We sit down with Shannon Popkin again as we dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5—a powerful commander whose greatness couldn’t hide his deeper sickness of pride. Though Naaman wore the garments of success, his leprosy exposed his weakness and need. Redemption came not through his strength, but through the faith of a powerless slave girl and God’s simple call to humility. Behind it all, God’s sovereign hand used suffering to bring healing and salvation. This story ultimately points us to ...
Aug 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min
We sit down with Ryan and Bri Conners as we journey through the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 — a story that moves from the heartbreak of hope, to the distress of death, to the relentless fight for life. We sat down with Ryan and Bri to talk about the wrestle of their faith through Ryan’s brain cancer journey, and how their story echoes the defiant hope we see in Scripture. Along the way, we wrestle with the reality that God doesn’t always resurrect now — and discover why that’s not...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Teslaa , the newest addition to the Detroit Lions wide receiver room. Born and raised in Grand Rapid's Michigan, Isaac’s journey from local standout to NFL athlete is one marked by faith, family, and relentless perseverance. He shares about growing up in a Christ-centered home to being shaped by the community at Crossroads Bible Church, where his parents have faithfully served for years, and how his spiritual foundation shaped his mindset through college f...
Aug 10, 2025•52 min
2 Kings 2:1–15 invites us into a powerful handoff moment. Elijah’s mantle—the symbol of prophetic authority—doesn’t just fall randomly; it falls on Elisha, who has counted the cost, surrendered comfort, and asked for a double portion of responsibility, not privilege. What does that mean for us today? Through places like Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan, we uncover deeper layers of spiritual inheritance and identity, and we wrestle with this question: “Where is the God of Elijah?”—a cry of both de...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 10 min
We sit down with former Crossroads Pastor and church planter Gabe Hartfield (Visible Church) to discuss this Sunday's sermon. Is it possible that God's voice more often leads us into mystery than into safety? In this episode, we unpack Elisha’s radical response to God’s call—leaving behind wealth, family, and stability in a dramatic act of irreversible obedience. We reflect on Elijah’s fear in 1 Kings 19 and how God gently redirected him rather than rebuking him. Elisha doesn’t just recognize Go...
Jul 30, 2025•56 min
This episode unpacks how God meets people in seasons of burnout, anxiety, and global crisis with compassion, rest, and purpose. Centered on the story of Elijah and real-world ministry among Middle Eastern communities, it explores Christian hospitality, spiritual formation, and resilience through suffering. Listeners will gain insight into how the gospel continues to spread in regions like Jordan, Gaza, and among the Druze, even amid war, displacement, and persecution. Ultimately, this episode ca...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Alton Hardy is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church of America and the founding pastor of Urban Hope Community Church in Fairfield, Alabama. He also co-founded Urban Hope Development and launched the Urban Hope Leadership Initiative (UHLI), a discipleship and leadership program for African American college graduates preparing to serve in urban ministry. Through Alton’s leadership, the church is driving community renewal—reviving commerce, housing, and economic opportunities in a...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
We sit down with Beth Guckenberger to discuss her book Throw the First Punch: Defeating the Enemy Hell-Bent on Your Destruction. In this modern-day collection of our enemy’s activities, learn to anticipate how Satan will attack and discern powerful techniques to preemptively fight against him. Through biblical examples and engaging stories from Beth Guckenberger’s own life experiences, become equipped and encouraged to battle Satan with boldness and wisdom. Throw the First Punch will teach reade...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min
We sit down with our Young Adults Administrative Partner, Chloe Damron, to explore 1 Kings 17:17–24—a l story of desperation, death, and divine intervention. As drought and famine ravage Israel, a widow finds herself at the end of her resources. What does this account say to us today when we find ourselves emotionally, financially, relationally, or spiritually"running out?" Together we wrestle with hard questions: Do we have the humility to acknowledge our brokenness, or do we default to blaming...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
We sit down and chat about the Elijah's journey to meet an unlikely character. What do you do when you’ve reached the end—emotionally, spiritually, or even financially? In this episode, we look at the story of a desperate widow in 1 Kings 17:8–16, who had nothing left but a handful of flour and a drop of oil. Then God sends a prophet… and asks for everything . Preacher: Jason Botbyl Passage: 1 Kings 17:7-16 Sermon Link: CLICK HERE...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, we step into one of the darkest moments in Israel’s history and meet Elijah—a rugged nobody from Gilead who confronts the most powerful king in the land with nothing but a word from God. As Baal and Asherah worship spreads like wildfire under Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah steps onto the scene and declares a drought in the name of Yahweh. But before he becomes the fiery prophet of Mount Carmel, God sends him into the desert to be shaped. What if the real power of Elijah wasn’t in his ...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 33 min
We sit down with Community Life Pastor Brent Becker as we explore Joel 2:28–32, a powerful prophetic vision of God's Spirit being poured out on all people—sons and daughters, young and old, servants and leaders. We unpack how this ancient promise found fulfillment at Pentecost in Acts 2, signaling the dawn of a new era where God's presence is no longer reserved for the few, but available to all through the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to live in the age of fulfillment? How does this prophecy r...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 18 min
This episode features a rich roundtable discussion with Erin, Hannah, Bri, and Ally, on the importance and practice of Sabbath, particularly in the context of family life. Each woman reflects on her personal journey of embracing rest amidst the busyness of parenting, work, and modern culture. The conversation highlights practical, creative ways to honor the Sabbath—such as shared meals, intentional screen-free time, family worship, and small rituals that teach children the value of slowing down....
Jun 06, 2025•58 min
In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Riva as we reflect on the powerful imagery of Ezekiel 37 and the valley of dry bones. What does it mean for God to breathe life into what feels dead? How does this connect to the wind and fire of Pentecost, the heartbreak of idolatry, and the deep love God has for His people? Join us as we explore how God revives, restores, and raises up an army—not just of people, but of purpose—through His Spirit. Preacher: Rod VanSolkema Passage: Ezekiel 37 Sermon Li...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min
We sit down with longtime Crossroads member Brian Sikma to explore what happens when the presence of God is reduced to a good luck charm and how that challenges our understanding of calling, holiness, and the weight of God’s glory. Israel, though in the Promised Land, has lost its sense of vocation, treating God as an accessory rather than the center of life. Meanwhile, even the Philistines recognize the terrifying reality of God's holiness. From Dagon’s fall to the obedience of yoked cows, this...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 N...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 t...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min
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 intim...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 w...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 abo...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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 Botbyl Passage: Luke 6:47-49 Sermon Link: CLICK HERE Questions for The Locker Room? email: lockerroom@crossroads-bible.org...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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...
Apr 08, 2025•58 min
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 ...
Apr 02, 2025•54 min
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 t...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Today Tryg sits down with Joe Stowell to talk about his latest book This Light of Mine: Living Like Jesus in a Non-Jesus World . Joe has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership. He has served as President of Moody Bible Institute and Cornerstone University and has had the honor of pastoring several churches in the Midwest. An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has written devotionals for Our Daily Bread and authored several books, including Strength for t...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Laurie Krieg is the president of Impossible Ministries, a coaching/consulting, teaching, and podcasting ministry with the mission to equip Jesus-followers with a gospel-centered approach to marriage and sexuality. Laurie serves on the Board of Directors for The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, and is earning a master’s degree from Wheaton Graduate School in Evangelism and Leadership.
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In this week’s episode, we dive into the Parable of the Ten Minas and explore what it means to invest in the Kingdom of God with everything we have. We’ll discuss how truly understanding God’s character is essential for this kind of investment, what it takes to follow through, and why many of us hesitate to do so. Join us as we unpack all of this and more! Preacher: Jason Botbyl Passage: Luke 19:11-27 Sermon Link: CLICK HERE Questions for...
Feb 18, 2025•55 min
We sit down with Nathan and Jana English to discuss the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. We explore how both sons in the parable are lost in their own ways—each misunderstanding their relationship with their father. While the younger son’s journey is often the focus, it’s the older son’s mindset that can be just as revealing. We discuss how both brothers fail to embrace their true identity as sons, instead approaching their father through the lens of a slave—believing they must earn lov...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Many Christians live with no understanding of the spiritual war that they exist in every single day. Today, we sit down with Glenn Dunn (founder and president of Freedom and Faith Ministries ) and Matt Kenney (Crossroads Adult & Family Ministries Pastor) to discuss the reality of spiritual warfare. What is it? How do we fight in it? How does it manifest itself today? Preacher: Tryg Veker Passage: Matthew 13:24–43 Sermon Link: CLICK HERE ...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 18 min
