Locker Room - A Southland Christian Church Podcast

Purity is a battle for most every man. It’s a consistent battle. We are constantly at war against the enemy, our own flesh. We have to stay vigilant in guarding our eyes, mind and heart because the enemy is serious about taking men out. Purity is a big weapon that he uses to destroy the work of God in men, marriages and families. We’re praying this episode will be helpful not only for you, but also for your middle and high school students—even your daughters. You know your kids and their maturity level. Listen to it and then discern if they’re ready for it. DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Question: Got any funny fire stories? Where are you winning this week? Purity is a battle for most men. “Men: waiting until middle school to address puberty, sexuality and dating is a real problem and it puts our kids in harm's way.” Why is it important for us to take on the difficult and uncomfortable conversations with our kids? 73% of teen respondents age 13 to 17 have watched pornography online and more than half (54%) reported first seeing pornography by the time they reached the age of 13. Why do we have to be proactive instead of passive when dealing with this topic? “The enemy has sown those weeds in our culture and it’s choking out the sacred stuff like purity, dating relationships, and marriage.” How does this problem of Purity affect our relationships? Our kids? Their future relationships? “We have to be able to engage and parent students in the world they are living in, not the world we wish they were living in.” Why is this important? Three Mindsets around Sex and Sexuality: Sex as God Sex is Gross Sex is a Gift  How have you seen these 3 mindsets? Talk about the result of them. All sins make us fall from God in the same way. But the consequences of those sins cause drastically different damage. Why does sexual sin always cause so much damage? What are some ways you can play defense in your own life? Myth #1: The Fire Won’t Hurt Me. Point: What we see often shapes what we think about. What are some ways the enemy uses our eyes to lead us astray & move us towards sin?   What are some ways we can guard our eyes? What is the drastic thing you need to do right now to protect yourself against getting burned up in this fire of sexual temptation? Myth #2: I Can Get Close to the Fire Without Getting Burned. Point: What we think often shapes what we do.   Can you think about some examples in the Bible or in your life where “thoughts drive us to actions”? How does Galatians 6:7-8 shape the way we view this topic of Purity? Myth #3: If I Get Burned, He Can’t Heal It. Point: What we’ve done doesn’t have to shape who we are Why is shame one of the great weapons that the enemy uses to trap men? What are some healthy & unhealthy ways to address shame? “What you’ve done doesn’t define who you are.” Can you share a Bible passage that declares that? see if your LR Group can come up with 5-10 passages backs up that statement. (Example: Ephesians 2:8-9)  Why is this so important to remember?   “Have a hard conversation now, rather than having a horrible conversation later.” Why is this important? What were some things that really spoke to you about Connor’s story? What has God been saying to you during this podcast? What is the drastic thing that you need to do? Key Verses 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NLT) 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.  19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. Psalm 119:9 (ESV) 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. James 1:13-15 (NIV) 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV) 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Matthew 5:29-30 (NIV) 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV) 9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.   Extra Resources Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart.  Locker Room Episode, Quit Porn, May 10th, 2024 Beyond the Battle: A Man's Guide to His Identity in Christ in an Oversexualized World by Noah Filipiak   Next Steps: Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church As always…if this podcast has encouraged you, share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.

It’s critical for us as men to take some personal inventory around anger. We have to know our tendencies in order to take care of our own hearts and to respond—not react—in a way that moves us towards building and not destroying, towards peace and resolution—not resentment and hatred. We must learn to handle our feelings with grace and truth—the way that Jesus has done with us. This week on Locker Room, guest Parker Sherwood and Scott sit down to dig into the fire of anger and talk about healthy ways we can identify, acknowledge and take responsibility for our emotions. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Opening Question Where are you winning this week? Questions to think about as we get into this episode  Where does anger seem to get the best of you?  Who are the people in your life that always seem to be on the receiving end of your addressed anger?  How quick are you to lash out? How many marriages, friendships or significant relationships have become casualties because of your anger? The hard one… Do you have any unaddressed anger that sits below the surface that’s eating at you?  Different examples of Conflict styles: Trash compactor: They stuff it down and then one day trash that is smashed down eventually leaks. Volcano: At some point you're going to blow, spewing everywhere on anybody. You're gonna kick dogs, flip people off in traffic, lose your mind at work, punch holes in walls and paint the walls with your words. The Prosecuting Attorney: Building your case, keeping tabs and then it’s time to interrogate and you go for blood. You go for broke. Your goal is to win and not resolve. The Medicator: There’s so many things that guys will use to medicate the pain that they feel. They’ll dive into alcohol and drugs to resist and numb the pain they feel. The Avoider: Maybe that’s what you saw growing up. You’re conflict-averse. When anger rises and fight-or-flight options present themselves, your default is flight. Avoid and kick the can down the street hoping that someone else picks it up. But the can you’ve been kicking is still there. Avoiding it never resolves it. Eskimo: You just freeze people out. You just remain cold and you neglect the broken areas of your life. Look at these 6 examples. Is there one that you lean more towards? Why do you think that example comes more naturally to you? Scott and Parker talk about how our parent’s family wounds can impact our lives as their children. How does this change the way you view your family of origin? How does this change the way you view the importance of addressing your own family wounds so they don’t spill onto your kids? Give the devil no opportunity. Don’t give the devil a foothold. “One of the greatest weapons the enemy will use to take out men is unaddressed, mismanaged anger.” Why do you think the enemy loves to attack men by using anger? Scott lists a few things that anger can come from. What is the importance of addressing the first emotion before the second emotion comes? How have you seen this play out? It’s not about behavior modification, it’s about living out of a new heart that Jesus is trying to create in us. Have you ever thought about the topic of anger under this behavior modification lens? What does it mean to live out of the new heart that Jesus wants to give us? When anger arises, pray. Why is it important to examine your heart before going to someone that has angered you? If it’s not transformed it will be transferred. How does this emphasize the importance of transforming our anger? James 1:19-20. We have to enter a hard conversation with the mindset of, 'How can I understand, and then resolve?' How does it impact our relationships with our spouse, friends, etc.? Why is it important to pray sooner rather than later? “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” What does that statement mean to you? What else in the episode spoke to you? “We either walk in the spirit or we walk in the flesh.” How would your life look if you did this? Your family? Your work? Your neighbors?  Let's wrap up with a challenge:   Where does anger seem to get the best of you? Is there any anger that’s gone unaddressed in your own heart? Is there any conflict that’s gone unresolved in your relationships? Anything you need to own?  Anything that you need to let go?  Anything you need to do? What Bible passage that we walked through is a verse that you need to put to memory? Where’s the Holy Spirit prompting you?  What has God been saying to you during this podcast?     Key Verses  Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Matthew 18:15-16 (NIV) “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 1 John 1:9 (NIV) 9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.   Next Steps: Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church As always…if this podcast has encouraged you, share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.  

Scott Nickell returns to the podcast this week to explore building blocks found in the book of Proverbs, from which God shows us how to build a life—a life that looks like Jesus. DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening questions  Nickell talks about his sabbatical and the importance of rest. Did you get the chance to rest this Labor Day weekend? Where have you been winning in your walk with Christ this week? Nickell talks about the importance that he has found in surrounding himself with people in similar roles with similar responsibilities as him. How have you seen this principle ring true in your life? What is the difference between direction and vision? There are a lot of upcoming changes in our church. What are some things you’re excited about? Is there any way that you feel the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart to serve? “When we are at war, what really matters becomes really clear.” How does understanding the fact that we are constantly in a battle with the enemy change how you prioritize things in your life? Do you agree that our hobbies need to be called into question? Why or why not? Who is it in your life that is close to you but far from God? Are you praying for them? Have you invited them to church? Have you ever had a serious, real conversation with them? Time is limited and heaven and hell are real. What would it look like if you actually believed that? How would your life be different? What would you not have time for? “What you feed grows, what you starve dies.” What would it look like if you prioritized the search for wisdom in your life? "Be killing sin or it will be killing you." What is the importance of killing sin early before it grows? How can we spot pitfalls in our own lives? Biblical worldview: Seeing the world the way Jesus sees the world and loving the world the way Jesus loves the world. Does having a biblical worldview matter? Why or why not? What do things look like when men that claim Jesus don’t have a biblical worldview? What happens to the church, their families, the people around them? Young men, how can you avoid boredom and take on responsibility? What can you be apart of that matters College students, what kind of man do you want to be when you're 40? How can you look like that man now New husbands, how can you get around some couples that are further along the walk than you? How do you think that could help you see what it looks like to have a Godly marriage? Fathers, Just like you are in a war, your kids are in a war and the enemy is real. How does this fact change the way we view raising up our kids to defend themselves agianst the enemy?  Key Texts: Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Luke 2:52 (ESV) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Read Proverbs 2:1-13 Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Galatians 6:7 (NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 16  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.    Next Steps: Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups Sign up for Fight Club at our Nicholasville Campus starting on September 8th at https://southland.church/announcements/nic-fight-club  For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

This week on the podcast we welcome a very special guest: Ernie Coburn. Ernie has been a leader and a source of wisdom around Southland for many years. He was there serving and leading alongside Wayne Smith, Mike Breaux, Jon Weece, and has continued being a part of leadership during our current transition to Scott Nickell stepping into this role in this very important season for Southland. In this conversation, Scott and Ernie lay out a road map for faithfulness and integrity over the long haul in our walk with God, our marriages and how to finish strong.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Scott described Ernie with a lot of words, two of which were wise and old. Who comes to mind in your own life when you hear the description of wise and old? Ernie described the changes our church has experienced over the past 30 years or so. When have you experienced change in church? What have you learned about how to do it well? Ernie spoke about how he spends time reading the Bible and in Prayer. What wisdom did you learn from him in those areas of connecting with God? “God is either your steering wheel or your spare tire” - Corrie Ten Boom. Which of those two roles would you say God is in your life? Ernie shared wisdom from his 67 years-and-counting marriage. What were you encouraged by from the faithfulness to his wife that he discussed? Is there anything in your marriage that you need to fight for so you can reach “until death do us part”? Read Romans 12:9-12. What does Paul say about evil/sin? Do you hate sin? How is that evident in your life? We are always at the crossroads of obedience and sin? What do you need to do to better understand God’s desire for our life and to live in obedience? Read Titus 2:2. What is Paul saying here about finishing strong? Who is someone you know that finished their race of faith really well? What do you think about dying? Is it something you consider often? Take some time to think about what might be said of you at your funeral. If you could write a 1-2 sentence eulogy for yourself, what you hope will be said of you at your funeral, what would it be? What can you do today that will help that eulogy become true? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you? What’s God asking you to do? What does He want to give you? What does He want you to lay down?   NEXT STEPS  Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

Welcome back! This week on Locker Room our guest Jon Weece sits down with Scott to unpack 16 'Laws of Leadership' that should define us as we lead in our families, our workplace and ain our relationships. In this discussion we'll lean on scripture and talk about ways we can grow in these key areas.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Questions: Who were some of your favorite wrestlers back in the day? Where have you been winning in your walk with Christ this week?   Jon’s 16 Laws of Leadership The Law of Love- Lead with Grace, Land with truth  The Law of Responsibility- Something doesn’t have to be your fault to be your responsibility The Law of Stewardship- Leave people and places in better shape than you found them. The Law of Humility- Serve from the trench not the tower The Law of Faith- Be a risk taker not a thrill seeker The Law of Wisdom- Talk less, listen more The Law of Friendship- Vulnerability unlocks intimacy The Law of Maturity- Don’t let compliments go to your head. Dont let criticism go to your heart The Law of Gratitude- Unexpressed gratitude is a form of ingratitude The Law of Foot Washing- Servants can do things that King’s can’t  The Law of Generosity- Generosity is not measured by how much we keep for ourselves but how much we give to others The Law of Focus- Aim for health and growth will follow The Law of Purity- Pursue holiness before sin instead of forgiveness after sin The Law of Simplicity- Replace complexity with simplicity The Law of Language- People who gossip to you will gossip about you The Law of Encouragement- Words will either help people or hurt people   Read through some of Jon’s laws of leadership again. What are 5 laws that really stick out to you?  How have you seen these laws play out in your life?   Law #1: Most men tend to lean one way or the other in regards to grace and truth. Which way do you lean? What steps can you take to better embody both?    Law #2: “When we look at the life of Jesus, sin was not his fault. Yet he willingly took the weight of sin upon himself.” Is there anything going on in your life right now, that may or may not be your fault, but God’s prompting you to move towards it and make it your responsibility?     Read Philippians 2:3-11  How does this passage reinforce the idea of serving from the trench, not the tower?  How does the life of Christ differ from the ideas that the world has about leadership?  What’s one way you can “get in the trench” with people in your life right now? Law #5 How can you tell the difference between faith-driven risk and reckless thrill-seeking? What risks might God be asking you to take right now? Law #6 Jon talked about older people in his life that are very wise and he talks about how they are all great listeners. Who in your life is a great listener? What do they do differently? “Don’t let compliments go to your head. Don’t let criticism go to your heart.”  Why do you think both compliments and criticism can be dangerous if we handle them wrong? What’s one way you can stay grounded no matter what people say about you? Jon says that one of his goals is to grow in kindness and humility. He talks about steps that he is now taking to continue in growth.  How important is it to grow in these two aspects of your life?   Aim for health Why do you think leaders often fall into the trap of focusing on growth before health? In our own personal lives it’s so easy to prioritize our “growth”, before we prioritize our health. Have you ever prioritized growth before health? What did you learn as a result?    Replace complexity with simplicity What are some complex things in your life that you can replace with simplicity?   “Words will either help people or hurt people.” Why is it so important to keep control of what comes out of our mouths?  Is there a time when you said something that tore someone down when you could have said something that built someone up?    Overview Questions: Which of these laws of leadership comes most naturally to you? Which one feels hardest? Why? How do these laws challenge the way the world usually defines leadership? Was there anything else spoke to you about the podcast? What was a big take-away for you?   Key texts:  John 1:17 (NIV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) 21  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Matthew 20:28 (NIV) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) 13  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.   Next Steps Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups Sign up for Fight Club at our Nicholasville Campus starting on September 8th at https://southland.church/announcements/nic-fight-club  If you or someone you know is getting married soon or has been married for 5 years or less sign up for our 2-Day Marriage Workshop: Fall 2025 that will be on September 19/20 at https://southlandchristian.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2486551 For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

Welcome back! We're kicking off this season with a series called Lead! Leadership is crucial to every family, sports team, company, institution and organization! Everything sinks or swims because of leadership or the lack thereof. In this episode we will look at three steps we can all take to elevate leadership in our daily lives: studying the blueprint Jesus laid out for us, learning to take responsibility to carry heavy things, and walking a path for others to follow.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Get to know you questions: Name three things about yourself. Share why you jumped into a Locker Room Group. “We have a man problem.” God has put a high calling on us as men to lead and when we don’t, it has a dramatic impact on everything around us. What are some ways that you see this “man problem” in our world, or for you personally? Scott said, “Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose.” How can you be more intentional and deliberate about leading yourself so you can better lead those around you to better follow in the example of Christ? Follow the Leader.  Hatfield gave us three practical ways that we can do that: #1  Study the Blueprint. If we’re going to follow our leader, we have to see how Jesus led. How does getting in God’s Word and studying the gospels help us become better men? What steps can you take to better engage with the living Word of God? #2  Carry heavy things. God has entrusted men with responsibility.   Scott mentioned things like stewarding his creation, using our gifts to build up the church, spiritual leadership in our families, the gospel and its commission, and walking out the calling that God’s given us. What are some of the responsibilities God has entrusted us as men with?  Scott said, “Men are like trucks, they run better with a heavy load.”  Why are we better men when we embrace Godly responsibility? What are some responsibilities you have put down that you need to pick up? #3  Walk a Path for Others to Follow.   Who are some Godly people who have invested in your life and whose examples you have learned from? Who are the people you are trying to be an example to?  What are you doing to invest in those relationships?  How are you feeling challenged?   Three key passages that challenge men about the importance of the path: Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.  1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) Be watchful; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.  Application:   Which of those passages challenge you the most and why? What’s your take-away from this first episode?   What step is the Holy Spirit challenging you to take?   Next Steps: Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups If you or someone you know is getting married soon or has been married for 5 years or less, sign up for our  2-Day Marriage Workshop (Fall 2025) on September 19/20 at this link:  Fall Marriage Workshop SIgnup For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

Season 14 has been a great one for Locker Room. There have been so many stories of men and encouragement we can apply daily in our fight. This week on the podcast, Ian Schweitzer joins Scott to reflect on all we’ve learned in this season together. — We want to challenge you to ask this question over the next several months in your quiet time: Jesus/Holy Spirit: What’s my next step as a Christ-follower, husband, dad or kingdom worker? The book Scott referred to in this episode is Tempered Resilience by Tod Bolsinger.   NEXT STEPS The live version of Fight Club—the men’s group Scott leads—will be at our Nicholasville Campus in August 2025. If you’ve not jumped in with us, or know someone who needs to—get the word out. We’ll have Fight Club on the Groups Directory at the end of July or early August so you can sign up. If you want to be a Table Leader at Fight Club who invests in the men, shoot an email to Scott at shatfield@southland.church. Before we sign off for this season we ask our Locker Room family to be praying for unity and protection in this year of transition at Southland (Weece to Nickell). Pray for Jon Weece, Scott Nickell, and their families, our Eldership, our staff and our church. There’s nothing the enemy would love to do more than attack us in the midst of this transition. Southland has been a remarkable place where we have had God’s favor. Locker Room, we want to keep it that way. Let’s pray for unity, fight for unity and seek to guard and protect the mission and character of our church. Thanks for listening. Keep fighting! Keep leading! Keep investing! We’ll catch you next time in August for season 15 of Locker Room.  

Most of us know a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone we went to school with that is in a battle with some kind of addiction. The truth is, it may be you, reading this now. Maybe you’ve never acknowledged it. Maybe you’ve lived in denial about the daily struggle that you’re experiencing. Regardless of how this subject has impacted you, we hope that you’re encouraged in our conversation today. Our guest this week is Mike Mueller. Mike is a husband, father and coach in our community who has been a part of Southland for 13 years. On this episode Mike shares the story of how God changed his life and is now using him to impact lots of people who have struggled with some of the same things.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Have you ever coached at the youth sports level? What is your favorite story from coaching kids? Mike has served in several areas in the church (Connections, security, small groups, Men’s Retreat). What areas have you served in? If you don’t currently serve, what areas of ministry would you be best suited for? Scott talks about how even if we don’t have the big name vices, most people have an addiction to something. What do you find yourself going back to time and time again despite the negative consequences? What are you addicted to? Mike describes himself as a functional alcoholic. He did so much to cover up his addiction. Have you experienced this yourself or with someone you know? Why is this so dangerous? Scott & Mike discussed the beauty of Rock Bottom. It’s the pivot point, it’s your opportunity to change, and to meet God. Have you ever had a Rock Bottom moment? What did God teach you there? What changed about you? Read James 4:8-10. What does this passage teach us about how we deal with sin? What do you need to take from this passage to utilize in your own life? Read Luke 9:23-24. What do you need to deny yourself of to follow Jesus? What are you still holding onto that’s keeping you from full life in Jesus? Read Psalm 40:1-10. What does it look like to be fully authentic in front of God and others? Do you have a place to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of your story? For those who have shared their story, what was that experience like? How did God use that to grow you? We want men to experience freedom. Is there something you are hiding and need to reveal to somebody? Will you confess it in this group? If not, will you email lockerroom@southland.church and let us connect you to somebody to confess to? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down?   NEXT STEPS  Visit the AA meetings that happen at our church: NIC Campus Thursday 6-8pm LEX Campus Tuesday 6-8pm GEO Campus Tuesday 7-8pm. Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

“I need you to know that God seems to throw me hard things. You just need to know what you’re getting into.” - Kailen Combs Taylor This week on Locker Room our guest Bryan Taylor sits down with Scott to share a powerful story of love, loss and hope. Bryan and Kailen shared five years together before they were separated by her death from cancer in 2015. In our conversation today, Bryan shares about navigating the grief that began with Kailen’s diagnosis and what life was like after she passed away. Bryan also shares how he was able to move forward, choosing hope and rediscovering life after such a profound loss.   DISCUSSION GUIDE If you had to give a title to the last 9 months of your life, what would it be and why? “War” is the title of the story that Bryan labeled such a hard period of his life. Has there been a time in your life that looking back you would label as “war?” In grief you often don’t know what to say, and sometimes people say things that aren’t helpful. What is something someone has said to you that was helpful in a moment of grief? Read Hebrews 2:17. Jesus was fully human. He knew exactly what it was like to have to navigate grief and feel the weight of life being thrown at him. Jesus understands what it is like to experience loss, because he experienced loss during his life. When you’re navigating grief, is it easy for you to run to Jesus? Why or why not? Scott and Bryan talked about how the physical act of writing and journaling has been helpful as they navigated grief. When you listen to the concept of writing and journaling, what does that make you think? Is it something you are open to trying? Read Isaiah 55:8-9. How does choosing to accept the truth of these verses help us to navigate  grief by putting it in the proper perspective? “It’s not the load that breaks you down; but the way you carry it.” What are some healthy ways we can choose to carry the circumstances life throws our way that won’t break us down? Read Romans 8:35-39. The promise we can hold onto is that there is absolutely nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ. Of the three insights Bryan gave at the end of the podcast, which one is hardest for you to hold onto when navigating hard times?   (1) No amount of agony is enough to dim Christ’s love for you.  (2) If you make your pain available to God, he won’t waste it.  (3) Hold onto the hope of the resurrection.  What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? RESOURCES Even if You Don’t: A Love Story - Bryan Taylor The Lazarus Within: How to Choose Hope & Rediscover Your Life After Loss - Bryan Taylor A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis Breaking Chains: Navigating Grief, with Gary Black - A Locker Room Podcast - February 28, 2025.  The Time We are Given, with James Rutledge - A Locker Room Podcast - March 22, 2021.  NEXT STEPS  Memorize Romans 8:38-39.  Join a Grief Share Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

Providential relationships and pivotal circumstances are critical parts of great stories. Providential relationships are significant people God orchestrates to guide, support and shape our faith journey. Pivotal circumstances are events—both good and bad—that mark us, shape us and become a critical part of our story and testimonies. Our guest this week—Daniel Mitchell—has lived a life marked by many providential relationships and events. Daniel joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age seventeen, landing in Tactical Air Navigation and later becoming a SERE instructor, also serving as a Chaplain. Daniel and his wife Angela met while serving together at Southland's Lexington campus. Daniel now runs a handyman business/ministry and is also a counselor specializing in PTSD and sexual assault. Jump in with us this week as we hear Daniel’s story, pivotal moments in his life and how, with God’s help, hope can drive out despair.   DISCUSSION GUIDE If you could have any accent besides your own what would it be? (British, Western, Boston, etc.) What is your favorite military movie of all time? Daniel shared a miracle healing story from when he was 5 years old. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle? Will you share that story? “God has the best detours.” Daniel shared how God detoured his night of drinking to experience God’s love in a church. What detours has God placed in your life that showed you His grace and goodness? Take 5 minutes or so for everyone to write down those 8-10 pivotal circumstances (good and bad) that have marked and changed your life. Does writing it down help you see how God was moving throughout your mountains and valleys? Who have been the providential relationships that have guided, supported, & shaped your faith journey? Will you reach out to them and express gratitude for them? Will you look for opportunities to be that person for others around you? “Where there is hope, despair doesn’t live.” Did you get a bit of joy or hope out of Daniel’s dog park story? Where do you find hope? In what ways can you manufacture hope if you don’t have any resources right now Read Acts 9:15-16, 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, & 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What can we learn from the suffering of Paul, how he handled it & how God handled it? What suffering or weakness do you need to bring to Jesus so He can be sufficient for you? Read Romans 8:28 & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. How can you cling to the promises God has made to us even in the darkest of time? “Where you stare is where you will steer.” What have you been staring at (focusing, dwelling on) in your life? Does where you stare need to change? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down?   NEXT STEPS  Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

For most men, the key to our future and the quality of their life is in direct proportion with how we engage our past. We have to move towards our wounds in order to find healing. Regardless of our earthly father/step dad/absent dad, we need our good Heavenly Father to begin the work of healing us by fixing our past. Our guest this week is no stranger to a challenging past. Brian and Scott sit down at the table to share from his life story of being put up for adoption and growing up in a tough family, but then allowing Jesus and godly people to help by acknowledging his wounds and finding healing. We’ll also dive into investing in our marriages, being an intentional dad, and expanding the circle through mentoring and discipling others.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Brian takes the first 5 minutes of the episode to brag about his wife. It is so important to verbally express the things that you love about your wife. What are 2-3 things you are grateful for related to your significant other? Be sure to also express those feelings to them this week. Brian mentions that despite everything that has happened in his life, he is a victor through Jesus, not a victim of the enemy. What have been the times in your life where you have felt like you were a victim of the enemy instead of being a victor through Christ? How has God been faithful through those times? Scott and Brian take some time to talk through their relationship with their wives and kids and a word that summarizes their conversation well is intentionality. As men, we have to intentionally fight for what is most important. What are some ways you have been intentional in your relationships and what are some ways that you need to be more intentional? Love for Jesus overflows into your love for your wife, which then overflows into your love for your kids. It has to be in that order. Do you find yourself prioritizing your kids over your wife? Do you find yourself prioritizing your wife over Jesus? What can we do to prioritize the right relationships so that we can best serve those we are about? Read Ephesians 5:1-2. Think through some people who have made a strong impact on your life. Who is someone in your sphere right now that is doing what you want to be doing? Make a plan to talk to them this week to learn from them and to hear their story. What are the areas in your life that you feel like you have to be perfect? Don’t put a burden on yourself that Jesus hasn’t placed on you. You don’t need to be perfect, because Jesus is perfect. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. One of the best ways that we can love people as Jesus loves them is by speaking encouragement. Who is someone in your life that you can serve by encouraging them? It could be your wife, one of your kids, a co-worker, someone in your small group. Shoot them a text or give them a call and see how the Holy Spirit will move. What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Join a Group at southland.church/groups Join a Serving Team at southland.church/volunteer For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

Today’s episode is big topic in this Breaking Chains series: Navigating Grief. It’s not called overcoming grief, it’s not called conquering grief or dismantling grief, because—like it or not—grief is part of the story. You have to go through it. It’s not good for us to avoid it or go around it. Grief is universal. Join us In this episode as Scott and Gary walk through many different types of profound loss we may experience in life, including stories from their own experiences. Along the way, we will find wisdom and hope in God’s word on how to move forward.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Grief is a heavy topic so let’s start with a light question: Can you remember the time you laughed the hardest? (Or one of the times you’ve laughed the hardest?) Share the story with the group. How do you define grief? The podcast defines grief as feelings of great sorrow, distress and emotional pain that stems from significant loss. What significant losses have you grieved in life? The 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, & Acceptance. When you look back on your times of grief are these stages evident? Gary’s 5 emotions connected to grief: Profound sadness, guilt, fear, physical fallout/symptoms, & aimlessness. Which of these emotions have you experienced the most in your times of grief? Scott’s 7 things to help navigate grief: Community, anticipate awkwardness, lean into your faith, support groups, grief counseling, anticipate and plan for “grief triggers”, & grieve well. Which of those help you the most in times of grief? “A good friend won’t lecture, correct, or react to our insanity [in times of grief].” What does it look like to help others when they are dealing with grief? The enemy will lie to us in our grief. Read 1 Peter 5:7 & Matthew 11:28-30. What do these passages say about God’s heart for us during our grief? Gary and Scott talked about grieving the loss of people to suicide. What from that discussion did you need to hear? Read Revelation 21:4. Some grief will never go away on this side of Heaven. What hope can we place in this truth from Revelation about when Jesus returns? “Please, don’t turn the helpers away.” - Paul David Tripp. Are you in need of help right now? Who can be your helper? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down?   RESOURCES Suicide:   Hope Always, Matthew Sleeth, M.D.  Grief: The View From a Hearse, Joe Bayly Experiencing Grief, H. Norman Wright Good Grief, Granger Westberg It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Megan Divine NEXT STEPS  Look at our Care resources for Grief Share, counseling referrals, and more at southland.church/care Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

Our enemy understands the power of sin: the impact it can have on our lives and those we love. He knows if he can tempt, lie and deceive us into choosing sin—anything other than God’s best—then he can send us down a path that can really destroy our lives as men and wreck the things that matter to God. Guests Will Briggs and Matt Williams join us this week on the podcast as we look at how we can recognize the plays of the enemy, the temptations and tendencies in our own hearts, and move forward on God’s path, breaking free of the chains of habitual sin.   DISCUSSION GUIDE What are some of the daily habits in your life? Did these parts of your day become a habit intentionally or unintentionally? What comes to mind when you think of the term “habitual sin.” Is it a specific sin? It is a certain memory? Is it a particular feeling or emotion? The guys talked about how no one chooses to just blow up their life one day, but that sin begins to creep into our lives in small ways. Sometimes just a “small” lie of asking for a water cup to fill up with a coke. These “small” sins are ways that the enemy can get a foothold into our lives and a foothold can easily become a stronghold where the enemy has control over our actions. What are the “small” sins that the enemy is attempting to use to pull you away from Jesus? Share a time when you struggled with habitual sin and the freedom you now have. What is a habitual sin that you struggle with right now? Celebrate the victory and acknowledge the struggle now. Read Romans 6:5-7. When it comes to habitual sin, what do you believe is true? The enemy tries to convince us that we will always struggle with this and that we will never be truly free. But followers of Jesus are promised that they have everything they need to overcome this sin. Who are you listening to? The guys mention 5 keys to overcoming habitual sin. Which of these keys have you overlooked in your struggle with habitual sin that you need to implement?  Practice confession and repentance daily (Hebrews 4:16 & James 5:16).  Ask God for help through prayer (Psalm 121:1-2).  When we become a Christ-follower, sin is no longer our master (Romans 6:6-7 & Romans 6:22).  God’s Word gives us the promise of God’s help in the face of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).  We leverage the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:24-25).  “You can’t heal from what you hide.” The Bible teaches us that we do not have to hide in our sin and our shame but we can confidently come to God in our sin so that we may receive mercy and find grace. Is there a specific habitual sin that you need to confess to God and to another follower of Jesus? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Take 45 minutes this week to read through and reflect on Romans 6. Bring a journal and a pen and sit with the Holy Spirit as you reflect on the truth of Scripture.  Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

This week on Locker Room we’re starting a three-part series called Breaking Chains, looking at three things that can lock us down and stop the work Jesus wants to do in us. First up is perfectionism. Join Scott and returning guest Gary Black as we talk about some of the downsides of perfectionism and offer practical suggestions to get a handle on it, so we can step onto the path of freedom—freedom from self-imposed guilt, needless anxiety, unnecessary pressure, and the many compulsions associated with perfectionism that can drain the joy from our lives.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Who was your favorite teacher growing up? What made them so great? Has anyone made an impact on your life that you only met once? Who was it and what impact did it have? What comes to mind when you hear the word “perfectionism”? Is that something you struggle with? Or are you on the other side and no one would ever call you a perfectionist? The Dangers of Perfectionism: It destroys your initiative. It damages relationships. It destroys happiness. It leads to a rules-dominated life. It leads to constant over-analysis and fear-based decisions. Which of these dangers have you witnessed from your life or those around you? Action Step 1: Admit you have a problem. Read Psalm 32:1-5. Is there a problem of perfectionism you need to admit today? Or anything else you need to confess? Action Step 2: Stop demanding perfection from others. Read 1 John 1:8. No one is perfect, including you! Where do you find yourself demanding perfection from others? (Friends, coworkers, kids, wife, etc). How can you release them from those demands? Action Step 3: Develop a realistic awareness of God’s love. Read Romans 8:38-39. Do you really believe God the Father has adopted you and loves you unconditionally? Even in the highs and lows? What does it look like to “relax and enjoy God’s love” as Gary says? Action Step 4: Go out of your way to love others. Read Colossians 3:12-14. Who are you serving in life? Where are you serving? Where are you living out what Paul calls us to in this passage? The best time to change is now. What will you change today to start becoming who you want to be tomorrow? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

The words we speak should reflect a heart transformed by God. Grace and truth should drive us in our conversations, whether it be with our wives, our kids, our friends, people at church, people at work, people that don’t believe what we believe, and those who aren’t fans of Christianity at all. Grace and truth, in every conversation. Our special guests this week are two of Southland’s elders, Rob Campbell and Rob Workman. Join us as we dive into how to speak life with our words.   DISCUSSION GUIDE What is something you learned from the guys as they talked about the ways other men have invested in them and how they’re investing in their marriages & their kids? Scott mentions a number of times in the Bible where the words that are said have power. God speaks creation into existence. Jesus literally speaks life into Lazarus. Jesus speaks the words “Be still!” and a storm ceases. What do these passages say about the importance of words? Read Matthew 12:36-37. What is Jesus saying about the impact our words have? Has there been a moment when someone has spoken life into you? Scott and the guys talked through 4 points of how we can be better at using our words to speak life. Below are some thoughts and questions to reflect on each of these points: (1) Bring grace and truth into every conversation. One of the best things we can do to gauge how we use our words is to ask someone close to us what they think of the language we use. Who can you ask this week? What do you imagine they would say? (2) Using our words to talk to people about Jesus through telling your story. Vulnerability and authenticity lead to curiosity. When we’re talking to people who don’t follow Jesus, two of the best ways to reflect the love of Jesus to them are to be vulnerable and authentic. Is it easy for you to do these two things? What can you do to be more vulnerable or more authentic in your relationships with people? (3) Own it when you mess up. Who do you need to have a conversation with to own a way that you’ve messed up? Is there someone at work? Your wife? One of your kids? If you never apologize, you cannot expect other people to apologize to you. You need to own it and take the first step in order to set the culture. (4) Express gratitude, appreciation, and encouragement. Encouragement means to breathe courage into people. It is easy to forget what is true. Who is one person in your life you can encourage by telling them you are thankful for or proud of them? What can you tell your wife to remind her that you love her and want to serve her? What can you tell your kid to remind them that you are proud of them? What can you tell a friend to show them you’re thankful for them? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

This week on the podcast we’ve invited returning guests Jason Byerly and Kevin Comp to kick off a two-part series called Watch Your Mouth. Even though this series is short, be prepared for it to get into your business and step on your toes. Today’s episode is about the power of our words—an area that all of us men need to work on.   DISCUSSION GUIDE The Super Bowl is just a week away. Who are you picking to win? Who will be the MVP? Is the NFL rigged Three important Questions: What did you learn from Kevin & Jason about how they are investing in their marriages & kids and the men that made an impact in their lives? What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Watch your mouth”? Share a story of when your words got you into trouble. Read Luke 6:45. What would you say your heart is full of based on what comes out of your mouth? Read James 3:1-12. How have you seen words set things on fire and cause destruction? Why do you think man cannot tame his tongue? If this is impossible for man, what are we to do? What areas of leadership do you carry? How have you been utilizing your words in these spaces? What did you take from the challenge of Kevin and Jason? Talk through these Biblical principles. Which of these principles do you need to apply to your life now to watch your mouth?  Repent, Confess, Let Jesus be Lord of this area of your life. (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 81:13-14) Acknowledge the wounds that have come from those who have hurt you and ask God for healing. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Apply God’s Word and partner with the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22-25) Do something drastic. Limit, eliminate or take a time out from things that are working against you. (Ephesians 5:15-16) Surround Yourself with Men who are on the same journey. (Proverbs 13:20) Praying God’s Word in our lives. (James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:29) What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Join Fit to Fight in Georgetown Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

Every day we have to choose between comfort or growth. Comfort may be the American Dream, but it’s not God’s heart for us. God calls us to grow, and grow up. We have to take risks, step out on faith and trust Him if we’re going to become the men He created us to be. This week we are looking at a story found in Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6. It’s the account of Jesus walking on water and Peter asking Jesus to call him out to walk on the water too. Join us as Scott and our guests, Ian and Ariea break down what it looks like to push through fear and step out on faith.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Winter has been in full swing the past couple weeks. What are your thoughts on the winter season? Do you love the cold and the snow? Do you hate it because scraping off your car in the morning is annoying? Are you somewhere in between? What is one way you’ve been winning this past week? This could be in your marriage, with your kids, with your career, or any other part of your life. Read Matthew 14:22-32. Is there anything from this passage that sticks out to you? What does this passage say about who Jesus is? What does this passage say about how we should respond to Jesus? When Jesus says “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” what comes to mind? Our relationship with Jesus is one where we can come to him no matter how we have fallen short or how much we have failed. Do you believe that to be true? Read Matthew 14:29. Take a moment and imagine you are one of the disciples sitting in the boat. You see this figure walking out towards you. You hear this figure tell you to not be afraid. Then you see Peter step out of the boat and onto the water. Then you see Peter WALKING on the water towards Jesus. What would your initial reaction be? What would you be feeling? Where in your life do you need to trust Jesus? What circumstances in your life have the chance to get in the way of keeping your eyes on Jesus? Is there anything you can be doing to best set yourself up to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus even when these circumstances come up? As Christian, we are called to treat others as Jesus has treated us. Is there anyone in your life you need to treat with the same tenderness as Jesus treated Peter? Is there anyone you need to ask forgiveness from because you have treated them without tenderness? Which of these applications that Scott mentioned stood out to you the most? Which of these are hardest for you to run after?    (1) Taking risks are necessary for growth.    (2) Faith in God is crucial.    (3) Failure is not the end.     (4) Overcoming fear is essential.    (5) Stepping out in obedience leads to life change and missional impact. What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? RESOURCES If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got To Get Out of the Boat, John Ortberg. Oceans, Hillsong UNITED   NEXT STEPS  Join Fight Club in Danville Register for the Pre-marriage Workshop at southland.church/marriage Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

Sometimes when we bring our pain and circumstances before God—if we don’t see results or quick fixes to our lives instantaneously—we just give up. Or we forget that we’ve journeyed off the path for years or even decades and we think we can microwave it and just instantly be better, healed or whole. Jesus isn’t looking for you to give him the one thing that’s keeping you up at night—He wants you. He wants everything. He wants your heart. He wants all of you. He wants to build our faith. He wants to build our relationship with Him. This week on the podcast, Scott sits down with our guests Mike Allen and Neil Gregory to unpack a conversation Jesus had with a man at a pool, when he asked, “Do you want to get well?”   DISCUSSION GUIDE Did you grow up going to the pool? What comes to mind when someone says “Let’s go to the pool?” Share any good pool stories you have. Read John 5:1-15. What stands out to you about how Jesus interacts with this paralyzed man? What came to mind when the guys were discussing the prosperity gospel and churches that lean too heavily on supernatural healings & miracles? Do you have any experience with this? How would you feel if you or someone you loved was sick for 38 years? Have there been any moments in your life where you felt stuck, hopeless, or frustrated at God like this? Jesus asks this man “Do you want to get well?” When have you tried to “get well” in the wrong ways? When have you given up on “getting well” too easily? Is there something you need to do to “get well” that you have been unwilling to do? What circumstances has Jesus called you up out of to get you where you are today? What is Jesus telling you to “Get Up” from in your life right now? What do you need to heal from that can only come from God’s power? Do you follow Jesus and have the power of the Holy Spirit? If yes, how can you listen to the Holy Spirit and what he is convicting you of? If not, what is holding you back? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down? NEXT STEPS  Join Fight Club in Danville Register for the Pre-marriage Workshop at southland.church/marriage Join a Group at southland.church/groups For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church

Welcome back to Locker Room! We’re kicking off Season 14 with a series called Encounters with Jesus. We’ll be zeroing in on some cool moments Jesus had with different people in the gospels. We’ll learn about who Jesus is, the mission he’s on and gain practical insight on who we are as men, and how we are called to live our lives. The first encounter we’re looking at is described in Mark chapter 2, when Jesus was moved by the faith of four men who acted by any means necessary to get their paralyzed friend in close proximity to him so he might be healed. Join us this week for Encounters with Jesus: Through the Roof.   DISCUSSION GUIDE What were some highs and lows of your Christmas season? What were the best parts? What were the worst parts? For all the new Locker Room groups, how have you been involved with Southland? Have you gone through Fight Club? Are you part of a serving team? Do you attend Sunday mornings with your family? Read Mark 2:1-12 with your group. Stop after each verse and discuss anything that catches your attention. What does this verse say about Jesus? What does this verse say about you? Is there anything that we can apply from this verse? “Sometimes Jesus gives us what we need before he gives us what we want.” Presence before joy. Grace before freedom. Hard conversations before a healed relationship. Are there any ways in your life right now that Jesus is giving you what you need rather than what you want? Jesus forgives sin. This is one of the most important messages of the Bible. Jesus has the ability to forgive sins because he is God and because he was the one who took the punishment of our sins when he went to the cross. What sins do I need to bring to Jesus and be forgiven of? Imagine how the crowd reacted to this interaction between the paralyzed man and Jesus. How would you have reacted if you saw this interaction? Make no mistake, the greatest miracle in this story is that this man received salvation. Have you received the salvation that Jesus offers? If so, tell your group the story of how you came to know Jesus. How do you view the interruptions in your day? Do you find them frustrating? Are you listening for the Holy Spirit in your day to day in order to love people like Jesus loves? Do you want Jesus to be moved by your faith? What about your faith do you need to be more intentional about? Is it the way you parent your kids? Is it the time you spend in the Word before anything else? Is it the way you intentionally spend time with your wife? What else from the podcast spoke to you? What did God/Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down?   NEXT STEPS    Groups kick off January 17th. Join a Group at southland.church/groups Start a Locker Room Group. Sign up for Fight Club at the Danville Campus - starting Monday January 20, 7-9pm. Sign up for the Marriage Workshop, March 7-8 at the Lexington Campus.  For any other questions or comments email lockerroom@southland.church  

We've just wrapped up Season 13 of Locker Room, but we wanted to bring you four bonus episodes from our Men's Retreat in October. We've had a lot of guys talking about it, and a lot of men who couldn't be there. We've released one each week to remind our men who attended, and to share with those who couldn't be there. This message was from the final session of the retreat, and is called Declare War and Fight. Locker Room will be back in the new year for season 14 on January 17.