The Locker Room

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...

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...

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 silen...

We sit down with Sam Sterk (vice-chair of Crossroads Elder Board) as we dive into the often difficult topic of forgiveness, Using the powerful story in Genesis 50 as our backdrop, we look at Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers and how it offers profound insights into the challenges of forgiveness and the healing power it can bring. But we don’t stop there. We take a step back to explore the...

We sit down with Jason Botbyl and Jamie Bartlett as we explore the powerful themes of grief and faith found in Genesis 48 and 49. As Jacob prepares to bless his sons and share his final words, we witness a profound journey of loss, remembrance, and hope. How did Jacob confront the sorrow of his life and the painful separation from his beloved son Joseph? How did his faith sustain him through these...

We sit down with pastor and author AJ Sherill to talk about Advent and his new book Rediscovering Christmas. Are you tired of feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and empty during the holiday season? Instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, are you ready to slow down, catch your breath, and rediscover the true beauty of Christmas? This captivating collection of readings explores the inter...

We sit down with Crossroads Staff members Stephanie Teslaa, and Jason Botbyl to dive into Genesis 45 and explore one of the most powerful moments of reconciliation in the Bible—Joseph being reunited with his brothers after years of separation. After suffering betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph’s journey comes full circle as he forgives his brothers, revealing his identity to the...

We sit down with longtime Crossroads member Ashlea Russ as we explore the powerful theme of repentance in Genesis 42-44. As Joseph’s brothers (more specifically Judah) face the fallout from their past actions, we watch their guilt turn into genuine remorse and a desire to make things right. From their first encounter with Joseph in Egypt to their emotional confessions, these chapters show us the m...

We sit down with Tracy Groot and RJ Alicea (Worship Pastor) as we dive into Genesis chapters 40 and 41, exploring the themes of disappointment and unmet expectations through the lens of Joseph’s journey. Joseph, once favored and dream-filled, finds himself in a pit of despair, forgotten in prison despite his hopes for liberation. We’ll unpack how Joseph’s resilience and faith in God shape his resp...

We sit down to unpack Genesis 39 and the themes of integrity, holiness, resilience, and the complexities of temptation. We'll discuss Joseph's rise to prominence despite his circumstances, the challenges he faces from Potiphar's wife, and the lessons about faith and character. Tune in for a deep dive into how Joseph's journey resonates with our own struggles and the importance of facing temptation...

We sit down with a couple of our young adults as we dive into the complex story of Judah and Tamar from Genesis 38. On the surface, it’s an account of deception, betrayal, and scandal, but beneath the surface, we uncover profound themes of justice, redemption, and God's sovereign plans working through flawed human lives. We'll explore Judah's moral failings, Tamar’s bold actions, and the surprisin...

In this conversation, we sit down with Coach Mike Swider, former head coach of the Wheaton College Thunder football team, to discuss the powerful intersection of building a winning football culture and glorifying Jesus in the process. Coach Swider is a respected figure in college football, having spent over two decades as the head coach at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Serving from 1997 to...

We sit down with Tina Watschke as we dive into the rich narrative of Genesis 37, where we encounter the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, whose coat of many colors becomes a symbol of both love and jealousy. We explore the dynamics of sibling rivalry, the first seeds of conflict between Joseph and his brothers, and the dreams that set the stage for a dramatic turn in his life. What can we...

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 th...

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 orig...

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: R...

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 disci...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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 inter...

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 pol...

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 l...

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...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, we explore Ephesians 5:15-20, where the Apostle Paul offers profound insights into living a life that reflects wisdom and gratitude. Join us as we unpack these powerful verses, which guide us in making the most of our time, avoiding foolishness, and being filled with the Spirit. Preacher: Erik Veker Passage: Ephesians 5:15-21 Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CLICK HERE Resources...

We sit down with Tim Bassett ( Student Ministries Pastor ), and Abby Loomans ( Women's Communication & Event Coordinator) for a sermon-follow up of Sunday's message. This episode explores the powerful message of living as children of light, inspired by the Apostle Paul's words. We unpack what it means to walk in love, reflect Christ’s light in a world filled with darkness, and embr...