Voxology

First off, we were hit on all sides in this episode. Construction, sick kid interruptions, audio problems... it was bumpy. However, we stuck the landing...

How Should We be Political? Today, Mike and Tim welcome another Tim, Dr. Timothy Gombis, to explore the role of the church in politics and how to navigate political engagement as Christians. The church IS a political entity and the Christian way is political from beginning to e...

To Be Human - Part Five: It Is Good. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of ruling and what it means to be human. They explore the idea that creation is good, not perfect, and that humans are placed in the world to direct and manage it. They emphasize the importance of enjoying and appreciating creation, as well as the potential for misuse of power and authority. The episode touches on topics such as the purpose of marriage, th...

To Be Human - Part Four: Woman & Man. Today we analyze Genesis 1 and the poetic refrain that emphasizes the unity and diversity of humanity as images of God. Let's talk about the themes of the Genesis story and its relationship to ancient Near Eastern creation stories, the image of God and the unity in difference between male and female, the implications for gender equality, the absence of hierarchy between male and female,...

To Be Human - Part Three: The Royal Dignity of Seth Erre. Today, we continue the conversation on what it means to be human, by exploring different views on the image of God, including the substantive, relational, and functional views.

The conversation highlights the need for Christians to live out their faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God and promotes inclusivity and love for all people, including the concept of human ...

To Be Human - Part Two: Statuesque. Today, we explore the concept of the image of God in humanity. The "image and likeness" of God were standard statue words used in the ancient Near East, referring to physical representations of deities or kings. How is it that being the image of God is not limited to specific capacities or religious aspects of life, but encompasses the totality of human existence? What is the importance...

New series alert! To Be Human... Today, we begin a new conversation around what it means to be human. In this episode, Mike and Tim dive into the meaning of the first sentence of Genesis and the significance of the words 'bereshit' and 'reshit.' What is the purpose of Genesis and the creation story?  Why is it important to understand the literary devices used in the text?

Further, we explore the conflict between sc...

Chapstick for the Heart. Today, Mike and Tim are joined by the amazing Suzie P. Lind to discuss various topics related to personal growth, relationships, and parenting. They share personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, being aware of one's limits, and learning from past mistakes. The conversation also delves into the challenges of repairing relationships with adult children and the...

Today, we have Dr. Nijay Gupta back to talk about his new book, "Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling." In this book, Dr. Gupta discusses and explores the social force of early Christians in the Roman Empire. He highlights the contrast between Roman religion and the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. The early Christians defied Roman hierarchy and power, rejected rit...

Growing Kids God's Way? Is that a thing? WARNING, it gets a little spirited. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the theme of differentiating fruit and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness over controlling outcomes. The conversation concludes with a question about parenting and the use of the "rod," from the book of Proverbs. Mike and Tim discuss their perspectives on parenting and discipline. They emphasize t...

Revelation Part Thirty One: The End of the End. This is it. The final episode of our longest series ever. Today, we begin by addressing listener emails and discussing Tim Stafford's gallbladder. Mike and Tim then respond to pushback on topic of platforming younger people on social media and the potential risks and benefits. The conversation shifts to a listener's critique of the Holy Spirit episode and the our response. The...

For the Good of the Field.

Two listener questions. Two in depth responses. Alter calls and platforming younger people before they're ready. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of platforming people too early and the potential dangers it poses. They also explore the role of altar calls in evangelism and the early church's view of patience. The conversation highlights the importance of discernment and the need for a bala...

Gospel & Gombis: Part Five. Okokok. This is a long one. Brace yourselves.

The Holy Spirit. Mike and Tim put Gombis on the spot with questions about the Spirit. What is it? What is it's role? What is Paul's understanding of Jesus as part of the triunity and his teaching on the Holy Spirit? They address misconceptions about Paul's teaching and how evangelicals often misread his views on the Spirit. The conversation c...

Today, Mike and Tim are joined by Author and Speaker Michael Wear, to discuss his new book, "The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life." Michael discusses the intersection of Christianity and politics, emphasizing the need to integrate political life into discipleship. He highlights the importance of understanding the role of faith in politics and the impact of Christianity on publi...

Revelation - Part Thirty: To Hell and Back. Thirty! Crazy. Today, Mike and Tim first respond to a few emails and discuss the harm and good intentions of religious movements, particularly focusing on purity culture, deconstruction etc. Was there good in those movements as well as bad? Will people just deconstruct the things talked about on this podcast in a few years? They emphasize the importance of curiosity and wonder in inviting...

Revelation - Part Twenty Nine: All Things Made New. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the January blues and the concept of new creation and restoration. They explore the idea of the day of the Lord and the destruction and purification that will occur. They also delve into the building of the church and the testing of the work done by church leaders. How do the themes of renewal, purification, and the ultimate restoration of heaven and ea...

Happy New Year! Today, Mike and Tim discuss their holiday experiences and reflect on their therapy journeys. They then delve into the concept of 'New Creation,' starting with the creation of heaven and earth in Genesis. They explore the cosmic temple and the Garden of Eden, the rupture and separation of heaven and earth, and the manifestation of God's presence. They highlight the importance of understanding the biblical...

Revelation - Part Twenty Seven: Smoke on the Water. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of the lake of fire and its symbolism in the book of Revelation. Merry Christmas!!! What are the origins of this imagery in the Old Testament, particularly in the stories of Sodom and Gomorrah? Does the lake of fire represent destruction rather than eternal conscious torment? What is Hell??? Does the text really advocate for an eternity of t...

Practicing the Way. Today, Mike and Tim are joined by old friend John Mark Comer, to discuss his new book and non profit, 'Practicing the Way.' Why “apprentice” instead of disciple? Are we are all being formed by someone or something? Is spiritual formation not so much a Christian thing or even a religious thing, but a human thing? How is community integral to spiritual formation? How is the practice of community far more t...

Don'y skip the banter! Some important news in the front section!

Revelation - Part Twenty Six: The Lake of Fire. We're coming to the end of this ridiculously long series on the book of Revelation. Today, it's the two final battles, judgments and the Lake of fire... What do the final battles represent? Is this when God comes back swingin? Is it the bloody finale so many have dreamt of and still advocate for from the pulp...