The Locker Room

In this pre-recorded episode, we sit down with Dr. Brad Young to talk about the purpose of the parables in their original context and how it affects how we apply them to their lives today. Professor Brad Young is a scholar and theologian specializing in biblical studies, particularly in the area of Jewish background of the New Testament and early Christianity. He has contributed significantly to understanding the historical and cultural context in which Jesus and the apostles lived and taught.

Kellie and Ryan Hannah have grown up, been married, raised a family, and are now being sent out by Crossroads to pursue their calling of providing biblical counseling to missionaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We chat about their life, and how God is using their story to now impact others. We also discuss the sermon from this week on the parables of the Treasure Hidden in a Field and the Pearl of Great Price. Ryan & Kellie's blog where you can subscribe for updates and prayer requests:https://the-hannah-family.epistle.org/subscribe Learn more ways to partner with Ryan & Kellie financially and in prayer:https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/ryan-and-kellie-hannah

In this episode, we sit down with our Jewish friend, David Nekrutman, to dive into the meaning and significance of Sabbath. Together, we explore questions like: What is Sabbath? Who is it for? And how can we incorporate it into our lives? We’re also joined by Emilie Wierda, a Christian who has embraced a weekly 24-hour pause. Emilie shares what the practice has meant to her, and the transformative impact it has had on her life.

As Right to Life Sunday approaches, we sit down with Jim Sprague and Kim VanSolkema to hear Barb Holtzman courageously share her powerful story of healing, hope, and the transformative new creation made possible through the blood-bought gospel of Jesus Christ. We also engage the very important question: is the church a house of refuge? https://deeperstill.org https://prcforlife.org https://www.lifeinternational.com

Join us as we sit down with Tina Watschke and dive into John 1:1-14. We talk a bit about how John differs from the Synoptic Gospels, how the language points to Genesis, how familiarity can breed unfamiliarity around the Christmas story, general vs. specific revelation, and more. Happy New Year and we're looking forward to what God will do in 2025!

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Klyne Snodgrass, a prominent New Testament scholar famous for his book on Jesus' parables, illuminates the purpose and power of storytelling. He explains how parables function as prophetic tools that provoke thought and inspire action. From the parable of the Good Samaritan to the Prodigal Son, Klyne discusses how these stories reveal deep insights about the Kingdom of God and human nature. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context and suggests ways to apply these timeless lessons today.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime Crossroads member Dr. Brad Bengtson to dive deep into the chronology of the birth of Christ. Can we know the exact date of Jesus' birth? Does it even matter? Together, we explore these questions and more, uncovering fascinating insights about the prophetic announcement of Christ’s arrival and the historical events unfolding at that time. Dr. Bengtson takes us through the cultural and historical backdrop of the nativity story, shedding light on the significance of key moments, figures, and prophecies that set the stage for the birth of the Savior. From the Roman census to the timing of the star of Bethlehem, we examine how these details fit into the larger narrative of God’s plan. Check out Crossroads U classes: HERE

In this episode, we dive into Luke 2:8-20. Often overlooked, the shepherds were the first to hear the message of Jesus’ birth—the greatest announcement in history. We explore why these humble, lowly figures were chosen to receive God’s revelation, and what this means for how we view God's message and His priorities. The episode unpacks the revelation itself: the good news of the birth of a Savior in a humble manger, and the functional gospels in our life. We reflect on the significance of the shepherds’ response—not just to marvel at the message but to act on it by telling others the good news they received. Join us as we explore the deeper meanings behind this passage: Who are the recipients of God's message? How does God reveal Himself to us today? And how can we respond like the shepherds—by sharing the joy and hope of Christ’s birth with others? Preacher: Tryg Veker Passage: Luke 2:8-20 Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions for The Locker Room? email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

Neil Martin is a Pastor at Oxford Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Oxford, England. He is also the Director of B Less Oxford. He completed his DPhil in New Testament at the University of Oxford and is a member of the St. John Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He also previously served as a Pastor at our very own Crossroads Bible Church. Preacher: Neil Martin Passage: Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions for The Locker Room? email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

In this episode, we explore the Advent narrative of Zechariah and Elizabeth from Luke 1:5-22, focusing on the themes of faith versus religion, waiting versus instant gratification, and silence versus noise. Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite their deep religious devotion, struggle with the tension between outward faith and inward doubt, reminding us that true faith often grows in the spaces of silence and unanswered prayers. In a culture that demands immediate results, their long wait for a child challenges our desire for instant gratification, while Zechariah’s moment of divine silence—muted by God after his doubt—reveals how God’s quiet presence can be more profound than a world filled with noise and quick answers. This story invites us to reflect on how we navigate the quiet moments of our own faith journeys and the tension between our desires for immediate responses and the deeper growth that comes through patience. Preacher: Rod VanSolkema Passage: Luke 1:5-23 Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions for The Locker Room? email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org