Roots & Relevance

Images and Idols - Episode 24 - Help and Harmony

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the team takes a deep dive into Genesis 2, exploring what it means to be created as male and female in the image of God. Tackling ideas like partnership, identity, and the true meaning of "help counterpart," the discussion pushes back on cultural narratives while uncovering biblical truths about equality and purpose. Can we reclaim the balance of co-ruling as image bearers of God? And what does this mean for how we live, work, and worship together today? Join us for an honest and thought-provoking conversation that challenges how we see ourselves and each other.

Images and Idols - Episode 23 - The Crouching Sin

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the team dives into Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel—the first murder, the first fallout, and what it means for humanity. What happens when human dignity collides with violence? How does God’s justice balance with His mercy? And what do we learn about sin crouching at the door of our own lives? This is a deep conversation about choice, image-bearing, and the unrelenting grace of God in a world marked by brokenness.

Images and Idols - Episode 22: Being and Reflecting God's Image

In this episode, the Roots and Relevance team unpacks what it truly means to be created in the image of God. Wrestling with questions of human dignity, morality, and the tension between being and doing, they dive into the complexities of seeing others—and ourselves—as image bearers, even in a broken world. From cultural narratives to biblical truth, this conversation challenges us to rethink how we view righteousness, justice, and the value of every person.

Images and Idols Episode 21 - Imaging God or the Serpent?

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, we dive into Genesis 3 and wrestle with the story of humanity’s first fall. Together, we unpack the serpent’s role, the tension of shame and nakedness, and what it all means for how we image God today. From ancient cosmology to the human struggle with identity and trust, this conversation challenges us to think deeply about who we reflect—God or the serpent—and how that shapes our daily lives. Join us as we continue the Idols and Images series, uncovering biblical truths with real-world impact.
 
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Christmas Meditation - The God Who Stooped

In this special Christmas episode of Roots and Relevance, Tim reflects on the profound beauty of the Christmas story through the lens of Matthew’s gospel. Taking a closer look at the parallels between Jesus and Moses, Tim explores how Matthew writes to reveal Jesus as the better Moses—one who leads us out of the slavery of sin, anxiety, and exhaustion into a new identity and a new family.
This meditation challenges us to see beyond the sanitized nativity scenes and familiar traditions, uncovering the raw hope and grace of God breaking into our brokenness. What does it mean to worship a God who stoops down to meet us where we are, even when our struggles are of our own making?
In a season often filled with joy but also magnified grief and stress, this episode reminds us that the Christmas story is one of relentless love and redemption. Wherever you are this holiday season, may you find comfort and hope in the God who calls us His children.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Roots and Relevance!

Images and Idols - Episode 19 - Finding Hope In The Curse

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the panel tackles Genesis 3:13–24, unpacking the fallout from the first sin and the consequences that followed, including the complexity of God’s judgment and His promise of redemption.
What does it mean that the serpent, humanity, and creation were cursed, but Adam and Eve were not? How do we understand the pain and grief introduced into human relationships and the brokenness within families? And what is the significance of the seed—God’s first promise of redemption in the middle of the curse?
The team explores themes of authority, power struggles, and the human tendency to distort relationships, all while tracing the thread of hope woven into the story. Along the way, they reflect on how this ancient narrative speaks to our struggles and longings.
Join the conversation as the panel brings fresh perspectives and thoughtful questions to this pivotal passage of scripture.
 
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Images and Idols Episode 18 - Reaching for More: The Story of Humanity’s First Choice

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the team delves into Genesis 2:15–3:7, unpacking one of the most pivotal moments in the biblical narrative: the fall of humanity. Daniel, Tim, Riley, and Wally wrestle with the layers of meaning in the text, exploring the serpent’s role, the nature of temptation, and humanity’s longing to play God.
What does it mean to know good and evil? Was the serpent lying, or was there a deeper deception at play? And why does the story draw so much attention to the nakedness of Adam and Eve? The discussion touches on the human condition—our tendency to take what isn’t ours and our struggle to accept limits in a world driven by desire.
The team also draws surprising connections between ancient truths and modern technology, asking how Genesis speaks to our use of tools like AI and CRISPR. Are we willing to say, “That’s enough,” or will we always reach for more?
Join the conversation as the panel brings fresh insights, thought-provoking questions, and a touch of humor to this ancient yet timely story. Now streaming—don’t miss it!
 
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Images and Idols Episode 17 - The Tension of Power - Authority in a Fallen World

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the panel explores the tension between power, authority, and servanthood in the context of Genesis 1:26–28. What does it mean to rule and subdue creation as God’s image-bearers? Daniel, Tim, Jonathan, Riley, Rachel, and Wally dive into the ancient meanings of “dominion” and “subdue,” unraveling the royal and priestly roles God gave humanity in Eden.
The team wrestles with modern misconceptions of power—whether it’s authoritarian control or abdication—and challenges listeners to consider Christ’s example of ruling through service. What does it look like to lead in a way that reflects God’s goodness in a broken world?
With humor, depth, and practical insight, this episode examines how to wield power as God intended—by partnering with Him, honoring His creation, and serving others.
Listen now and rediscover the beauty of your calling as an image-bearer of God.
 
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Images and Idols - Episode 16 Living Idols: What It Means to Reflect God's Image

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the panel tackles Genesis 1:26–28, wrestling with what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God. Daniel, Tim, Jonathan, Wally, and Rachel unpack the cultural and theological weight of "image" as it was understood in ancient Mesopotamian cosmologies and how Scripture flips those narratives upside down.
The discussion dives into humanity’s role as living reflections of God, exploring the implications of being His "idols" in a biblical sense—those entrusted to rule and care for creation. The team also confronts modern challenges, including the way technology, power, and even the church itself can distort or misrepresent God’s image.
What does it mean to reflect the Creator in a fallen world? And how do we navigate the tension between our calling to rule and the temptation to wield power wrongly? Join the conversation as the panel brings timeless 
 
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Images and Idols - Episode 15 Created in His Image: Wrestling with Technology and Truth

In this episode of Roots and Relevance, the panel engages in a meaningful discussion on what it means to be created in the image of God. Daniel, Tim, Jonathan, Riley, Wally, and Rachel examine the biblical creation account in Genesis, drawing contrasts with ancient cosmologies and the modern fascination with artificial intelligence.
The conversation moves from the peace of God’s creative work in Genesis 1 to the violence often found in ancient myths. Along the way, the team reflects on humanity’s pursuit of intimacy through technology and the unique role of being God’s image-bearers. What does it mean to reflect the Creator in a world captivated by its own creations?
The episode also highlights the poetic design of Genesis, the significance of Sabbath rest, and how these ancient truths remain profoundly relevant to our present culture.
Join the discussion as the team unpacks these questions with insight, honesty, and a few lighthearted moments. Now streaming wherever you listen to podcasts!
 
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