

The Locker Room
Crossroads Bible Church
Breaking down sermons, stories, and Scripture to prepare Crossroads and beyond for the race of our faith.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep. 73 - Impact Middle East ft. Hany Salah, Joe Sindorf, Scott Gustafson, Tryg Veker
We sit down to talk with Hany Salah who is a pastor in Iraq, and partner of Crossroads through Impact Middle East to discuss what God is doing amidst the tumult and war in the region.
Joining God on His mission to redeem, reconcile, and restore all creation, Impact Middle East empowers national leaders to holistically proclaim the grace and truth of Jesus in word and deed and embody the hope of the gospel through creative strategies that best fit their contexts. I.M.E. plants reproducing communities of faith in the Middle East that live in winsome contrast to the world and bear witness to the Kingdom of God.

Oct 3, 2024 • 34min
Ep. 72 - Savoring Scripture Preview & The Significance of the Desert ft. Dr. Andrew Abernethy, Sheryl Langerak, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down to preview this week's "Crossroads U" Elective with Dr. Andrew Abernethy (Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College).
Sign Up HERE
In this 3 week elective, we will explore how to read the Bible better. Drawing from his experience training students to study the Bible, Andrew Abernethy provides a holistic method that helps readers listen carefully to what God was saying to the original audience and what God is saying to us today.
He will guide learners using interpreting biblical genres, factoring in historical backgrounds, reading each passage in context, tracing the redemptive storyline of Scripture, and more to encounter God and be shaped by the Word as we savor its richness.
This class will run October 6th, 13th, and 20th at 8:45 am in the Upper Room.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 19min
Ep. 71 - Bury Your Idols ft. Cayden Kregel, Libby VanSolkema, Rod VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down to discuss the theme of idolatry as depicted in Genesis 35. As Jacob and his family journey to Bethel, they confront the remnants of their past, including the foreign gods that have infiltrated their lives. We’ll examine the significance of Jacob’s call to his household to put away these idols and what this act symbolizes in terms of spiritual renewal and commitment to God.
Preacher: Rod VanSolkema
Passage: Genesis 35-36
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE
Questions for The Locker Room?
email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep. 70 - What is a Disciple? ft. Jeff Vanderstelt, Rod VanSolkema, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
Today we sit down and chat about the topic of being a disciple with Jeff Vanderstelt. Crossroads Bible Church celebrated its 20th-anniversary last year, and we continue to be dedicated to our mission of being a church of disciples who make disciples. As we reaffirm our commitment to this vision, we are excited to partner with Jeff Vanderstelt. While there’s no substitute for the hard work of disciple-making, we find joy in knowing we are secure in our relationship with Jesus.
Jeff has a rich background as a pastor and is currently the leader of Saturate, where he dedicates his time to training disciples of Jesus to multiply their faith and equipping the Church for gospel-centered, missional living. Jeff lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife Jayne and their three children: Haylee, Caleb, and Maggie.
Preacher: Jeff Vanderstelt
Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE
Questions for The Locker Room?
email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 69 - Vengeance or Justice? ft. Sara Krieg, Brittany Riva, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down to explore Genesis 34 and the Dinah debacle. What happens when we or someone we love has been sinned against grievously? What should we do and how do we respond? We dive into the differences between justice and vengeance and how our feelings aren't always the greatest barometer for measuring our righteousness.
Preacher: Tryg Veker
Passage: Genesis 34
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE
Questions for The Locker Room?
email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org

Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 68 - Wrestling with God ft. Brian Medaglia, Jen Schmid, Rod VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down with Brian Medaglia (Community Life Pastor) and Jen Schmid (Community Groups Associate Director) to chat about Jacob's fateful night wrestling with God, and how our pain often meets God's purposes. What does this wrestling match signify about Jacob's journey and his relationship with God? How does this story reflect broader themes of struggle, identity, and divine intervention? We’ll discuss the historical and theological perspectives, and consider how this ancient story resonates with contemporary spiritual struggles.
For more information about getting connected to community at Crossroads, click HERE.
Preacher: Rod VanSolkema
Passage: Genesis 32-33
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 67 - Thrive: Spiritual Formation in an Age of Polarization ft. Scott Gustafson, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker, Quinn Humphrey
Do you want to know more about how to stay grounded in your faith in the chaos of our 24/7 media cycle, and polarizing politics?
In this 2 week elective with Dr. Scott Gustafson, we will explore the stories and liturgies that shape us in this polarizing cultural moment and discuss the politics of the Kingdom. How can we be spiritually formed after the pattern of Jesus and resist the polarizing politics, idolatries, and ideologies swirling around us? We will draw upon church history, geek out a little on theology and philosophy, and discuss practical resources for thriving in the Jesus way and embodying "The City on a Hill" in our challenging times.
To attend this elective:
SIGN UP HERE

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep. 66 - Spiritual Warfare & The Armor of God ft. Jason Botbyl, Rod VanSolkema, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down with Jason Botbyl (Pastor of Multiplication) to talk about Paul's conclusion of his letter to the Ephesian church. As Christians, we are in a war. Even though we may rarely think about it, and at times hardly notice it, we must be aware of it. We break down what it means to stand in the face of spiritual battles every day, and how God has equipped us to handle them. Think of it like gearing up for a fight—only this time, with truth, faith, righteousness, and the Word of God as your protection and weaponry. We’ll take a fresh look at Ephesians 6 and how the Armor of God can help you stay strong, grounded, and victorious in your faith journey.
Preacher: Jason Botbyl
Passage: Ephesians 6:10-24
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 21min
Ep. 65 - From Home to Workplace: Faithful Living for Families, Bosses, and Employees ft. Matt Kenney, Rod VanSolkema, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
In this episode, we delve into Ephesians 6:1-9 with Matt Kenney (Adult & Family Ministries Pastor), where Paul addresses the crucial relationships between children, parents, and servants. We explore the call for children to honor and obey their parents, the responsibilities of parents to raise their children in the Lord, and how these principles extend to our work and service today. Whether you’re a parent, a child, or someone navigating their daily work life, these verses offer timeless guidance on how to live out our faith with integrity, respect, and a servant's heart. Join us as we unpack these teachings and discuss their relevance in our modern lives.
Preacher: Rod VanSolkema
Passage: Ephesians 6:1-9
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 28min
Ep. 64 - The Profound Mystery of Marriage ft. Mark Teslaa, Stephanie Teslaa, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
In this episode, we unpack the wonderful mystery of marriage in all of its explosive beauty and difficulties. We explore Paul's comparison of the relationship between husband and wife to that of Christ and the Church and what that metaphor teaches us about sacrificial love, mutual respect, and submission in marriage.
Preacher: Tryg Veker
Passage: Ephesians 5:22-33
Sermon Link: CLICK HERE