Voxology

How a deeper understanding of American history, systemic injustice, and evangelical complicity can help Christians live out the gospel in today's racially charged culture. Mike and Tim sit down with Phil Vischer—creator of VeggieTales, co-host of The Holy Post Podcast, and cultural commentator—to walk through the historical realities that shaped our current racial divide and the church's role in both perpetuating and healing those wounds. This episode is a powerful call for Christians—especially white evangelicals—to listen, reflect, and act with humility and courage. Key Takeaways: • The Legacy of Inequity – Phil unpacks the data behind racial disparities in household wealth, systemic exclusion from housing and economic opportunity, and how the church must reckon with its part in that history. • Evangelicalism and Segregation – A shocking look into how the religious right was politically mobilized not by abortion, but by the defense of segregated schools—and how the abortion issue was strategically adopted later. • Beyond Individualism – Why saying "I didn't own slaves" or "I'm not racist" misses the point of biblical justice and the Christian call to stand in solidarity with those oppressed, regardless of personal blame. • Why ‘Systemic Racism’ Isn’t Just a Buzzword – Even without using the term, the episode illustrates how policy choices and national priorities have historically sidelined Black communities—and why that damage persists today. • Historical Honesty as Gospel Witness – Reliving American history with humility and honesty is not about hating your country—it's about understanding the roots of injustice so the church can become a healing force in the world. Guest Highlight: Phil Vischer – Co-host of The Holy Post and creator of VeggieTales. Transforming his platform into a catalyst for truth-telling and grace-filled justice, Phil offers clear, fact-driven insights about America’s racial past and a biblical vision for the future. Resources Mentioned: • Phil Vischer’s Race & American History Video – Watch on YouTube • “Sky Jethani’s Abortion Thread” on Twitter – A breakdown of abortion’s politicization and the limits of conservative policy • Holy Post Podcast – theholypost.com • Christianity Today archive exploring fundamentalism and neo-evangelicalism – [Link] Ready to dive deeper into kingdom-minded justice and uncomfortable truths? Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review if this episode resonated, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep the conversation going. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we grow together. Reach out anytime with questions at hello@voxpodcast.com! We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us at Patreon Follow the Voxology Spotify channel – Voxology Radio Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast | @GoneTimothy | @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford  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

Discover how Jesus dismantles the ancient law of revenge and invites us into a countercultural way of living rooted in honor, humility, and creative nonviolence. In the seventh installment of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 5:38–42, diving deep into the cultural context of “eye for an eye,” unpacking how the Kingdom of God turns the law of reciprocity upside down. Using vivid biblical examples—from Samson and the endless cycles of vengeance in Judges to Roman occupation and public humiliation—Mike and Tim reveal how Jesus wasn’t calling us to passivity, but to a bold, subversive love that exposes evil without perpetuating it. Whether it’s turning the other cheek, giving your cloak, or going the extra mile, each of Jesus’s examples ignites dignity, disrupts cycles of retaliation, and models how we can live out a new kind of justice in the here and now. Key Takeaways: • Resisting Evil Without Retaliation – How Jesus redefines resistance by refusing to escalate harm and instead calling us toward honorable nonviolence. • The Power of Subversive Acts – What turning the other cheek, handing over your cloak, and going the second mile meant in honor-shame culture—and how they unmask the oppressor’s injustice. • Reciprocity Replaced by Grace – Why Jesus calls us to abandon “getting even” and embrace creative, loving responses to persecution and insult. • Personal Application – How these teachings reshape everyday interactions: from social media spats to marriage conflicts and road rage moments. • The Political Reality of the Kingdom – Why Jesus's teachings were far more than personal morality—they were a radical vision for a transformed society. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:38–42 – Read on Bible Gateway • Judges 15 – The story of Samson’s escalating revenge • Leviticus 24:19–20; Exodus 21:23–25; Deuteronomy 19:21 – Old Testament sources of “eye for an eye” • Dallas Willard’s concept of Joyful Non-Compliance Join us as we continue this challenging but eye-opening journey through Jesus's Exile teachings. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to be part of an evolving community seeking the radical, redemptive heart of Jesus. We want to hear from you! Send your questions, reflections, or pushback to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some Vox Merch here: ETSY Shop Find all things Vox at the Voxology Website Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Support transformative conversations like this at Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like the community on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Tweet with Mike: 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

What does it look like to be a people of radical honesty in a culture built on manipulation, spin, and social performance? In this continuation of the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack one of Jesus’s seemingly simple yet deeply subversive teachings: letting your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Using Matthew 5:33–37 as a launch point, they explore how oath taking in the ancient world functioned as a tool for verbal manipulation and how Jesus cuts straight through that tradition to call his followers into truthfulness rooted in love and trust. The conversation digs beneath the surface of swearing oaths to examine how modern Christians still cloak self-interest in spiritual language, project inauthentic personas, and often use “God talk” to avoid honesty and vulnerability. Along the way, Mike shares revealing insights on spiritual maturity, personal therapy breakthroughs, and what it means to speak truth in love—even when it’s uncomfortable. This episode is a challenge and a comfort for anyone seeking to live with integrity in polarized political environments, performative church culture, and the day-to-day moments where honesty feels risky. Key Takeaways: • The Kingdom Way of Speaking – Why Jesus doesn’t prohibit oaths because they’re formal, but because they represent a deeper issue of manipulation and spin. • Verbal Manipulation as Spin – How invoking God to justify personal decisions, political stances, or hidden agendas misuses His name and distorts the gospel. • A Call to Integrity – What it means to literally let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, and why healthy community depends on that truthfulness. • Naming the Religious Game – Exploring how spiritual leaders, churches, and even worship music often subtly encourage “Christian performativity” over honesty. • Resistance as Truth-telling – How truth, confession, and integrity function as a form of resistance in a culture of misinformation, hype, and partisanship. • Grace and Growth – A hopeful reminder that growing in truthfulness is a process and that the gospel makes space for confession and course correction. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:33–37 – Jesus’s teaching about oaths in the Sermon on the Mount • Matthew 23 – Jesus critiques Pharisaic oath traditions • Leviticus 19 and Exodus 20 – The Old Testament context of oath-taking and the misuse of God’s name • The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard – dwillard.org • Tim Gombis – Episodes and perspective on Christian misuse of authority and God-talk • Ecclesiastes ("Let your words be few…") • The Book of Acts – “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” as a model for discernment • Song Reference: “Let My Words Be Few” and Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” quote cameo Join the conversation and reflect on what being truth-tellers really looks like in our moment. Want to help others discover what Jesus’s kingdom really looks like? Subscribe, rate the podcast, and share this episode with someone wrestling with what it means to speak with integrity today. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and to engage in 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 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

Explore how Jesus confronts divorce and remarriage in first-century Jewish culture by exposing the double standards that marginalized women and distorted God's vision of marriage. Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford break down Matthew 5 and Matthew 19, unpacking Jesus's radical reinterpretation of Deuteronomy 24 and its implications for relationships, gender roles, lust, adultery, and the grace of God’s Kingdom. Rather than offering a rigid rulebook, Jesus reframes divorce not as a legal loophole but as a heart issue—warning men about consumer-based relationships, and liberating women held captive by oppressive systems. The episode also dives deep into purity culture, the damage of shame-based teachings, and the lifelong journey of reshaping our vision of marriage, sex, and human connection through the lens of Jesus' compassion and truth. Key Takeaways: • Jesus Redefines Adultery to Liberate and Confront – How His interpretations of Deuteronomy 24 and Genesis 1-2 elevate women and expose patriarchal hypocrisy. • Exposing the "Any and Every Reason" Divorce Culture – Tracing how first-century rabbis debated the legal basis for divorce and how Jesus upended their assumptions. • God’s Ideal vs. Human Concession – Understanding how the Bible presents marriage not as personal fulfillment but as covenant and responsibility. • When Divorce Is Permissible – The tension between theology and pastoral care, and how Scripture permits divorce in cases of adultery, abuse, and abandonment. • Reforming Our Views on Purity, Sex, and Intimacy – A vulnerable conversation about how shame, legalism, and false reward systems impacted personal stories and how to teach new generations differently. Guest Highlights: • Seth Erie – Makes a joyful surprise appearance at the end of the episode, dropping hilarious and heartfelt commentary with dad Mike and a shoutout to Chick-fil-A, Tim Tims, and the entire Vox community. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5 & Matthew 19 • Deuteronomy 24 & Exodus 21 – Foundational references for divorce in the Torah • 1 Corinthians 7 – Paul’s insight on divorce and abandonment • The Mishnah – Jewish oral tradition illuminating the debates between Rabbi Shammai and Rabbi Hillel • Teachings from Tim Mackie and David Instone-Brewer on biblical divorce and remarriage Don’t miss this rich, challenging episode that will stretch your theology, deepen your empathy, and help reshape how we talk about relationships in the church. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to join the ongoing conversation. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts as we journey together. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast: Patreon Official Website: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Check out our Spotify music channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast 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 reimagining Jesus’ teaching on lust liberates us from shame, reframes desire, and challenges harmful patterns in purity culture. Continuing their Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford break down one of Jesus’ most misinterpreted instructions, engaging with the Greek text, touching on double standards around adultery, and wrestling with the weight of toxic sexuality within the church. Through blunt honesty and biblical exegesis, they uncover a subversive call to holiness—a holiness that centers dignity, community, and healing. Key Takeaways: • Lust Is Not Just Desire—It’s Coveting – Jesus uses the language of covetousness, reframing lust as a willful orientation toward possessing what is not ours rather than simply feeling attraction or desire. • Smashing the Double Standard – Jesus critiques the patriarchal framing of adultery and lust by placing moral responsibility on men, breaking from ancient purity codes that blamed women. • The Commodification of Human Beings – A warning against objectification and the addictive, soul-hollowing nature of unchecked lust and pornographic consumption. • Beyond Shame: A Better Theology of Sex – Sexuality is not a curse but a gift. Jesus and the Bible affirm desire when stewarded rightly, honoring the whole person. • Making Space for Healing – Personal confession and communal solidarity are essential. Healing doesn’t come through suppressing desire or shaming ourselves, but through grace, truth, and genuine transformation. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:27–30 – Jesus’ teaching on lust in the Sermon on the Mount • Exodus 20 – Commandments against adultery and coveting • Ephesians 4:17–19 – Paul on desensitization and lust • CS Lewis' concept of “Shadowlands” • White Witch & Turkish Delight example from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe • Talmudic examples on modesty and rabbinic purity laws • Episode guest reference: Dr. Celeste Holbrook • “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join the Voxology community as we untangle centuries of misused theology and boldly reclaim the beauty of Jesus’ vision for human dignity and embodied love. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow along on social media to be part of thoughtful, healing conversations. As always, we welcome your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store on Etsy Visit voxologypodcast.com to learn more Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and 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

A deep-dive into the assumptions behind modern evangelism and the true meaning of discipleship as explored through the Great Commission. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and New Testament scholar Dr. Timothy Gombis unpack how biblical calls to faithfulness, community, and embodied kingdom living have been distorted by individualistic and results-driven evangelistic models. Drawing from Matthew, Paul’s letters, and early church history, this episode challenges prevailing interpretations and explores how the church can better reflect Jesus in a polarized and post-pandemic world. Key Takeaways: • Discipleship Over Conversion – The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is not a mandate to produce converts but a call for the church to cultivate lifelong learners rooted in radical kingdom community. • Evangelism Reframed – There are no New Testament commands to evangelize in the modern sense. Instead, the church’s communal life—marked by love, hospitality, and justice—is itself the proclamation. • Witness Through Embodiment – Especially in times of societal upheaval, the church's faithfulness is not shown in arguments but in living out alternative, Jesus-shaped values through care for the marginalized and mutual support. • Reclaiming the Biblical Narrative – A call to shift from a salvation framework centered on hell to one rooted in Jesus, creation, and the holistic redemptive story of God. • Conspiracy vs. Kingdom – Distinguishing between fear-driven reactions to cultural instability and the sober, hopeful posture Jesus calls his people to in chaotic moments. Guest Highlights: Dr. Timothy Gombis – Biblical scholar, podcast host of Faith Improvised, and author focused on Pauline theology. Gombis lends his voice to reimagining core aspects of Christian practice, inviting listeners to move away from coercive evangelism toward community-based discipleship and kingdom witness. Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – Link • Matthew 28:16-20 – The “Great Commission” text in light of Greek grammar and kingdom context. • 1 Corinthians 11 – The church’s shared meal as the proclamation of the gospel. • Mark 13 – Jesus' warnings about upheaval as a call to faithful community. • Books by Tim Gombis on Ephesians and Pauline theology – Amazon Author Page Reclaim a vision of faithfulness that emphasizes community, humility, and the long road of discipleship over quick conversions. Subscribe to Voxology to continue the journey of reshaping our imaginations around Jesus and his Kingdom. Leave a review and follow along on social to stay connected! As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some gear at our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Listen to curated music: Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow us 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

Practicing reconciliation and learning how to process anger is vital to embodying the upside-down kingdom Jesus introduced in the Sermon on the Mount. Continuing their series, Mike and Tim dive into Matthew 5:21–26, exploring Jesus’ stark warning that harboring contempt for others—especially in religious or political conflicts—is more dangerous than we realize. In the wake of listener feedback and a personal confrontation with their own tone in prior episodes, the hosts model public repentance while unpacking what righteous anger actually looks like and how Christians are called to engage with others—especially when we disagree. Whether you're struggling with outrage culture, frustrated by politics, or passionate about social justice, this episode offers a powerful invitation to humbly examine our motives, pursue reconciliation, and reimagine how we witness to the world through Jesus-shaped confrontation. Key Takeaways: • The anatomy of anger and contempt – Why Jesus equates chronic anger with murder and how contempt poisons community and witness. • Repenting from partisan self-righteousness – The importance of naming when our tone, assumptions, or posture misrepresent Jesus and damage relationships. • Lessons from Jesus’ righteous anger – When is anger appropriate, and what should it produce in us? (Hint: think healing and reconciliation, not destruction.) • Overcoming political idolatry – How the siege mentality shapes Christians into tribal combatants rather than kingdom peacemakers. • Reconciliation over religion – Jesus teaches that repairing relationships is more important than religious rituals. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:21–26 – Bible Gateway • Leviticus 19 – Bible Gateway • Dallas Willard on Joyful Non-Compliance • Study on catharsis and anger escalation [Link if available] • David Brooks’ article on Siege Mentality [Link if available] • The story of Daryl Davis and redemptive table fellowship [Link if available] Let’s be the kind of community that confesses quickly, seeks reconciliation earnestly, and chooses grace when the world chooses contempt. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on your favorite social platforms. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us questions at hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube if video’s your thing: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some merch from our store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Explore past episodes or learn more: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support what we’re doing on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast or 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

How the Voxology community can respond to the growing influence of conspiracy thinking through faithful discipleship, critical reflection, and a fresh understanding of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. In this powerful installment of the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome Skye Jethani—author of “What If Jesus Was Serious?”—to unpack the growing grip of conspiracy theories like QAnon among Christians, why evangelical subculture is vulnerable to them, and how Jesus' call to truth radically challenges our need for control and hidden knowledge. This episode weaves biblical theology, psychology, and cultural critique into a vital conversation about how fear, spiritual immaturity, and a history of anti-intellectualism have paved the way for misinformation and mistrust to spread like wildfire in Christian communities. Key Takeaways: • Why conspiracy theories thrive on fear, control, and the human impulse to find patterns—and how this mimics religious thinking. • A deep dive into QAnon as a cultural and religious phenomenon—and why many white evangelicals are drawn in. • How a misreading of the end times, spiritual warfare, and persecution narratives fuel conspiratorial thinking. • What Jesus actually said about truth, evil, and trust, and how a Christ-centered worldview resists conspiracy by choosing love, wisdom, and humility. • Positive practices disciples of Jesus can adopt to respond to misinformation and uphold truth in today's polarized environment. Guest Highlight: Skye Jethani – Author, pastor, and co-host of The Holy Post podcast. Skye shares deep insights from his new book, “What If Jesus Was Serious?”, and helps listeners wrestle with how we can take Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount seriously in the age of conspiracy culture. Resources Mentioned: • “What If Jesus Was Serious?” by Skye Jethani – Buy from Moody Publishers • QAnon and The Atlantic article – The Atlantic: “The Prophecies of Q” • Matthew 5–7 – The Sermon on the Mount Read Online Help us create a community anchored in truth and love. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast wherever you listen. 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 Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook 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 Sermon on the Mount radically redefines righteousness, challenges religious legalism, and reshapes the political imagination of the church. In part five of the Sermon on the Mount series, Mike and Tim unpack Matthew 5:17–20—one of the most theologically and politically rich passages in the entire Gospel. What does it mean for Jesus to “fulfill” the law and prophets? Why is he so adamant about not "abolishing" the Torah? And how does this reframe our understanding of justice, righteousness, and political engagement in the kingdom of God? The conversation explores Jesus’ use of rabbinic language, corrects popular misunderstandings about the Old Testament, and calls out modern-day examples of misuse of Scripture in political discourse. From culture war Christianity to selective Bible quoting, this episode holds a mirror to the American church and invites a deeper allegiance to the way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Jesus as Fulfillment of Torah – Understanding how Jesus reinterprets and embodies the Torah, not abolishing it but showcasing its heart through correct teaching and practice. • A New Kind of Righteousness – Digging into what Jesus meant when he said "your righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees" and how the Sermon on the Mount critiques performative holiness. • Law, Light, and Heavy Commands – Exploring Jewish rabbinic categories of “light” and “heavy” commandments and how Jesus uses them to elevate even the smallest parts of the Torah. • Hearts Over Legalism – Why attitude and motive matter as much as action; Jesus' greater righteousness begins in the heart and goes far beyond rule-keeping. • Political Implications – Critiquing how both progressive and conservative Christians cherry-pick Bible verses to fit their platforms. What does it mean to be a people who hold the whole witness of Scripture together? Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:17–20 – [Link] • “Scandalous Witness” by Lee Camp – Example of the “Slave Bible” and selective Scripture misuse. • Jeremiah 31 – The promised New Covenant written on hearts. • Mark 7 – Jesus' critique of Pharisees for nullifying commandments for tradition. • Deuteronomy 22:6-7 – Example of a "light" command. • Exodus 20:12 – "Honor your father and mother" as a "heavy" command. Call to Action: Let this conversation challenge and reshape how you engage Scripture—especially when it comes to politics, justice, and righteousness. Subscribe, review, and share the podcast to help others explore the radical teachings of Jesus. Engage with us on social media or email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. We love your questions and reflections, and we invite you to walk this journey alongside us as we rediscover what it means to live as salt and light in a divided world. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook 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 Sermon on the Mount radically reshapes our understanding of discipleship, power, the Church, and what it actually means to follow Jesus. In this third installment of the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore Matthew 5:13–16—Jesus’ iconic words about being salt and light—and how these metaphors confront and correct the often diluted, political, and performative expressions of modern Christianity. Far from being a call to performative evangelism or cute youth group slogans, “salt and light” is a commission to become a prophetic community marked by humility, weakness, and faithfulness. This episode dives deep into how Jesus takes on Israel’s vocation and hands it to the unlikely crowd gathered at the mountainside—and how that redefines what it means to be Church today. Key Takeaways: • Being “Salt of the Earth” Means Prophetic Contrast – Saltiness was about pervasive usefulness and presence, but can be utterly compromised when diluted by power, partisanship, or religiosity. • Light to the World as a Communal Witness – Not individual evangelism, but a collective embodiment of God’s faithfulness in front of a watching world. • Beatitude People Are the “You” – Jesus applies Israel’s covenantal vocation to a new community made up of the poor in spirit, the meek, the mourners, and the merciful. • Political Without Partisanship – A call to embrace kingdom politics rooted in service, hospitality, anti-violence, and justice—not power games or cultural domination. • Reconstructing the Church – How communities formed around the wrong metrics (platforms, celebrity, performance) have lost their saltiness, and how we might recover it. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:13-16 – Read the passage • Isaiah 51 & 60 – Prophetic background for Jesus’ “light of the world” imagery • Leviticus (re: salt covenants) • Tony Campolo and Red Letter Christians – Red Letter Christians • Book of Acts – For contrasts between early Church and modern church structures • Tim Gombis – Faith Improvised Podcast Join the journey of reimagining what the Church can and should be. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us on social media for ongoing conversations about embodying the true mission of Jesus. As always, we encourage conversation, questions, and critique. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Grab merch from the Voxology Etsy store Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast 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