Voxology

How do we discern truth and error, good and evil, right and wrong—without falling into the trap of condemnation? Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus from Matthew 7:1–6, exploring the difference between judgment and discernment in the life of Jesus followers. It's a hard-hitting conversation about our tendency to categorize, condemn, and get a "hit" of self-righteousness from judging others—and how Jesus calls us to a radically different way of seeing people. You’ll learn how to spot the difference between helpful, humble discernment and harmful, isolating judgment—and what it looks like to both call out sin and remain rooted in love and self-awareness. Mike and Tim also wrestle with the implications of social media, cancel culture, and Christian subcultures that attach labels like "Christian" to all kinds of ideas and products not found in the Sermon on the Mount. Key Takeaways: • The Difference Between Judgment and Discernment – Why Jesus isn't prohibiting the practice of discernment, but instead condemns the separation of people into categories of worthiness. • Self-Righteousness and the “Hit” We Get from Judgment – How we're often energized by outrage and condemnation, and how that distances us from compassion and relationship. • The Sermon’s “Log and Speck” Analogy – Removing the metaphorical plank from our own eye before confronting the speck in someone else's requires humility, vulnerability, and deep community. • Judgment Begins with the Household of God – Why Christian accountability belongs first within the body and should be rooted in close, trusted relationships. • Rethinking the Christian Label – How the Bible invites us to practice discernment with nuance rather than simplistic labels like “Christian” or “secular.” • Becoming a Community of Discernment – Why we must reject both harsh condemnation and naïve cultural consumption in favor of ongoing, communal discernment shaped by love, humility, and truth. Guest Highlights: • Ashley from Calgary – Kicks off the episode with a beautiful reading of Matthew 7:1–6. • Seth Erie – Offers a wholesome and hilarious mid-episode blessing, reminding us of the joy found in authentic community. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 7:1–6 – Read on Bible Gateway • 1 Peter 4:17 – "Judgment begins with the household of God" • 1 Corinthians & Paul's Pastoral Letters – On church discipline and discernment • "AA and 12-Step Recovery Community" – Compared as examples of non-condemning honesty, community, and accountability • “Christian Subculture” critique – Examining flaws in applying Christian labels too easily • Mike’s experience at Onsite – A therapeutic retelling of discovering compassion through others’ stories • "Jesus as a Super Spreader" T-shirts – Cited as examples of actions worth critique but not condemnation Become part of a discerning community that reflects the heart of Jesus—a community committed to truth, grace, and transformation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on YouTube and social media to join the conversation. As always, we encourage thoughtful engagement. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast via Patreon Listen to our musical curation: Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike 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

How do our fears and anxieties reveal what we treasure most? In this deeply reflective and often humorous episode, Mike and Tim continue their journey through the Sermon on the Mount by unpacking Jesus’s revolutionary teaching on worry—and how it’s far more radical than a simple “don’t be anxious.” By reframing familiar verses, they reveal that Jesus isn’t offering a Hallmark platitude, but an invitation to reprioritize our lives around an unshakable kingdom. The conversation is also shaped by two thoughtful listener reviews, sparking critical feedback on Voxology’s engagement with political and Christian culture, and prompting a rich discussion on tone, tribalism, and critique within the church. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Anxiety through Treasure – Jesus links our worry to what we value most. Worry flows from storing up the wrong treasures—things that fade, fail, and ultimately can’t bear the weight of our security. • The Radical Call of the Kingdom – Jesus isn’t promising security from hardship. He calls us to live carefree—not because nothing will go wrong, but because God’s kingdom reframes what matters. • Birds, Flowers, and False Promises – Jesus doesn’t promise that bad things won’t happen. In fact, he affirms that suffering is real. But unlike fleeting treasures, seeking the kingdom transforms how we live amidst it all. • Responding to Critique with Grace – Listener feedback on theological tone and political commentary spurs honest reflection from Mike and Tim about how to call out injustice with humility and openness while affirming the beauty of faithful believers doing good behind the scenes. • The Power of Imagination and Deconstruction – Holding beliefs loosely in pursuit of truth, the guys explore why ongoing faith “deconstruction” isn’t spiritual peril—but a path to deeper fidelity to Jesus and his way. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:19-34 – Jesus’s teachings on treasure, masters, and worry • Sermon on the Mount Series Archive – voxologypodcast.com • Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem (referenced by Tim in passing) • Past episodes with Tim Gombis and Kevin #1 for deeper theological context Join us on the journey as we continue breaking down the Sermon on the Mount, pushing back against fear and reclaiming Jesus’s call to treasure what truly lasts. Subscribe, leave a 5-star review (with kind or critical feedback—we read it all), and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected. We’d love to hear your thoughts or questions: email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or message us on Instagram or Facebook. Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop Vox merch: Voxology Etsy Store Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Voxology Music on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us on Facebook 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 can the Church respond faithfully to modern political chaos without getting entangled in the power structures of empire? In a powerful, raw reflection following the January 6 insurrection, Mike and Tim welcome Pauline theologian Dr. Tim Gombis to unpack how the Apostle Paul might interpret and respond to the events that unfolded in the U.S. Capitol. This episode invites listeners into a deep, sobering conversation about Christian nationalism, fear-fueled political movements, and how the Church can—and must—rediscover its identity as a cruciform, counter-cultural kingdom community. With an urgent call to reject ideological captivity, reclaim gospel-centered political imagination, and embody the radical love and hospitality of Jesus, this episode offers pastoral wisdom, prophetic challenge, and real hope for the future of the Church. Key Takeaways: • Reframing January 6 as Symptom, Not Shock – Why the events at the Capitol are part of a long historical arc of systemic injustice and white supremacy, rather than an isolated incident. • Discipling Our Political Imaginations – How Christian allegiance to political parties reveals a crisis of discipleship and misplaced loyalty. • Paul’s Response to Christian Empire Entanglement – Imagining how Paul would pastor churches facing Christians who prioritize nationalism over kingdom living. • Local Action as Political Resistance – Recapturing the lost practice of loving neighbors, welcoming strangers, and subversively embodying Jesus' political ethic. • Church Leadership in Perilous Times – Why silence is complicity, and how pastors can start rebuilding healthy, communal imaginations with scripture, truth-telling, and lament. Guest Highlights: Dr. Timothy Gombis – Professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and host of the "Faith Improvised" podcast. Gombis, a New Testament scholar and author, brings a powerful Pauline lens to help us interpret the spiritual implications of sociopolitical turbulence while challenging the evangelical church's complicity in systemic sin. Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – [Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] • New Book: “Power in Weakness: Paul’s Transformed Vision for Ministry” by Timothy Gombis • Hebrews 13:2 – The call to practice hospitality (philoxenia) • Matthew 25 – Jesus' teaching on judgment and mercy • James 3 – Speech, wisdom, and the destructive power of envy and selfish ambition Let’s pursue the true mission of Jesus together—through lament, action, truth-telling, and radical hospitality. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay in the loop and join the ongoing conversation. We value your voice. Reach out anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV – YouTube Grab some Voxology gear from our Merch Store on Etsy Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Listen on iTunes or Spotify Support what we’re doing via Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Website | 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 Christian nationalism has infiltrated the American church and why it’s vital for believers to name, reject, and repent from this deceptive ideology. Pulling back the curtain on how political allegiance has replaced spiritual formation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle tough listener questions about navigating nationalism in local churches, whether to stay or leave, and how the church lost the way of Jesus by embracing cultural dominance over radical love. Key Takeaways: • Christian Nationalism as a False Gospel – Drawing a clear line between the kingdom of God and political ideologies, this episode names Christian nationalism for what it is: a distortion of the gospel that demands unwavering loyalty to a nation rather than to Jesus. • Discipleship Failure in the American Church – Unpacking how decades of culture war theology, poor end-times teaching, and a lack of kingdom-centric discipleship have led to the current crisis. • When to Leave Your Church – Navigating the hard question of whether and when it's time to walk away from a church that has embraced nationalism and partisan politics. • What January 6 Revealed About the Evangelical Church – A sobering look at Christian symbols and rhetoric used in the Capitol insurrection and why we must not dismiss or minimize it. • Deradicalizing the Church – Highlighting the need for political discipleship that is rooted in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and resists the extremes of both the right and the left. Resources Mentioned: • Article by David French on Christian nationalism and the Capitol riots – David French at The Dispatch • Dallas Willard – Concepts like “Joyful Non-Compliance” • Voxology Episode with Tim Gombis (coming soon) – Discussing Pauline theology and apocalyptic imagination • Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) – For guidance on dealing with divisiveness and false teachings • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) – The core political ethics of Jesus’ kingdom Join the call to resist false unity and re-anchor your faith in the gospel of Jesus, not the mythology of nation and party. Subscribe to be part of the ongoing conversation, leave a review to help others discover us, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more conversations on love, justice, and the church’s true mission. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage 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 show: voxologypodcast.com Find us on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Voxology Spotify Music Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike 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

How the events of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021—and the troubling use of Christian symbols within it—highlight a critical need for the Church to return to the Jesus of the Gospels. Mike and Tim process these pivotal moments in real time, connecting the cultural crisis to the deeply subversive messages within the Sermon on the Mount. Through honest reflection and spiritual clarity, they examine how political idolatry has hijacked the Christian witness—and why reclaiming the cross-shaped way of Jesus has never been more urgent. Key Takeaways: • The Capitol Insurrection and Epiphany – Why the events of January 6 strikingly mirrored Herod’s fear of Jesus and the wise men's rejection of political power in Matthew's Gospel. • Recognizing Political Idolatry – How attaching Jesus’s name to political slogans like “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President” violates the sacred and embodies taking the Lord’s name in vain. • Two Christs, Two Christianities – The distinction between the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount and a distorted political Christ used as a tool of empire and power. • What is Truly “Christian”? – A challenge to use the Sermon on the Mount as the litmus test for genuine Christlikeness, beyond labels, denominations, or political affiliations. • Processing Righteous Anger – Discussion on anger, protest, and “flipping tables” as metaphor vs. Christlike action, and how believers can engage prophetically without becoming what they critique. • Truth as Love – A call for churches and Christians to love others by confronting falsehood and rejecting a unity that compromises core Kingdom values. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 2 – The story of Herod and the Magi • Obadiah & Genesis – Prophecies connecting Edom and the rule of Judah • The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7 as a vision for radical discipleship • Revelation imagery – The Lion turned Lamb in Revelation 5 • Dallas Willard – Teachings on joyful noncompliance and kingdom living • “Jesus Saves” Flags at Capitol – Real-world example of theological misappropriation • Tim Gombis – Referenced for his grounded critique and online presence • Bruce Springsteen – “The idea of America” as an evolving vision worth redeeming Recenter your vision of Christianity around the teachings and posture of Jesus—not cultural Christianity or partisan power grabs. Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow along as we keep unpacking the Sermon on the Mount and the true mission of Jesus. As always, we welcome your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the ongoing conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube! VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/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 a controversial worship leader’s pandemic events, a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship, and Jesus' teachings on money collide in this engaging and raw episode of Voxology. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off 2021 with a candid, convicted conversation on the damaging witness of anti-lockdown worship gatherings, the real meaning of persecution, and why our cultural interpretations of worship and possessions fall short of Jesus’ call to discipleship. Starting with an impassioned take on Sean Feucht’s pandemic evangelism concerts and culminating in a rich, challenging study of Matthew 6 and Luke 14, this episode grapples with what it truly means to surrender everything and follow Jesus. Whether you’re wrestling with cultural Christianity, the church's public image, or personal attachment to material things, this episode offers a thought-provoking roadmap back to the heart of the gospel—one shaped by neighborly love, spiritual sobriety, and radical generosity. Key Takeaways: • A Compromised Witness – Why public worship protests during a pandemic may be harming, not advancing, the name and mission of Jesus. • The Real Meaning of Persecution – Unpacking the stark difference between real persecution and Western inconveniences masked as spiritual warfare. • Jesus vs. Mammon – A deep exploration of Matthew 6 and the rival spiritual power behind money, wealth, and ownership. • "Mine" as a Discipleship Obstacle – How the act of constantly declaring possession over things robs us of the capacity to fully follow Jesus. • Spiritual Minimalism – Understanding the spiritual weight of "owning" and how Jesus invites us to a life of open-handed generosity and freedom. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:19-24 – Jesus' teaching on treasures, the eye, and serving God over money. • Luke 14:33 – “Unless you give up everything you have…”—a deeper look into Jesus’ demand for discipleship. • The Sermon on the Mount series on Voxology (prior episodes recommended for full context). • Dallas Willard’s Concept of Renovation of the Heart – Counter-programming against cultural formation. • Francis Chan, Shane Claiborne, and Early Church Practices – Examples of alternative Christian witness and community ethic. Join us for honest questions and bold conversations about what it really means to bear witness to Jesus today. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media to dive deeper into these ongoing conversations. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions. Reach out to us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV 🎥 Check out our Merch: Etsy Store Support us on Patreon Explore past episodes, listener resources, and more at voxologypodcast.com Find us on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Intro & outro 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 can we rediscover the purpose and subversive beauty of Jesus through the chaos of a pandemic-filled year? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest "Voxmas" episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford bring Christmas Eve energy to the mic while reflecting on the tumultuous and revealing events of 2020. From pandemic politics, cultural unraveling, and spiritual deconstruction to the wild backstory of "O Holy Night" as an abolitionist anthem, this episode swings from silly to sobering in classic Voxology style. The conversation dives into how this difficult year has become a strange gift — exposing religious hypocrisy, broken institutions, systemic injustice, and idolatry in American Christianity. Far from despairing, Mike and Tim argue that moments of cultural and personal unraveling might actually be the fertile soil where Jesus shows up to bring something new and beautiful out of our collective rubble. Key Takeaways: • The Subversive Power of Christmas – Rediscovering Christ’s upside-down kingdom in a story often sanitized and tamed by holiday tradition, including how “O Holy Night” was written by an atheist and became a justice anthem. • What 2020 Revealed About the Church – From politicized faith to pandemic-era church failures, why this unraveling may be exactly what Jesus is using to refine and renew his people. • Tithing and Trust in the Local Church – Why Mike still believes in financially supporting church communities — but only the ones embodying transparency, collective humility, and true Kingdom values. • Hope for the Future – What it means to sift, sort, and rebuild with discernment, and why a church reformation is not only possible but already underway. Resources Mentioned: • Article: “O Holy Night Started Out as an Abolitionist Anthem” – Relevant Magazine • Facebook Micro Communities Group – Join Here (verified community page if available) • Give through Patreon • Give via Tithely Link Whether you’re burned out, questioning, or desperately needing to hear that you’re not alone, this episode invites you to join a tribe of people seeking to follow Jesus more authentically. Find humor, honesty, and hope as we collectively say goodbye to 2020 and move toward a more refined and faithful Church. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you’d invite into deeper spiritual community. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue this journey. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with our community 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 us on Patreon Stream curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook 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 Jewish and Christian communities read the same scripture differently, and how embracing these distinct interpretations can deepen both scholarship and spiritual formation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with renowned Jewish New Testament scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine to discuss themes from her book, “The Bible With and Without Jesus,” co-authored with Marc Brettler. AJ brings warmth, brilliant storytelling, and scholarly insight as they dive into how texts like Genesis, Isaiah 53, and Jonah have been interpreted historically and theologically by Jews and Christians alike. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Contextual Lenses – How the way we read scripture is shaped by the “glasses” we wear—our religious traditions, cultural assumptions, and theological expectations. • The Bible as a Multi-layered Text – Why the Bible supports multiple interpretations and how that opens doors to richer understanding, not confusion. • Reframing Original Sin – Exploring the Jewish view of Genesis 3 as an “original opportunity” rather than a catastrophic fall, and what that tells us about human nature and divine relationship. • Why Sacrifice Isn’t Always About Sin – How the ancient Jewish sacrificial system was about more than atonement, and how Second Temple practices differed from Christian readings in Hebrews. • Wrestling as Worship – How wrestling with scripture—through community, conversation, and study—is how Jews and Christians can both approach the divine. Guest Highlights: Dr. Amy-Jill Levine – World-renowned Jewish New Testament scholar, Vanderbilt professor, and co-author of “The Bible With and Without Jesus.” AJ’s unique perspective bridges faith traditions, helping Christian audiences rediscover the Old Testament while honoring its Jewish roots. With equal parts depth and humor, she offers a liberating vision of how interfaith learning can lead to deeper faithfulness. Resources Mentioned: • “The Bible With and Without Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Z. Brettler – [Link] • “The Jewish Annotated New Testament” – [Link] • Luke Commentary by Amy-Jill Levine & Ben Witherington III – [Link] • “Short Stories by Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine – [Link] • Genesis 1–3, Isaiah 53, Jonah (referenced throughout) – Bible Gateway Dive deeper into the practice of wrestling with scripture and embracing the tensions that arise from differing views—and discover how that journey can actually lead to a stronger, more resilient faith. Got thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear them! Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Support the podcast! Visit our Merch Store on Etsy Become a Partner on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us at facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on Twitter and Instagram Subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!  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

A powerful and candid conversation exploring the intersection of sexuality, faith, purity culture, and theological growth in the modern church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Tyler Cherneski, a Cincinnati-based church planter, and Bridget Eileen Rivera, author, researcher, and LGBTQ+ Christian advocate, to unpack the lingering harm of purity culture and how the church can move toward a more grace-filled, Gospel-centered sexual ethic. This episode dives deep into what it means to extend authentic grace to all, the damaging legacy of purity culture, and how to create space for LGBTQ+ Christians to belong, wrestle with theology, and follow Jesus without fear of exclusion or judgment. Together, they examine the double standards often imposed on queer Christians, and call for a more consistent, Christ-like approach to discipleship and sexual ethics. Key Takeaways: • Purity Culture’s Lingering Harm – How the idolization of sex as both ultimate good and worst sin continues to distort the church’s teaching on sexuality and hampers spiritual growth for many, especially LGBTQ+ believers. • Creating Space for Honest Discipleship – The importance of allowing time, grace, and theological wrestling for LGBTQ+ Christians without pressure to conform to preset conclusions. • The Folk Devil Phenomenon – Bridget explains how LGBTQ+ people have been scapegoated in the church and culture, similar to historical “folk devils” blamed for societal decline, particularly in the wake of 1980s evangelical political alignment and the AIDS crisis. • Universalizing the Ideal – The tension between holding out Jesus’ sexual ethic as an ideal without applying it with exclusive or inconsistent standards. • Grace Beyond Straight Norms – Why the church must extend the same grace and spiritual growth process to LGBTQ+ Christians that it routinely offers to heterosexual believers around issues like divorce, remarriage, or premarital sex. Guest Highlights: • Bridget Eileen Rivera – Sociologist, author of Heavy Burdens, and LGBTQ+ Christian advocate pursuing a PhD in the intersection of gender, sexuality, and crime. She challenges assumptions about LGBTQ+ people in the church and offers articulate insights on grace, discipleship, and justice. • Tyler Cherneski – Church planter at City Church OTR in Cincinnati, openly gay and committed to celibacy as part of his journey of faith. Tyler shares how purity culture shaped his formation and how he’s pastoring others with empathy, nuance, and Gospel depth. Resources Mentioned: • Bridget Eileen Rivera – bridgeteileenrivera.com • "Heavy Burdens" by Bridget Eileen Rivera – [Link to book] • City Church OTR – citychurchotr.com • “Unclean” by Richard Beck – Exploring disgust psychology and evangelical purity ethics • “The Condemnation of Blackness” by Khalil Gibran Muhammad • Scripture References – Genesis 1–2; 1 Peter; New Testament teachings on Christian community and grace This episode invites listeners to consider how we can be more like Jesus—not by gatekeeping righteousness—but by extending radical grace and making space for everyone to pursue him in community. Join the conversation and help reshape the future of the church toward one rooted in mercy, humility, and love. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay part of the journey. 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  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 radical intertwining of critical race theory, biblical economics, and systemic sin challenges modern Christian assumptions around capitalism, race, and justice. Continuing their Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome back theologian Timothy Gombis to explore how the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and the Old Testament offer a countercultural vision for economic and social life rooted in repentance, restoration, and community. From the Lord’s Prayer’s plea to “forgive debts” to Paul’s vision of a just and unified humanity under Christ, this episode uncovers how deeply Christianity has been co-opted by capitalist ideology, individualism, and white supremacy—and what it might look like to reclaim the Jesus way in the public, economic, and racial spheres of our society. Key Takeaways: • Critical Race Theory and the Gospel – Understanding CRT as a biblical tool to help Christians identify and dismantle racism baked into culture, law, and power—not as a political threat, but as an opportunity for justice and transformation. • Jubilee Economics vs. Capitalism – Exploring how God's economy of debt forgiveness, land redistribution, and care for the poor clashes with modern capitalist assumptions about profit, property, and merit. • Why Individualism Fails – How evangelicalism’s overemphasis on individual sin blinds us to the powers and systemic evil Paul confronts in his letters. • God’s Preferential Focus – Learning to emulate a God who listens to the oppressed and acts for their liberation—and recognizing that justice, not comfort, is the call of Christian discipleship. • What Discipleship Really Costs – Why following Jesus must mean unlearning inherited racial, economic, and theological assumptions, and how it might reshape our church budgets, politics, and personal lives. Guest Highlights: Timothy Gombis – Bible scholar, professor, and host of the “Faith Improvised” podcast, Gombis offers a prophetic yet humble perspective on race, economics, and Christian complicity in injustice. With his upcoming commentary on the gospel of Mark and a lifelong journey of being “a student in process,” Gombis models how to wrestle faithfully with scripture and the systems we live in. Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – Hosted by Timothy Gombis • Book: “Resurrecting Justice” by Douglas Harink • Robert P. Jones – “White Too Long” • Matthew 25:31–46 – The call to justice as criteria for the final judgment • Deuteronomy 15 – Jubilee and debt forgiveness • Kevin Kruse – “One Nation Under God” Be part of a community that’s asking better questions, embracing costly discipleship, and seeking the justice of God’s kingdom over cultural allegiance. Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform. We love hearing your perspectives! Email us your thoughts at hello@voxpodcast.com, or engage with us on social media. Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab Vox Merch: Etsy Store Learn more about the show: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Listen to curated music on Voxology Radio – Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike Erre: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // @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