Crossroads YTH Podcast

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)