Locker Room - A Southland Christian Church Podcast

Two Words: Be Accountable

We've each got a shot at moving beyond where we are and towards the men that God wants us to be—but we need a band of brothers—we need a couple guys. God wants us to step off the island and have some guys that we can count on. And there are guys that need to be able to count on us. We all need these relationships. Join us on this week's podcast as Scott talks about being accountable.

Join us March 17-18 for Meal Pack! Across all five Southland campuses in partnership with Lifeline Christian Mission, we will pack one million meals to feed hungry kids around the world. All of the meals are distributed through Lifeline's sites in countries like Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala, and some countries in Africa. To be a part of this event, sign up at http://southland.church/mealpack

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10E6: "Two Words: Be Accountable" Who's the best classmate, teammate, or co-worker you've ever collaborated with? What did you appreciate the most about them? Who do you currently spend the most time with? How would you describe the dynamics of the relationship What's the difference between knowing someone vs. knowing about someone? What are some of the barriers you've personally experienced or witnessed that prevent men from getting beyond superficial conversations and relationships with other guys? Read Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:2, and James 5:16. Accountability is a Christ-centered relationship that encourages spiritual growth and transformation. There are a number of noteworthy examples throughout Scripture — Moses and Jethro (Exodus), David and Nathan (2 Samuel), Jesus and the disciples (Gospels), Paul and Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy) — just to name a few. What are the benefits of accountability? Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and discuss the following quote: "If sin destroyed Samson (the strongest man), Solomon (the wisest man), and David (the man after God's heart), then it can overpower, outsmart, and overcome you, too." Why is it tempting for men to insist on pridefully living their lives as a solo mission? How can we practically help each other fight against this? Read Proverbs 11:2, James 1:19-20, and 1 Peter 5:5. Humility is the antidote to pride. It's one thing to invite people into your life; it's another thing to humbly receive what they have to say. Read and discuss the following humility inventory: - When someone gives me feedback, what's my knee-jerk reaction?- How often do I consider the perspective of others?- When's the last time I've invited someone to teach me something?- When's the last time I've changed my mind about something?- How willing am I to admit when I'm wrong?- How do I respond when corrected? Read Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20-21, and 27:6. These verses speak to our need for wise counsel. Who are the voices you currently allow to speak into your life? Could you confidently and honestly classify their counsel as wise? What are the filters you use to determine if their counsel is wise? Grab 1 or 2 guys this week and work through each of these 5 questions: What's God teaching you? Where are you winning? Where are you struggling? How are you leading? How can I pray for you? Schedule another time to meet again next week or the following week. If you're not connected with other godly men, check out our groups directory at southland.church/groups to sign up or contact the person who oversees the Groups Ministry at your campus. Share this episode with at least 2-3 other guys in your sphere of influence.

Worship Jesus

We all worship something. We're all worshippers. It just depends on who or what we worship.

For followers of Jesus, worship is our response—both personally and corporately—to God for who He is, and what He's done; expressed by the things we say and the things we do—by the way we live our lives. This week Scott is joined by Mike Vandemark to talk about his heartbeat of using the gift of music to bring people together. Along the way we break down some of the nuts and bolts of how and why we worship at Southland.

Join us March 17-18 for Meal Pack!Across all five Southland campuses in partnership with Lifeline Christian Mission, we will pack one million meals to feed hungry kids around the world. All of the meals are distributed through Lifeline's sites in countries like Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala, and some countries in Africa. To be a part of this event, sign up at http://southland.church/mealpack You can find all of the original songs by Southland Music at http://southland.church/music Scott and Mike also talked about the Lexington Lab Band project in this episode, you can check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@LexingtonLabBand

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10E5: "Two Words: Worship Jesus"

1. Who are a few of your favorite music artists or bands? What's one song you could listen to on repeat? 2. Do you play any instruments or sing? If not, what's one instrument you've always wanted to learn how to play or your go-to karaoke song? 3. Has your taste in music evolved at all over the years? If so, how? 4. What's one of your favorite contemporary worship songs? What resonates with you about this particular song? 5. What's one of your favorite hymns? What resonates with you about this particular song? 6. Read Exodus 20:3-6. Although worshiping golden statues or other graven images is less prevalent today, idolatry still manifests in different forms. How would you define the relationship between idolatry and worship? 7. Read Romans 1:21-25 and 1 Corinthians 10:14. What are some of the ways you've found yourself or witnessed others idolizing created things instead of worshiping the Creator? Although Paul encourages us to flee idolatry, how do we typically respond when this is brought to our attention? What does this reveal at the heart level? 8. Read 2 Chronicles 5:13 and Psalm 98:1-7. What tends to grab your attention during worship services on Sundays? How are these different effects or elements meant to draw us closer to God? 9. Read Psalm 95:1-6 and Psalm 100:1-5. Joy, praise, shouting, and singing are recurring themes in these passages. Does worshiping during service on Sundays or other events (i.e. Men's Conference, Worship Night, etc.) come naturally for you? Why or why not? 10. Read Colossians 3:15-17. God gave us His all and His best when He sent us His Son, Jesus. Worship is our response (personally and collectively) to God for who He is and what He's done. This is expressed in what we say and do in all areas of life. Spend some time prayerfully considering what area(s) in your life you've been holding back with your faith. Ask God to give you the conviction and the courage to be more engaged.

Two Words: Life Change

Jesus didn't just come to forgive and love us, but to free us, unburden and heal us. This week Scott sits down with Edgar Saborit to hear how deciding to follow Jesus has changed his life for the better.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26(NIV)

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10E4:

1. Have you had an opportunity to travel outside of the country? If so, what's been your favorite place to visit? If not, where would you like to go?

2. What's something in your life that's changed over the past year? How do you typically respond to change (barber, job, moving, vehicles, etc.)? What factors have influenced the way you approach change?

3. The phrase "Follow Me" appears over 20 times throughout the gospel accounts in the New Testament. What was the catalyst for you to begin following Jesus? How has following Jesus changed the relational dynamics within your sphere of influence (significant other, kids, friends, coworkers, etc.)? If you haven't started following Jesus yet, what reservations are currently holding you back?

4. Read Joshua 24:15 and Matthew 7:24-27. What's the foundation you're currently building for your family or future family?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Although this passage is often recited at weddings, it's worth noting these are some important character traits for men to lean into as we prepare for marriage and parenting or persevere in marriage and parenting. Would the people closest to you say you reflect these attributes? Which ones are an area of growth for you?

6. Read Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:7. From an eternal perspective, one day God will hold us accountable for how we've stewarded the lives of those He's entrusted to us. What are the implications for men in terms of how we lead, love, and serve our significant others? How has your significant other played a role in your spiritual growth and development?

7. Read Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 19:14 and Proverbs 31:10, 30. Do you cherish and value your significant other? How can you intentionally pray for your significant other and with your significant other? If you're single, how can you intentionally pray for your future spouse?

8. Read Psalm 127:3-5, Proverbs 22:6, and Deuteronomy 6:5-9. Do you cherish and value your children? How can you intentionally pray for your kids and with your kids? If you're single, how can you intentionally pray for your future children?

9. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1. This is a bold statement from the apostle Paul. By God's grace, Jesus' example, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can become the Christ-like men God desires for us to be so that we can be a Christ-like example for others. Here's a sobering thought: What's the type of man you want to be remembered for after your time on this earth is finished? What's the legacy you want to leave?

10. We all have someone in our circle who desperately needs the type of life transformation only Jesus can provide, but maybe they're not ready to step foot inside of a church yet. Read, pray, and meditate on Ezekiel 36:26 and prayerfully consider who God is nudging you to share this podcast with, invite to your men's group, or invite to church.

Two Words: Fine Print

This week we're talking about the fine print of the Christian life.

If we're not careful we can talk about faith in a way that sounds easy or irresistible—rainbows and unicorns—as if everything is just great all the time. It's not true. The Bible doesn't promise any of this.

This week's episode is titled fine print; but not because God is hiding something from us or trying to speed past and hide all the side effects of being a Christ-follower. He doesn't do that. The invitation that Jesus invites us into is incredible, but that doesn't mean it doesn't come with hard things.

This season of Locker Room we're taking each week to talk about two words. Two words to drive our content and our discussion with different guests.

If you're starting a Locker Room Group or simply having conversations with other men--your sons, your friends, or coworkers--our hope is to create some critical discussions about things that matter.

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10 E3: Two Words: Fine Print

1. Are you the type of guy to read the "fine print" of an instructions booklet before assembling something or do you just "figure it out" without reading?

2. Has there ever been a time when you didn't read the fine print to something (contract, medication, product, service, etc.), and it cost you? What did you learn from the experience?

3. Have you ever had a moment or a season where you felt like your walk with Jesus wasn't "as advertised" and you found yourself angry, confused, discouraged, doubtful, or frustrated? What did God teach you in the process?

4. Read Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus ends His most famous teaching known as the "Sermon on the Mount" by highlighting the two types of foundations we can build on. What's noteworthy is both houses will inevitably face storms. What have the storms in your life (addiction, chronic illness, financial struggles, infertility, job loss, relationship strife, etc.) revealed about your foundation?

5. Read Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1 3-7. How do these verses provide some perspective on the purpose of suffering and trials?

6. Read Hebrews 11:1. How would you explain "faith" to someone who is not a follower of Jesus? The rest of Ch.11 lists what modern interpreters have referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Which story of faith from the Old Testament resonates with you?

7. Read Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 103:8-12, Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:11-13, 1 John 5:14-15, and Revelation 21:4. These are 8 powerful promises worth bookmarking, highlighting, or converting to memory. Which one speaks to you? Why is it crucial for us to remember God's promises in the midst of life's storms?

8. Read John 16:33 and 2 Peter 3:13. How do we manage the tension of living in between the cross and the crown or the "already and not yet"?

9. Read Matthew 26:36-46. Jesus shows us during our most vulnerable moments, we need biblical community, honest prayer, an eternal perspective, and God's peace. Which of these do you tend to lose sight of?

10. Take some time to listen to the song "Anchor of Peace" by North Point Worship. Meditate on the lyrics this week.

"You're invited!"

When Jesus says you're invited...he means it. He knows everything about us and yet he still pursues us. What is Jesus inviting us into? How do we respond?

Join us this week as we sit down with Jon Weece to talk about the greatest invitation we've been given. We'll dive into the steps to accept Jesus' invitation and celebrate how he redeems our stories to help reach others.

This season of Locker Room we're taking each week to talk about two words. Two words to drive our content and our discussion with different guests.

If you're starting a Locker Room Group or simply having conversations with other men--your sons, your friends, or coworkers--our hope is to create some critical discussions about things that matter.

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE, S1E2 - "You're Invited"

1. Did your family members or friends give you a nickname? If so, what is it and how did you earn it?
2. What's the most recent event you've been invited to (ball game, concert, wedding, etc.)? What resonated with you about the experience?
3. Who was the first person to invite you to church? How would you describe your first church experience?
4. Read Matthew 16:24. Jesus gives an open invitation for anyone to follow Him with two qualifiers – denying ourselves and picking up our cross. Why are these two conditions listed first? What does this mean practically?
5. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. These verses tell us that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Why is it important to remind ourselves that we are not saved by our own works?
6. Read Acts 2:37-39 and 2 Peter 3:9. When we hear the Gospel, our natural response should be to turn away from our former life and reorient ourselves to our new life in Christ. In light of God's patience with us and promise for us, why do we tend to respond in rebellion instead of repentance?
7. Read Romans 10:9-13. If you've done so, what led you to the decision to confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord? How has your life been different since making this decision?
8. Read Matthew 3:13-17 and Acts 22:16. Jesus Himself demonstrates humility by being immersed in the waters of baptism. In the 1st century Church, we also see this sense of urgency to be baptized as a response to hearing the Gospel and obediently following the example of Jesus. If you have been baptized, what was your baptism experience like? If you have not been baptized, what questions or reservations have kept you out of the water?
9. Read Romans 6:1-14. In this passage, Paul clarifies our relationship to sin in light of God's grace. When we accept Jesus' invitation through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, we put habitual sin to death and walk in our new identity in Christ. How do we not abuse God's grace? Why is it important for us to understand our new identity in Christ?
10. Grab a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side, describe your new life in Christ. On the other side, write down what your life would be like without Jesus. Use this resource as a tool to help you craft your testimony as you share what Jesus has done in your life with others.

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."--A. W. Tozer If you were asked to describe Jesus in two words, what would it be? It's a great question, right? It's very telling of what we know or understand about who He is.

We're kicking off this season of Locker Room by taking each week to talk about 2 Words. Each week we'll have two words that drive our content and drive our discussion with different guests. In this episode, we'll focus in on two words to describe Jesus: Warrior and King.

If you're starting a Locker Room Group or simply having conversations with other men--your sons, your friends, or coworkers--our hope is to create some critical discussions about things that matter.

LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE, S10E1: Warrior King

1. If your family or your friends were to introduce you to someone new, what two words would they use to describe you?
2. Who first introduced you to Jesus? What picture was painted to describe Him?
3. What was your initial perception of Jesus? Has your view of Him evolved over time? If so, how?
4. What two words would you use to describe Jesus today? Why did you choose these specific words?
5. How would you define a "warrior"? Who are some of the examples that come to mind?
6. Read Romans 5:6-11 and Isaiah 53:4-5. How do these passages highlight Jesus as a warrior?
7. How would you define a "king"? What attributes of a king would lead to submission under their authority?
8. Read Revelation 17:14 and Revelation 19:11-16. How do these passages highlight Jesus as king?
9. Look up the lyrics to the song "King of Kings" by Hillsong. Which lines resonate with you in light of Jesus being both warrior and king? Why?
10. Has this conversation changed your view of who Jesus is? If so, how?

What does the future hold for Locker Room podcast? Some changes are on the horizon. Full details revealed in this episode--featuring Scott Nickell and Scott Hatfield.

We're going to settle it. You've heard them talk about it in the podcast, and In this bonus episode of Locker Room we take a break from the serious stuff for a throwdown between friends on the course. Nickell and Vandee, Hatfield and Austin Vitucci hit the course at Shilltto Park on a warm fall day to find out who is the best. Neil Gregory was there to film as it all went down. Now back in the studio, the guys break down the day and discuss other such weighty topics.

You can watch the match in all its glory at lockerroompodcast.com

How can I become a more engaged father? What are some tips for raising godly boys? How can I have a meaningful conversation with my son?

In this special episode of Locker Room, Scott welcomes Kent Evans to the podcast. Kent is an author and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps fathers and mentors build the next generation of godly men.

You can find more resources from Manhood Journey at https://manhoodjourney.org

Nearly 2000 men came together on August 28, to be built up and prepared to step into where God is calling us. Tune in with Scott Nickell & Hatfield for an extended breakdown of topics discussed and ways to move forward.