Locker Room - A Southland Christian Church Podcast

Whether or not we've personally dealt with infertility, we've all experienced unmet expectations and disappointment. This can have a significant impact in our relationships with other people as well as our relationship with God. In this week's episode, Scott is joined by Eric to walk through their family's respective journeys with infertility and what God has taught them in the process.

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Spiritual markers are defining moments or critical places in our lives where we can look back and see evidence of God's activity. As a result, our faith can be strengthened instead of shaken if we allow God to use it for our good and for His glory. Scott sits down with Reecie Stagnolia to look at four specific spiritual markers in Reecie's life.

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Discussion Guide:

1. What's one of your all-time favorite moments from a movie, TV show, or sports event? Why is this one of your favorites?

2. In your own words, what makes a moment a "defining" moment?

3. Read Luke 5:1-11. Describe one defining moment from your life that impacted you physically. (E.g. career change, illness, injury, surgery, weight loss, etc.)

4. Read Matthew 14:22-33. Describe one defining moment from your life that impacted you mentally. (E.g. addiction, anxiety, counseling, deployment, depression, incarceration, etc.)

5. Read Matthew 16:13-20. Describe one defining moment from your life that impacted you relationally. (E.g. biblical community, breakup, divorce, engagement, marriage, moving, etc.)

6. Read Matthew 26:69-75. Describe one defining moment from your life that impacted you emotionally. (E.g. birth of a child, death of a family member or friend, infertility, miscarriage, etc.)

7. Read John 21:7-19. Ultimately, how did each of these defining moments impact your faith and your relationship with God? Did they strengthen or shake the foundation of your faith?

8. Read Psalm 145:8-9, Lamentations 3:22-23, and Ephesians 2:4-5. Were you able to see evidence of God's grace and mercy in the moment? Or were you more aware of His activity later after some time had passed?

9. Read Isaiah 61:1-3 and Joel 2:23-25. In what ways is God still writing and redeeming your story today?

10. Oftentimes, when we think of defining moments, we believe they have to be monumental in nature. In reality, these defining moments can also be found in simple yet profound decisions. Pray for God to reveal what that decision is for you. Here are a few primers:

    1. With Jesus: Making a commitment to follow Jesus by being baptized or speaking with your pastor about a burden you've been carrying

    2. In Community: Praying with your family on a consistent basis or reconciling a broken relationship

    3. On Mission: Serving inside the local church or volunteering in your community at a local school

One phone call, one text, or one email can drastically change the trajectory of our day and potentially our lives — especially as it pertains to our physical health and wellbeing. In this episode, Scott discusses his friend Phil's recent cancer diagnosis, and how Phil is navigating this current season.

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Discussion Guide

1. What are your thoughts on surprises? Do you enjoy them? Hate them? Indifferent towards them? Why?

2. When was the last time you or someone close to you received some unexpected news? What was the context? How do you typically respond in these situations?

3. Read Matthew 7:24-27, John 16:33, and 1 Peter 1:3-7. How has your faith been impacted in these unexpected moments? How does this affect your relationship with God?

4. Read Deuteronomy 31:8, Isaiah 55:8-9, and John 14:27. We have responsibility and influence, but ultimately, God is in control. Does this reality give you a sense of peace? Why or why not?

5. Read Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 145:9, and Romans 8:28. How would you describe the goodness of God? Do you struggle to believe God is good, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?

6. Read Psalm 41:3, Psalm 73:26, and Psalm 119:50. How have God's words been a source of comfort and strength for you during a challenging season?

7. Read Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Galatians 6:2. How has the community that God has placed around you been a source of comfort and strength during a challenging season?

8. Read John 11:25-26, 2 Corinthians 4:14-18, and Revelation 21:4. Scott and Phil discussed how healing doesn't always come on this side of Heaven, but there is healing on the other side of Heaven. How do we faithfully wrestle in this tension while living on this side of eternity?

9. Read Romans 8:24-25, Romans 12:12, and Romans 15:13. Jesus fulfills our greatest need and deepest longing of our soul by His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension into Heaven. Through these acts, He gives us the healing and hope we desperately desire at the core of our being. How should the hope of eternity in Heaven transform our minds and our hearts today as we (or those closest to us) battle with illness?

10. We all know someone who may be suffering physically and/or mentally during this season. Make it a priority to connect with this person in the next few days.

Whether we want to believe it or not, our stories matter. Reflecting on our stories provides an opportunity to see how God has been at work in our lives and how He's still at work in our lives. Scott unpacks his story with his lifelong friend, Phil Miller, who has played an instrumental role in who Scott is today.

Fear Less, with Gary Black

This episode of Locker Room is all about helping men fight back against fear. Fear has been bullying people for far too long. Fear is an emotion. To resist fear is really about the decisions we make to not be overcome by it.

Gary Black joins Scott this week to share three decisions he has made—that we can all make—to push back on fear, live by faith and be resilient. When fear ambushes us and even slams us to the ground, we'll learn how to rise up, fight back and conquer it.

We've kicked off Fight Club at the Nicholasville Campus on Monday nights. If you're interested in jumping in with us—come on. Go to southland.church/groups, click on the NIC campus, scroll through the Group selections and choose Fight Club to sign up.

Want to start or join a Locker Room Men's Group—go to southland.church/groups, pick your campus and start one or jump into one!

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LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE

Do you have any irrational fears? (E.g. clowns, the dark, mannequins, etc.)

What other fears do you wrestle with? What keeps you up at night? (E.g. career, health, family, finances, etc.)

Read Matthew 8:18, 23-27. Fear is not something we conquer once and put to bed. It's something we'll continue to address throughout our lives. How have you navigated this season in light of your fear?

Read Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, and Psalm 56:3-4. The phrase "Don't be afraid" or "Fear not" is repeated over 300 times in the Bible. What do you think the implications are for us? How has the enemy used fear to rob you and stunt your growth?

Read Psalm 112:7, Romans 12:1-2, and 2 Corinthians 10:5. Our emotions are meant to be gauges, not guides. The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional. What ways do you 'catastrophize' events or situations in your life? How often has it actually been as bad as you were expecting?

Read Isaiah 26:3-4, Matthew 14:22-36, and Mark 6:45-52. It's better to be with Jesus in a storm than to be in a storm without Him. Peace isn't the absence of storms; it's the presence of Jesus. Who or what do you turn to for peace in the midst of a storm or trial? Why is the peace we're looking for only found in Jesus?

Read Matthew 28:19-20, John 16:33, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, and 2 Timothy 1:7. How should the resurrection empower us as followers of Jesus?

Hatfield mentioned the song, "The Battle Belongs" by Phil Wickham in this episode. What songs give you courage and strength during your time of need?

Read Romans 8:31-39. What thoughts immediately come to mind after reading this passage? How should these biblical truths change the way we approach our walk with Jesus?

Grab a pen and a piece of paper and answer the following questions:

- What's holding me back in this season? - What would I do if I wasn't afraid? - What does God's Word say in light of my fears?

Enduring Faith, with Brian Lucas

Trials and hard times are a part of our story. There is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. It's not in Scripture. Faith in Jesus doesn't take away our pain, it doesn't remove our circumstances and it doesn't mean we'll always be happy, healthy and wealthy. It's not in there. Hard times will either build our faith or if we're not careful—will destroy our faith.

On this episode of Locker Room, Scott is joined by Brian Lucas to share about many trials that he and his wife Jenn have endured together, with God's help along the way. We hope you'll be encouraged hearing their story and may identify with some of these same challenges in your own life.

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We've kicked off Fight Club at the Nicholasville Campus on Monday nights. If you're interested in jumping in with us—come on. Go to southland.church/groups, click on the NIC campus, scroll through the Group selections and choose Fight Club to sign up.

Want to start or join a Locker Room Men's Group—go to southland.church/groups, pick your campus and start one or jump into one!

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE

What's the toughest physical or mental activity you've ever done that required endurance? (E.g. Boot camp, CrossFit competition, marathon, Tough Mudder, etc.) What did you learn from the experience?

How would you define the word "endure" in your own words? What examples come to mind when you think of this word?

Read Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:6-7. How would you explain the difference between happiness and joy? Do you see tests or trials as an opportunity for growth? Why or why not?

Who is someone you know that has been through difficult trials? How have you seen them respond? How has their response encouraged you?

Read John 16:33. Hatfield mentioned that hard times will either build our faith or break our faith if we're not careful. Has there ever been a life event that's shaken your faith? How did you respond?

Psalm 3, Psalm 13, Psalm 22, and Psalm 42 are known as Psalms of lament which means to express true anguish or pain. It should also be noted there's an entire book of the Bible called "Lamentations." What's your default when you're grieving? (E.g. Angry, depressed, disbelief, etc.) Why do men have the tendency to compartmentalize their grief as part of their human experience?

Read Psalm 56:3-4, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3-4, and Isaiah 41:10. Does trust come to you naturally? Why or why not? Why is it tempting to put our trust in anything other than God?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. What's your initial reaction to these verses? How does this frame your perspective on what it means to have "enduring faith"?

Read Psalm 119:49-50 and James 1:12. Who or what do you turn to for comfort or hope during trials? (E.g. God's Word, family, friends, music, etc.) Why do you believe in the assurance of these outlets? What makes them trustworthy?

The vast majority of men have gone through something that's rocked their world. Have you taken the time to truly process this event and begin to heal from it? If not, reach out to a trusted friend, staff member at your local church, or reputable counselor in your community this week.

Faith Obeys

Most of the significant life-change, transformation and breakthrough in our lives will come on the other side of obedience: hearing God's Word, receiving it humbly, and wholeheartedly putting it into practice. Join us this week as Scott unpacks from the book of James and digs into two words: faith obeys.

Locker Room is back and we're going to continue the theme from last season—taking two words at a time, doing a deep dive, unpacking God's Word and God's heart for us as men around things that matter.

We'd love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear how this podcast is encouraging you and would be honored to help you in any way that we can!

If you want to join a Locker Room Group at Southland, go to southland.church/groups and click 'Join a Group'.

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE Were you mainly obedient or disobedient as a kid?

Is it possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons? Why or why not?

Read James 1:19-20. When has being slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry backfired on you? What did you learn from the experience?

Read James 1:21. It's hard to receive what God wants to offer when we're holding onto our former way of living. Why do we cling to the things of this world rather than clinging to God's Word?

Read James 1:22-25. James is clear that we need to move from information to application for transformation. What hinders our ability to be obedient to God? How can we move from desire to discipline?

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When has the Bible offended you or stepped on your toes? How did you respond?

Read Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 1:1-3, and Psalm 119:15-16. Why is it important for us to meditate on God's Word? Do you view His Word as a gift? Why or why not?

Read Matthew 16:24-27, Luke 6:46-49, and John 14:15. What are the implications for us in light of Jesus' words in each of these passages?

Read Acts 20:22-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:24-31. Paul was clear on the cost of his obedience. How should his story (and examples of others in the Bible) serve as a source of encouragement for us?

Living by faith or walking by faith implies an action. Where is God calling you to obey Him during this season? Ask God to give you the courage and strength to take your next step in obedience by trusting Him. Here are a few examples: With Jesus → studying the Bible | baptism | asking for prayer In Community → joining a group | going to AA | leading your family On Mission → serving at church | volunteering in the community

How is your summer going? What have you been doing along the way? Hopefully you've gotten to have some downtime. Hopefully you've been able to downshift, get some vacation time, put your feet in some sand, knock out some projects around the house, and get in somebody's pool or the lake.

Circle up with Scott in this episode as we wind out the summer season. Scott shares what's been going on in his world, and about some exciting things going on here at Southland. We'll also talk about an additional new podcast and a new resource coming your way in the fall.

We'll be back in a couple of weeks to kick off season 11 of Locker Room.

Here's what's happening this fall:

- "Fight Club" Men's Group | Begins Monday, August 21st | 7PM-9PM | Nicholasville Campus (Building B) | southland.church/groups | [email protected]

- "Locker Room" Men's Podcast | New episodes begin Friday, August 25th | Join or lead a Locker Room group | southland.church/groups | [email protected]

- Two new podcasts: "Tell Me More" Women's Podcast, coming September 2023 and Southland's Parenting Podcast, coming later in Fall 2023. southland.church/podcasts

- "Pre-Marriage Workshop" | Friday, October 27th & Saturday, October 28th | Lexington Campus | southland.church/marriage

- Southland Residency Program | June 2023-May 2024 | southland.church/residency

Sacrificial Surrender

Sacrifice is laying down something you love for something you love even more. It doesn't matter if what you're laying down in surrender is good, destructive, toxic or awesome—it's laying down something that you love for something you love even more. It's what Abraham did. It's what God the Father did for us in sending Jesus.

It all comes down to the question, "Can I trust God with what He's asking me to surrender?" Genesis 22:14 says, "...The LORD Will Provide." God provides. God meets us where we are and He provides. He provides us with grace, strength, and peace. He provides us with healing. He provides us with freedom! Pain and beauty are found in these two words: sacrificial surrender.

This is the final episode of this season, but we'll be back in the fall. In the meantime we'd love to hear from you! Drop us an email at [email protected] with responses to these three things:

- Share a couple of the episodes that were helpful or resonated with you.

- Share two words that you'd be interested in us tackling on the podcast in the fall.

- And we'd love to know how you are using Locker Room. Are you strictly using it for your own personal time with God? Are you using Locker Room content with a group of men (Locker Room Group, Accountability Group, some other group, etc.)? Have you shared any of these episodes with people in your life or any story about that? We'd love to hear your stories!

Thanks in advance for taking the time to help us shape future episodes.

You can access all of our past episodes and seasons on our website at lockeroompodcast.com. If you click on the listen link, you'll find a search feature at the top where you can put in a topic (marriage, parenting, sexual purity, etc.) and you should see some specific results that might be helpful. If you hit the watch link, it will take you to our youtube page where you can watch episodes from the past couple of years we have been filming.

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE: S10 Episode 18 - "Two Words: Sacrificial Surrender"

Did you ever watch wrestling as a kid? If so, who was your favorite wrestler and why?

When have you "tapped out" on a situation (e.g. debate, home project, martial arts, sports, etc.)? What led you to the decision to submit?

Read Matthew 16:24-26 and James 4:7-8. What does it mean for us to surrender as followers of Jesus? Why is it difficult for us to fully submit our lives to Jesus?

Read Genesis 22:1-14 and Hebrews 11:17-19. What stands out to you about Abraham's story? How is his story both an encouragement and a challenge for us?

Read Romans 4:1-5, Hebrews 11:1-3, and 1 Peter 1:6-9. How would you define "faith" in your own words? What's a biblical definition of faith? Why does faith seem foolish to the outside world?

Read Psalm 1:1-2, Matthew 7:24-27, and James 1:22-25. The theme derived from each of these passages is obedience. What area(s) do you struggle with being obedient to God? Why is this particular area a struggle?

Read Matthew 6:25-34, Hebrews 13:5, and 2 Peter 1:3-4. These passages speak to God's provision. What area(s) do you struggle to relinquish the need for control? Why is this particular area a struggle?

Read Joshua 1:9, Psalm 33:4, Psalm 37:5, and Proverbs 3:5-6. Ultimately, our ability to surrender comes down to trust. Have you ever considered what could be on the other side of fully surrendering your life to God? What's holding you back?

Here are four songs that hit home on the subject of surrender. Take some time to listen and reflect on these songs, and pay special attention to the words. ("I Surrender" | "Run to the Father" | "O Come to the Altar" | "Nothing Else"). Which one speaks to you? Why?

10 Passages

This week on Locker Room we're going to take 10 passages from God's word and look at them closer. These words from God are important because they lay a firm foundation to build your life, your marriage and your family on.

We'd love for you to go on this journey for yourself! Please feel free to dig out your own set of 10 passages and then email us at [email protected].

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10 E17 - "Two Words: Ten Passages"

What's one of your favorite quotes? Why is this one of your favorites?

Read Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:27. Genesis Ch.1 is known as the "Creation Account." What resonates with you about this text? Why is this foundational to our faith?

Read Mark 12:30-31. The "Great Commandment" can also be found in Mark's and Luke's gospel accounts. It's important to note this is a commandment from Jesus, not a recommendation or a suggestion. Why does Jesus cover all aspects of who we are (e.g. emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically)? What's the significance of understanding our vertical relationship with God in light of our horizontal relationship with others?

Read John 14:6. Verses like this can be a stumbling block for people who believe Jesus is a way, a truth, and a life rather than the way, the truth, and the life. How can we present this biblical truth with grace to those who choose not to follow Jesus?

Read Matthew 28:18-20. This passage, known as the "Great Commission", is Jesus commanding His followers to go (evangelism) and make disciples (discipleship). Simply stated, our faith is not a spectator sport. Which part of this mission is more natural for you to engage with? Why? How can you be more intentional in prioritizing both?

Read Acts 2:42-47. These verses describe the priorities of the first biblical communities. The church is most helpful to the world when we look the least like the world. That's not us pridefully saying we're better than the world, but we have been called by God to look different. How do we navigate the tension of being in the world but not of the world?

Read Micah 6:8. This verse is one of many that is often taken out of context. What does it mean to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly according to God's standard?

Read Romans 8:1-2 and Romans 8:37-39. Romans Ch.8 is considered one of the most powerful sections in all of the Bible. How are these verses a source of comfort and encouragement for us especially when we're wrestling with doubts or insecurity?

Read Revelation 21:1-4. For those of us who are naturally anxious or feel the need to control everything, we can find rest in God's promises. Which of the promises in this passage resonate with you? Why?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13. Write this verse on an index card or post-it note, and place it somewhere you will see it daily. Ask God to reveal the following this week:

- What areas in my life am I "asleep at the wheel"?

- What areas in my life am I compromising on my character and integrity?

- What areas in my life am I abdicating responsibility?

- What areas in my life am I not being totally dependent on God?