Voxology

Unpacking one of the most debated theological doctrines in church history, Mike Erre flies solo on this episode to dive deep into the Bible’s use of “election” and “predestination” language. Drawing from theologians like N.T. Wright, Tim Gombis, and Scott McKnight, he outlines five key observations that debunk the idea of God arbitrarily choosing individuals for heaven or hell. Instead, Mike reframes election as a communal, missional, and deeply affectionate act from God—a calling to serve rather than a stamp of superiority. Listeners looking to make sense of scriptural predestination and how it intersects with mission, grace, and the nature of God’s people will discover a thoughtful, accessible, and pastoral perspective that avoids divisiveness while remaining grounded in biblical scholarship. Key Takeaways: • God's Election Language Reflects Love, Not Exclusion – Election in the Bible is used to describe God's deep affection for His people, not to condemn others. • Predestination Is Missional, Not Privileged – God's calling always points outward: His people are blessed to be a blessing, elected for service and not personal privilege. • Scripture Speaks to Communities, Not Individual Fates – Most election language refers to Israel and the church as corporate bodies, not individuals. • Romans 9 and Hardening Explained – Paul's metaphors of vessels and hardening don't teach double predestination but reflect God's ongoing mission to reach the nations. • Election Is Counterintuitive – God routinely chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes, turning human expectations upside down. Notable Quotes: • "Election talk is God’s love language." – Tim Gombis, quoted by Mike Erre • “You are blessed to be a blessing.” – Reframing Genesis 12’s call to Abraham • “It’s not the elect and non-elect. It’s the elect and those to whom the elect are sent.” Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 1 – Read Here • Romans 9–11 – Read Here • N.T. Wright – Theologian and scholar on Scripture and early Christianity • Tim Gombis – Author of The Drama of Ephesians & host of the Faith Improvised podcast • Scott McKnight – Author of “Reading Romans Backwards” Join us in rethinking what it means to be chosen by God as we resist reductive theology and embrace the full picture of Scripture’s invitation to participate in God's global mission. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast 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

Start the year with a fresh challenge to rethink why following Jesus necessitates being rooted in community and not just spiritual consumption. In this Q&A-style episode, Mike Erre and Kevin (number two!) dive into some weighty questions from listeners — questions about sexuality and gender, Christians in the military, being “just a guy in the seat,” church leadership, and how to discern theological conviction from opinion. Along the way, they explore the role of church in modern Christian life, what constitutes true unity, and how to lovingly wrestle with differing beliefs inside the body of Christ. This episode is rich with pastoral wisdom, theological nuance, and some classic Mike and Kevin banter (plus, Mike’s seasonal affective light lamp makes an appearance). Whether you’re a church leader, churchgoer, or questioning your place in the church altogether, you’ll find encouragement and challenge in equal measure. Key Takeaways: • You Can't Follow Jesus Alone – Practicing the way of Jesus requires deep community because discipleship is lived out with others, not in isolation. • Unity vs. Uniformity – We explore how to maintain Christian unity amid differing theological beliefs, leaning on a grid of convictions, beliefs, and opinions to navigate hot topics. • Church Participation as Formation – “Just sitting in a seat” is a misnomer—Mike and Kevin reframe church as a participatory body where everyone has a role. • Faith Outside the Building – Emphasizing the importance of everyday vocations and living out the values of the kingdom in workplaces, families, and neighborhoods. • Hard Questions with Compassion – Honest responses on female sexuality, Christians in law enforcement, and LGBTQ+ participation in the church—all through a lens of humility, care, and biblical reflection. Resources Mentioned: • Fight by Preston Sprinkle – A Christian case for nonviolence • Past Voxology episodes on Spiritual Maturity Stages, Why Church Matters, and Nonviolence • Ideas for future guest perspectives, including women discussing female sexuality • Voxology Micro-Communities (grassroots gatherings formed around the podcast) Join the conversation and rethink where you sit, what you consume, and how you live. We’re more than an audience—we’re the church. Subscribe, drop a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay connected and help spread this message of grace-filled community. As always, we welcome your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with fellow listeners on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify 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 metaphor of exile helps the American church rediscover its identity, purpose, and practices for a polarized and post-Christian culture. Mike Erre is joined by Rick McKinley—pastor, author, and co-creator of Advent Conspiracy—to explore themes from Rick’s book, Faith for This Moment: Navigating a Polarized World as the People of God. Together, they discuss how exile offers a hopeful biblical framework for living faithfully as Christians in a divided and shifting cultural landscape. Key Takeaways: • A Modern Exile Paradigm – Understanding exile as a metaphor for the American church's loss of place, influence, and clarity in a polarized culture. • Three Responses to Exile – The options of "baptizing" culture, "burning it down," or embracing a posture of “bless and resist” as seen through Daniel, Jeremiah, and Jesus. • The Power of Discernment – Recognizing the need to go beyond behavior modification and embrace discernment informed by scripture, story, and the Spirit. • Five Prophetic Practices – Hospitality, generosity, vocation, celebration/Sabbath, and obedience to Word and Spirit as counter-cultural rhythms that shape Christian identity and integrity. • Reclaiming the Christian Story – Why knowing and living out the biblical narrative offers resilience and imagination in uncertain times. Guest Highlights: Rick McKinley – Founding pastor of Imago Dei in Portland, Oregon, and co-author of the Advent Conspiracy movement. Rick shares insights from his latest book and his church’s tangible expressions of "blessing and resisting," including courageous generosity and the faith community’s engagement in citywide foster care reform. Resources Mentioned: • Faith for This Moment by Rick McKinley – Amazon • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Advent Conspiracy – adventconspiracy.org • Embrace Oregon – everychildoregon.org Pick up Faith for This Moment and explore how living faithfully through the lens of exile could transform your witness in today’s polarized world. If the episode challenged or encouraged you, consider subscribing, sharing it with a friend, or leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us your questions or comments at hello@voxpodcast.com, and continue the conversation with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Podcast on Patreon 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

How do we understand failure, morality, and the pain of community disillusionment through the lens of Jesus? In this solo episode, Mike Erre explores deep listener questions around the emotional, theological, and cultural complexities of following Jesus in a broken world. Reflecting on how Jesus may have experienced failure, why even atheists hold moral frameworks, and discerning when it's okay to leave a church, Mike offers vulnerable insight, biblical wisdom, and compassionate challenge for anyone rethinking their faith journey. Key Takeaways: • Experiencing Failure with Jesus – Unpacking whether Jesus can truly relate to the kind of disappointment and vocational heartbreak many of us live through. • God and Rejection – The idea that while God doesn’t “fail” in power, He does experience rejection, which reframes our understanding of divine empathy and relational pain. • The Origin of Morality – How moral frameworks are not exclusively religious, but grounded in the Imago Dei—our shared image-bearing nature as humans. • Genesis, Patriarchy, and the Fall – Interpreting the judgment in Genesis 3, not as prescriptive patriarchy, but as God's merciful disruption of our attempts to find life apart from Him. • When to Leave a Church – Weighing mission drift, doctrinal integrity, and healthy leadership as grounds for transition while challenging consumeristic expectations around church “shopping.” Guest Highlights: None this week – It's just Mike, flying solo and digging deep into pastoral thought, biblical insight, and honest reflection on faith, failure, and community. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – Read with attention to the structure of creation, fall, and judgment • Tim Mackie on moral foundations in Western thought – The Bible Project Podcast • First Thessalonians 5:19 – “Do not quench the Spirit” • Paul's command to the church – Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8 • Voxology Past Series: “Exile Series” – For deeper dives into the church’s cultural moment If you're navigating deconstruction, disappointment with the church, or big theological questions, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on Instagram or Facebook to keep these conversations 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: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon 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 do Jesus followers make sense of today’s political and social divisions while remaining faithful to the Kingdom of God? In this Q&A-driven episode, Mike Erre and Kevin dive into a series of powerful listener questions exploring topics like immigration, political allegiance, the modern church, the Me Too movement, and how to present the gospel in a postmodern context. With honesty and humility, they tackle whether it's possible to follow both Jesus and support political figures like Donald Trump, how Christians should respond to the heartbreaking images and policies at the southern U.S. border, and what it really means to be “in church” amid deconstruction and reconstruction. They also dig into the limits of media narratives, how shame and community relate to faith, and offer a broader, more narrative-driven way to understand and share the gospel. Key Takeaways: • Navigating Political Allegiances as a Christian – Why pledging full allegiance to any political figure or party can distort Christian witness and compromise the church’s prophetic voice. • Justice at the Border – Wrestling with immigration policy, family separation, and the ethics of tear gassing women and children, while acknowledging the complexity and conflicting narratives. • Redefining the Church – Deconstructing the idea that weekly Sunday church attendance is the ultimate marker of faith, and embracing diverse, communal expressions of following Jesus. • Rethinking the Gospel – Moving beyond a guilt-based salvation model to a larger narrative of kingdom restoration, image-bearing, and renewal of the world through Christ. • Me Too and Justice in the Church – Acknowledging the deep challenges of seeking justice for sexual assault survivors and the limitations of applying ancient legal standards in modern contexts. Resources Mentioned: • Romans 6 – The theological basis for understanding sin and death • Deuteronomy & Biblical Law – Context for the 2–3 witness requirement • “The Patient Ferment of the Early Church” by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Voxology Podcast Email – hello@voxpodcast.com • Voxology Website – voxologypodcast.com • Support on Patreon – Patreon.com/voxology Join the conversation as we unpack what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in a politically polarized world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media for more thoughtful, provocative discussions on the intersection of faith, culture, and justice. — Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: Voxology on Etsy Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast & Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 does the church’s approach to sexuality affect our understanding of purity, desire, and spiritual wholeness? Mike Erre and Kevin explore one of the most frequently asked — and often ignored — questions in Christian life: Is masturbation sinful, especially when done without lust? What seems like a clear-cut topic opens into a deeply nuanced reflection on the nature of desire, discipleship, purity culture, and the transformation Jesus actually invites us into. This episode isn’t just about behavior—it’s about spiritual formation, grace, and reclaiming sex and desire as part of God’s good design. Mike candidly unpacks his own journey, parenthood conversations, and what it means to live with intention rather than restriction. From college students and singles to parents and married couples, this conversation is a compassionate, honest, and theologically grounded exploration that invites all of us to ask better questions. Key Takeaways: • The Purpose of Desire – Why sexual desire is meant to be honored, not feared or shamed, and how it points to something bigger than behavior management. • Rethinking Purity Culture – Moving beyond line-drawing legalism to a vision of purity rooted in wholeness, love, and mutual human dignity. • Lust, Masturbation, and the Heart – What Jesus actually meant in Matthew when he talked about lust—and why it's not about behavior alone. • Parenting & Discipling with Honesty – How to raise kids with a healthy, grace-filled view of sexuality rather than shame-based restriction. • How Accountability Can Go Wrong – Rethinking “Did you mess up?” accountability structures and shifting toward conversations on freedom, transformation, and identity in Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – Teachings on spiritual formation and desire • Richard Foster – Celebration of Discipline (book) • Scripture Referenced: Matthew 5:27–30, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 6:18 • Past Voxology episodes on purity culture, side B Christians, and sexuality Join the conversation on what it really means to be a redeemed, whole human being in a hyper-sexualized and shame-filled culture. Think we're wrong? Want to push the conversation further? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and let’s talk. Subscribe to the show, leave us a rating, and follow Voxology Podcast wherever you get your content—and don't miss bonus content on social media and YouTube. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! Voxology on Etsy Learn more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe via Apple Podcasts | Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Voxology Music on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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

How can we embrace faith when certainty feels impossible? Pastor and author Austin Fisher joins Mike Erre for a vulnerable, wisdom-packed conversation about navigating doubt, deconstruction, and rediscovering the beauty of Jesus. Drawing from his book "Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt," Austin shares his personal journey of nearly walking away from faith, how the church often mishandles doubt, and why cultivating allegiance to Jesus matters more than achieving airtight certainty. This episode challenges intellectualized faith, critiques superficial apologetics, and redefines what it means to doubt faithfully—making space for honest questions, messy wrestling, and recommitment to the transformative way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Doubt as Faithful Engagement – Doubt isn’t the enemy of faith but an inevitable human response to mystery. How we doubt matters more than whether we do. • Reframing Faith as Allegiance – Faith isn't about intellectual certainty; it’s about relational allegiance that leads to love and discipleship, even through struggle. • Scripture Beyond Inerrancy – Why inflexible views on biblical inerrancy often lead to unnecessary faith crises—and how to trust the Bible without treating it like a flawless instruction manual. • Deconstruction Isn’t Destruction – Honest exploration of the Christian subculture's flaws can actually draw us closer to Jesus if we don’t confuse institutional failures with Christ himself. • Desire and Belief – People don't just think their way into or out of faith; they often desire their way there. Beauty and goodness can be more persuasive than arguments. Guest Highlight: Austin Fisher – Lead pastor and author of "Faith in the Shadows," Austin vulnerably shares how he struggled through near-deconversion while pastoring. He offers a deeply pastoral and theological lens for wrestling with big questions on God, doubt, church hurt, and the role of Scripture in a post-certainty world. Resources Mentioned: • Faith in the Shadows by Austin Fisher – [Link] • James K.A. Smith – Philosophical insights on desire and decision making • The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt – [Link] • Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates – [Link] • The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge – [Link] • Unbelievable Podcast by Justin Brierley – [Link] Join the Voxology community as we continue to examine what it means to follow Jesus in an age of questions, contradictions, and complexity. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and let's keep talking. 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 choice to live celibately as a gay Christian can reflect the radical love of Jesus and reframe the church’s understanding of desire, identity, and human flourishing. Oxford PhD candidate and author David Bennett joins Mike Erre for an unflinchingly honest and theologically rich conversation on sexuality, worship, and the need for a deeper anthropology rooted in the kingdom of God. David shares his journey from an atheist, ardent critic of Christianity to a transformed follower of Jesus who made the costly decision to live celibately—not out of repression, but as an act of worship. Together, he and Mike explore how the idolization of romantic love has malformed both church and culture, and how Christians can reimagine friendship, community, and single life as central to God's good design. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Celibacy – Celibacy isn’t about repression but about choosing a greater love over a lesser one, embodying the cross-shaped life Jesus calls us into. • Desire and Eschatology – How the Bible’s vision of human desire, eschatology, and resurrection influence a Christian sexual ethic rooted in transformation, not legalism. • Idolizing Marriage – Exploring how both evangelical churches and LGBTQ+ culture have idolized romantic love—and how this shapes our view of fulfillment and identity. • Recovering the Fear of the Lord – Why the biblical concept of “fear of God” is key to experiencing a joyful, empowered life of obedience. • The Power of Story and the Holy Spirit – How David’s testimony led others, including skeptical atheists, to reconsider Jesus—not through argument, but through honesty, humility, and joy. • A New Moral Imagination – The path forward for the church includes developing a robust theology of singleness, friendship, and communal life beyond romantic pairings. Guest Highlights: David Bennett – Author of A War of Loves and DPhil candidate in Christian Ethics at Oxford University. David shares his lived experience navigating same-sex attraction, identity, and a call to celibacy with theological clarity and pastoral compassion. His story challenges both traditional and progressive assumptions, offering a Christ-centered vision of intimacy, friendship, and holiness that transcends culture wars. Resources Mentioned: • A War of Loves by David Bennett – Link • N.T. Wright – Contributions to David’s academic work and endorsement of the book • Isaiah 11 – The spirit of the fear of the Lord • Scripture on Desire & Transformation – Romans 1, Genesis 1-3, Revelation imagery • @davidacbennett on Twitter and Social Media Join the conversation—let’s reshape our understanding of discipleship, sexuality, and community with the gospel at the center. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue the mission of Jesus. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon Explore curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast • Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 does a Christian faithfully live in the tension between grace-filled freedom and the call to holiness? This mailbag-focused episode tackles one of the most enduring and controversial debates within the Christian faith—can you pursue freedom and holiness at the same time, and what is the actual goal? Mike Erre and Kevin #2 (aka “K2”) open the listener inbox to respond to thoughtful email questions from the Voxology community, including reflections on abusive church structures, how to be discerning in a deconstructed faith, and the challenge of living as people of mercy and justice in a public world fueled by outrage. This episode centers around one listener’s deeply honest question: “How do we balance holiness and freedom?” Mike explores how both ends of the theological spectrum often miss the point, framing the Christian life around rules or license instead of the transformative power of Christ-like love. You'll also hear practical insights on: Raising children in a hypersexualized culture Finding common ground with those we disagree with, including an affirming surprise discussion about theologian John Piper The public vs. private tension in believing victims and upholding justice, especially in light of high-profile cases like Kavanaugh and Ford Key Takeaways: • A Christ-centered life isn’t about choosing between freedom or holiness—it’s about being formed into the likeness of Jesus. • Holiness is not merely moral purity; it’s a fruit of transformation, not behavior management. • Freedom in Jesus is not license—it's liberation for love, a love shaped like the cross. • When parenting or pastoring, authenticity and consistency matter far more than presenting a “perfect” Christianity. • It’s possible (and vital) to acknowledge the value in those with whom we theologically disagree, including figures like John Piper. • Justice and mercy aren’t mutually exclusive values; both must be considered in public moral discourse. Resources Mentioned: • “Desiring God” website – desiringgod.org • Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" • 1 Thessalonians 5 – “Test everything, hold on to the good” • John Piper’s “Ask Pastor John” podcast – [Link] Join us weekly as we continue creating space for uncertain yet hopeful conversations about Jesus, culture, and the church’s role today. If Voxology has helped reframe your faith or challenged your assumptions in life-giving ways, help us spread the word! Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite podcast platform. Send your thoughts, stories, or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com—your voice deeply shapes what we explore next. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Explore our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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

How the Old Testament offers more than just laws, wars, and weird stories—Tim Mackie joins Mike Erre to unpack how the Bible’s first testament reveals a sophisticated narrative of divine patience, justice, and rescue, and how it all points directly to Jesus. Whether you’re deconstructing your faith, questioning biblical violence, or struggling to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the teachings of Christ, this conversation is a deep dive into understanding the Hebrew Scriptures on their own terms. Mike and Tim explore the concept of divine accommodation—how God works within broken systems and with broken people—as a lens for reading difficult texts like the flood, the conquest of Canaan, and ancient warrior kings. They tackle some of the toughest questions from modern readers: Is the Bible compatible with science and history? Is the Old Testament even relevant under the new covenant? And why the way we read the Bible matters more than ever. Key Takeaways: • Divine Accommodation as a Lens – Understanding how God chooses to work within sub-optimal human frameworks, like monarchies and violence, to bring about redemption. • Reading the Bible on Its Own Terms – Why assuming a modern, Western lens of historical accuracy misses what biblical authors were really doing—especially in narrative texts like the flood. • Old Testament as a New Covenant Document – How the Hebrew Bible itself anticipates the failure of the Mosaic covenant and prophesies the needs for spiritual renewal and a transformed heart. • Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures – Why we can’t fully understand the mission and message of Jesus apart from the Old Testament storyline he lived and fulfilled. • Practical Advice for Deconstructing with Integrity – How letting go of certain assumptions and diving into biblical context can deepen both faith and intellectual honesty. Guest Highlights: Tim Mackie – Co-founder of The Bible Project and former seminary professor, Tim brings a powerful combination of theological depth and pastoral heart. This episode showcases his gift for making ancient texts accessible and his clear-eyed view of how modern readers should engage with the Bible. Resources Mentioned: • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Tim’s “My Strange Bible” Podcast – Archive of sermons and teachings by Tim Mackie • Genesis 1-9 – Discussion on the flood narrative and literary intent • Numbers 11, Deuteronomy 30, Ezekiel 36 – God’s desire for inner transformation through the Spirit • 1 Corinthians 15 – The resurrection as the historical anchor of Christian faith • Gilgamesh and Ancient Flood Stories – Comparison literature and mythic context If you've ever wrestled with the tone, content, or teachings of the Old Testament, this one's for you. Join Mike and Tim as they model curiosity, reverence, and humility for these ancient texts. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for ongoing conversation and weekly episodes. As always, we encourage your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com to join the dialogue. Check out our YouTube channel: VOXOLOGY TV Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Our Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more and listen online: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe and listen on iTunes or Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: www.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