To Be Human - Part Seven: Not So With You. Misuse of power? Misunderstanding power? Non discerning power? Today, we explore the idea that Christians should not seek worldly power, but instead focus on loving their neighbors and embodying the teachings of Jesus. There are two types of power: power over and power with. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of power dynamics in future episodes. This episode, Mike and Tim explore the concept of power and distinguishes between power over...

To Be Human - Part Six: Power Over vs. Power With. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of gatekeeping and the misuse of power in various contexts, including the church and society. They explore the idea of ruling and having dominion over creation, emphasizing the importance of modeling God's rulership, which is based on love, humility, and invitation. This opens us up to our main topic: power over vs. power with. Mike and Tim highlight the need to hold convictions in a way that promotes...

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 end! However, the focus should be on practicing the politics...

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, the value of physical embodiment, and the need to honor God's...

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, the image of God and procreation, the image of God and gender...

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 image and the different views on personhood. We delve into...

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 of understanding that humans are meant to be living statues of Yahweh,...

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 science and faith in interpreting Genesis. We emphasize that Genesis is not...

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 need for self-reflection and growth as parents. How do we take a...

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 rituals of appeasement, and emphasized direct access to God. They also...

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 the importance of building a close relationship with their children and...

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. Then we conclude our long conversation on Revelation with one last look...

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 balanced approach to these topics. They also explore the concept of...

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 concludes with a discussion on the Spirit's work in the church and...

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 public life. Wear also addresses the disappearance of moral knowledge and the...

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 others to explore beyond the confines of their beliefs. The...

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 earth play out? What of the themes of the overlapping space of...

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 narrative and the implications it has for our lives. They explore the...

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 torment and separation for "unbelievers?" - The lake of fire...

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 than church attendance? How does suffering play into all of this? You...

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 pulpit? Why two? When does this happen? What is the Lake of Fire? Is it Hell?...

The God Who Hides. What happens when I don’t feel presence? Why are desert times necessary in my relationship with God – I don’t need them in my other relationships... Why does God seem absent when I need him most? Why does he seem distant? Why does God allow us to feel his absence when we know he is not absent? When you are praying, it is bouncing off the ceiling; read the bible, it is dust… The bible calls this the “hiddenness of God”... 12 different times in OT – he hid his face from his...

The Only Way Out is Through. Mike and Tim spend some time unpacking a couple listener emails that deal with hopelessness and worship. This prompts Mike to revisit Walter Bruggeman’s typology: a. Psalms can be roughly grouped this way, and the flow of human life characteristically is located either in the actual experience of one of these settings, or is in the movement from one to another. b. This is not a formula, or rigid divide of categories; some Psalms do not seem to fit and some seem...

The God Who Disappoints Everyone. - What's up with the resurgence of the Social Gospel in America? Article HERE - A gospel Grammy Nominee won't stop singing on a plane, because maybe the Lord wants her to? How does this correlate to Christian Nationism? What is, what Tim calls, a sense of 'Divine Entitlement?' - Lament. Disappointment. Wisdom. Everything is Meaningless. How have people throughout history dealt with a God who disappoints? How does John the Baptist play into this? As...