Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue their exploration of Revelation in "Babylon Part 2," unmasking Rome's economic injustice and exploitation depicted in Revelation 17 and 18. They delve into how the ancient critiques of Babylon resonate with the modern church's complicity in unjust systems, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own participation and consider steps toward change. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Babylon in Revelation – How Rome is depicted as Babylon in Revelation 17-18, symbolizing economic injustice and oppression. • Economic Injustice Then and Now – Exploring parallels between Rome's exploitation and modern America's economic practices. • The Church's Complicity – Discussing how the modern church may be participating in the dynamics of Babylon through materialism and consumerism. • Interpreting Revelation Correctly – The importance of understanding Revelation's imagery in its historical context to apply its lessons today. • Personal Reflection and Action – Encouraging critical assessment

Discover how embracing curiosity and humility can help us recognize and break free from the cycles of oppression represented by Babylon in the Bible. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the motif of Babylon as an archetype for violent and oppressive empires, exploring how these patterns manifest in Scripture and continue in our world today. They discuss the importance of standing under the text rather than over it, fostering a sense of wonder and enchantment in our approach to Scripture. Key Takeaways: Embracing Curiosity and Humility – Approaching the Bible with a sense of wonder, allowing it to disrupt our preconceived notions and open us to deeper understanding. Understanding the Motif of Babylon – Tracing how Babylon represents oppressive power structures and cycles of violence throughout biblical history, from Genesis to Revelation. Recognizing Our Own Complicity – Examining how we might participate in Babylonian dynamics in our personal lives and society, and the importance of self-reflection.

Delve into the true meaning behind the Beast, the Dragon, and the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation, and how understanding these symbols in their original context empowers the modern church to resist assimilation into the ways of empire. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the importance of interpreting these apocalyptic images through a first-century lens to uncover their relevance for today's believers. Key Takeaways: Reframing the Beast and the Dragon – Recognizing these symbols as representations of oppressive empires and corrupt power structures rather than individual figures. The Mark of the Beast Explained – Unpacking the historical and cultural context of 666, the significance of marks on the forehead and hand, and what it means for modern Christians. Resisting Assimilation – Identifying subtle ways the church may conform to societal norms that oppose the teachings of Jesus and how to actively resist these influences. Corporate Spiritual Disciplines – Exploring how spiritual formation occurs within

Discover how 'Midnight Mass' challenges our understanding of faith, community, and the allure of miraculous signs. Mike and Tim are joined by theologian Kaitlyn Schiess to delve into the profound themes of the Netflix series, exploring how horror reflects the broken and beautiful aspects of humanity and the church. Key Takeaways: • The Seduction of Miracles – How miraculous events can mislead and justify harmful actions within a religious community. • Manipulation of Faith and Fear – Examining how fear motivates beliefs and actions, and the ease with which faith can be twisted. • Perverting Sacred Symbols – The use of religious rituals and symbols for sinister purposes, revealing insights into real-world religious practices. • The Voice of Doubt and Outsiders – Recognizing the importance of listening to skeptics and marginalized individuals who may perceive truths overlooked by insiders. • Horror as a Mirror to Society – Understanding how 'Midnight Mass' and the horror genre serve as commentary on societal fe

Dive deep with Mike and Tim as they explore the profound connection between the talking serpent in Genesis and the dragon in Revelation. Uncover how understanding spiritual beings like Elohim, cherubim, and seraphim enriches our interpretation of biblical imagery, offering fresh insights into themes of chaos, order, and spiritual warfare in the Unveiling Revelation series. Key Takeaways: The Serpent and the Dragon Connection – Learn how the imagery of the serpent in Genesis informs the depiction of the dragon in Revelation, symbolizing spiritual opposition throughout the biblical narrative. Exploring Spiritual Beings – Delve into the roles of Elohim, cherubim, seraphim, and other spiritual entities in ancient Near Eastern context and their significance in Scripture. Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature – Understand the importance of recognizing symbolic language, Old Testament references, and cultural context when studying the book of Revelation. Chaos, Order, and Cosmic Imagery – Examine how themes of chaos

Join us in a heartfelt prayer seeking God's mercy, peace, and restoration during times of war and suffering. Reflecting on the Lord's Prayer and calling for divine intervention, we explore what it means to be peacemakers in a world filled with conflict and despair. Key Takeaways: • The Power of Lament and Intercession – Understanding how collective prayer can bring hope and healing amid devastation. • Embracing Peacemaking in Times of Hate – Insights on acting as instruments of peace and love when faced with war and hostility. • Praying for Leaders and Humanity's Flourishing – Discussing the importance of praying for leaders to make decisions that promote peace and restore humanity. • The Significance of the Lord's Prayer – Reflecting on the timeless relevance of the Lord's Prayer in seeking God's will during challenging times. Resources Mentioned: • The Lord's Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13 – Link As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.co

Discover how embracing empathy and acknowledging our shared humanity can guide the church's response to global tragedies. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into processing overwhelming events through the lens of Revelation, exploring how the church can faithfully witness in times of conflict without defaulting to performative reactions or political agendas. Key Takeaways: Processing Grief and Empathy – Understanding the importance of allowing ourselves to feel and process grief in response to global suffering. The Church's Role in Times of Conflict – Discussing how the church can faithfully witness amidst global tragedies without defaulting to performative responses. Guidance from Revelation – Exploring how the Book of Revelation offers a framework for the church's mission and response during turbulent times. Avoiding Performative Virtue – Reflecting on the dangers of seeking to appear virtuous rather than genuinely engaging with sorrow and suffering. Finding God in the Other – Emphasizing the signif

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a transformative conversation with Dave Gibbons, exploring how embracing pain, acknowledging weakness, and leaning into the Holy Spirit can revolutionize our understanding of church, leadership, and cultural engagement. Dave shares his journey from leading a megachurch to pioneering new models of ministry that prioritize relationships, authenticity, and empowering others to pursue their unique callings. Key Takeaways: • Embracing Pain as a Gift – Understanding how processing pain can lead to growth, deeper connections, and genuine leadership rooted in empathy and compassion. • Redefining Success in Ministry – Rethinking traditional metrics of success by focusing on developing people, fostering community action, and moving beyond physical buildings. • Leaning into the Holy Spirit – Discussing the importance of spiritual intelligence and how the Holy Spirit guides us in navigating life's complexities and making impactful decisions. • Engaging with the Marginalized – Explorin

Discover how deconstructing Rapture theology and embracing Jesus's teachings on loving our enemies can free us from fear-based beliefs and promote a more compassionate faith. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into misinterpretations surrounding the Rapture and judgment, exploring how a Jesus-centered reading of Scripture reshapes our understanding of God's love, mercy, and the ultimate undoing of evil. Key Takeaways: Unveiling Misinterpretations of the Rapture – How common readings of 1 Thessalonians 4 and Matthew 24 may mislead us about end times. Loving Our Enemies as Jesus Taught – Embracing sacrificial love over vengeance, following Jesus's example in responding to evil. The Harm of Fear-Based Theology – Discussing how harmful interpretations of Scripture can damage relationships and spiritual well-being. Reframing God's Judgment – Understanding judgment as God's mercy and the restoration of all things, rather than destruction of our enemies. Interpreting Scripture Through Jesus's Lens – Using Jesus's lif

Discover how the cycles of seals, trumpets, and bowls in Revelation offer a symbolic and repetitive portrayal of God's judgment, reflecting patterns from the Exodus and the prophets. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the Day of the Lord imagery, unpacking how these cycles subvert violent expectations and reveal Jesus as the slain Lamb who conquers through sacrificial love. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Revelation's Cycles – How the seals, trumpets, and bowls represent overlapping cycles of judgment rather than a sequential timeline. • Day of the Lord Imagery – Exploring the use of Old Testament imagery to depict God's judgment against oppressive empires, with Rome as the new Babylon. • Subverting Violent Expectations – Discussing how Revelation inverts traditional notions of conquest, highlighting victory through sacrifice and martyrdom. • Witness Leading to Repentance – Emphasizing that it is the faithful witness of the martyred church, not God's judgments, that brings about repentance among the nations

Discover how understanding the Old Testament concept of the Day of the Lord unlocks the meaning of Revelation 6 and beyond. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the depths of prophetic imagery, exploring how themes from Exodus, Isaiah, Joel, and Malachi illuminate the apocalyptic visions in Revelation. This episode equips you with the tools to interpret Revelation in its historical and biblical context, offering a fresh perspective that challenges literalistic misreadings and reveals the profound message of hope and justice. Key Takeaways: • The Day of the Lord as a Key to Revelation – How the Old Testament theme of the Day of the Lord informs our understanding of Revelation 6 and the unfolding apocalyptic imagery. • Historical and Future Fulfillment – Exploring how the Day of the Lord functions both historically against oppressive empires like Egypt, Babylon, and even Israel, and points to an ultimate future judgment. • Interpreting Apocalyptic Imagery – Understanding the symbolic language of earthquakes, d

Explore how the surprising imagery of the Lion and the Lamb in Revelation 5 transforms our understanding of power, victory, and sacrifice. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the subversive message of Revelation, discussing how the early church would have perceived this juxtaposition and what it means for believers today in embracing a paradigm of victory through faithful sacrifice rather than domination. Key Takeaways: The Lion and the Lamb Metaphor – Understanding the significance of the Lion of Judah and the Slain Lamb in Revelation 5, and how this challenges traditional notions of power and conquest. Subverting Militaristic Expectations – How Revelation redefines victory by portraying Jesus as a slain lamb rather than a conquering lion, emphasizing sacrifice over force. Implications for Modern Believers – Discussing what this imagery means for contemporary Christians in terms of non-violence, humility, and the way we perceive power and success. The Role of Faithful Witness – Exploring how the early

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into Revelation 4, exploring how the throne room scene redefines worship as an act of political resistance against oppressive systems. By unpacking the rich Old Testament connections and the subversive use of imperial imagery, they challenge modern perceptions of worship and invite listeners to see it as a radical declaration of allegiance to God's kingdom. Key Takeaways: The Throne Room Imagery – Understanding how Revelation 4 draws from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Daniel to present a powerful counter-narrative to Roman imperial propaganda. Worship as Political Act – Exploring worship not just as musical expression but as a life orientation that challenges existing power structures and injustices. Subversive Use of Imperial Language – How John's use of terms like "throne" and "lord and god" directly confronts the titles claimed by Caesar, presenting Jesus as the true sovereign. The Role of the Church – Recognizing the church as a transnational and transethnic community that embodie

Mike and Tim explore how Revelation chapters 4 and 5 present a subversive vision of God's throne room that challenges the imperial claims of Domitian and the Roman Empire. Unpacking the historical context of the imperial cult, they reveal how early Christians would have understood this prophetic imagery as a bold declaration that God, not Caesar, is the true Lord and God. Discover how this ancient text offers a powerful message of hope and resistance for believers today. Key Takeaways: Revelation's Contextual Background – Understanding the historical setting during Emperor Domitian's reign and the significance of the imperial cult in Asia Minor. Subverting Imperial Imagery – How the throne room scenes in Revelation use the language and symbols of the empire to proclaim God's ultimate sovereignty. The Power of Worship as Resistance – Recognizing worship in Revelation as a counter-narrative that empowers believers to resist oppressive systems. Applying the Message Today – Reflecting on how we might identify an

Explore how moving beyond restrictive narratives can lead to a healthier, more holistic understanding of sexuality rooted in wisdom and discernment. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Suzie Lind dive deep into the "angel," "animal," and "human" stories of sexuality, discussing the importance of embracing our embodied nature as image-bearers of God and fostering open conversations that move from fear or indulgence to wisdom. Key Takeaways: Reframing Sexual Ethics – Understanding the limitations of purity culture and the need for a centered-set approach that emphasizes wisdom over fear or indulgence. The "Angel" and "Animal" Stories – Examining how over-spiritualizing or under-spiritualizing sexuality can harm our relationships with ourselves and others. Embracing Embodied Spirituality – Recognizing sexuality as a good and integral part of being human, reflecting God's image in the world. Healthy Conversations with the Next Generation – Discussing practical ways to approach conversations about desire and sexuality w

Explore how Scripture has been used and misused in American politics as Mike and Tim sit down with author Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss her new book, 'The Ballot and The Bible'. They delve into historical and contemporary implications of bringing faith into the public square, offering insights on navigating the intersection of religion and politics in a pluralistic society. Key Takeaways: The Role of Scripture in Politics – Understanding how the Bible has been historically used to both justify and challenge political systems in America. Misinterpretations and Misuses – Discussing examples of how Scripture has been misapplied in political discourse, contributing to division and oppression. Bringing Faith into the Public Sphere – Insights on responsibly sharing personal religious convictions in a diverse society without coercion. Importance of Contextual Biblical Reading – Emphasizing reading the Bible in community and considering historical and canonical contexts to prevent misuse. Engaging in Upcoming Political

Explore how moving beyond purity culture and expressive individualism can lead to a healthier, wisdom-based, centered-set approach to sexuality rooted in the image of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into how the church can reimagine sexual ethics by forming desire in the way of Jesus, discussing the pitfalls of over-spiritualized and under-spiritualized views of sex, and proposing a more holistic understanding of what it means to be human. Key Takeaways: Reexamining Purity Culture – Understanding the limitations and harm caused by over-spiritualized views of sex, and why fear-based approaches have failed. Critiquing Expressive Individualism – Analyzing how under-spiritualized views of sexuality reduce it to mere preference and personal freedom, neglecting communal and spiritual dimensions. Forming Desire in the Image of God – Exploring a centered-set approach that seeks to form desire through wisdom, embodying a holistic understanding of being human in God's world. Navigating Sexual Ethics Today – Disc

Discover how the "Barbie" movie brilliantly exposes male fragility and the contours of patriarchy, prompting us to rethink control, mutuality, and the church's role in today's society. Mike Erre, Tim Gombis, and Tim Stafford dive deep into the film's themes, exploring how satire unveils societal norms around gender roles and the implications for faith communities. Key Takeaways: The Hidden Depths of 'Barbie' – How the film uses satire to reveal and challenge traditional gender roles, offering a fresh perspective on mutuality over hierarchy. Male Fragility and Control – Examining how the need for control stems from insecurity and how it affects relationships and societal structures. Reframing God's Sovereignty – Discussing the concept of God's sovereignty not as control but as empowering human agency and mutual flourishing. The Church's Response to Cultural Moments – Critiquing the ways faith communities often miss opportunities to engage meaningfully with cultural phenomena like the "Barbie" movie. Embracing

Exploring how recognizing spiritual poverty amidst material wealth can awaken the church from complacency, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the contrasting messages to the churches of Smyrna and Laodicea in Revelation. They examine the dangers of lukewarm faith, affluence, and the lack of contrast between the church and the surrounding culture, urging us to self-examine and rediscover true dependency on Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Contrasting Smyrna and Laodicea – Understanding how one church was materially poor yet spiritually rich, and the other materially rich yet spiritually poor, and what this contrast teaches us today. • The Metaphor of Lukewarm Faith – Unpacking the meaning behind hot, cold, and lukewarm in the context of Laodicea's water supply, and how it reflects spiritual complacency. • Affluence Leading to Spiritual Blindness – Discussing how material wealth can create self-sufficiency that excludes Jesus from the church, paralleling modern challenges. • Money, Sex, and Power – Examining how

Explore how the intertwining of faith and nationalism can obscure the true mission of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the concept of civil religion, using the Roman Empire as a backdrop, and critique the ways American culture has similarly blended national identity with Christianity. They discuss how the Book of Revelation offers a lens to examine and resist narratives around power that conflict with the values of the Kingdom of God. Key Takeaways: Understanding Civil Religion – How the fusion of state and religion in Rome parallels modern America's blending of faith and nationalism. Revelation's Critique of Power – Insights into how the Book of Revelation challenges imperial narratives and calls believers to a different allegiance. Navigating Political Identities – The dangers of political ideologies becoming dominant over our identity in Christ and how to foster unity in the church. Resisting Syncretism – Recognizing and addressing the ways in which the church may have co-opted nationalis