The Locker Room

In this episode of The Locker Room, we unpack the powerful themes found in the Book of Ruth, exploring how God meets us in our emptiness and redeems our brokenness. Through rich discussion, they highlight the significance of sacred rhythms, the meaning of biblical feasts like Pentecost, and the concept of the "whole Megillah." The conversation moves through the four key scenes of Ruth—emptiness, family, provision, and redemption—showing how each reveals God’s faithfulness. They also reflect on Naomi’s transformation, Ruth’s bold faith, and Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer, drawing parallels to Jesus. Ultimately, this episode is a call to trust God in seasons of lack, to live into our identity in Christ, and to participate in His ongoing story of redemption.Preacher: Jason BotbylPassage: Ruth 1-4Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we step into the sacred rhythms of Scripture to uncover the rich meaning behind Pentecost, or Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks. Far more than a date on the calendar or a historical church event, Pentecost is a divine appointment — one of God’s moedim, sacred times designed not only to remember but to participate in His unfolding story.Why were Jews from every corner of the known world in Jerusalem in Acts 2? Why did the Spirit fall then, and what did it all mean?We trace the roots of Pentecost from Deuteronomy 16, exploring how the early believers didn’t just attend a feast — they became part of God’s story. These feasts weren’t man-made traditions; they were God-ordained rehearsals of redemption, relationship, and the restoration of all things.We talk about how harvests, and holy days all pointed to something greater — and how we can recover sacred rhythms in our modern, distracted lives.Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaPassage: Deuteronomy 16, Leveticus 23Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode kicking off our Promise of Pentecost series, we explore the truth that God didn’t just rescue His people from slavery—He brought them to Himself. From Exodus 19 to Acts 2, we trace the storyline of a God who is both deeply loving and utterly holy. His love calls us close; His holiness reminds us we cannot come casually. And yet, He makes a way. Through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to be His treasured possession—a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. But intimacy requires consecration. Are we preparing our hearts to meet this God? Join us as we reflect on what it means to be set apart, filled with the Spirit, and transformed from the inside out—not just saved from something, but saved for  Someone.

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”The same basic principle applies to missions work. Too many churches and other missions organizations over-emphasize Relief Aid―no-strings-attached, handouts of vital supplies given in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. While necessary and lifesaving, Relief Aid is only a temporary fix. Once the funds dry up and the ground team leaves, the impoverished community is often no better off than they were before.In Teach a Man to Fish, the authors illustrate the benefits of “wholistic transformational development,” where―through engagement with the local church― the community is empowered to identify and carry out long-term sustainable solutions to meet its own needs.Florence Muindi, MD, MPH, is the founder and president of Life in Abundance International, a faith-based nonprofit headquartered in Nairobi Kenya, that serves the poor and the vulnerable through partnerships with local indigenous churches.

In this episode we sit down with our new Resident College Pastor Jackson Brown and Middle School Director Cayden Kregel to discuss the Road to Emmaus story from Luke's gospel. In a world marked by quiet desperation, disappointment, and confusion, the Emmaus Road story offers a picture of what it means to find hope again. We explore how the resurrection of Jesus reframes our lives, giving us more than just comfort — it gives us a new framework to understand who we are, why we’re here, and where we’re going.We’ll talk about the weight of a life without purpose, the problem of sin and death, and why the resurrection is the anti-venom to the world’s pain. If Jesus really rose, then everything changes — not just in the end, but here and now. Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaPassage: Luke 24:13-32Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Questions for The Locker Room?email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

How do you define the Kingdom of God? In Luke 13, Jesus doesn’t offer a tidy definition—He gives us two surprising images: a tiny mustard seed and a hidden bit of leaven. In this episode, we dig into the earthy, upside-down, and unstoppable nature of God’s Kingdom. It begins in the smallest, humblest places—a barren womb, a poor village, a crucified King—and yet it grows into something expansive and eternal.We’ll explore how this Kingdom is not about power the way the world defines it. It’s about extravagant generosity, radical surrender, and hidden transformation. It's not a system, a nation, or a Sunday service—it's the presence of a King who is remaking the world from the bottom up. And the question that cuts through all of it: Is Jesus your King?

In this week’s episode, we dive into the Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders and explore what it means to set your foundation of your life on Jesus and obeying his teaching. We’ll discuss the importance of true obedience, digging deep, the importance of chaverim, and more.Preacher: Jason BotbylPassage: Luke 6:47-49Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Questions for The Locker Room?email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

In this thought-provoking 1-week "Crossroads U" class, we dive deep into the Bible, examining its content through the lens of archaeology and historical context. By exploring the physical and cultural backdrop of the scriptures, we uncover fascinating surprises that offer fresh perspectives, especially on the life of Jesus during the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.Through archaeological discoveries and historical records, we can trace the locations where Jesus lived, taught, and carried out His ministry—without requiring a leap of faith. These tangible, historical facts help confirm that Jesus was a real historical figure and provide a richer understanding of the world He walked in.However, while we can confidently assert the reality of His existence and the key events of His life, faith becomes crucial when it comes to understanding the deeper significance of those events. It is through faith that we come to believe in the divine nature of Jesus and embrace His teachings and sacrifice. This elective doesn’t just highlight the historical Jesus; it challenges us to reflect on who He claimed to be and what His life and resurrection mean for us today.Join us as we uncover the historical and archaeological context behind Jesus' final days and explore the intersection of faith, history, and the profound impact of His life. Whether you’re a believer or simply curious about the historical Jesus, this class offers compelling insights that will deepen your faith and understanding.SIGN UP HERE: The Chronology and Coins of Christ: Passion Week

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Bartlett, Director of Crossroads Adoption and Foster Care, and Stephanie Teslaa, Community Care Pastor, to dive into the message of Matthew 21, where Jesus challenges empty religiosity and calls for true repentance. Together, we explore how outward religious actions can sometimes obscure genuine heart change and discuss how, in both our marriages and service to the least of these, we are called to draw from a deeper, God-centered source.This conversation emphasizes how true transformation in our relationships and ministries comes from cultivating a deeper connection with God, allowing Him to shape our hearts and actions in a way that truly reflects His love and grace.Contact Stephanie for the marriage retreat audio: steslaa@crossroads-bible.orgMarriage CurriculumConnect with Jamie to learn more about serving in our foster care and adoption ministry:jbartlett@crossroads-bible.orgCarePortal Sign-Up Link

We sit down with Rod and Libby as we dive deep into the journey of becoming and making disciples, exploring the powerful invitation Jesus gives to His followers: "Come" and "Go." Jesus' first words to His disciples invite them to come and follow Him, but His last command sends them out to make disciples of all nations. But here's the key—before we can go, we must first come and be trained.Discipleship isn't just a set of teachings; it's a transformative relationship where we become just like the rabbi in every area of our lives. Yet in America, we've missed an essential piece: the role of the rabbi. A rabbi is not just a spiritual peer—just as a coach isn't a player, or a parent isn't a child, a rabbi isn't just one of the sheep. They guide and train, preparing disciples to live out their calling.So, who is your rabbi? Who is training you to walk in Jesus' footsteps? And are you training others in turn? Discipleship doesn’t just happen in church—it happens in our daily lives, in the spaces where we work, parent, and live. It’s about living out faith in the everyday, and actively discipling those around us.As we explore the Hebrew word for "come," which can be plural, we discover that this invitation is not just for you—it’s for all y’all. Discipleship isn’t a solo mission. It’s a community effort, a group of Havarim—fellow followers of Jesus, united in mission under the guidance of a rabbi.Are you discipling others? If you can't name names, this episode will challenge you to reconsider how you are living out the Great Commission.