Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Discover how spiritual formation can transform the way Christians engage in politics as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Michael Wear, author of The Spirit of Our Politics. They delve into the challenges of political identities overshadowing religious convictions, the pitfalls of Christian nationalism, and how believers can offer goodness to public life without compromising their faith. Key Takeaways: Navigating Faith and Politics – Understanding how to integrate political life into discipleship without conflating the two. Political Identities vs. Religious Convictions – Exploring how political affiliations often overshadow Christian identity and the dangers this presents. Spiritual Formation as a Foundation – Learning how personal discipleship and spiritual disciplines can positively influence public engagement. Resisting Idolatry in Politics – Recognizing the tendency to baptize political preferences with religious language and how to avoid it. Engaging with Love and Integrity – Practical steps for

Explore how to navigate the challenges and potential pitfalls of the deconstruction movement, rethink traditional views of hell, and embrace a more authentic and compassionate faith aligned with Jesus's teachings. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into listener questions about deconstruction, purity culture, and the concept of hell, offering thoughtful insights on building an enduring faith. Key Takeaways: Reflecting on Deconstruction's Potential Pitfalls – Understanding how the deconstruction movement could inadvertently cause harm and how to prevent it. Reevaluating Purity Culture – Acknowledging both the intentions and unintended consequences of purity culture within evangelicalism. Inviting Others into Deeper Faith – Discussing how to gently invite others out of "gift shop" Christianity into a fuller experience of faith. Rethinking Hell and Universalism – Exploring biblical interpretations of hell, the concept of universalism, and how these views impact our understanding of salvation. Embracing Critical T

Discover how the Bible's vision of a new heaven and a new earth offers profound hope and insight into God's ultimate plan of restoration. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into key biblical passages from Isaiah, Peter, Paul, and Revelation to unpack the consistent message of renewal and reconciliation throughout Scripture. They explore the significance of the Greek words for "new"—Kainos (new in quality) and Neos (new in time)—and how understanding these terms illuminates God's intention to purify and restore creation rather than destroy it. Key Takeaways: Understanding "New" in Scripture – Differentiating between Kainos and Neos and what it means for God's promise to make all things new. The Consistent Biblical Theme of Restoration – Examining how passages from Isaiah 65, 2 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 3, and Revelation 21-22 point toward a renewed creation and the rejoining of heaven and earth. Metaphors of Purification – Exploring how fire, water, and light symbolize refining processes leading to new creati

Discover how the reunification of heaven and earth reshapes our understanding of salvation, the Gospel, and the church's mission today. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the profound themes of Genesis and Revelation, exploring the biblical narrative from creation's beginning to the unveiling of the new creation. They discuss how Jesus embodies the overlap of heaven and earth, the implications for believers, and the transformative power of participating in God's restoration of all things. Key Takeaways: • The Overlapping of Heaven and Earth – Unpacking the biblical concept of heaven and earth as unified spaces in Genesis and the impact of their rupture on humanity and creation. • Jesus as the Bridge – Understanding how Jesus embodies both divine and human, bridging the gap between heaven and earth, and redefining our approach to faith and salvation. • New Creation Theology – Exploring the restoration and reconciliation of all things as depicted in Revelation, redefining the true message of the Gospel. • Ou

Unpacking the biblical imagery of the Lake of Fire in Revelation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into concepts of judgment, destruction, and the ultimate eradication of evil. Challenging traditional views of eternal conscious torment, they explore how Old Testament references shape our understanding of Revelation's message for the modern church and its call to resist complicity with oppressive systems. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Lake of Fire – Examining fire and burning sulfur as symbols of destruction rather than eternal torture, drawing from the narratives of Sodom and Gomorrah. Old Testament Foundations – Exploring references from Daniel, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, 2 Peter, and Jude to shed light on Revelation's depiction of judgment. Reevaluating Eternal Punishment – Discussing the implications of redefining hell from eternal torment to the complete destruction of evil and what that means for believers. The Church's Complicity with Empire – Reflecting on how Revelation warns the church against p

Discover how moving from information to transformation in discipleship can revolutionize your spiritual journey as Mike Erre sits down with author and pastor John Mark Comer to discuss his new book "Practicing the Way". Explore the limitations of traditional evangelical models, the importance of integrating the Bible into your daily life, and how embracing spiritual disciplines, community, and even suffering can lead to deep spiritual formation. Key Takeaways: From Information to Transformation – Understanding why increasing biblical knowledge alone isn't enough for true spiritual growth and maturity. Embodied Spirituality – The significance of getting the Bible into your body through integrating scripture and spiritual practices into your whole being. Rule of Life and Spiritual Disciplines – How creating a personal Rule of Life and engaging in ancient practices can guide you toward Christlikeness. The Role of Community and Suffering – Discussing how relationships and enduring hardships are essential compone

Explore why following Jesus is worthwhile even when life doesn't 'work out' as expected, and how understanding the symbolic imagery in Revelation's final battles can deepen your faith and resilience. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into listeners' challenging questions about faith, deconstruction, and the purpose of following Jesus amidst disappointment. They also unpack Revelation 19 and 20, shedding light on the symbolic nature of the battle scenes and judgments, and preview discussions on the concepts of the Lake of Fire and being 'outside the city.' Key Takeaways: Reevaluating Faith When Life Doesn't 'Work Out' – Discussing why the traditional 'recipe' for a satisfying Christian life may not lead to expected outcomes, and exploring the deeper reasons for following Jesus. Deconstructing False Gospels – Understanding the necessity of dismantling prosperity teachings and false promises within Christianity, and how deconstruction can lead to a more authentic faith. Symbolism in Revelation's Final Battl

Explore how experiencing God's hiddenness and spiritual dryness is a normal part of the Christian journey. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the biblical concept of disorientation, discussing why God sometimes feels distant and how this can lead to deeper faith and maturity. They also provide insightful guidance on what to look for in a healthy church community that fosters genuine growth, transparency, and support. Key Takeaways: Understanding Spiritual Dryness – Recognizing that feeling God's absence is a common part of faith and can deepen our reliance on Him. The Hiddenness of God – Exploring biblical examples and reasons why God may veil His presence to encourage our growth. Stages of Faith – Discussing the journey through Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation in our spiritual lives. Finding a Healthy Church – Identifying key qualities such as shared leadership, inclusion of women in leadership roles, and transparency about money and power. Embracing Disorientation – Learning to navigate se

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the often-overlooked practice of lament, exploring how embracing seasons of disorientation can deepen our faith and connection with God. Drawing from the Psalms and Walter Brueggemann's categories of orientation, disorientation, and reorientation, they discuss the importance of acknowledging suffering and sorrow in the Christian life. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Psalms of Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation – How these categories help us navigate different seasons of faith. • The Role of Lament in the Bible – Why expressing sorrow and protest is a vital part of our relationship with God. • Challenging Prosperity Theology – Examining how modern worship songs and theology often ignore the reality of suffering. • The Importance of Community in Disorientation – How being supported by others can help us find hope when we feel hopeless. • Finding God in the Darkness – Insights on how God is present even when we feel abandoned or disillusioned. Resources Mentio

Discover how understanding the theme of disappointment in the Bible can transform your faith journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the realities of following a God who doesn't always meet our expectations. By exploring stories of biblical figures like John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary, they unpack how the lament tradition plays a crucial role in navigating unmet expectations and suffering in our lives. Key Takeaways: • Disappointment as Part of Faith – Recognizing that faithful obedience to God doesn't always lead to worldly success or personal fulfillment. • The Importance of Lament – Embracing lament as a biblical practice that allows us to express sorrow and protest within a covenant relationship with God. • Biblical Examples of Unmet Expectations – Lessons from the lives of John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary on dealing with disappointment when God's plans differ from ours. • Reframing Expectations – Learning to surrender outcomes and find joy, faith, hope, and love amid suffe

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