Crossroads YTH Podcast

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)