The Reality Is
Welcome to "The Reality Is," a podcast where the pastors of Crossroads Community Church gather to discuss the practical application of biblical principles in our daily lives. Join us as we explore how faith can guide us through the challenges and triumphs of real life. Whether it's relationships, work, or personal growth, we're here to help you live out your faith meaningfully. This podcast's premise is about how to apply biblical principles to our everyday lives. Tune in for insightful conversations that inspire and empower you to pursue Christ with every moment of your life.
Available on all major audio podcast platforms and YouTube.
Episodes
52 episodes
The Pet Sin Problem: What Are You Still Holding On To?
In this episode, Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard explore the deeply personal issue of “pet sins”—those sins we justify, excuse, or quietly enjoy while claiming to walk in righteousness. From gossip and grudges to discontentment and blame, they b...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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42:19
Breaking Free from Isolation
Isolation may feel safe, but it can be spiritually dangerous. This week, Pastors Richard and Joey discuss the effects of isolation on faith, how discouragement thrives in loneliness, and why the Bible calls believers to be part of a community. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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40:18
The DNA of a Christian Role Model
The company we keep shapes who we become. In this insightful discussion, Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard examine how to identify godly role models who prioritize prayer, scripture, and discipleship. They also challenge listeners to become the ki...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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44:45
The Danger of Drifting
Just like drifting in the ocean, we can slowly and unknowingly drift away from God. Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard break down how small compromises lead to spiritual distance and offer practical ways to stay anchored in faith. Discover how acco...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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41:02
Creative Ways to Disciple in Everyday Life
Discipleship doesn’t have to be limited to a classroom. Whether fishing, having coffee, or simply spending time together, discipleship happens in everyday moments. Join us as we share practical, creative ways to disciple others and live out the...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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40:22
Love, Laughter, and Lessons | Part II
Marriage is full of ups and downs, but faith makes all the difference. Pastor Richard and Joy open up about their journey—the lessons, the laughs, and the challenges that made them stronger. Their wisdom will encourage and inspire anyone seekin...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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59:53
Love, Laughter, and Lessons | Part 1
After 41 years, Pastor Richard and his wife, Joy, have learned what it takes to make a marriage thrive. From learning each other's triggers to embracing each other's quirks, they share how God has shaped their relationship through the years. Tu...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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38:56
Do You Have the Right People in Your Life?
Not all friendships are created equal. Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard break down what makes a true Christian friend and why it matters. They discuss how our relationships impact our spiritual growth, why we need friends who pray for us, and how...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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39:22
How Your Life Preaches the Gospel
People may not always listen to what you say, but they will watch how you live. In this thought-provoking episode, Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard discuss the importance of integrity, consistency, and intentionality in sharing Christ. They also ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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37:05
Living Beyond Sunday Morning
What does your Monday faith look like? In this episode, Pastors Joey and Richard challenge listeners to align their daily lives with their proclaimed beliefs, ensuring that worship becomes a lifestyle rather than a weekend event.
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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48:00
The Five Relationships Every Christian Needs
In this episode of The Reality Is, Pastors Joey and Richard explore the five key relationships every believer should cultivate. From the guidance of a "Paul" to the encouragement of a "Barnabas" and the discipleship of a "Timothy," the...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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46:04
A New Year's Call to Leave the Past Behind
In this episode, Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard discuss the importance of leaving the past behind, whether it’s past failures or successes, and focusing on God’s purpose for the future. Learn how to overcome regret, embrace grace, and move forw...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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48:00
Finding Your Passion for God Again
If your faith feels distant, this episode is for you. Joey and Richard talk about how to bring your relationship with God back to life by making simple changes and trusting His plan.
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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45:40
Finding God’s Will Beyond Personal Desires
This episode addresses the difficulty of setting aside self-driven ambitions in favor of God’s direction. Pastors Joey and Richard talk about letting go of preferences to follow where God leads, even if it challenges comfort zones. They provide...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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42:49
Managing Anger God’s Way
In this episode, Pastors Joey and Richard explore anger from a biblical standpoint, clarifying the often misunderstood concept of righteous indignation versus sinful anger. They offer practical advice on recognizing when anger reflects God’s ju...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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49:16
The Toxic Trap
Pastors Joey and Richard open up about the pitfalls of people-pleasing, especially when it makes us vulnerable to toxic relationships. They share their own experiences and offer tips on how to prioritize God’s will over trying to keep everyone ...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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54:26
Faith Beyond Understanding
What does it mean to truly trust in God, even when life takes unexpected and painful turns? This episode dives into the nature of faith and why we can confidently trust that God’s plan, though sometimes hidden, is always working for our good. P...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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57:01
Restoring Joy
In this episode, Pastors Joey and Richard explore the key reasons why many believers struggle to experience the joy God intends for them. They identify several "joy killers," including unresolved conflict, difficult relationships, misplaced pri...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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53:17
What’s Stealing Your Peace?
Many Christians struggle with maintaining their joy. Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard identify the major “joy killers” that rob believers of their peace, such as neglecting time with God and having an ungrateful attitude. Learn practical ways to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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49:00
Cultural Christianity vs. Authentic Faith
The episode touches on how many people, including influential figures, try to blend secularism with Christianity, creating a diluted version of faith. The pastors argue that this compromises the truth of the gospel, stressing the importance of ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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42:27
The God of Hope
What does it mean to find hope in God, especially in uncertain times? Pastor Richard and Pastor Joey look at Romans 15:13, reminding listeners that God fills us with hope and joy through the Holy Spirit. Whether in personal struggles or global ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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54:13
Faith Over Fear
Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard unpack the importance of prioritizing faith over fear. With personal reflections and scripture, they highlight how fear can stem from being overly attached to earthly things, and the significance of fully trusting...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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55:18
Real Peace vs. Worldly Peace
Are we allowing the pressures of the world to dictate our peace, or are we standing firm in the peace Christ has promised? Pastor Joey and Pastor Richard discuss how real peace, rooted in a relationship with Christ, differs from the fleeting pe...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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49:48
Biblical Illiteracy: Why Personal Devotion Matters
In this Season 2 opener, the pastors tackle the issue of biblical illiteracy and why personal devotion is vital for every Christian. They discuss the dangers of neglecting God’s Word and how regular devotion helps believers stay rooted in scrip...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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50:02