Voxology

How the biblical vision of judgment reveals the path toward healing, truth-telling, and the restoration of all things. Continuing the Hell Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle the idea of divine judgment not as punitive wrath or eternal shame, but as a redemptive purifying process that reveals, restores, and renews. With reflections on Romans, 1 Corinthians, Peter, and the Sermon on the Mount, the duo proposes a vision of judgment rooted in the goodness of God and the transformative power of truth. Key Takeaways: • Judgment as Restoration, Not Damnation – How the Bible portrays judgment not merely as punishment, but as the essential unveiling of truth and the purifying fire of new creation. • Why Truth-Telling Matters – Exploring how judgment is necessary for cosmic healing, communal reconciliation, and the exposure of injustice and religious hypocrisy. • Creation’s Cry for Renewal – Paul’s vision of a groaning creation eagerly awaiting the revealing of God’s children as part of a holistic rescue operation. • Rethinking Fire and Judgment – How images of fire in Scripture (refining, purifying, revealing) emphasize God’s desire for renewal, not annihilation. • Encouragement for the Disillusioned – A heartfelt response to a listener's experiences with spiritual abuse and misuse of power during the COVID-19 pandemic, modeling how one can resist toxic leadership without becoming bitter. • The Samaritan Woman and Jesus – A beautiful example of what it means for everything to be laid bare and met with love, compassion, and profound calling. Resources Mentioned: • Romans 8 • 1 Corinthians 3 – “The Day” and the fire that tests every person’s work • 2 Peter 3 – “The earth and everything in it will be laid bare” • John 4 – The story of the Samaritan woman at the well • Joshua Ryan Butler – “The Skeletons in God’s Closet” • Dallas Willard's teachings on relinquishing rights for the good of others • Voxology Instagram: Visual breakdown of contrasting “Not This / But This” end-times diagrams Join us in reimagining divine judgment as the ultimate hope for justice and freedom. If you’ve experienced spiritual harm or questions around God's justice system, this illuminating episode offers both theological depth and pastoral encouragement. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover Voxology. Engage the conversation and share your own reflections via email at hello@voxpodcast.com or on Instagram and Facebook. Catch full episodes and behind-the-scenes on VOXOLOGY TV, shop exclusive merch at our Etsy Store, and find more resources at voxologypodcast.com. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow Mike: Twitter Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How a fresh understanding of the biblical story can reshape your faith, purpose, and view of salvation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off a new three-part arc in the Exile Series that confronts the traditional evangelical narrative of heaven and hell. Instead, they reframe the story through the lens of what the Bible actually centers on — the creation, rupture, and reunification of heaven and earth. If you’ve ever felt unsettled by the “turn or burn” gospel or the idea of escaping the earth to live in the clouds forever, this honest and mind-opening discussion will help you rediscover the beauty and scope of what God is doing in the world. Key Takeaways: • Heaven and Earth, Not Heaven vs. Hell – The real biblical narrative revolves around God creating, repairing, and renewing heaven and earth together, not separating people between two eternal destinations after death. • New Creation Starts Now – Jesus, as the first fruit of new creation, invites us into a life of embodied resurrection where heaven begins breaking into earth right now. • Rethinking Hell – Hell is not central to the story or used to coerce belief. Instead, it may represent the space outside of God’s coming new world, not a pit of torture. • Salvation Is Bigger – Rather than saving individual souls for heaven, the gospel is about God rescuing and restoring humanity to pick up their cosmic vocation as image-bearers and caretakers of creation. • The Church's True Role – Rather than providing an escape or moral policing, the church is meant to be a practicing ground of new creation: a community where justice, grace, and healing reign. Resources Mentioned: • Surprised By Hope by N.T. Wright – [Link] • Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler – [Link] • The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Timothy Gombis – Faith Improvised Podcast • Michael Gorman and Scott McKnight – (Referenced authors on New Testament theology) • Ephesians 2 & Romans 1 – Biblical reflections on sin, community, and vocation • Ellen’s Extended Email Segment – Referenced listener engagement that sparked deeper discussion Join us next time as we pick up with Part 2 in this arc, exploring the theme of Judgment — its biblical purpose, misunderstood imagery, and how it connects to telling the truth about the world before restoration can begin. Help us spread new creation by subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing this episode with a friend or faith community challenged by heaven-and-hell thinking. We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions — email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Watch the full podcast experience on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music featured by Timothy John Stafford Twitter/Instagram: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How Jesus' parable of the weeds and wheat in Matthew 13 invites followers to practice patience, not power, as the defining mark of discipleship in a world plagued by injustice and urgency. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue the Exile Series by deconstructing how Christians often misread their role in purging the world of evil—and how Jesus insists on a patient, Kingdom-first alternative marked by trust, hope, and transformation. Through personal stories (including Mike's call from investment banking to youth ministry), observations on the church’s failure to lead in environmental care, and insights from the early church’s posture of radical patience, this conversation unveils a refreshing way for Christians to live faithfully amid broken systems. Key Takeaways: • The Enemy in the Field – The parable reframes evil not as God’s doing, but as the result of a cosmic enemy at work among us, and challenges theological determinism that justifies harm in God’s name. • You Can’t Uproot the Weeds Without Harming the Wheat – Jesus cautions against premature judgment, reminding us we often can't distinguish the "weeds" from the "wheat" and risk damaging what’s good through reckless crusades for purity. • Jesus Teaches Patience, Not Passivity – Far from being passive, Jesus models resistance through transformation, enduring evil while staying faithful to love, humility, and mission. • Patient Ferment Over Aggressive Evangelism – Drawing from Alan Kreider’s book, Mike notes how the early church didn’t strive for attractional services or metrics-based growth, but embodied patient, Spirit-led formation—resisting Rome’s values of power, sex, and wealth with a slow-burning alternative. • Kingdom as Inexorable and Hidden – The Kingdom of God expands like yeast, quietly transforming societies through love, generosity, and holiness—not domination or force. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 13 – Parable of the Weeds and Wheat • Alan Kreider – The Patient Ferment of the Early Church • The Psalms of Solomon and 4 Ezra – Ancient Jewish texts reflecting Messianic expectations • Romans 5 – Paul on suffering, perseverance, and hope • Rodney Stark – The Rise of Christianity • Chris Gombas (referenced from previous Vox episodes) • Dogma (film reference, noted for Jesus' love for listening and humanity) Join the community of listeners reimagining what it means to follow Jesus in our time: with patience, humility, and the power of transformed lives. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and be part of the conversation on social media. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com or hit us up on Instagram and Facebook. Watch episodes and curated conversations on VOXOLOGY TV Grab your favorite merch at our ETSY store Support Voxology on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Listen here: Subscribe on iTunes | Spotify Explore the show archive at voxologypodcast.com  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the language of dehumanization and the theology of Christian nationalism distort the gospel—and what it means to respond with a Jesus-shaped posture of compassion, inclusion, and lament. This reflective episode in the Exile Series opens with a moment of silence for the victims of the 2021 Atlanta shootings, bringing attention to the realities of Asian hate crimes and how cultural and spiritual dehumanization fosters violence. Tim Stafford welcomes his wife Shauna for a powerful dialogue on language, education, and grief, followed by a broader critique of Christian nationalism and a timely challenge to rediscover the communal, redemptive mission of the church. Key Takeaways: • The Dehumanizing Power of Language – Why mispronunciation, stereotyping, and cultural indifference remove agency and dignity from others, and how this plays out in both classrooms and churches. • Holding Sacred Space – The invitation to lament like Jesus, and how practices such as Jewish shiva teach us to sit in grief rather than solve or debate tragedy. • The False Gospel of Christian Nationalism – Examining ten indicators of Christian nationalism, from America-first mentalities to the weaponization of Christian identity for political power. • The Danger of Old Testament Misapplication – A thoughtful critique of applying Israel’s national theocracy as a model for American civic life, and why Jesus redefined the kingdom apart from political conquest. • A Listener-Led Discussion – A deeply respectful engagement with an articulate listener who challenges the show’s position on cultural engagement and kingdom mission, revealing how dialogue rooted in humility can sharpen the collective pursuit of truth. Guest Highlights: • Shauna Stafford – High school teacher and educator working with diverse student populations, sharing essential insights into identity, naming, and how systemic bias manifests in everyday environments. Resources Mentioned: • “Dehumanization Always Begins with Language” by Brené Brown – [Link] • “Scandalous Witness” by Lee Camp – [Link] • “Taking America Back for God” by Samuel Perry & Andrew Whitehead – [Link] • “The Old Testament Template” by Landa Cope – [Link] • David French commentary on Christian influence and government – [Link] • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) – [Link] • Previous Vox Episode: “Neither Right Nor Left Nor Religious” – [Link] • Interview with Tim Mackie (on Torah and Israel's role) – [Link] Join the conversation by emailing hello@voxpodcast.com and engaging with us on Facebook and Instagram. We'd love to hear your voice. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Support us on Patreon Explore our Merch Store on Etsy Visit the Voxology Podcast Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Listen to Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook Follow Mike Erre on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on IG & Twitter Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode as we continue pursuing the true mission of Jesus together.  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Dr. Timothy Gombis discusses Paul's vision for ministry post his encounter with Jesus. Topics include authenticity in Christian leadership, forming small groups for new perspectives, contrasting Western church practices with Paul's approach, embodying cruciform ministry, and exploring spiritual forces in scriptures.

A clarion call to the Church to reject the temptation of political power and reaffirm its allegiance to the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford bring fire and clarity in this Exile Series finale, confronting the rising influence of Christian nationalism, the misguided embrace of culture wars, and the tragic confusion between American politics and gospel truth. With passion and unfiltered honesty, they unpack Matthew 7, expose false prophecy masked in patriotism, and call Jesus followers back to a radical life of self-sacrificial love, embodied justice, and Christlike faithfulness rooted in the Sermon on the Mount. Key Takeaways: • Fruit over Fame – Jesus defines His disciples not by giftedness, popularity, or public confession—but by quiet, faithful obedience to His words. • Christian Nationalism Debunked – Exposing the roots and dangers of the "Seven Mountain Mandate" and why equating political dominance with Kingdom victory is anti-Christ. • Cancel Culture and the Church – A striking analysis of how the Church actually pioneered ‘cancel culture’ through moral panics, boycotts, and culture wars. • The True Mountain of Jesus – Challenging the pursuit of platform and power with a reorientation to Golgotha—the hill of crucifixion—as the model of Christian witness. • Discipleship as a Countercultural Path – Why becoming an apprentice of Jesus means learning to live in community with radical honesty and resistance to celebrity Christianity. Guest Highlights: John Vinalas – Vocally contributes today's Scripture reading from Matthew 7:13-23, anchoring the conversation in Jesus’ climactic words on the narrow way, false prophets, and wise builders. Resources Mentioned: • David French: The Seven Mountain Mandate • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider • Dallas Willard on Discipleship • "Upside-Down Kingdom" by Donald B. Kraybill • Mark 7 and Matthew 7 • Voxology Non-ference & Pastoring As Resistance series (links on Voxology website) • Marvel’s WandaVision – for an uncanny metaphor of grief, deconstruction, and hope Join us in confronting the forces corrupting Christian identity in America and rediscovering the radical, subversive heart of Jesus. As the culture clamors for power, we return to the mountain of Golgotha and the Sermon on the Mount, where true Kingdom life begins—and ends. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast to continue the conversation and community. Contact us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com Engage further: 📺 Voxology TV on YouTube 🛒 Vox Merch on Etsy 🌐 Voxology Podcast Website 🎧 Subscribe via iTunes | Spotify 💞 Support us at Patreon Listen to curated tracks on Voxology Radio Spotify Channel Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and “like” us on Facebook Follow Mike Erre on Twitter: @mikeerre 🎵 Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Tackling some of the most confusing, disturbing, and often-misunderstood parts of Scripture, Mike and Tim welcome author Dan Kimball to discuss his new book, How Not to Read the Bible. This episode is an honest, insightful, and sometimes humorous deep dive into how we approach the Bible's “anti-science,” “anti-women,” “pro-slavery,” and violent passages—and how to keep our faith intact in a world full of catchy atheist memes and biblical misquotes. Dan lays out four transformative principles to help listeners engage Scripture with greater wisdom and humility. By teaching us to treat the Bible as a diverse library written for us but not directly to us—and urging discernment over cherry-picking verses—Dan invites us into a deeper, more faithful way of reading that ultimately points to Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Viewing Scripture as a Library, Not a Single Book – Understanding how genre, context, and audience radically influence meaning. • Written For Us, Not To Us – The importance of cultural and historical differences when interpreting ancient texts today. • Never Read a Bible Verse (Alone) – Why zooming out to listen contextually is key to preventing misinterpretation. • All Scripture Points to Jesus – How the full biblical narrative arcs toward the person and work of Christ—and why that matters. Guest Highlight: Dan Kimball – Author, pastor, and longtime friend of the podcast, Dan brings decades of teaching experience and a passion for helping people explore and wrestle with the Bible honestly. His book, How Not to Read the Bible, is designed for skeptics, faithful Christians, and everyone in between. Resources Mentioned: • Dan Kimball’s Book: How Not to Read the Bible – Link • BibleProject – bibleproject.com • Tim Mackie – Co-founder of the BibleProject • N.T. Wright’s “Five-Act Play” Analogy – Exploring how Scripture invites us into the ongoing narrative of God's redemption • Greg Koukl’s “Never Read a Bible Verse” – Stand to Reason Learn how recovering context, asking better questions, and approaching Scripture humbly can breathe new life into your faith—even when you're struggling with the Bible’s most difficult passages. Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on Instagram and Facebook @voxologypodcast. Have questions or thoughts? We’d love to hear from you at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store on ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeErre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the church, scripture, and even your past can be reclaimed—not discarded—through the necessary, messy process of spiritual doubt and reconstruction. Author and professor A.J. Swoboda joins Mike and Tim to talk through the nuanced, painful, and transformative journey outlined in his book, "After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It." Together, they explore how real faith often grows not in certainty but in surrender—wrestling with hard questions that don’t have easy answers, while staying tethered to the person and faithfulness of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Doubt as a Spiritual Discipline – Why doubt doesn’t signal failure but can serve as a powerful catalyst for refining and deepening a more durable faith. • The Three Stages of Faith Formation – Understanding construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction as cyclical parts of any maturing theological journey. • Inherited Faith vs. Invented Faith – How to honor and critique the faith traditions we’ve been handed without discarding their value or history. • The Role of Emotions in Faith – Rage, grief, and lament are valid and often necessary spiritual expressions. The Psalms—and Jesus—make space for that pain. • Reading Dead Christians – How engagement with voices across church history can temper modern arrogance and help us discern between core convictions and cultural assumptions. • Beliefs Matter, But Belief Isn’t Everything – Swoboda emphasizes faith as trust in the person of Jesus, not just intellectual agreement with doctrine. • The Risk of Apathy vs. the Gift of Curiosity – Why staying engaged—even when exhausted or disillusioned—can lead not to the loss of faith, but its rebirth. • Deconstruction for the Sake of Love – Healthy deconstruction pushes us toward a more honest, loving, and Jesus-shaped faith, while toxic deconstruction either abandons the faith altogether or creates God in our image. Guest Highlights: A.J. Swoboda – Author, theologian, and professor. A.J. brings a rare combination of deep academic insight, pastoral tenderness, and lived experience growing up between secular and evangelical worlds. With humility and vulnerability, he shares how his own story of doubt, identity crises, and rediscovered trust in Jesus informs the practices outlined in "After Doubt." Resources Mentioned: • "After Doubt" by A.J. Swoboda – ajswobodawrites.com • The Book of Hebrews – Swoboda’s current course focus and touchpoint throughout the conversation. • Dallas Willard – On joyful resistance and intellectual humility. • C.S. Lewis – A Grief Observed – Referenced for understanding God as the “great iconoclast.” • Dead Christian Thinkers & Early Church Voices – Augustine, Athanasius, Teresa of Calcutta, Martin Luther. • Fuller Seminary & Dr. Love Sechrest on Lament Psalms – Insights on rage and spiritual protest. Join us as we navigate a road that many walk but few discuss honestly—losing and rediscovering faith in a way that feels emotionally authentic, biblically rich, and genuinely Jesus-centered. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow along on social media for more ways to engage with the Voxology community. We’d love your feedback and questions—email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com. Check out the following links: • YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Vox Merch Store: ETSY • Website: voxologypodcast.com • iTunes: Subscribe Here • Spotify: Follow Us • Support Us on Patreon • Instagram: @voxologypodcast • Facebook: Like Us • Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre • Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Let’s keep asking, wrestling, believing—and helping one another find the Jesus at the center of it all.  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the invitation to “ask, seek, and knock” is more than just a spiritual posture toward God—it’s the foundation of how we engage others without manipulation, judgment, or coercion. In part 10 of the Sermon on the Mount series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unravel Jesus’ revolutionary teaching on relational power, dignity, and the transformative logic of kingdom ethics. Going deeper into Matthew 7, Jesus connects these ideas to the Golden Rule, summing up the law and prophets with a call to communal sensitivity and humility. Drawing from Dallas Willard’s insights, Mike and Tim unpack how Jesus contrasts the controlling mechanisms of religion and culture with the quiet, persistent power of agape love and request-based relationships. Key Takeaways: • Ask, Seek, Knock as a Life Dynamic – Why these aren’t just prayer prompts but reflect the healthy, respectful way God intends people to interact. • The Relational Power of Requesting – How humility, not coercion, centers our conversations and opens doors for true Kingdom relationships. • God’s Goodness as Our Security – Trusting in God’s provision allows us to let go of manipulation and embrace non-anxious presence. • Jesus as Embodied Sermon – How Jesus modeled every aspect of what he taught, dismantling the political and religious expectations of his time. • Golden Rule as Kingdom Ethic – Seeing “do to others what you would have them do to you” not as sentiment, but revolutionary counter-cultural wisdom. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – "The Divine Conspiracy” • Matthew 7:7-12 – Bible Gateway • Galatians 6:1 – Restoring others gently • Leviticus 19:18 – Love your neighbor as yourself • Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14 – Paul's reflections on the Golden Rule • The Babylonian Talmud (Hillel’s version of the rule) Join us on the journey as we rethink how we approach others, ourselves, and God through the lens of Jesus’ subversive love. Don’t forget to share, subscribe, and leave a review so the Voxology community can keep growing organically and intentionally. As always, we encourage and love discussion as we pursue Jesus together. Questions? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some sweet Voxology merch in our ETSY Shop Learn more at the Voxology Podcast site Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support what we do on Patreon For curated Voxology listening, check out the Voxology Spotify Channel Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Original music by: Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do we navigate relationships through the lens of love rather than condemnation? Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford deep-dive into Matthew 7:6—perhaps one of the passage's most misunderstood verses—exploring Jesus' cryptic words about pigs, pearls, and sacred things. This conversation dismantles harmful religious strategies like condemnation and coercion, and instead paints a picture of a new posture rooted in discernment, humility, and invitation. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard, the Apostle Paul, and even C.S. Lewis, the episode highlights the destructive loop created by both judgmentalism and spiritual nagging. Mike and Tim invite listeners to replace condemnation with curiosity, supremacy with service, and coercion with love. Key Takeaways: • Condemnation vs. Discernment – Understanding the Greek word "Krino" and the difference between judging someone's value and healthily discerning behavior in relationship. • The Pigs and Pearls Metaphor – Unpacking why pushing even "good" things (truths or moral views) on unwilling recipients often causes harm rather than transformation. • Jesus’ Revolutionary Invitation – How Matthew 7:6-12 calls us toward relationship-based restoration rather than control, manipulation, or exclusion. • Parenting, Preaching & Public Witness – Real-life parallels in how parents, pastors, and political Christians often confuse righteousness with dominance. • Love Like God Loves – Reflecting on the sequence of God’s covenant love (committed to, with, for, and toward us), and how we can mirror that in our relationships. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 7:1-12 – [Link to passage] • Dallas Willard’s thoughts on "Condemnation Engineering" • A Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight – [Link] • C.S. Lewis quote on parental incivility from The Four Loves • Galatians 6:1 – Paul's instruction on gentle correction within the church • Acts chapters (esp. 8-10) – The inclusion of the Ethiopian eunuch and Peter’s vision of clean/unclean Join us in reflecting on how we speak to, engage with, and love our neighbors, families, and even enemies through the radical ethos of the kingdom. Subscribe, leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow Voxology on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected. As always, we encourage thoughtful and grace-filled discussion. Feel free to email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Catch full episodes and bonus content here: • YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Learn more at voxologypodcast.com • Support the show at Patreon • Grab some merch at our Etsy Store • Follow us on Spotify via Voxology Radio Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Timothy John Stafford’s music: timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy