Did God command rape? Does the Bible defend slavery? Did Jesus contradict Himself about how long He would be in the grave?

In this episode of Cross Culture, we take on three of the most difficult and controversial passages critics often use to attack the Bible:

• Deuteronomy 22:27–29 — Did God force a rape victim to marry her attacker?
• Exodus 21:20–21 — Does Scripture endorse abusive slavery?
• Matthew 12:40 — Did Jesus get the “three days and three nights” wrong?

We don’t dodge hard texts. We open them.

Together, we examine historical context, Hebrew law, ancient Near Eastern culture, and first-century Jewish time reckoning to uncover what these passages actually say — and what they don’t.

If you’ve ever wrestled with whether the Bible is morally consistent, historically coherent, or intellectually defensible, this conversation is for you.

Christian faith does not fear scrutiny. Truth stands up to examination.

🎙️ Listen to more Cross Culture episodes here:
https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cross-culture-podcast/

#Apologetics #BibleDifficulties #ChristianFaith #CrossCulture #HardQuestions #Resurrection #OldTestament #NewTestament

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Bible stories often have layers we miss when we only read them on the surface.
In this episode, we dive deeper into familiar passages of Scripture to uncover their theological, symbolic, and Christ-centered meaning.

Using sound hermeneutics, biblical context, and Scripture-interpreting-Scripture, we explore how God’s Word consistently reveals His character, His plan, and His grace—often in ways we were never taught.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s more going on in the Bible than you’ve been told, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast here:
👉 https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cro...

📖 Topics include:
• Hidden meaning in familiar Bible stories
• How context changes interpretation
• Christ throughout Scripture
• Why surface-level reading misses the point

👉 Subscribe for more biblical depth, theology, and truth.

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Many people know the stories of the Bible—but far fewer understand what they’re really saying.

In this episode of Cross Culture, we go beyond surface-level readings to uncover the deeper meaning woven into familiar biblical narratives. These stories aren’t random moral lessons or isolated events; they follow intentional patterns that reveal God’s purpose, human nature, and ultimately point us toward something much greater.

By slowing down and reading Scripture the way it was meant to be read, we begin to see connections, themes, and truths that are often missed in modern Bible teaching.

If you’ve ever felt like there had to be more beneath the stories you grew up hearing—this conversation is for you.

🔗 Visit the Cross Culture Podcast: https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cro...

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What does Christianity really teach about sexuality and relationships?
In this episode of Cross Culture, we dive into one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics of our time. What does God’s Word say about love, sex, identity, and commitment? How do followers of Jesus live out truth and grace in a culture that defines sexuality so differently?

Join us as we explore Scripture, challenge cultural narratives, and uncover a deeper vision for relationships rooted in Christ.

📖 Watch. Reflect. Share.

#CrossCulturePodcast #FaithAndCulture #Christianity #Relationships #Sexuality #BiblicalTruth

VISIT OUR WEBSITE ➡️ : https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cro...

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🎙️ Cross Culture Podcast | Episode: “Why Truth Matters for the Christian”

In a world where “your truth” often replaces the truth, Christians must remember that truth is not a feeling — it’s a Person.
This episode dives deep into why truth matters, how it is rooted in the very nature of God, and the spiritual danger of spreading or believing lies.

We’ll explore:
✅ How Scripture defines truth as absolute and unchanging
✅ Why Christians must love truth, even when it’s uncomfortable
✅ How deception erodes faith and damages witness
✅ The call to live truthfully in a culture of confusion

Truth isn’t just an idea — it’s the foundation of the Gospel itself.
Join us as we uncover why standing for truth isn’t optional for followers of Jesus.

📖 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” – John 17:17

🔗 Listen, subscribe, and explore more episodes at:
👉 EastsideChurchOfChrist.us/cross-culture-podcast/

#CrossCulturePodcast #ChristianApologetics #TruthMatters #JesusIsTheTruth #FaithAndCulture #EastsideChurchOfChrist

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Do you really need to go to church to be a Christian?

A lot of people today say, “I love Jesus, but I don’t need the church.” But that question reveals a deeper misunderstanding—not about attendance, but about what the Church actually is.

In this episode of the Cross Culture Podcast, we break down why:
• The Church isn’t a building—it’s the family of God
• The Church isn’t optional—it’s the body of Christ
• You don’t need the Church to become a Christian, but you do need the Church to learn how to live like one

We explore powerful biblical imagery that reframes the conversation—comparing a Christian without the Church to an athlete without a team, or a coal removed from the fire. Christianity was never designed to be lived in isolation.

Whether you’re skeptical, deconstructing, burned by church hurt, or simply asking honest questions—this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Watch. Think. Engage the culture with truth.

👉 Learn more about Cross Culture & watch past episodes:
https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cro...

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Is Christmas actually pagan — or is that just an internet myth?

Every year, the claim resurfaces: “Christians borrowed Christmas from pagan festivals like Saturnalia or Sol Invictus.” But is that claim grounded in real history… or modern misinformation?

In this Cross Culture Christmas special, we examine the historical evidence, early Christian sources, and popular arguments used to label Christmas as pagan. We separate fact from fiction and ask an honest question:
👉 What does history actually say?

This episode isn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake — it’s about truth. Whether you’re a Christian, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation challenges viral talking points and digs into what scholars, historians, and early church records really show.

🎄 Topics include:
 • Was Christmas borrowed from pagan festivals?
 • Did Saturnalia or Sol Invictus influence December 25?
 • Why this argument keeps resurfacing today

💬 Join the conversation:
Do you think Christmas is pagan — or have you heard this claim before? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

📍 Explore more Cross Culture content:
👉 https://eastsidechurchofchrist.us/cro...

👍 If this episode helped you, like, share, and subscribe for more cultural apologetics and honest Christian conversations.

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In this episode of Cross Culture, we sat down with House of Hope leader Terry Raibley to hear his story of faith and how he found Jesus. We also learn more about what the house of hope is, why it’s important, and how to support it. 

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Joseph’s story isn’t just an ancient narrative—it’s a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus and a reminder of how God works in the middle of betrayal, suffering, and redemption. In this episode of *Cross Culture*, we explore how Joseph’s life points directly to Christ and why his example still speaks into the struggles and questions of our culture today.

🔗 Connect with us:
📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/crossculture.pod/](https://www.instagram.com/crossculture.pod/)

🎧 Listen on Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/3UD8ANXjDmo9apZkuglN0U](https://open.spotify.com/show/3UD8ANXjDmo9apZkuglN0U)

🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cross-culture/id1670015104](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cross-culture/id1670015104)

If Joseph’s story points you closer to Jesus, don’t forget to **like, comment, and subscribe**—and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today.

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Is Jesus really the only way to heaven? In this video, we explore that powerful and controversial question from a Christian perspective. We take a close look at Jesus’ exclusive claims—like when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)—and what that means in a world filled with many beliefs and worldviews. At the same time, we highlight the radically inclusive invitation of the gospel: that anyone, from anywhere, regardless of background or past, is welcome to receive God’s grace through Jesus. This video offers both challenge and hope as it unpacks why Christians believe Jesus is not just a way, but the way to eternal life.

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