The Boundless Podcast

A powerful and timely message from the Founding Words teaching series at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods. In this Boundless episode, “Created Equal,” we explore the deep, biblical truth that every human life bears the image of God — a truth that grounds real dignity, real worth, and real hope. This episode connects the nation’s founding ideals with the eternal promises of Scripture,...

In this episode of the Boundless Podcast, we explore one of Jesus’ most challenging and life‑defining teachings: a follower of Jesus takes up the cross. Through Jeremiah 28:5–9, Romans 7:1–13, and Matthew 10:34–42, Scripture gives us a realistic, cruciform picture of discipleship shaped by truth, struggle, and unwavering faithfulness. Jeremiah reminds us that true prophets speak God’s Word even wh...

In this episode of the Boundless Podcast, we step into the tension, courage, and comfort that mark the life of a disciple. Jeremiah’s lament reveals the real cost of speaking God’s Word—faithfulness often invites resistance, misunderstanding, and even personal anguish. Jesus prepares His disciples for the same reality, warning that opposition may rise even from within one’s own household. Yet into...

In this episode of the Boundless Podcast, we explore how God forms His people by grace and sends them into the world as reflections of Christ’s compassion. Scripture shows us that the Lord claims His people as His “treasured possession”—not because of their strength or worthiness, but because of His steadfast love. That same grace is revealed in Jesus, who looks upon the crowds not with frustratio...

In this episode of the Boundless Podcast, we explore what it truly means for a follower of Jesus to trust in the God who calls. Through Scripture, real‑life application, and Gospel‑centered encouragement, we look at how God’s calling shapes our identity, strengthens our faith, and anchors us in His promises. Rooted in Lutheran theology and the hope of the Gospel, this message helps listeners see h...

On this Boundless Podcast episode, “Created–Redeemed–Sanctified,” Pastor Ryan explores the mystery and comfort of the Holy Trinity through a Gospel‑centered message that speaks directly to weary hearts. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by Lutheran teaching, this Trinity‑focused reflection shows how God the Father creates us, God the Son redeems us, and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies and strengthens...

On this special Pentecost and Memorial Day episode, Ed reflects on the two sounds that shape this unique weekend: the solemn notes of remembrance and the mighty rushing wind of God’s Spirit. One calls us to honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation. The other calls us into the life, mission, and freedom given through Christ. Drawing from Acts 2 and the deep rhythms of Christian hop...

In this concluding episode of the Red Letter Challenge, Pastor Ryan focuses on Jesus’ call to GO—a core teaching of Christian discipleship and Gospel‑centered living. Jesus sends His followers into the world with purpose, compassion, and Spirit‑empowered confidence. “Going” isn’t limited to global missions; it’s the everyday calling to live out the words of Jesus, share His love, and reflect His g...

This message proclaims the Ascension of Jesus Christ not as the end of His earthly story but as the beginning of ours. Drawing from Luke 24 and Acts 1, it highlights how the risen and ascended Lord launches the Church into a Spirit‑empowered mission. The Ascension reveals Jesus reigning for His people, sending His followers as witnesses of His resurrection, forgiveness, and kingdom. Rather than st...

Pastor Ryan continues our journey into what it means to give because God has first given to us—a central theme in Christian living, discipleship, and Gospel‑shaped generosity. Through Scripture and real‑life application, he explores how God’s grace forms our hearts, our habits, and the way we live out our faith each day. This message is the fourth part of our series inspired by the Red Letter Chal...

The "Consumer Culture" teaches us to "do in order to get." Jesus comes and turns that around! "Do because you already have!" This is the third in a series of messages based on "Red Letter Challenge." Our thanks to the Rev. Zach Zehnder for providing this resource! Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those...

No matter how serious, big, or awful your sin is, God's grace extends to cover it! This is the message on Forgivness in the Red Letter Challenge. Pastor Ryan teaches us that forgiveness is an incredible gift, and we can drop the stones of whatever burdens us to receive it freely from God! Our thanks to the Rev. Zach Zehnder for providing this resource! Please take a quick second to rate this p...

This is a similar message to the Red Letter Challenge - Being sermon, but was for the Confirmation Service of 2026, where Pastor B. addresses the 2026 Catechumens. This episode explores the difference between simply *being* in a relationship with Jesus and actively *doing* what he says—because real faith requires both. The central takeaway: we don’t finish strong by willpower alone—we finish by fi...

This episode explores the difference between simply  being  in a relationship with Jesus and actively  doing  what he says—because real faith requires both. Using stories from  When Harry Met Sally , the Israelites in the wilderness, and Peter’s early devotion and later failure, the message highlights how many people start strong but struggle to finish well. The central takeaway: we don’t finish s...

Many Bibles have the words of Jesus printed in red letters. And these red lettered words are the teachings and commands of Jesus about the abundant and eternal life He came to give all people. Imagine what the world would be like if more people actually did what Jesus taught and lived how He modeled? That's the theme of "The Red Letter Challenge" and this is the first message introdu...

There is no more significant phrase in any humanlanguage than these three words: Christ is risen! These three words bring hope to those who are living in despair; bring joy to those who are overcome by grief; bring life to those who are living with death. Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for providing this resource! Please take a quick second to rate thi...

None of us can outwit or outsmart or outlast death. But on Good Friday, Jesus brought death under His submission. He conquered our greatest enemy. Through His death, He won for us life! Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for providing this resource! Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherev...

We all need food to live. But what about living as Jesus intends for us? What kind of food will help us? Pastor Ryan continues the teaching series "The Gospel in Seven Words" with a message for Maundy (Holy) Thursday. Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for providing this resource! Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite p...

When John tells us that some Greeks came seeking Jesus, it was for this very reason: Jesus came to save them. Save us. Save all human beings! This is the concluding message in the teaching series "How Are We Known." You'll also hear a bit of the "origin story" of Pastor Blonski! Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotif...

If someone came up to you and asked for a short explanation of the Gospel of Jesus, what would you say? Pastor Ryan shares several seven-word answers in his continuation of the teaching series "The Gospel in Seven Words" with a message about Isolation and Community. Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for providing this resource! Please take a qui...

What if being dead was not the end? This is the fifth in a series of Lenten messages from St. Matthew called "How Are We Known?" Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us. Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big...

Feeling lonely? You're not alone! A recent report (2025) indicates that at 50% of people frequently feel lonely. But here's some good news! Jesus refuses to leave his people alone! Pastor Blonski continues this teaching series "The Gospel in Seven Words" with a message about Isolation and Community. Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for...

The phrase "its a matter of life and death" is common. But Jesus tends to turn a lot of things on their heads or upside down. He does the same with life and death. Pastor Ryan continues a message series called "The Gospel in Seven Words" with a message about "death and life." Our thanks to the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for providing th...

What if blindness isn’t just a physical condition, but a spiritual one we’re all born with? In this episode, we follow Jesus from the chaos of the Temple to a quiet encounter with a man born blind—and discover how this miracle reveals the heart of John’s Gospel, the power of Christ to heal, and the calling we now have to shine His light into the world. This is the fourth in a series of Lenten mess...

We are known for many things as followers of Jesus. We are known for being tempted! And we are known for being faithful . And we are known for being provided for. This is the third in a series of Lenten messages from St. Matthew called "How Are We Known?" Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those...