PODCAST · religion
Audio Articles
by Crossroads Church
Are there aliens in the Bible? Can Christians do yoga? Can I truly heal from my addiction? We’re all asking questions like these and wondering if there’s a God out there who hears us (and if he has a place in our lives). In audio articles through Crossroads Church, listen to real stories of faith from real people talking about every topic under the sun—from sex to sports to Star Wars—and discover the fingerprints of God in the most powerful and unexpected places. Find your next read at crossroads.net/articles
Episodes
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“Why Are There So Many Weird Laws in the Bible—And Do They Still Apply?” by Caleb Mathis
The Old Testament Law is expansive and challenging. Covering nearly 50% of the first five books of Scripture, it mandates everything from how God’s people worshiped him, to how they lived with each other, to the food they ate. It can leave modern readers scratching their heads—do these ancient...
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"The Devil, Prada, and Learning to Ask For Help" by Natalie Warrick
Asking for help can be hard—so hard, that many people avoid it at all costs. But there is a hidden price we pay when we keep a death grip on our independence. In this vulnerable and compelling article, author Natalie Warrick uncovers why asking for help can unlock something new in your life, why...
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“The Odyssey and the War to Conquer Shame” by Chris Pennington
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is capturing audiences and imaginations worldwide. While it features incredible storytelling, amazing cinematography, and a top-notch score, this isn’t what gripped author Chris Pennington. In the story of Odysseus, Chris saw the power of shame to derail your life...
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“How To Get Closer To God: 3 Ways To Grow Your Relationship” by Peter Everett
Getting closer to God doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. You grow your relationship with Him the same way you do with friends, family members, and coworkers—you spend time together. In this article, author Peter Everett gives three helpful, actionable, and surprisingly simple ways to do just...
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“How Do I Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work?” by Caleb Mathis
Imposter syndrome in the workplace is as common as forgotten leftovers in the breakroom fridge. But it doesn’t have to be. When author Caleb Mathis found himself struggling to believe he belonged, he turned to the scriptures for help—and found wisdom he could act on. In this article, he shares...
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“Spider-Man Needs Friends. So Do You.” by Chris Pennington
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shattering box office records, but underneath the action is a simple truth—you weren't made to do life alone. In this article, author Chris Pennington shares his own story of isolation, how the only thing God called bad in his original creation was loneliness, and...
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"The Odyssey: A Dog and a Dogged Old Man" by Donny Black
Despite three hours of nonstop action, Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is actually a story about waiting. At the heart of it all is Argos, a dog whose faithfulness can teach us something that the heroes of scripture all had to learn the hard way—faithful waiting means getting your hands dirty.…
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“Don’t Be An A-Hole Sports Parent, The Bible Tells Me So” by Caleb Mathis
It's easy to get carried away with youth sports, especially as a parent. In this article, author Caleb Mathis shares how God got his attention about his attitude and actions during Little League games, and four ways scripture pushed him to be better. Read the full length article here. Find more...
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“God Never Stopped Speaking—You’re Just Moving Too Fast” by Natalie Warrick
Speed kills—in the car and in your soul. The frantic pace of existence is exacting a heavy toll on all of us. We’re physically stressed, emotionally disconnected, and spiritually listless. The answer? Pumping the brakes. Author Natalie Warrick found that God asked her to do something unexpected…
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“I Love This Stupid, Bad Star Wars Movie” by Chris Pennington
Can a bad movie throw you into an existential spiral? Author Chris Pennington was in the theater on opening night for the latest Star Wars movie: The Mandalorian and Grogu. What he saw was underwhelming. After two hours, and nearly $40 for two tickets, not much actually happened: no storylines…
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"What Does John 10:9 Mean? Jesus Is The Door To True Belonging" by Crossroads Church
When Jesus describes himself as “the door” in John 10:9, what does He mean? In a culture when doors are consistently used to keep people out of spaces where they don’t belong, Jesus is saying something quite the opposite. He is the door that grants access, offers protection, and even goes after...
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“How To Not Be Anxious About Money When Gas Prices Are Killing You” by Tom Lange
Anxiety about money might be the only thing rising faster than gas prices—but financial stress doesn’t have to win. In this article, author Tom Lange shares three unexpected ways he combats the ever-present stress of balancing the family budget: asking, giving, and remembering. Read the full…
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“How I Hear From God in 5 Minutes (And You Can Too)” by Donny Black
Hearing from God can feel like an impossible task. Do I have to sit in silence for hours, throw away my phone, and trade in my favorite t-shirt for some monk's robes? Author Donny Black used to think so, until he started devoting time every day learning to listen to God. In this article, Donny...
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“Feeling Pressure To Get Your Kid A Phone? Try This.” by Alli Patterson
For many kids and teens, having a personal cell phone has become a right of passage—but that little device isn’t all fun and games. From Internet privacy to pornography, bullying to online gambling, cell phones can open our kids to a world of potential problems. How can a family navigate these...
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“Prayer is Hard—Copying Makes It Easier” by Caleb Mathis
Decades into following Jesus, author Caleb Mathis struggled with prayer. It often felt forced, unnatural, even boring. It was a muscle that needed training, so he borrowed the perspective of some of the greatest athletes, artists, and influencers in history—copy, until you can do it on your own.…
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“Warning Signs of an Affair, By Someone Who Had One” by Alli Patterson
Early in her marriage, Alli Patterson had an affair. Looking back at that challenging time, she now recognizes seven red flags that she and her husband avoided, ignored, or swept under the rug. After the hard work of reconciliation, and with now 20+ years of marriage together, Alli shares those…
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“I Think God Designed Me As a Mandalorian" by Tommy Jewell
Ancient armor. A creed. A mission. That’s not just what sets the Mandalorian apart from other characters in the Star Wars universe, it’s actually true of every follower of Jesus. In this article, author Tommy Jewell unpacks how he found ancient spiritual truth in the world of Mando and Grogu, and...
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“Give Your Son A Gift With This Camp” by Sean Boyce
Eighteen. That number haunted author Sean Boyce—the number of summers he’d get to spend with his son before adulthood changed the dynamic. Like every overstretched, but well-meaning father, Sean was doing his best, but worried that time was slipping away. So he made a bold choice, carving out…
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“Mom’s Summer Survival Guide” by Alli Patterson
For kids, summer means fun, freedom, and ice cream. For moms… not so much. Whether you work, stay-at-home, or anything in between, summer means changing all the family rhythms you’ve been leaning on for the past year. No wonder it feels so stressful. In this article, working mom of four and…
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“Should I Care About the Environment?” by Natalie Warrick
Does God actually care if I recycle? Author Natalie Warrick thinks so. In this article, Natalie shares how the Bible caused her to reconsider her own environmental impact, and she shares incredibly practical steps anyone can take today to help take better care of God’s creation. Environmental...
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“5 Hacks to Make Prayer A Habit Instead of a Hail Mary” by Caleb Mathis
Prayer seems simple enough, but building a life-giving habit isn’t easy. Author Caleb Mathis noticed that his prayers had become last minute acts of desperation, much like a Hail Mary pass in football. Knowing it could—and should—be better, he went to work finding ways to build his prayer…
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“7 Ways to Make Earth Day Every Day” by Caleb Mathis
Earth Day only comes around once a year, but author Caleb Mathis believes the call to care for God’s creation extends just as much to the other 364 days. In this practical article, Caleb explains seven ways you can lessen your impact on the planet—from recycling, to controlling your food…
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“Why Attend Veteran Camp: A Weekend That Restores Purpose” by Croz
After his time as a reconnaissance Marine ended, Mike “Croz” Crossley struggled with the loss of brotherhood and mission that had defined much of his life. Realizing many veterans feel the same, he started Veteran Camp, an off-the-grid weekend designed to help veterans reset their direction,...
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“What Happened with Jesus Died (And Why It Matters)” by Caleb Mathis
When Jesus died, some remarkable things took place—there was an earthquake, a veil torn at the temple, and the return of some long-dead heroes of faith. Wait, what? As strange as it sounds, these moments point back to promises God made in the Old Testament, and they point forward to what his…
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“5 Mic-Drop Moments from the Last Supper (And Why They Still Matter)” by Caleb Mathis
Just before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus had a final meal with his disciples. This Last Supper contains some of the most profound teaching in all of scripture. In this article, author Caleb Mathis unpacks five key moments from this pivotal scene, and explains why they hold just as much power...
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“Jesus Prays in the Garden: A Side of God You Rarely See” by Chris Pennington
Nowhere else in scripture is Jesus’ humanity in such brilliant display than in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mere hours before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus wrestles with the pain of the future, asks God hard questions, and even sweats blood. Author Chris Pennington explains that there is...
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“The Holy Behind the Holiday: Saint Patrick” by Caleb Mathis
Saint Patrick’s Day is an annual excuse to get decked out in green, pinch people, and swim in a sea of Guinness. Unsurprisingly, none of that has anything to do with the life that gives its name to the holiday. In this article, author Caleb Mathis shares the incredible true story of Patrick—from...
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“Make This Camp Your New Family Rhythm” by Chris Stewart
Being a parent is hard. How much screen time is appropriate? Are they eating enough vegetables? What time is baseball practice this week? Did they actually finish their homework? What about that playdate? It’s easy for quality time, and spiritual growth, to fall by the wayside. But one weekend a...
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“How Old is God? Why The Answer Actually Matters” by Caleb Mathis
If God is eternal, does He have an age? How does He intersect with time? Does it even matter? In this straight-forward and accessible article, author Caleb Mathis tackles all those questions and more. While the age of God might seem at first glance like an unanswerable riddle, it is actually a...
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“I’m Still Waiting For God to Heal Me” by Natalie Warrick
When author Natalie Warrick discovered she had ataxia, a rare and progressive genetic disease, she made the intentional choice to let it push her toward—instead of away from—God. In this powerful piece, she shares her journey of coming to terms with suffering, and finding the faith to ask for...
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“The Holy Behind the Holiday: St. Valentine” by Caleb Mathis
Though his day has become synonymous with chocolate hearts, flowers, and romantic gestures, Valentine’s life was anything but a bed of roses. An Italian clergyman who found himself in the crosshairs of the Roman Empire, Valentine preached love in a time when hate was powerful. His impact, and his...
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“God Is Always Moving (Even If My Legs Are Sore)” by Tamara Brooks
2,800 miles in 40 days? Author Tamara Brooks signed up for the RELENTLESS 2800 team challenge alongside some good friends, but it didn’t take long for the excitement to wear off and the muscle cramps to begin. What had she gotten herself into? Doubt tried to convince her that she wasn’t fit…
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“Easy Hates You And Wants To Ruin Your Life” by Andy Reider
Life is supposed to be easy, right? Not so fast. Author and pastor, Andy Reider, offers a wake-up call for the cultural narrative that everything in our life should always be up-and-to-the-right. The reality is that life is hard, and it takes twists and turns. A better goal than an easy life, is...
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“What Does It Mean Spiritually When Bad Things Keep Happening To You?” by Rachel Reider
Suffering, difficulty, and hardship is, unfortunately, a regular part of the human experience. When things go bad, does it mean something spiritually? Author Rachel Reider gives an eye-opening deep-dive into what the Bible says (and also doesn’t say) about what hardship means in our lives. She…
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“Sabbath: How Do I Actually Do It?” by Caleb Mathis
Sabbath—an intentional day, each week, set aside for rest, worship and fun—sounds like a great idea on paper. Actually making it happen, though, can feel dang-near-impossible. In this article, author Caleb Mathis conducts short interviews with three people, in completely different stages of life,...
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“One Thing To Change Your Year” by Rachel Reider
If you want this year to be better than the last, you’re going to have to deal with your calendar. After finding her margins thin, her creativity zapped, and her joy for life diminished, author Rachel Reider made a desperate move—she started saying no. The freedom of intentionally reclaiming…
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The Editor Shares His Favorite Episodes of 2025
In this best-of episode, Chris Pennington, the editor of Crossroads Articles, shares his five favorite audio article episodes of the past year, including pieces of friendship, the afterlife for pets, and how to overcome lies. Read the full length articles at the links below: “Do Dogs Go To…
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“4 Gifts Jesus Actually Wants This Christmas” by Caleb Mathis
The presents are piling up under the tree—or, you’re frantically tracking shipping progress on Amazon. But what about the birthday boy? Do you have anything to bring to Jesus this holiday season? Better than a drum solo for a newborn baby, scripture unpacks four things Jesus would love this...
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“Reclaim The Word ‘Adventure’ And Actually Live One” by Andy Reider
What’s the last adventure you went on? Like a real adventure. Trying a new restaurant or switching up your laundry detergent doesn’t count. Been longer than you thought? In this article, author and pastor Andy Reider shares how riding his motorcycle from the northern tip of the world to the...
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"Feeling Some Tension with a Big Choice? Engage 'Wrestling Mode.'" by Kirk Marshall
Decision-making can be stressful, especially when there is a lot on the line. In this article, author Kirk Marshall outlines the two mistakes most people trip over when making big decisions—entering stress mode or escape mode. Instead of being derailed or distracted, Kirk offers a third choice…
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“How To Tell Kids About Santa” by Caleb Mathis
It’s a conversation most parents dread, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, author and father of three, Caleb Mathis, explains how his family handled the truth about Santa Claus. By walking their kids through three intentional phases—belief, trust, and generosity—Caleb and his wife were...
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“Why I’m Grateful Even When Things Suck” by Caleb Mathis
Gratitude isn’t reserved for times when everything is up and to the right. In this classic article, first published in 2018, author Caleb Mathis gets honest about the difficulties he faced that year—and why the antidote was, and always has been, gratitude. If your life isn’t trending the way you...
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“Men Grieve Miscarriages Too” by Chris Stewart
A miscarriage is one of the hardest things couples go through—and not just for the mother. In this powerful and vulnerable article, author Chris Stewart shares how he began to acknowledge and work through the pain he felt as a father experiencing miscarriage. In the midst of it, he found an...
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“Get Your Kids to Love the Bible” by Chris Stewart
While the Bible isn’t necessarily the easiest book to pick up, there are things parents can do to help their kids learn to engage and love the Bible—no matter their age. Author and father of two Chris Stewart shares how the simple power of making the Bible visible, casual, meaningful, and…
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“3 Tips Acting Classes Taught Me About Worship” by Donny Black
Even after growing up in church, author Donny Black never really felt comfortable during times of corporate worship. Was he supposed to raise his hands or lower them, sing loud or softly, try to memorize the words or really listen to what they meant? He began to find answers in an unlikely place…
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“4 Steps to Prepare for Revival” by Caleb Mathis
Something spiritual is stirring around the world. When revival hits, will you be ready? In this practical article, author Caleb Mathis unpacks four ways we can prepare ourselves for revival—whether personal or corporately alongside other believers— taken straight from scripture. Read the...
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“Why Is Pregnancy So Hard?” by Lena Schuler
While the experience of pregnancy might differ from one mother to the next, there’s at least one commonality: it’s freaking hard. The body changes and aches; the hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation; the nausea, nausea, and more nausea. For many women, every part of the process—from conception…
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“This Japanese Art Form Healed My Past” by Chris Stewart
What started as a fun hobby—a way to connect with his own Asian-American heritage—for author Chris Stewart became a profound metaphor for the healing that Jesus provides. Kintsugi is a 500 year-old Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery using lacquer mixed with gold. Instead of ignoring…
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“What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?" by Caleb Mathis
When facing a loss, the choice of burial options, among all the other decisions that need to be made, can feel overwhelming. Cremation can be an easy and cost-effective option, but does the Bible have anything to say about it? In this article, author Caleb Mathis shares the answer he found...
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“Dear Manager, I’m Going On Maternity Leave” by Lena Schuler
Maternity leave is difficult, and not just for the people left behind at the office. In this article, author and mom Lena Schuler shares what she wishes she would have said to her managers before going on maternity leave—including handling emotions, texting etiquette, and what it’s really like to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are there aliens in the Bible? Can Christians do yoga? Can I truly heal from my addiction? We’re all asking questions like these and wondering if there’s a God out there who hears us (and if he has a place in our lives).
In audio articles through Crossroads Church, listen to real stories of faith from real people talking about every topic under the sun—from sex to sports to Star Wars—and discover the fingerprints of God in the most powerful and unexpected places.
Find your next read at crossroads.net/articles
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Crossroads Church
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