Is The Gospel Offensive?

Oct 6, 2025

What makes the gospel offensive? The hosts explore how the message of Jesus disrupts worldly power and challenges modern expressions of faith. They dive into scripture, revealing how a crucified Messiah turns traditional notions of strength and wisdom upside down. Conversations about redefining power, the role of the church in a divided society, and what aspects of the gospel should truly provoke thought make for a rich discussion. Listeners are invited to engage with these profound questions and reflect on embodying radical humility.

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ANECDOTE

Springsteen Interview Sparked Morning Hope

Tim describes watching a Springsteen interview that renewed his sense of national hope over breakfast.
The story sparked emotional reflection about hope amid a bleak news cycle.

INSIGHT

Hold Jesus Language To Scripture

The hosts argue the church must critique any political use of Jesus language regardless of party affiliation.
Mike Erre urges holding public claims to Jesus up against scripture, not partisan convenience.

ADVICE

Be Bold And Winsome Together

Embrace courageous, winsome engagement but pair it with gentleness and respect when witnessing.
Avoid equating boldness with contempt; clarity must remain invitational, not domineering.

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Why does the gospel offend? In this deep dive into a crucified Messiah's challenge, the Voxology hosts unpack the cultural and theological significance of the offense of Christianity. Exploring themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, and navigating cultural challenges, they focus on how the message of Jesus subverts worldly power, redefines wisdom, and invites radical humility. Together, they examine what it means to embody the gospel in a society steeped in division, and how the church's role is to reflect the countercultural, self-giving love of Christ.

From redefining power and wisdom to challenging modern expressions of faith and justice, this conversation prompts vital questions: What part of the gospel should offend? And how do we ensure we don't add unnecessary barriers to its message? With references to scripture and real-world implications, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the heart of the gospel and its relevance in today’s world.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, questions, or reflections as we pursue deeper understanding together. Engage with us on Facebook or Instagram, and let’s continue to navigate faith, cultural issues, and the teachings of Jesus with curiosity and humility.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Tim's Bruce Springsteen Emotion 04:48 - Why We Talk About Communication 07:58 - Courage in Modern Christianity 18:02 - Understanding Offensive Christianity 23:11 - Exploring 1 Corinthians 1 32:34 - The Offense of the Gospel Message 38:04 - The Scandal of the Cross Explained 43:55 - Meaning Behind the Offense 45:50 - Love as the Ultimate Power 48:05 - The Cross as God's Revelation 53:25 - What Should Truly Offend Us 55:30 - Michael Gorman's Modern Paul 57:00 - Theology of Separation Explained 1:00:25 - Understanding Persecution 1:06:20 - The Concept of Offense 1:09:10 - Thank You 1:10:25 - Outro

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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