Episodes

July 16, 2023

Challenging American Civil Religion: Embracing the Kingdom over Natio…

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...

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July 9, 2023

Resisting Cultural Assimilation: Unveiling Modern Idolatry Through Pe…

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...

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July 2, 2023

Unmasking the Powers: Rethinking Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians - w/ …

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...

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June 25, 2023

Reframing Victory: Lessons from Ephesus on Resisting Empire (Revelati…

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...

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June 18, 2023

Challenging Gender Norms: Women in Leadership and Lessons from the Se…

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...

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June 11, 2023

Rediscovering Dangerous Jesus: Kevin "KB" Burgess on Faith, Justice, …

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...

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June 4, 2023

Unmasking Empire: How the Roman Imperial Cult Sheds Light on Revelati…

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...

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May 28, 2023

Unveiling Jesus: Understanding Revelation Chapter 1 Through Old Testa…

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...

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May 21, 2023

She Deserves Better: Empowering Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings in th…

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...

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May 14, 2023

Flood, Fury, and the Shalom of God: Navigating Old Testament Violence…

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...

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May 7, 2023

Embracing the Body: Feminist Theory, Theology, and the Future of the …

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...

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April 30, 2023

Breaking Down the Divide: Phil Vischer on Evangelicalism's Past and F…

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...

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April 23, 2023

Navigating Christian Nationalism and Polarization: Skye Jethani on th…

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...

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April 16, 2023

Redefining Sin: From Individual Failures to Cosmic Powers - w/ Dr. Ti…

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...

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April 9, 2023

Time After Time: How Revelation Redefines Time (Revelation Series)

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...

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April 2, 2023

God and Guns: A Christian Lament after the Nashville School Shooting

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...

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March 26, 2023

Tell Her Story - w/ Dr. Nijay Gupta

First, Dr. Gupta talks about his own journey and study. If women can’t be trusted with teaching or leading at church, why should they be trusted teaching other women or children? Did the first century understand terms like patriarchy? How does Paul...

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March 21, 2023

The Wanderer: 'Come Thou Fount' (Songs of Resistance Series Part 3)

Delve into the rich history and enduring significance of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as we explore how this timeless hymn reshapes our understanding of authentic worship, deconstruction, and the journey back to faith. Tim Stafford discusses...

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March 19, 2023

Restoring with Grace: Rethinking Church Discipline in Modern Ministry

Mike and Tim delve into a listener's question about handling church discipline in cases of adultery within the church community. They explore how to approach restoration and reorientation with grace, empathy, and a focus on relationships, rather than...

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March 12, 2023

Reclaiming Women's Voices: Challenging Harmful Sexual Theology in the…

Explore how harmful teachings on sexuality within the church have impacted women, and how reclaiming mutuality, consent, and healthy theology can lead to healing and transformation. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they welcome guests Susie...

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March 5, 2023

Reimagining Revelation: A Fresh Perspective with Scot McKnight and Co…

Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation through its original context can transform our understanding of its message for today. Mike and Tim sit down with theologians Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett to discuss their new book, "Revelation for...

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Feb. 26, 2023

Unveiling Revelation: How Genre Clues Transform Our Understanding (Re…

Mike and Tim explore the importance of understanding the genre clues in the Book of Revelation, discussing how recognizing it as an apocalypse, a prophecy, and a pastoral letter reshapes our interpretation. They also confront systemic misogyny in the...

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Feb. 19, 2023

Understanding Evil and Suffering: The Church's Mission in God's Kingd…

Delve into the complexities of evil and suffering as Mike and Tim are joined by scholar Tim Gombis in their Gospel with Gombis series. Together, they explore the origins of evil within the biblical narrative, the role of human collaboration in God's...

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Feb. 12, 2023

Decoding Revelation: Understanding Apocalyptic Genre (Revelation Seri…

Explore how recognizing the apocalyptic genre of Revelation transforms our interpretation of this enigmatic book, allowing us to reclaim its original message of hope and comfort. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of genre in...

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