

The Locker Room
Crossroads Bible Church
Breaking down sermons, stories, and Scripture to prepare Crossroads and beyond for the race of our faith.
Episodes
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Mar 26, 2026 • 54min
Ep. 158 - The Storm, The Mission, The Power ft. Rod VanSolkema, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down to unpack Acts 27 through three movements: the storm, the mission, and the power of God. The storm reveals what we actually trust: while others grasp for control, Paul stands anchored in a word from God. But the storm isn’t a detour; it’s part of the mission, as the gospel moves through chaos toward the “other side.” We also see that God’s power shows up not through strength, but through weakness, surrender, and dependence. What looks like disaster becomes the very place where God preserves life and extends grace to others. The invitation isn’t to escape the storm, but to become people who carry peace, purpose, and power through it.Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaText: Acts 27Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Mar 25, 2026 • 55min
Ep. 157 - Can History Pin Down Easter? ft. Dr. Brad Bengtson, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
What if we could actually trace the exact timeline of the most pivotal event in human history?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the death and resurrection of Jesus - not just through faith, but through history, archaeology, and the biblical witness. When did Jesus really die? Was it truly on a Friday? How do we account for the “three days and three nights”?Sign Up for the Class Here: Crossroads U: Journey Through Holy Week

Mar 22, 2026 • 1h 13min
Ep. 156 - The Anatomy of Christian Witness (Acts 26) ft. Kimberly Medaglia, Brent Becker, Sheryl Langerak, Tryg Veker
In Acts 26, Paul stands on trial, but instead of defending himself, he boldly shares his story. In this episode, we unpack the anatomy of a Christian witness through Paul’s powerful testimony before kings and governors. From verse 22, we see that the gospel is for everyone: both the high and the low, the powerful and the overlooked. We explore the simple yet transformative structure of Paul’s witness: who I was, how I encountered Jesus, and what Jesus does in a life surrendered to Him. Finally, we examine the two responses in the room: Festus’ outright ridicule and Agrippa’s passive resistance, and how those same reactions still show up today. Whether you’re learning to share your faith or simply wanting to understand it more deeply, this episode will help you see that your story, centered on Jesus, is one of the most powerful tools God uses to reach the world.Preacher: Tryg VekerText: Acts 26Sermon Link: HERE.

Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 5min
Ep. 155 - The Resurrection on Trial (Acts 24) ft. Tim Bassett, Shayla Bassett, Tryg Veker
We sit down with Tim and Shayla Bassett as we unpack Acts 24, where the apostle Paul the Apostle stands trial before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. What appears to be a legal defense quickly becomes something deeper: a confrontation the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As accusations fly and motives surface, Paul keeps pointing back to the hope that anchors the gospel: Christ is risen. In this conversation we zoom out to see how Paul’s trials fit into the bigger story unfolding in Acts of the Apostles, and we explore what it means to live today with resurrection confidence - seeking God’s verdict over human approval and recognizing the everyday opportunities God places in front of us to share the hope of the gospel. Preacher: Tim BassettText: Acts 24Sermon Link: HERE

Mar 5, 2026 • 56min
Ep. 154 - Courage in Chaos (Acts 22-23) ft. David Belanger, Brent Becker, Tryg Veker
We sit down with David Belanger and Community Life Pastor Brent Becker to chat about Acts 22-23. When obedience leads to conflict, how should Christians respond? In this episode, we walk through the dramatic events of Acts of the Apostles 22–23 as Paul the Apostle faces mob violence, legal pressure, and a deadly conspiracy. From invoking his Roman citizenship to confronting the Sanhedrin, Paul models how believers can navigate cultural chaos with wisdom, courage, and integrity. Most importantly, in Paul’s darkest moment, Jesus Christ draws near with a simple command: “Take courage.”Preacher: Brent BeckerText: Acts 22-23Sermon Link: HERE

Feb 26, 2026 • 1h 3min
Ep. 153 - Religion vs. The Gospel (Acts 22) ft. Brittany Riva, Molly Vedders, Tryg Veker
This week we sit down with WCSG Program Director Brittany Riva and Crossraods Student Ministries Director Molly Vedders to unpack Sunday’s sermon and explore why the gospel can feel so offensive- especially to those deeply rooted in religious systems. Together, we talk about the difference between true surrender and spiritual pride, why grace disrupts performance-driven faith, and how to discern subtle religious tendencies in our own hearts. Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaText: Acts 22Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Feb 19, 2026 • 54min
Ep. 152 - Are We Missing the Early Church Mindset? (Acts 21) ft. Shannon Popkin, Rod VanSolkema, Libby VanSolkema, Tryg Veker
We sit down with author and speaker Shannon Popkin to talk about how the early church changed the world through a radically different mindset—family-centered community, costly holiness, and lives shaped by the cross.In this episode, we explore what that means for us today and how rediscovering these truths could renew our faith and witness.Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaText: Acts 21Sermon Link: CLICK HERE

Feb 12, 2026 • 57min
Ep. 151 - Good Shepherds & Sacred Goodbyes (Acts 20) ft. Jason Botbyl, Julie Botbyl, Charlie Gretzinger, Tryg Veker
We sit down with Crossroads Pastor of Multiplication Jason Botbyl and his wife Julie, along with Crossroads Tech Director Charlie, to reflect on what God has been doing through the Saturday night service and the ongoing work of multiplication at Crossroads.Using Acts 20 as our backdrop- the emotional farewell of Paul to the Ephesian elders- we explore the beauty and difficulty of sacred goodbyes in the life of the church. Moments of sending are never easy, yet they are often the places where God’s faithfulness, mission, and love become most visible.Together we talk about what God has been stirring in this season of ministry for them; the tears and joy that come with gospel-centered sending; how multiplication reflects the heart of the Good Shepherd; and why faithful goodbyes are often the best beginnings.

Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 12min
Ep. 150 - The War Became a Harvest: Hope and Church Planting in Ukraine ft. Sergey Lysak, Joe Sindorf, Jeremiah Weismann, Tryg Veker
In early 2022, almost no one believed war would come to Ukraine—but God warned one pastor to prepare.In this episode, we hear the remarkable story of Pastor Sergey Lysak, founder of Father’s House Church in Kyiv, and how God used obedience, faith, and courage to bring hope in the middle of war. As Russian troops gathered on Ukraine’s border, God showed Sergey that invasion was coming and told him to prepare his church. He gave them a choice: leave now—or stay and commit to being a blessing to a suffering nation.When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the church was ready. They mobilized food, medicine, and supplies, bringing aid into Kyiv’s underground Metro stations where tens of thousands sought shelter. As homes were destroyed, they pioneered a solution—prefabricated tiny homes that could be delivered and installed in a single day, providing warmth and safety to displaced families.After placing 100 tiny homes, God spoke again: “These people need a church.” What followed was extraordinary—four churches planted during wartime, all made up of mostly new believers who had never known Jesus. Churches now stand in devastated communities, on former front lines, and in areas of Kyiv with no prior gospel presence. Through year-end 2024 giving, Crossroads even funded the building of an entire church in Skybyn, one of these strategic new communities which is almost complete.This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in war, the gospel advances—and the harvest is ready.

Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 8min
Ep. 149 - Running on Empty (Acts 18) ft. Nathan English, Jana English, RJ Alicea, Libby VanSolkema
In the pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on earth, weariness can come and go as a reality for the Christian. This week we sit down with our associate pastor Nate and is wife Jana, along with Crossroads worship pastor RJ to press into a discussion around the text of Acts 18. Through the journey of the Apostle Paul and the personal confrontation he has with his own weariness, we explore the elements of encouragement he discovers in Corinth and unpack how these same truths are accessible and available to the Christ follower today.


