Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

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

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the roots of shame and hiding in our lives, unpacking Genesis 3 to reveal God's compassionate invitation to step out of isolation and into authentic connection. By reexamining the true meaning of "fear of the Lord," they challenge common misconceptions and offer practical insights into overcoming shame through vulnerability and confession. Key Takeaways: Understanding Shame and Hiding – How shame leads us to hide from God and others, and the importance of coming out of hiding to restore relationships. Reframing the Fear of the Lord – Exploring "fear of the Lord" as trusting God's wisdom over our own, rather than being afraid of Him. God's Compassionate Questions – Discussing how God's response to Adam and Eve with questions is an invitation to reconnection, not condemnation. Overcoming Shame through Vulnerability – The role of authentic community and confession in healing shame and building genuine connections. Resources Mentioned: Genesis 3 – Genesis 3 Passage Prover

Uncover how redefining salvation and understanding the serpent's role in Genesis 3 can reshape our perspective on sin, humanity, and our relationship with God. Dive deep into the hidden wordplays in the Hebrew text and explore how these insights impact our daily lives and spiritual journey. Key Takeaways: • Redefining Salvation – A fresh perspective on salvation as embodied participation in new creation, moving beyond traditional views of sin and redemption. • The Serpent's Wisdom and the Fall – Analyzing the serpent's role in Genesis 3, the Hebrew wordplays between "naked" and "crafty," and how they inform our understanding of temptation and disobedience. • Imaging God vs. Idolatry – Exploring how we become like what we worship, the concept of idolatry, and its implications for our identity and spiritual formation. • The Role of Wisdom – Discussing the dual nature of wisdom in the Bible, how it can be used for good or ill, and the importance of seeking godly wisdom. • Community and Scripture – Understanding

Exploring how Christians can navigate feelings of outrage in response to cultural events like the depiction of the Last Supper at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of responding with grace and aligning our reactions with Jesus' teachings. They discuss the multiple layers of outrage surrounding the event, the concept of righteous anger, and how to embody the Sermon on the Mount in today's polarized society. Emphasizing Jesus' example of inviting all to His table, they challenge listeners to reflect on their own responses and the church's role in demonstrating love amidst cultural tensions. Key Takeaways: Understanding Righteous Anger – Examining the biblical concept of righteous anger and how it is often directed towards believers rather than non-believers. Responding with Grace – Encouraging Christians to respond to mockery and offense by embodying Jesus' teachings, rather than reacting with outrage. The Role of Social Media – Discussing how social medi

Delve into how the creation of male and female in Genesis 2 reveals the profound unity in diversity intended by God, and how this shapes our understanding of human dignity, community, and the image of God today. Mike and Tim explore the original Hebrew terms used in the text, challenging traditional interpretations that have led to patriarchal views, and discuss the implications for the church and individuals in embracing equality and mutuality. Key Takeaways: The True Meaning of 'Ezer Kenegdo' – Unpacking the Hebrew term often translated as "helper suitable," revealing the woman's role as a strong helper or rescuer, not a subordinate assistant. Unity in Diversity as the Image of God – Understanding how male and female together fully image God, embodying unity in diversity as foundational to human identity and vocation. Challenging Patriarchal Interpretations – Examining how misreadings of Genesis have contributed to patriarchal systems, and how returning to the text's original meaning can restore equality.

Explore how reexamining biblical love can transform our relationships, especially when facing disagreements or challenging situations. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into common distortions of love within Christianity, discussing how to genuinely love others as Jesus taught—even when it's difficult. Key Takeaways: Love as Action, Not Just Emotion – Understanding that biblical love is demonstrated through actions, not merely feelings. Commitment Before Correction – The importance of being committed to, with, and for others before attempting to guide them. Reframing 'Speaking the Truth in Love' – Challenging the misconception that we must correct others before loving them. Loving Without Agenda – How to love others without the need to first express disagreement or disapproval. Practical Application in Tough Situations – Addressing ways to love family members who make choices we might not understand or agree with. Resources Mentioned: Scott McKnight's A Fellowship of Differents Preston Sprinkle's Embodied E

Uncover how the four rivers flowing from Eden in Genesis 2 set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, revealing our vocation as a royal priesthood. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the profound connections between the Old and New Testaments, delving into the significance of the Hebrew words 'avad' and 'shamar' in defining our purpose to "work" and "keep." They discuss how these concepts echo throughout scripture, culminating in Jesus's temptation in the wilderness as a recapitulation of the choices faced in the Garden of Eden. This episode invites you to rediscover what it truly means to be human, transforming your understanding of worship, vocation, and your role in God's grand story. Key Takeaways: • The Four Rivers of Eden – How the rivers symbolize the empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Canaan, setting up the Old Testament story. • Our Royal Priestly Vocation – Discovering what it means to "work" (avad) and "keep" (shamar) as a calling for all humanity. • Hebrew Insights – Understanding how a

Discover how revisiting the story of the two trees in Genesis can transform our understanding of humanity's purpose, mortality, and our relationship with God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the profound implications of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, offering fresh insights that challenge traditional interpretations and invite us to embrace maturity through trusting God's wisdom. Key Takeaways: • The Trees as Symbols of Choice – Understanding the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil as representations of humanity's choice between trusting God's definitions of good and evil or asserting autonomy. • Rethinking Original Sin – Challenging the traditional narrative of a perfect humanity that fell, and exploring the idea that humans were created mortal with the opportunity to transcend through obedience. • Wisdom and Maturity in God's Timing – Discussing how the knowledge of good and evil relates to moral maturity, and how God intended humans to gain wisdom

Discover how re-examining Genesis 2 transforms our understanding of humanity, mortality, and divine vocation, challenging traditional views on creation and sin. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the depths of Genesis 2, exploring the implications of humans being created from dust, the role of Adam and Eve as archetypal priests, and the idea of Genesis 2 as a sequel rather than a recap of Genesis 1. Key Takeaways: • Mortality as a Fundamental Human Condition – Exploring how being made from dust signifies human frailty and finitude, reshaping the concept of original immortality. • Adam and Eve as Archetypal Priests – Understanding how God selected Adam and Eve from among existing humanity to serve as royal priests in the sacred space of Eden. • Genesis 2 as a Sequel to Genesis 1 – Examining the perspective that Genesis 2 continues the narrative, focusing on the creation of sacred space and human vocation. • Implications for Sin and Salvation – Discussing how this viewpoint affects our understanding of sin—n

Unveiling the profound gift of Sabbath rest and how embracing our limitations leads to a deeper understanding of our humanity and God's presence. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the significance of the seventh day in Genesis, exploring how rest is not merely the absence of work but an invitation to enjoy God's creation and affirm our inherent value beyond productivity. Key Takeaways: • The True Meaning of Sabbath – Understanding Sabbath as a divine gift where God takes up residence among us, inviting us into His presence. • Being Human Beyond Productivity – Exploring how embracing our limitations and need for rest counters the demands of hustle culture. • Time as a Gift, Not a Curse – Discussing the concept of time in Genesis and how viewing time as a gift can transform our relationship with work and rest. • Rest as Resistance – How practicing Sabbath rest serves as a form of resistance against the oppressive demands of modern society, much like it was a gift to the Israelites after slavery. Guest Highl

Discover how to confront oppressive power structures with love and rethink the Genesis creation story in a way that reveals deeper insights about God's intention for humanity. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the challenges of resisting "power over" without perpetuating it ourselves, and explore the cultural understanding of the seven-day creation in Genesis to uncover its profound implications for us today. Key Takeaways: Resisting Power Over with Love – Practical strategies for opposing oppressive systems while embodying love, humility, and new creation dynamics. Understanding Power Dynamics in the Church and Society – Examining how institutions may use "power over" to harm or marginalize others and how we can respond faithfully. Reimagining the Seven-Day Creation – Delving into the cultural context of Genesis's creation narrative and what the seven days symbolize beyond a literal interpretation. Literal vs. Poetic Interpretations – Discussing the implications of reading Genesis as poetic literature an