Voxology

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 c...

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 th...

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 Tak...

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...

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...

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...

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 hol...

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...

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 tru...

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 pow...

Discover how the challenges faced by the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira reveal the pitfalls of cultural assimilation and idolatry, and learn how to identify and resist the modern-day idols of money, sex, and power. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into Revelation's letters to these churches, exploring how their struggles illuminate the ongoing battle against societal pressures that compromise fa...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gombis to explore how reimagining the powers and principalities in Ephesians transforms our understanding of spiritual warfare and the church's mission in the modern world. Delving into the complexities of the present evil age, they discuss how believers can actively resist systemic injustice, embrace communal salvation, and partici...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue the Exile Series by delving into the letter to the church in Ephesus from Revelation. They explore how early Christians redefined victory, contrasting it with Roman imperial narratives, and discuss what it means for the modern church to resist assimilation into prevailing cultural norms. By examining themes of repentance, faithfulness, and the true meaning of ov...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the recent debates surrounding women's roles in church leadership, examining the Southern Baptist Convention's decision on female pastors and critiquing arguments against women in ministry. They explore how these contemporary issues mirror the challenges faced by the early churches in Revelation, discussing themes of faithfulness, compromise, and the call to ov...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with rapper and author KB to explore how embracing the "Dangerous Jesus" can reignite the church's mission by confronting issues of justice, race, and cultural complacency. They delve into KB's faith journey, his insights on the Christianity of Christ versus the Christianity of the land, and the transformative power of art in challenging and inspiring believers to...

In this episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the Roman imperial cult to uncover how the official narrative of Rome influences the understanding of the Book of Revelation. They explore the parallels between ancient Rome's civic religion and modern-day cultural narratives, challenging listeners to discern where contemporary society may mirror the dynamics of empire...

Discover how decoding the symbols and Old Testament references in Revelation Chapter 1 can transform your understanding of Jesus and the Book of Revelation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the rich tapestry of apocalyptic literature, Roman imperial context, and biblical imagery to unveil the profound messages intended for the original audience and for us today. Key Takeaways: Understandi...

Explore how harmful messages from purity culture have impacted women in the church and how we can do better. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by authors Sheila Wray Gregoire and Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach from Bare Marriage to discuss their latest book "She Deserves Better," which addresses toxic teachings on sex, self, and speaking up. They delve into empowering girls to resist detrimental...

Delve into the complexities of Old Testament violence and discover how reframing these challenging narratives reveals the Shalom of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Dr. Matthew Lynch, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and author of Flood and Fury , to explore how stories like the Flood, the Nephilim, and the conquest of Canaan can be understood in the context of G...

Explore how incorporating feminist theory and a renewed understanding of the body can reshape the church's approach to gender, community, and intergenerational relationships. Mike and Tim sit down with theologian and author Kaitlin Schiess to discuss the church's failures and opportunities in valuing the human body, and how this impacts our engagement with culture, scripture, and the future of the...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, to explore the historical roots of the current fractures within American evangelicalism and what this means for the future of the church. They delve into the split between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists, the cultural and political forces that have shaped evang...

Learn how to lead and engage in an increasingly polarized church environment as Mike and Tim celebrate their 400th episode with guest Skye Jethani. They explore practical insights on confronting Christian nationalism, adapting to technological advances like AI, and cultivating unity and tolerance within church communities. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Church Polarization – Insights into how cult...

Discover how rethinking sin as a cosmic force rather than individual failures transforms our understanding of forgiveness, salvation, and the gospel. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to explore the communal aspects of sin and how this perspective reshapes our approach to discipleship, community life, and personal struggles. Key Takeaways: • Sin as a Cosmic Power – Und...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the perplexing time references in the Book of Revelation, exploring how phrases like "what must soon take place" and "the time is near" represent a kind of time rather than imminent calendar dates. They discuss the pitfalls of "calendarizing" prophetic scripture, the difference between kairos (opportune time) and chronos (chronological time), and how understan...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford grapple with the profound grief and anger following the tragic school shooting in Nashville. They delve into the complexities of gun violence in America, examining how the intertwining of gun culture and evangelical Christianity hinders meaningful action. Through a heartfelt and critical exploration of common arguments against gun control, they challenge listeners to rec...