Crossroads YTH Podcast

The fourth installment of the "Hold This L" series examines the public failure and restoration of the Apostle Peter, demonstrating that even the most crushing mistakes can be redeemed for God’s glory. The message opens with a personal story of a high school fight that landed the speaker in a courtroom and on the front page of the newspaper, illustrating the "soul-crushing regret" that often follows a massive failure. Similarly, Peter pridefully boasted he was "built different" and ready to die for Jesus, yet he shrunk back in fear and denied knowing Him three times in a high priest’s courtyard. However, the story highlights that Jesus’ love goes before us; He had already prayed for Peter’s faith and later met him post-resurrection to provide a public restoration. By asking Peter three times, "Do you love me?", Jesus moved Peter from a place of self-hatred to his true identity as a leader, teaching that failures are intended to become part of our ministry to strengthen others. (Preached by George Shankool, Elder at Crossroads Church, to the youth on 5-6-26)

The third message of the "Hold This L" series examines the massive failure of King David, illustrating that while sin always carries a heavy cost, God’s forgiveness redeems us. David’s "L" began when he was in the wrong place—lounging on a palace roof instead of leading his men in war—leading to adultery with Bathsheba and a desperate, murderous cover-up of her husband, Uriah. Using the modern story of Brandt Jean’s forgiveness of Amber Guyger, the speaker explains that God is a just judge who doesn't ignore sin; rather, he requires a price to be paid while offering grace. David’s restoration began with the "brutal honesty" of Psalm 51, where he defined repentance as a change of direction and took full responsibility without making excuses. This message compares redemption to a rummage sale, where God takes what others see as "trash" and pays the price to give it a new life and purpose. Ultimately, the story points to Jesus, a descendant of David's broken bloodline, who took the "Ultimate L" on the cross to pay the penalty for human failure and offer a new identity to the redeemed. (Preached by Steve Coots on 4-29-26 to Crossroads Youth)

In the second week of the "Hold This L" series, the focus shifts to Moses, a biblical legend who experienced a massive failure when he allowed a "snap" of anger to act as a blindfold during a moment of frustration. While leading the complaining Israelites through the wilderness, Moses disobeyed God's specific command to speak to a rock for water; instead, he struck the rock twice in rage, making the miracle about his own power rather than God's holiness. This act of "Gamer Rage" in real life resulted in a severe consequence: Moses was disqualified from entering the Promised Land he had sought for forty years. However, the message emphasizes that God’s grace—defined as getting what we don’t deserve—is bigger than any "L," as evidenced by the New Testament remembering Moses for his faith rather than his mistake at the rock. Ultimately, students are challenged to dethrone their anger and lean into the restoration provided by Jesus, who took the ultimate punishment for our failures so that we could receive a new identity and an eternal inheritance. (Preached by Steve Coots on 4-22-26)

The message "Hold This L: Overcoming Failure Through Faith" teaches that personal failures—or "Ls"—do not disqualify someone from being used by God because His promises are bigger than any mistake. Using Abraham as the "G.O.A.T." of both faith and failure, the sources highlight how he repeatedly chose fear over trust by lying about his wife's identity and taking impatient shortcuts to "help" God fulfill His promises. However, through grace, God defines Abraham by His own faithfulness rather than Abraham's "repeat Ls," even characterizing him in the New Testament as someone who "waited patiently". The message concludes by calling students to "fail forward" by stopping their own shortcuts and trusting in the victory of Jesus, who took the "ultimate L" on the cross to pay for every human failure. (Preached by Steve Coots on April 15th, 2026)

In the final installment of the "As It Was" series, this message explores how the reality of Easter changes everything, moving us from a "normal" life into a new, resurrection life. The speaker details three profound transformations made possible by Jesus: shifting from sinners to saints, strangers to citizens, and tombs to temples. Being a "saint" is defined not as being perfect, but as being "set apart" and justified through Jesus' sacrifice. Using a relatable cafeteria analogy, the message illustrates how believers are no longer outsiders but wanted members of God's household who have a reserved spot at His table. Furthermore, students are challenged to see themselves as temples of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that their lives and bodies have been "bought with a price" and have eternal significance. The episode concludes with a stirring call to leave the "grave" of old habits and lies behind, choosing instead to walk daily in the new identity Jesus has already won. (Preached by Steve Coots on April 8th, 2026 to Crossroads Youth)

In the third installment of the "As It Was" series, this message explores the transition from spiritual blindness to sight through Jesus, our Truth. Using the relatable struggle of navigating a dark room and hitting obstacles, the speaker explains that while we often try to "walk in the dark" to hide our sins, Jesus came to be the unconquerable light that reveals absolute truth in a world filled with lies. Drawing from the story of Bartimaeus, the message challenges listeners to throw off the "cloaks" of their old identities—such as reputations or secrets—and have the faith to see the light. This transformation calls for a shift from being darkness to walking as children of light, incrementally pursuing what is pleasing to God rather than self. Finally, inspired by the Apostle Paul's journey from physical blindness to spiritual mission, the message urges students to share this light with others who are still lost. The episode concludes with a personal moment of reflection, asking everyone to answer Jesus' direct question: "What do you want me to do for you?". (Preached by Steve Coots on 4-1-26 at Crossroads Youth)

In the second installment of the "As It Was" series, this message explores the profound transition from being slaves to sin to finding true freedom in Christ. Using the powerful illustration of Otis Johnson, a man who struggled to live as a free man after serving 44 years in prison, the speaker highlights how many people remain mentally and emotionally "stuck" in old habits even when the door to their "cell" is wide open. Drawing from Ephesians 2 and Romans 6, the message clarifies that before Jesus, we weren't just struggling; we were owned and controlled by a sinful nature. However, through the "But God" moment of the Gospel, Jesus became our High Priest, providing us with constant access to God’s throne and the power to "cross over" into a new life. The episode concludes with a challenge for students to not waste their freedom on selfish desires, but to follow the biblical calling to serve others in love, just as Otis Johnson eventually used his liberty to help those still trapped in the system. (Preached by Steve Coots on 3-25-2026)

In this first message of the "As It Was" series, guest speaker Mike Noland shares his powerful and raw testimony, flipping the classic "Be Like Mike" slogan on its head to warn students about the dangers of hiding pain and living in secret. Mike details how childhood trauma and buried shame led him into a dark spiral of addiction that eventually resulted in a near-fatal overdose, illustrating the biblical reality of being "dead in sin". Through a radical encounter with God in a treatment program chapel, Mike experienced instant deliverance and transitioned from death to life, a change he maintains today through daily spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship. The message concludes with a stirring call to repentance and transparency, reminding listeners that salvation is a gift of grace they could never earn and that it is never too late to bring their struggles into the light and find freedom. (Preached by Michael Noland to youth on 3-11-26)

In the final episode of our "Rhythms" series, we explore the essential spiritual discipline of Worship. While often equated with music, biblical worship is the act of ascribing "worthship" to God by responding to His character as the Creator of all things. Drawing from John 4:23–24, we discuss how true worship must be done in Spirit and Truth, grounding our hearts in who God actually is rather than treating the moment as a concert or a performance. We explore how worship is an expected rhythm both publicly within the church and privately in our daily lives, serving as a "continual sacrifice of praise" that re-centers our focus on God's goodness. As we wrap up this seven-week journey, we see how all these disciplines—from silence to stewardship—work together to shape us into the image of Christ and make Jesus the increasing center of our lives. (Preached by Steve Coots on 3-4-26 to Crossroads YTH)

In the sixth installment of the "Rhythms" series, we explore the essential spiritual discipline of stewardship. A steward is simply someone who manages what belongs to another, and for the Christian, this begins with the recognition that God owns everything—from the phone in our pockets to our very next breath. While stewardship includes our time, talents, and relationships, this episode focuses on money as a training ground for our hearts. We discuss how being faithful with "very little" now prepares us for "much" later, helping us move away from a "MINE, MINE, MINE" mentality toward a life of open hands.Drawing from Matthew 6:21, we learn that treasure leads and the heart follows, meaning our spending habits reveal what we truly value. The message outlines six markers of biblical giving: it should be an act of worship, a reflection of our trust, and a commitment to giving God our "first fruits" rather than our leftovers. We are challenged to be planned and intentional with our generosity, motivated by the sacrificial love of Jesus rather than guilt or legalism. By starting small and being intentional now, we can turn the temporary resources of earth into eternal treasure in heaven. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth on 2-25-26)

In the fifth installment of our "Rhythms" series, we dive into the vital spiritual discipline of fellowship. While it is often mistaken for just hanging out or sharing a meal at a potluck, true biblical fellowship is a deep partnership, unity, and commitment to a shared mission. Using the imagery of the "right hand of fellowship"—a committed wrist-grasp—and the diverse members of The Fellowship of the Ring, we explore how God uses a "shared life" to shape our faith and protect us from the dangers of isolation. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo activity, and this episode emphasizes that real fellowship requires walking in the light with honesty and learning to love real, messy people through patience and listening. Join us as we discuss how we are called to be the "Fellowship of the King," carrying one another’s burdens and finding mutual encouragement in our common purpose to know Jesus and make Him known. (Preached by Steve Coots on 2-11-26 at youth)

In the fourth installment of the "Rhythms" series, we shift our focus from private spiritual habits to the public discipline of serving others. While silence, Scripture, and prayer shape our internal lives, serving is the rhythm where private formation becomes public obedience and shapes our witness to a watching world. We explore how serving is a trained muscle that requires intentionality and discipline rather than just waiting for a natural feeling of confidence.Drawing from 1 Peter 4:10, the message challenges every student to be a faithful steward of the gifts God has already placed within them, regardless of their age. We examine four primary motivations for service—obedience, gratitude, humility, and love—reminding us that we serve because we have first been loved and rescued by Jesus. Rather than "walking past the fence" and ignoring the needs around us, we are invited to follow the example of Christ to "Stop. Look. Serve." by engaging in practical "Kingdom Work". Join us as we learn that maturity in Christ is marked by a repeated faithful choice to show up and use our lives for the good of others. (Preached by Steve Coots on 2/4/26 to Crossroads Youth)

In the third week of our "Rhythms" series, we shift our focus to the essential spiritual discipline of prayer. While prayer can sometimes feel like a routine chore or a casual "intercom" system, it is actually a powerful privilege that allows us to communicate directly with God as our "Abba, Father" through the access provided by Jesus. This episode explores how prayer functions as a "walkie-talkie on the battlefield," keeping us connected to our Commander amidst the spiritual struggles of daily life. We discuss how the primary purpose of prayer isn't simply to "get stuff" from God, but to shape our hearts, foster dependence, and realign our lives with His will. To help build this habit, we introduce the P.R.A.Y. model—Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield—providing a practical pattern to move prayer from a performance for others into a rewarding, intentional daily rhythm. Join us as we challenge ourselves to set aside dedicated time each day to stay connected to God through the power of prayer. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth on Jan 28, 2026)

In the second installment of our "Rhythms" series, we dive into the essential spiritual discipline of Taking In God’s Word. While many Christians value the Bible, there is often a disconnect between belief and daily practice, leading to "Dusty Bibles" and spiritual shallowing. Drawing from Hebrews 4:12, we explore how Scripture is "living and active," designed not just for information but for total transformation. The message outlines five specific "movements" to deepen our engagement: Hearing, Reading, Studying, Memorizing, and Meditating. We discuss the difference between "raking" (reading for the big picture) and "shoveling" (studying to uncover deep truths), encouraging students to become "trees" with deep roots rather than "potted plants" that rely on others to be fed. By using practical tools like the [em-PHA-sis] method for meditation, we can move God’s truth from our heads to our hearts to shape who we are becoming. (Preached by Steve Coots on 1/21/26 to Crossroads Youth)

In the kickoff episode of our new series, "Rhythms," we explore how spiritual disciplines are the intentional, everyday patterns that keep us rooted and growing in Christ. This week focuses on the first rhythm: Silence and Solitude. While these practices may feel difficult in a world filled with noise and distractions, they are essential tools for godliness, training our internal thoughts and desires to look more like Jesus on the outside. Drawing from Psalm 46:10 and the life of David, we discuss how "being still" is an active form of waiting that helps us realize God is fully in control of our chaos. By following Jesus’ example of seeking desolate places to pray, we can learn to hear God’s "gentle whisper" more clearly and find the true spiritual restoration that social media and entertainment simply cannot provide. Join us as we begin the journey of reshaping our lives around the habits that matter most. (Preached by Steve Coots at Crossroads YTH 1-14-26, re-recorded after due to original recording issue)

 Christmas celebrates more than a historical event from 2,000 years ago. Emmanuel means God with us now, not just in the past or future. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is present with every believer today. The Spirit provides four key gifts: conviction that lovingly corrects us, clarity to understand God's truth, calm in life's storms, and confidence based on Jesus' finished work. This means we never face challenges, temptation, or daily struggles alone. God is personally and powerfully with us in every moment. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth group on 12-10-25)

Christmas celebrates Immanuel, meaning God with us, revealing that Jesus' birth wasn't a last-minute plan but the fulfillment of promises made for thousands of years. Even during 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, God was preparing the world for the Messiah. Simeon and Anna, two faithful believers who waited their entire lives, recognized baby Jesus as the promised Savior. Their stories demonstrate that God has always been faithful to His people and has been working in your story too, even before you knew Him. Christmas proves that God keeps His promises and remains with us through every season of life. (Preached by Steve Coots at YTH group on 12-3-25)

 The New Age movement has quietly infiltrated modern culture through social media and entertainment, operating like a spiritual candy bowl where people pick and choose appealing beliefs. Unlike organized religions, it has no central authority or official doctrine, making it particularly dangerous as its ideas spread through popular culture. Common New Age practices include using crystals for healing, following astrology, manifesting desires through positive thinking, and engaging in spiritual practices without God. These beliefs directly contradict Christianity by viewing God as an impersonal force, teaching that humans are divine, rejecting the concept of sin, and promoting reincarnation instead of eternal judgment. Christians must become spiritual detectives, identifying these influences in daily life and responding with biblical truth.  (Preached by Steve Coots on a wet and rainy 11/19/25 to Crossroads Youth)

Understanding the differences between Catholicism and biblical Christianity is essential for every believer. While both traditions share core beliefs about Jesus's identity as fully God and fully man, they differ significantly on salvation, authority, and assurance. Catholics believe salvation requires faith plus works, sacraments, and church traditions, while biblical Christians hold to salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. The Protestant Reformation established five key principles: Scripture alone as authority, faith alone for salvation, grace alone as the means, Christ alone as mediator, and glory to God alone. These differences matter because they affect how we understand our relationship with God and our eternal security. (Preached by Steve Coots on 11/12/25 to Crossroads YTH)

 Christians need to be equipped to understand and respond to Jehovah's Witnesses, who hold fundamentally different beliefs despite appearing similar to Christianity. While JWs reject the Trinity, Jesus' deity, bodily resurrection, and salvation by grace alone, biblical Christianity affirms these core truths. JWs believe salvation requires works and organizational loyalty, with only 144,000 going to heaven, while Christians know salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. When engaging JWs, ask thoughtful questions, use Scripture they accept, focus on God's grace, and show Christ's love. Being equipped means knowing authentic biblical truth so well that false teachings become easier to identify. (Delivered by Steve Coots on 11/5/25 to youth group)

Feeling spiritually stuck in the middle? Not terrible, but not thriving either? You might be caught in the 6-7 trap. What if the very things keeping you from God are the same things Jesus came to fix? Discover how Christ transforms spiritual chaos into divine order and moves you from mediocrity to wholehearted devotion. (Delivered by Steve Coots on 10-29-25 for the Crossroads Youth Fall Party special message)

 We all wear masks to hide our anger and resentment, but these destructive emotions can consume us if left unchecked. The story of Cain and Abel shows how anger led to devastating consequences when Cain killed his brother after God rejected his offering. While some anger can be righteous, most of our anger stems from the consequences of our own actions rather than true injustice. Resentment is always wrong and creeps in quietly like bitterness. We hide these emotions behind three common masks: gossip and slander, isolation and separation, and blame and victimhood. To remove these masks, we must be kind and forgiving, walk with wise people who help us process emotions properly, and accept responsibility for our actions. The ultimate solution is surrendering everything to Christ, who gives us strength to overcome these destructive feelings. (Preached by Sam Eby to youth on 10-22-25)

Jealousy and envy are more than just normal emotions - they're sins that poison our hearts and keep us from God's best. Envy wants what others have, while jealousy fears losing what we think is ours. Both reveal hearts focused on comparison rather than gratitude. Joseph's story shows how destructive jealousy can be, but also how God redeems even the worst situations. We often hide these emotions behind masks of fake joy, self-promotion, or criticism. The solution is trusting God's sovereignty, remembering we're part of His body, and focusing on gratitude for what He's already given us. Unlike our sinful jealousy, God's jealousy is holy - He yearns for our hearts because He loves us deeply. (Preached by Steve Coots on 10-15-25 to Crossroads Youth group)

 Loneliness isn't just about being physically alone - you can feel completely isolated even when surrounded by people. This disconnect between our outer appearance and inner reality creates a dangerous cycle where we hide our struggles behind masks, assuming everyone else has it figured out. God sees and knows us intimately, as described in Psalm 139, reminding us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Breaking free from isolation requires simple but intentional actions: acknowledging others, truly listening during conversations, and being honest about our struggles with trusted friends. Community isn't something that just happens to us - it's something we actively create by helping each other feel seen, known, and valued. (Preached by Jennifer Rosowitz on 10-8-2025)

 Jesus stands supreme in salvation, offering complete reconciliation with God through His sacrifice on the cross. Paul emphasizes in Colossians that through Christ, God reconciled everything to Himself, making peace through His blood. This reconciliation represents the ultimate identity shift - from being enemies of God to becoming His friends, from spiritual death to eternal life. Salvation in Christ rescues us from three critical dangers: sin itself (our rebellion against God's authority), the consequences of sin (spiritual death and separation from God), and God's righteous wrath against sin. Many mistakenly believe they can earn God's favor through good behavior, but Scripture clearly teaches that salvation comes only by grace through faith - it's God's undeserved gift, not something we can work for or boast about. Since Christ is supreme in salvation, He isn't merely one option among many paths to God; He is the only way. Being saved isn't the end of our spiritual journey but the beginning. Ephesians reminds us we are God's handiwork, created in Christ for good works prepared in advance. Our salvation equips us to make a lasting impact, serving others and fulfilling God's purposes. When we truly grasp what we're saved from, what saves us, and what we're saved for, we can live boldly without fear, knowing that even death only delivers believers to Jesus. Now is the time to proclaim the kingdom, using our unique gifts to bring hope and life to others around us.  (Preached by Steve Coots on 9-17-2025 to Youth Group at Crossroads Church, Anthem)

In our image-obsessed culture, we often forget who is truly supreme: Jesus Christ. Paul's letter to the Colossians establishes Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God, existing before creation, supreme over all things, and the creator of everything in both heavenly and earthly realms. Most remarkably, Jesus holds all creation together - a truth reflected even in our biology through the cross-shaped laminin protein that holds our cells together. As the head of the church (His body), Jesus provides direction, leadership, and authority. This headship has profound implications for believers. First, we cannot exist without Him - just as a body cannot function without its head. Second, we must submit to His authority rather than merely calling Him Lord while living on our own terms. Third, we must function for Him by using our unique gifts to serve the church body. Finally, we need to gather regularly with other believers to encourage one another and function as Christ's body. When we embrace these truths, we discover our true identity and purpose not in the images we project but in our relationship with the supreme Christ. (Preached by Steve Coots on 9-10-25)

 In a world obsessed with image, Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us that Jesus is supreme over all creation. The Colossian church faced false teachers who claimed Jesus wasn't enough - that believers needed additional rules, secret knowledge, or special spirituality. This same danger exists today when we reduce Jesus to just one piece of life rather than the Supreme One over everything. Colossians 1:15-20 reveals that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God - not a lesser copy, but the exact representation of God in human form. He existed before creation and is the creator of everything seen and unseen, including all spiritual powers and authorities. Everything was created not only through Him but for Him, meaning all creation exists for His glory. Because Jesus created all things, He has authority over all things. This truth transforms how we view ourselves. Rather than defining our worth through worldly standards or chasing after image through fashions, filters, or followers, we can embrace our God-given identity. When we understand we are created by Jesus and for Jesus, we can live as God's children who are loved, chosen, blessed, forgiven, new, known, valuable, and His own. This isn't about trying harder but fixing our focus on Christ and letting go of everything else. (Preached by Steve Coots on 9-3-25 to Crossroads Youth)

The parable of the Prodigal Son features three key characters: the wasteful younger son, the forgiving father, and the resentful older brother. While we often focus on the prodigal's return and the father's unconditional love, the older brother's story reveals important spiritual lessons. His anger at his brother's celebration exposes his pride, self-righteousness, and transactional view of his relationship with his father. Jesus told this parable to challenge the Pharisees who, like the older brother, followed rules but missed God's heart of compassion. The father's gracious response to both sons reminds us that Christianity isn't about earning favor through obedience but about embracing God's heart of love and extending it to others. (Preached by Samuel Eby 

Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 to correct misconceptions about God's character. While many people—both in Jesus' time and today—view God as distant, cold, or primarily focused on judgment, the father in this story reveals God's true nature. When the wayward son returns home after squandering his inheritance, the father sees him from a distance (showing he was watching and waiting), runs to him (an undignified act for a wealthy man in that culture), embraces him before he can even finish his rehearsed apology, and immediately restores him with symbolic gifts: a robe (representing covering and protection), a ring (symbolizing authority), and sandals (signifying preparation for service). The father then throws a celebration feast, demonstrating his joy at his son's return. Through this parable, we learn that God loves us persistently and patiently, runs toward us in our brokenness, forgives completely without conditions, restores us to a position even better than before, and celebrates when we return to Him. This understanding challenges us to examine our own relationship with God, identify any misconceptions we might have about His character, and take steps to fully receive His unconditional love. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth group on 8-13-2025)

The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals profound truths about our relationship with God. It tells of a son who demands his inheritance early, essentially wishing his father dead, then wastes everything on reckless living. At his lowest point—feeding pigs and longing to eat their food—he finally 'comes to his senses.' He acknowledges his sin without excuses and resolves to return home, not as a son but as a servant. The most crucial part is that he immediately acts on this decision, running back to his father. This story challenges us to examine where we might be wasting God's blessings in our lives and encourages us to run to our Heavenly Father rather than away from Him. 

The podcast message emphasizes the critical role of forgiveness in prayer, focusing on the Lord's Prayer's plea: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors". The message highlights three reasons we can and should forgive: because we have been forgiven so much by God, because justice was satisfied by Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, and because vengeance belongs to God. Finally, it introduces the "Three F's" of forgiveness—Fully, Freely, and Forever—mirroring God's forgiveness of us. The ultimate "Bottom Line" is that God forgives us as we forgive others, stressing that unforgiveness is a sin that hinders our ability to communicate with God. We are encouraged to seek God's help in extending forgiveness, especially to those who may seem undeserving, recognizing that neither are we. (Preached by Steve Coots on 7-16-25 to Crossroads Youth)

Prayer is essential to our Christian walk, yet many struggle to maintain it amid distractions. When Jesus taught 'Give us today our daily bread,' He revealed God's generous provision for all our needs. This isn't just about physical sustenance but represents our need for Jesus, God's Word, and His provision daily. God meets all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus, providing rest, direction, escape from temptation, peace, truth, wisdom, grace, and salvation. While God doesn't always answer prayers immediately, this develops our faith as we learn to seek Him first rather than just His gifts. (Preached by Steve Coots on 7-2-25 at Crossroads Youth)

Many Christians struggle with prayer, feeling like their words hit the ceiling and go nowhere. This declining practice among believers stems from feeling unheard, being distracted, feeling self-sufficient, or simply not knowing how to pray 'correctly.' However, Jesus' sacrifice fundamentally changed our relationship with God, removing the barrier between humanity and divinity, symbolized by the temple veil tearing when He died. The Lord's Prayer isn't meant to be recited verbatim but serves as a template for effective communication with God. Jesus teaches us to approach God as 'Our Father,' suggesting an intimate relationship rather than viewing Him as a distant deity, a genie granting wishes, or someone to fear. This perfect Father wants to hear from His children, meet their needs, and see them thrive. We should approach Him with both reverence for His holiness and confidence based on Jesus' advocacy for us. Prayer is a personal muscle that needs development—simply talk to God about your concerns, using frameworks like ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to guide your conversations with the One who always listens.  (Preached by Steve Coots to youth on 5-28-25)

The story of Gideon's final battle against the Midianites powerfully illustrates the difference between wants and needs in our spiritual journey. While our wants often focus on material possessions and temporary pleasures, our genuine needs are more basic - including food, water, clothing, shelter, and sleep. God demonstrates His provision in unexpected ways, as shown when He reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to just 300 men and equipped them with trumpets, jars, and torches instead of traditional weapons. This biblical account teaches several crucial principles about God's provision. First, His methods often differ from our expectations. Second, victory comes through obedience and trust rather than human strength. Third, God can use unconventional strategies to achieve His purposes. Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily, our relationship with God requires daily renewal and dependence through regular prayer, Scripture reading, and active trust in His promises. The key is maintaining faith in His provision, even when it manifests differently than anticipated. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth group on 5-14-25)

God often works in ways that challenge our conventional understanding, as demonstrated through Gideon's story of facing a massive army with just 300 men. When God reduces our resources, it's not to diminish our effectiveness but to showcase His power. Through impossible odds and personal weaknesses, God creates opportunities to display His strength. This divine pattern teaches us that acknowledging our limitations opens the door for God's power to work more effectively in our lives. (Preached by Steve Coots on 5-7-25 to youth)

Everyone experiences moments of doubt in their faith journey, even those who appear strongest in their convictions. Through Gideon's story, we see how doubt often surfaces after powerful spiritual experiences fade or when facing significant challenges. Common triggers include personal hardships, witnessing suffering, feeling distant from God, or struggling with past mistakes. While Gideon sought confirmation through the fleece test, there are more constructive ways to address our doubts today. Instead of seeking signs, we should focus on bringing our questions directly to God in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature believers. Four key principles emerge for dealing with doubt effectively: recognizing that doubt can strengthen faith when properly addressed, accepting that some mystery in faith is normal, questioning our doubts as much as we question our faith, and staying focused on core truths rather than minor issues. God's unshakeable promises, including His constant presence, protection, and eternal love, provide a foundation for maintaining faith during uncertain times. (Preached by Steve Coots to youth group on 4-30-25)

God's calling extends beyond career choices to His specific plan for each person's life. Through Gideon's story, we learn that God often calls the unlikely, working through our inadequacies to accomplish His purposes. While each person has a unique calling, all believers share five universal callings: salvation, holiness, growth, sharing the Gospel, and service. God's calling is irrevocable, and He provides the necessary strength and resources to fulfill His plans, even when they seem impossible from our perspective. (Preached by Steve Coots 4/23/25)

Sin offers temporary pleasure but leads to devastating consequences, as demonstrated through Judas's betrayal of Jesus for mere silver. Through Jesus's experience in Gethsemane, we learn that victory over temptation comes through surrender to God rather than self-reliance. Peter's impulsive reaction during Jesus's arrest shows how acting without God's guidance leads to wasted efforts. Ultimately, Jesus's resurrection transformed death itself, making the grave powerless and offering eternal life to all who believe. (Given by Steve Coots to youth on 4-16-25)

Discover powerful lessons from Ezra's life about maintaining spiritual integrity and being ready for God's calling. Learn how this ancient Jewish leader stayed faithful to God while serving in a foreign government, and how his example applies to modern life. This inspiring message explores spiritual preparation, trusting God in challenging times, and the true nature of repentance. Key topics include spiritual disciplines, faith in action, divine protection, leadership challenges, biblical study, prayer, fasting, spiritual restoration, personal transformation, and practical faith application. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, understand biblical leadership, or navigate challenging circumstances while maintaining spiritual integrity. Explore how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes, and learn practical steps for staying close to God in today's complex world. (Preached by Steve Coots on 4-13-25 during Sunday main services)

 True worship goes beyond mere songs and raised hands - it fundamentally transforms lives and leads to meaningful action. When we genuinely encounter God's holiness, we're compelled to share His message with others. The Samaritan woman's story demonstrates how a genuine encounter with Jesus naturally leads to sharing our testimony. Our personal stories, regardless of their perceived drama, can uniquely reach others and lead them to Christ. This call to action-oriented worship requires stepping out of comfort zones and being ready to serve wherever God leads.  (Amber Vanderham 4-9-25)

Hidden sin creates barriers between us and God, leading to spiritual, emotional, and physical burdens. True transformation requires both confession to God and genuine repentance - acknowledging sin and actively turning away from it. While we can confess directly to God through prayer, sharing with fellow believers provides valuable accountability and support. The closer we draw to God's holiness, the more clearly we recognize our own need for spiritual cleansing and transformation.  (Delivered by Steve Coots on 3-26-2025)

 God's holiness, meaning His complete separation and elevation above all creation, stands as His defining characteristic. This profound truth is emphasized in Isaiah's vision where angels continuously declare God as holy three times - a unique emphasis in Scripture. Understanding God's holiness should fundamentally shape our approach to worship, moving us beyond mere preferences to genuine reverence. True worship involves acknowledging God's supreme worth, giving Him credit for all good things, and offering our whole hearts in both personal and corporate settings.  (Message given by Steve Coots 3/12/2025)

The message focuses on the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel from the book of Genesis, emphasizing themes of feeling unseen, dealing with jealousy and competition, and understanding God's love and plans. Our teacher highlights Leah's feelings of inadequacy and Rachel's struggles with unanswered prayers, relating these experiences to the students' lives. The message stresses that God sees and loves each individual, even when they feel invisible or are struggling with difficult emotions. It encourages students to persevere in prayer, even when they don't receive the answers they expect, and to align their prayers with God's will. We also heard about the inevitability of trials and sorrows in life but saw the joy and strength that come from a relationship with Jesus. (Given by Jennifer Rosowitz on Feb 26, 2025)

This message dives into Mark 8:27-38, a pivotal point in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Jesus's key question: "Who do you say I am?" The message explores the passage in three parts: restoring our sight to understand who Jesus truly is, answering the crucial question of Jesus' identity, and the call to take up our cross to truly follow Him. It challenges listeners to move beyond intellectual agreement to a personal understanding and confession of Jesus as Lord. The sermon emphasizes that salvation depends on correctly identifying Jesus and responding by releasing control of one's life to Him. It also examines the cost of discipleship, urging listeners to deny themselves and surrender everything to Christ for lasting joy and hope. The message concludes with the questions: "Who do you say Jesus is?" and "What are you going to do about it?" (Preached by Steve Coots on Sunday, Feb 16th, 2025 in regular service)

Bold faith means trusting God confidently even without seeing the complete path ahead. Rebecca's story in Genesis 24 exemplifies this through her immediate response to God's calling, leaving her family to marry Isaac sight unseen. She demonstrated unwavering trust by serving Abraham's servant and his camels, accepting his gifts, and following God's leading. This kind of bold faith can be developed through public expressions of faith, confident approach to God in prayer, and trust in His guidance for the future. (Delivered by Amber Johnston on Feb 12, 2025)

Sarah's journey from childlessness to motherhood at age 90 demonstrates God's power to make the impossible possible. Despite initially responding with skepticism and laughter to God's promise, Sarah's faith ultimately prevailed. Her story teaches us that no situation is too difficult for God, and His promises remain true regardless of human limitations or natural impossibilities. This powerful narrative encourages believers to trust God with their own seemingly impossible situations, knowing that His timing and methods often transcend human understanding. (Message given by Beth Goldstein to Crossroads Youth on 2/5/25)

This week, the students were taught about God's power and how it should impact their lives. As people who have been forgiven through Jesus, their lives should be transformed. The students were encouraged to recognize God's power at work in their lives, not just through dramatic miracles, but also in the everyday aspects of life like their very existence and the fact that they are breathing and thinking about God. They were reminded that they were once dead in their sins, but have been made alive in Christ through the power of God. This same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to those who believe. (Given by Steve Coots on Jan 22nd, 2025)

Discover the biblical guide to hearing God's voice in your daily life. Learn about the three primary channels God uses to communicate with His people: the Bible, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Understand why the Bible is described as living and active, and how it serves as God's direct communication to us. Explore the role of Jesus' teachings and the Holy Spirit's guidance in our spiritual lives. Get practical insights on testing and discerning God's voice, including key characteristics like biblical consistency, steadiness, and proper conviction. Perfect for Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with God, new believers wanting to understand divine communication, and anyone interested in spiritual growth. (Delivered by Steve Coots on January 15th, 2025)

Finding meaningful time with God requires intentional effort in our busy lives. Through practices like Bible reading, prayer, meditation, journaling, worship music, and experiencing nature, we can develop a deeper spiritual connection. Jesus modeled this by regularly seeking solitary time with God, demonstrating its importance in spiritual growth. By establishing consistent habits and creating distraction-free environments, we can prioritize our relationship with God and build a lasting foundation for spiritual development. (Given by Steve Coots on January 8th, 2025)

Moving forward in faith requires us to intentionally forget both past successes and failures. Drawing from Paul's wisdom in Philippians, we learn that dwelling on previous achievements or mistakes can hinder our spiritual growth. God's approach to our past demonstrates complete forgiveness, casting our sins into a sea of forgetfulness. Like a marathon runner focused on the finish line, we must press forward, keeping our eyes on the heavenly prize and embracing God's calling for our future. (Delivered by Steve Coots on Jan 3, 2025)