Most people know that Jesus died on a cross, but what they might not realize is just how brutal that form of capital punishment actually was. Diving into research by historians and scientists, author Chris Pennington unpacks what happened to Jesus’ body as he hung on the cross, before tackling an even deeper question: why was it so brutal? Though it might be uncomfortable, the more we understand about Jesus’ death, the more we learn about God and ourselves. 

Read the full-length article here. 

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Just days before he would be arrested and killed, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Crowds gathered around him, singing praises, waving palm branches, and dropping their cloaks in the road. From our modern perspective, it all seems a bit odd. Why a donkey instead of a horse? Why palm branches, specifically? What’s with the stripping? In this article, author Caleb Mathis dives deeply into the events of Palm Sunday, explaining their symbolism and significance before pointing us to the same question the crowd was forced to consider that fateful day: who is Jesus, really?

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On the night Jesus was betrayed, all of his closest friends ran—including Peter, who claimed he’d never leave Jesus’ side, and Judas, the man who betrayed him. Both men had made colossal mistakes, but it was what they did afterward that set the course for the rest of their lives. Judas gave up hope, while Peter ran back to Jesus as quickly as possible. In return for his denial, Jesus did something completely unexpected: he cooked Peter up some breakfast. It is a stunning example of God’s grace, the same grace available to us today. 

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Among world faiths, Christianity stands out. It claims that God—despite being eternal and all-powerful—actually died. How is that even possible? And what does it mean? Author, Scott Dill, tackles these questions with his trademark wit and care, explaining how Jesus, even though he was God, could die, and why His resurrection still holds power for us today. 

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The Bible describes the devil as a “roaring lion, seeking someone to destroy.” This got author Caleb Mathis thinking—what are you supposed to do if you encounter a lion in the wild? The answer to that question, it turns out, also serves as great spiritual advice as well. In this article, Caleb unpacks the three steps to take whenever you face any lion, physical or spiritual: (1) Stand your ground, (2) Make yourself loud, and (3) Never run. 

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When author Catie Castleman felt like God was prompting her to fast—going without food for a period of time to focus on prayer and spiritual growth—she ignored it. It sounded too hard, too exhausting, and too complicated. But God was persistent, and when she finally jumped in with both feet, she discovered this ancient practice added much more to her life than it took away. In this practical and accessible article, Catie shares her own journey, 8 tips she learned along the way, and her own fasting timeline. If you’ve considered fasting but felt overwhelmed at the idea, this is the place to start. 

Read the full-length article here.

Find more articles from Catie Castleman here.

Read Vanessa Parson’s article, “What Are The Types of Spiritual Fasting?” here.

Listen to Chuck Mingo’s teaching, “The Life Changing Power of Prayer and Fasting,” here.

During Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, many Christian traditions choose to abstain from meat on Fridays. Where did this tradition come from—and more importantly, does the Bible command it? In this article, author Chris Pennington provides historical context and perspective on that question… and other pressing ones, like “Does Taco Bell really count as meat?” 

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Kristie wasn’t sure what she was getting into when she signed up for her first GO Trip in 2015—but on the ground in South Africa, something inside her changed. She has since participated in two more mission trips alongside her family, traveling to Nicaragua and Puerto Rico to engage the local culture, lend a helping hand, and experience God in new and profound ways. From her own experience, Kristie shares three tips for making the most of your mission trip. If you’re still considering whether it’s right for you, Kristie has one piece of advice: GO!

Find out more about Crossroads GO Trips here. 

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Find more articles from Kristie Sheanshang here.

Let’s be honest, fasting—abstaining from food (or anything else)—isn’t fun. But it can be a huge shot in the arm to personal growth, dependence on God, and spiritual breakthrough. After trying fasting for the first time, author Vanessa Parsons experienced such intimacy with God that she has made it a regular spiritual practice in her life. In her article, Vanessa explores what the Bible teaches about fasting, the different types of spiritual fasts, and how it’s transformed her perspective. 

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When you’re caught in the cycle of pornography, it can feel impossible to find freedom—but there is hope. In this article, author Caleb Mathis sits down to interview his friend, Sean, who at the time of writing was about 6 months clean from porn addiction. Sean shares his wins, losses, and the practical decisions he made to find freedom. Getting out of the grip of porn is a battle, but it’s one you can win. 

Access more resources to break free from porn here.

Read the full length article here.

Find more articles from Caleb Mathis here.