You didn't have to leave to sin. The older brother sinned through arrogance and selfishness without ever leaving home."Whether you see yourself in the rebellious younger son, the resentful older son, or aspire to show the father's radical love, this episode will challenge and inspire you. The hosts expertly connect this parable to others about lost things being found, showing how the celebration grows more elaborate with each story – representing God's endless joy when his children return home.David, Javi, and Jason explore the powerful parable of the Prodigal Son, unpacking its rich cultural context and profound message about God's boundless forgiveness and celebration when we return to Him.• The story of the Prodigal Son is especially meaningful to Jason, connecting to his own return to faith• In Jewish culture, asking for inheritance early was essentially saying "I wish you were dead"• The son's descent to feeding pigs represents the absolute lowest spiritual and social position for a Jewish person• The father running to greet his son broke cultural norms, as men of status never ran in that society• The gifts of robe, ring and sandals symbolized full restoration as a son, not acceptance as a servant• The fattened calf celebration represented public restoration within the community• The older brother represents those who serve God from duty rather than relationship• Both sons misunderstood the father's heart and the nature of his love• This parable connects to others about lost things being found - showing God's joy when the lost return• Many scholars refer to this as "The Parable of the Loving Father" rather than "The Prodigal Son"Ready to see this familiar story with fresh eyes?Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

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