Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore how the biblical concept of exile shapes the church's political identity today, drawing lessons from Jeremiah 29 and 1 Peter. Discover how being a "holy nation" and "exiles" informs how Christians can navigate modern society by balancing submission to authorities with a distinct kingdom identity. Key Takeaways: • Exile as a Political Identity – Understanding the implications of living as exiles in contemporary society. • Lessons from Jeremiah 29 – Learning from the Israelites' exile in Babylon about seeking the welfare of the city while maintaining faithfulness to God. • Insights from 1 Peter – How Peter's teachings on being a "holy nation" and "foreigners" apply to the modern church. • Balancing Submission and Subversion – Discussing the tension between honoring authorities and living out countercultural kingdom values. • Application for Today – Practical considerations for believers navigating political partisanship and the church's role in society. Guest Highlights: Mike

Mike and Tim take a deep dive into the concept of exile and what it means for the Church today. They unpack Israel's political identity as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, and how these ancient practices can inform and transform the way we live out our faith in the modern world. From rethinking notions of kingship and power to challenging economic and social norms, they explore how embracing God's upside-down Kingdom can help us resist the allure of worldly power and wealth. Key Takeaways: • Israel's Political Identity – Understanding Israel as a geopolitical entity called to be holy and set apart among the nations. • Upside-Down Politics – Exploring how Israel's practices contrasted with surrounding nations in kingship, militarism, economics, and social class. • Lessons for the Church Today – Discussing how the modern Church can adopt similar practices to reflect God's Kingdom and serve as a light to the nations. • Resisting Worldly Temptations – Examining how the Church can resist the temptations of

This episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore how listener feedback on hospitality and racial injustice invites us to reassess the church's approach to embodying the radical, self-sacrificial politics of Jesus' upside-down kingdom. Key Takeaways: Redefining Biblical Hospitality – Understanding hospitality as systemic inclusion, not just individual kindness, and its implications for the church today. Confronting Systemic Racism in the Church – Acknowledging and addressing the racial biases and injustices embedded within church culture and structures. Power Dynamics of the Kingdom of God – Differentiating between the coercive power of worldly kingdoms and the self-sacrificial power of Jesus' kingdom. Navigating Political Idolatry – Recognizing the pitfalls of aligning the church too closely with national politics and the concept of a "Christian nation." Embracing Exile and Community – Reflecting on feelings of exile from traditional church structures and the importance of community in discerning how to live

Exploring how the Kingdom of God challenges political idolatry and offers a transformative vision of public faith beyond partisan divides. Mike and Tim delve into the multifaceted experience of exile—not only as humans and followers of Jesus but also feeling alienated from aspects of modern Christianity. Discover how Jesus' announcement of the Kingdom reshapes our understanding of politics, community, and what it means to live out a holistic, public faith today. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Exile – Unpacking the layers of exile as humans from the Garden, as Christians in culture, and feeling displaced within Christianity itself. • The Political Nature of the Kingdom of God – How Jesus proclaimed a geopolitical reality that transcends private devotion, calling for comprehensive public and social transformation. • Beyond Partisanship – Discussing why the Kingdom is political but not partisan, emphasizing a faith that is public, external, and social—not just personal and internal. • Navigating Political Idolat

Discover how the teachings of Jesus and Paul on hospitality can guide us in navigating political divisions within the church. Join Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with New Testament scholar Dr. Timothy Gombis, exploring the limits of biblical hospitality and how to practice radical inclusion and love in times of division. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Biblical Hospitality – Unpacking the biblical meaning of hospitality as love of the stranger, rooted in God's character and exemplified by Jesus. • The Limits of Hospitality – Examining whether there are limits to hospitality, and how Jesus and Paul's teachings address inclusion and exclusion within the faith community. • Navigating Political Division in the Church – Discussing practical ways to maintain unity and love in church communities amidst differing political views and tensions. • Cultivating Neighbor Love – Exploring how to develop practices and imaginations aligned with Jesus's teachings, focusing on neigh

Discover how embracing weakness, humility, and hospitality can transform your approach to church and community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford challenge traditional church models, inviting you to explore alternative ways of gathering that reflect the true mission of Jesus. Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on power dynamics, the significance of the Lord's Supper, and Paul's vision of the new humanity in Ephesians. Key Takeaways: • Redefining Church Community – Why moving beyond traditional models can lead to a more authentic and engaging faith experience. • The Power of Weakness and Humility – Understanding how acknowledging our vulnerabilities fosters genuine connections and spiritual growth. • Hospitality as a Core Practice – How practicing hospitality reflects Jesus's teachings and unites diverse believers as equals. • Navigating Power Dynamics – Exploring how authority should be exercised within the church to promote mutuality and siblingship. • Embodying the New Humanity – Embracing Paul's vision from

Mike and Tim dive into the challenges many believers face when churches become too political. Reading listener emails, they explore how to find a church that prioritizes faith over partisan politics. They discuss how to separate pastors' personal political views from their spiritual leadership and share practical advice on building Christ-centered communities that embody the teachings of Jesus amidst political divisions. Key Takeaways: • Recognizing When Politics Overstep in Church – Understanding the signs that politics are overshadowing spiritual guidance in your church and its impact on your faith. • The Crucial Practice of Choosing a Faith Community – Mike emphasizes the importance of deliberately selecting a church community as a key aspect of spiritual formation. • Separating Pastors from Their Political Opinions – Insights on how to navigate relationships with church leaders whose political views may differ from yours. • Fostering Christ-Centered Communities – Tips on creating inclusive communities foc

Join Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they immerse themselves in a powerful reading of the Sermon on the Mount from Eugene Peterson's The Message translation. Experience Jesus' profound teachings in Matthew 5-7 presented in fresh, contemporary language that brings new life to these timeless words. Mike and Tim reflect on how this revitalized perspective deepens their understanding of living under Christ's kingship and impacts their faith journey. Key Takeaways: • A Fresh Encounter with Jesus' Teachings – Discover how The Message translation reimagines the Sermon on the Mount in modern, relatable language. • Embodying the Kingdom Ethic – Insights into living out the principles Jesus lays out, embodying what it means when Christ is truly King. • Emotional Resonance of Scripture – Mike and Tim share their heartfelt reactions to the reading and discuss the profound impact of Scripture on their lives. Resources Mentioned: • The Message Bible Translation by Eugene Peterson – Bible Gateway - The Message Version • Sermo

Explore how the church's desire for political saviors mirrors Israel's demand for a king in 1 Samuel, leading to political idolatry in today's context. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the implications of the 2024 election results, analyzing the dangers of merging faith with politics. They emphasize the timeless wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for Christians navigating political division and finding hope beyond earthly leaders. Key Takeaways: • Political Idolatry in Modern Christianity – Understanding the risks when Christians place their hope in political leaders rather than Christ. • Lessons from 1 Samuel – Reflecting on Israel's desire for a king and how it relates to the church's temptation to seek political solutions. • Elijah's Encounter with God – Finding solace and guidance in times of despair through God's still, small voice. • Embracing the Sermon on the Mount – Recommitting to Jesus' teachings as the foundation for Christian life amidst political turmoil. Resources Mentioned: • 1

Mike, Tim, and special guest Pastor Suzie Lind engage in a candid conversation about the intricate relationship between faith, politics, and gender roles in today's society. They explore how political rhetoric shapes perceptions of masculinity, the impact on both men and women within the church, and the pitfalls of aligning faith too closely with political power. Drawing from historical contexts and personal experiences, they offer insightful perspectives on navigating the political landscape while faithfully embodying the teachings of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Political Narratives – Understanding how current rhetoric influences gender dynamics and the perception of masculinity in both society and the church. • Historical Lessons – Examining the consequences when the church seeks protection or power from political entities and how it affects spiritual integrity. • Kingdom over Politics – Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the values of the Kingdom of God above political affiliations and powe

Mike and Tim are joined by members of the Voxology community in a live recording to delve into the intersections of ancient scripture and modern culture. They discuss Brian Zahnd's "The Christian Voter's Guide," Tim's eye-opening experience at a Moms for Liberty event, and how fear is wielded in politics today. Returning to Genesis 4, they explore the escalating nature of sin and its relevance in contemporary society. Key Takeaways: • The Momentum of Sin in Genesis 4 – Understanding how sin escalates and permeates humanity, and its implications for us today. • Fear as a Political Tool – Analyzing how fear is utilized in modern politics and its effects on Christian engagement in societal issues. • Insights from Brian Zahnd's 'The Christian Voter's Guide' – Exploring guidelines for Christians navigating the political landscape. • Tim's Experience at a Moms for Liberty Event – A firsthand account of fear-based rhetoric and its impact on communities. • Embracing Love Over Fear – Reflecting on 1 John 4:18 and how

Discover the profound implications of sin's first appearance in Genesis and how it shapes our understanding of imaging God versus imaging the serpent. Explore how sin, depicted as an external force lurking at the door, can alter our identity from children of God to reflections of the serpent through our choices. Delve into the communal nature of sin and salvation, emphasizing that our actions influence not just ourselves but the entire community. Key Takeaways: • The First Mention of Sin in Genesis 4 – Unpacking the portrayal of sin as an external entity that desires to control us. • Imaging God vs. Imaging the Serpent – Understanding how our choices determine whom we reflect in the world. • The Communal Impact of Sin and Salvation – Recognizing that sin and redemption are collective experiences affecting the whole community. • Reframing Worship and Idolatry – Challenging traditional views to see worship as a way of life dedicated to imaging God in every aspect. • Restoration Through Christ – Examining how Je

Mike and Tim continue their "To Be Human" series with a deep dive into Genesis 4, exploring the profound story of Cain and Abel. They examine how the themes of sin, violence, and human autonomy first introduced in Genesis 3 are intensified in the next generation. Through a close reading of the text, they uncover the layers of meaning behind Cain's actions, the significance of the ground crying out, and the enduring relevance of these ancient narratives in understanding human behavior today. Key Takeaways: • The Parallels Between Genesis 3 and 4 – How the choices of Adam and Eve are mirrored and magnified in the actions of their children. • Sin as a Crouching Beast – Exploring the depiction of sin in Genesis 4 and its implications for human inclination towards autonomy and violence. • The Ground Cries Out – Understanding the connection between human actions and creation, and how violence impacts the earth itself. • The Mark of Cain: Judgment and Mercy – Discussing the dual nature of God's response to Cain's ac

Discover how modern attacks on masculinity intersect with biblical teachings from Genesis as Mike and Tim delve into "The New Normal Part 3." They discuss Mike's personal experiences with backlash over his non-retaliatory stance rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, explore an insightful article on Gen Z men and the church, and unpack the theological implications of the curse on Adam. This episode offers fresh perspectives on masculinity, lament, and repentance for Christians today. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Cultural Perceptions of Masculinity – Mike shares about receiving attacks on his masculinity, prompting a conversation on what true masculinity looks like through a biblical lens. • Gen Z Men and the Church – An exploration of Luke Simon's Gospel Coalition article discussing why Gen Z men are attracted to a cruciform masculinity offered by the church. • Understanding Adam's Curse – A deep dive into the consequences of the Fall for Adam in Genesis 3, including toil, mortality, and exile from the Garden, an

The New Normal: Part Deux. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the complexities of Genesis 3, re-examining the curse's impact on desire and rule between men and women. They challenge traditional interpretations that have influenced gender dynamics and hierarchy within the church, arguing that these may reflect the fall rather than God's original design for co-ruling and co-image bearing. Key Takeaways: • Redefining Desire and Rule – Understanding how the Hebrew words for "desire" and "rule" in Genesis 3 carry negative connotations that have shaped male-female relationships. • Challenging Hierarchical Norms – Exploring the idea that hierarchical structures in the church stem from the fall, not from God's original intent in Genesis 1 and 2. • Culture Wars vs. Sermon on the Mount – Discussing whether Christians can engage in culture wars while adhering to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. • The Struggles of Ministry – Mike shares his personal journey of remaining in ministry despite challenges, emp

The New Normal: Part One. Mike and Tim delve into the profound implications of Genesis 3:16, reinterpreting the curse on the woman to uncover deeper meanings about pain, fear, and the introduction of scarcity. They tackle the weaponization of fear within church culture, confront the problematic hierarchy that undervalues blue-collar vocations, and offer fresh insights into how these themes impact modern Christian life. Key Takeaways: • The Weaponization of Fear in Church Culture – Understanding how fear is used to manipulate and control believers, and exploring ways to overcome it. • Challenging Church Hierarchies – Debunking the notion of spiritual superiority tied to certain vocations and affirming the value and dignity of all work in the Kingdom. • Reinterpreting Genesis 3:16 – A deep exploration of the Hebrew text to reveal that the curse involves more than physical pain in childbirth, highlighting the broader introduction of pain and hardship into human experience. • The Introduction of Scarcity and Pain

Discover how embracing Jesus' teachings on power and politics can transform your relationships and reshape your identity in a polarized world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the "To Be Human" series, examining how Jesus' approach to power counters the "power over" structures prevalent in today's society. They explore what it means to live out the Sermon on the Mount, love our enemies, and redefine our political identities as followers of Christ. Key Takeaways: • Power Over vs. Power Under – Understanding the contrast between worldly power dynamics and Jesus' model of servant leadership. • Exile Identity in Modern Times – How embracing our identity as exiles affects our posture towards government and politics. • Practical Steps to Love Your Enemies – Strategies for loving those we disagree with and fostering unity amid political divisions. • The Role of the Church in Politics – Why the most political thing the church can do is to be the church and embody the kingdom of God. • Applying the Sermon on the

Explore how understanding the serpent's influence from Genesis to today empowers us to break the cycle of sin and image God into the world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the biblical narrative, revealing how humanity has repeatedly succumbed to the serpent's temptation and how Jesus provides a path to resist the powers at work. They address contemporary issues like gun violence and division within the church, emphasizing our role in embodying Jesus' teachings to overcome these challenges. Key Takeaways: The Serpent's Influence Throughout Scripture – Uncover how the serpent represents the powers that tempt humanity to define good and evil on our own terms. Imaging the Serpent vs. Imaging God – Understand the significance of our choices in reflecting either the serpent's ways or God's intentions in personal and communal life. Jesus as the One Who Defeats the Serpent – Learn how Jesus resisted temptation, embodying obedience and setting the ultimate example for us to follow. The Church's Role in Spiritu

Explore the profound implications of the serpent's role in Genesis 3, revealing how understanding its true identity as a spiritual being reshapes our perception of temptation, sin, and humanity's vocation as image-bearers of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the Hebrew terms "nakash" and "seraphim," discuss the enmity between the serpent's seed and the woman's seed, and trace the anticipation of a promised redeemer who will crush the serpent's head. Key Takeaways: Unveiling the Serpent's True Identity – Discover how the serpent in Genesis 3 represents more than a mere snake, drawing connections to spiritual beings and ancient Near Eastern context. The Battle Between Seeds – Understand the ongoing enmity between the serpent's offspring and humanity, setting the stage for the entire biblical narrative. Humanity's Lost Vocation – Learn how the fall affects our role as God's image-bearers, introducing spiritual battles that continue today. The Promise of Redemption – Explore how the prophecy of a c

Explore the challenging question of reconciling the violent depictions of God in the Old Testament with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Dr. Timothy Gombis to delve into the complexities of God's character, the problem of Old Testament violence, and how these narratives inform our understanding of justice, hospitality, and the Christian call to care for the marginalized. Key Takeaways: Understanding Old Testament Violence – Discussing how God's actions in the Old Testament are portrayed and what they mean for believers today. God's Character and Consistency – Exploring the continuity between the Old and New Testament depictions of God, and how Jesus represents the full revelation of God's nature. Hospitality and Justice – Emphasizing the importance of hospitality to the marginalized and how the church should embody justice and care for the oppressed. Modern Application – Applying biblical insights to contemporary issues, including how Christians