Voxology

Latest Episodes:

Love is a Battlefield: Overcoming Distortions in Loving Others (To Be Human Series) Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

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
Ephesians 4

Join us in reimagining how to embody true biblical love in our daily lives. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Unveiling the Royal Priesthood: From Eden's Rivers to Jesus's Temptation (To Be Human Series) Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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 avad and shamar relate to worship and service in the temple. • Jesus's Temptation and the Garden – Exploring the parallels between Jesus in the wilderness and Adam and Eve's choices, and how Jesus fulfills what humanity could not. • Reframing Worship and Vocation – Challenging modern conceptions of worship and ministry, embracing that everything is spiritual and sacred.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Mike's son Seth makes a special appearance, bringing warmth and personal connection to the conversation.

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 2:10-17 – Link • Numbers 3 – Duties of the priests – Link • Tim Mackie and The BibleProject – Insights on biblical design patterns – The BibleProject • Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus's temptation in the wilderness – Link • 1 Peter 2:9 – Royal priesthood – Link

Join us in rediscovering our original calling and embrace your role in God's grand narrative. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and be part of the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Choosing Life Over Autonomy: The Trees of Genesis and Humanity's Choice (To Be Human Series) Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

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 through relationship rather than grasping independently. • Modern Implications – Reflecting on how the choices presented in Genesis continue to impact our daily lives, and how trusting God's wisdom leads to true humanity and flourishing.

Resources Mentioned: • John Walton's Writings on Genesis – [Link] • Bruce Waltke's Old Testament Theology – [Link] • Scripture References: Genesis 2-3, Deuteronomy 30, John 3:16

Join the conversation as we delve into the profound lessons from Genesis that resonate with our lives today. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and continue the journey.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Dust to Dust: Mortality, Priesthood, and Genesis 2 (To Be Human Series) Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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—not as a fall from perfection but as a missed opportunity to attain something greater.

Resources Mentioned:

• "God Dwells Among Us" by G.K. Beale – Link

• John H. Walton's Works – Link

• Tim Mackie's Teachings and The Bible Project – Link

Join us as we challenge conventional interpretations and embrace a richer, more nuanced understanding of what it means to be human according to Genesis. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Embracing Sabbath Rest: Rediscovering Our Humanity Beyond Productivity (To Be Human Series) Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

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 Highlights: Seth Erie – Joins the conversation with insightful reflections and a heartfelt recitation of the Shema, adding depth and personal warmth to the episode.

Resources Mentioned: • John Mark Comer – The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – Link • Marty Solomon – The BEMA Podcast – Link • The Book of Genesis – Exploring Genesis 1 and the concept of Sabbath – Link • Pixar's Inside Out – A conversation starter on anxiety and emotions – Link

Join us as we explore the profound implications of Sabbath rest in our lives today. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Resisting Power Over: Love and the Seven Days of Creation (To Be Human Series) Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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 and how that shapes our understanding of time, creation, and God's character.
Embracing Sacred Time – Exploring the significance of time in Genesis, the concept of sacred rhythms, and how this understanding can transform our relationship with time today.

Resources Mentioned:

John Walton's Teachings on Genesis – Insights into the ancient Near Eastern context of the creation story.
Tim Mackie's Work at The Bible Project – Exploring the literary and theological design of Genesis.
Matthew 5:38-42 – Jesus's teachings on turning the other cheek and resisting evil with good.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on resisting power structures and reimagining the Genesis creation story. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Transforming Power Dynamics: Embracing Connection in Therapy, Parenting, and Ministry Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of power dynamics in therapy, parenting, and church leadership, exploring how shifting from 'power over' to 'power with' can transform relationships and foster genuine connection. They discuss listener insights on therapeutic practices, reflect on the challenges of parenting without resorting to control, and examine a modern confession inspired by Matthew 23 that seeks to reverse the pitfalls of power misuse in ministry.

Key Takeaways:

• Reimagining Therapy Relationships – Understanding the importance of therapists serving as mirrors to facilitate self-discovery, avoiding judgmental or prescriptive approaches.

• Power With vs. Power Over in Parenting – Exploring strategies to replace controlling tactics with collaborative approaches that prioritize connection and trust with children.

• Connection as the Antidote to Shame – Discussing how genuine connection can combat shame in family and faith communities, fostering open communication and healing.

• Reversing the Woes of Matthew 23 – Introducing a confession that counters the pitfalls criticized by Jesus, promoting humility, service, and equality in church leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matthew 23 – Link

• Voxology Merch Store on Etsy – Link

Call to Action:

Join the conversation and share your experiences as we explore new ways of embracing connection over control. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. Check out our new merch store on Etsy and stay connected with our community.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Embracing Our Divine Partnership: Understanding Human Agency in Genesis (To Be Human Series) Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Discover how reimagining our role in God's creation transforms our understanding of sovereignty, agency, and the divine partnership intended from the beginning. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into Genesis to explore how humans are invited to actively participate in God's work, challenging misconceptions about God's control and our own passivity.

Key Takeaways: • The True Meaning of Dominion – Unpacking what it means to be made in God's image and exercise dominion that reflects His character and goodness. • God's Sovereignty and Human Agency – Examining the partnership between God and humanity, where our actions are integral to His work in the world. • Challenging Misconceptions – Addressing beliefs that everything happening is God's will, and how this affects our understanding of suffering and responsibility. • Active Participation vs. Passive Waiting – Encouraging listeners to engage proactively in God's mission without falling into extremes of control or resignation.

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 – Foundational texts on creation and human purpose. • Dallas Willard's Teachings – Insights on spiritual formation and divine partnership. • Tim Gombis's Works – Discussions on God's sovereignty and human participation.

Join us in rediscovering the profound implications of being co-creators with God. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media to continue the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Fight the Power: Redefining Church Leadership According to Jesus (To Be Human Series) May 27, 2024

Show notes

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into how modern church power structures often contradict Jesus' teachings on leadership. They explore moving from "power over" models to embracing mutuality, plurality, humility, and vulnerability within church communities. Sharing personal experiences and biblical insights, they challenge conventional notions of authority and highlight the importance of aligning church leadership with the servant-hearted example set by Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

Rejecting Hierarchical Power – Understanding why "power over" structures can be harmful and how to resist them in favor of servant leadership.
Embracing Mutuality and Plurality – The significance of shared leadership, mutual submission, and distributing power among all members of the church community.
Practicing Weakness and Vulnerability – Recognizing that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and the role of authenticity and humility in ministry.
Redefining Success in Ministry – Shifting focus from effectiveness and metrics to faithfulness and genuine service aligned with Jesus' teachings.

Resources Mentioned:

David Fitch's "Reckoning with Power" – [Link]
Scripture References: Matthew 23, Matthew 6

Join us as we reexamine the foundations of church leadership and seek to model our communities after Jesus' example of humility and service. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to continue the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Forsaking Power Over: Embracing the Cruciform Way of Jesus (To Be Human Series) May 20, 2024

Show notes

Mike and Tim delve into the concept of cruciformity, exploring how the church can move away from "power over" dynamics and embrace the "power with" approach exemplified by Jesus and Paul. They discuss the misuse of power within Christian communities, the meaning of living a cruciform life, and how this shift challenges entitlement and the quest for control.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Cruciformity – How Jesus's self-emptying and humility serve as a pattern for believers to forsake entitlement and embrace self-expenditure for the sake of others.
Power Over vs. Power With – Analyzing the difference between worldly power that coerces and godly power that collaborates, and why the church should reject power over in favor of power with.
Paul's Leadership Example – Discussing how Paul exemplified cruciform leadership by boasting in weakness and rejecting social prestige to rely on God's power.
Challenging Entitlement in the Church – Confronting issues of entitlement and misuse of power within Christian communities, and how adopting a cruciform approach can lead to transformation.

Resources Mentioned:

David Fitch's "Reckoning with Power" – [Link]
Philippians 2:5-11 – The Hymn of Christ's Humility – [Link]
"The Holy Post" Podcast – [Link]

Join the conversation as we explore what it means to live out the cruciform way of Jesus in today's world. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and be part of the journey.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy