Voxology

Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin, authors of the book "The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb", join the podcast to discuss where God's power comes from. They explore the contrast between the way of Jesus and the way of the world, addressing issues like selfish ambition and the pursuit of power within the church. The speakers emphasize the importance of spiritual theology in seminary education and highlight the significance of true strength found in dependence on Jesus.

How does the New Testament reframe the concept of tithing? Is lust really equal to adultery? Can “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John” really be ancient Jewish names? In this family-style Q&A edition, Mike Erre and Andy dive into light-hearted and deeply theological listener questions to explore how Jesus expands and redefines Old Testament laws through the Sermon on the Mount, why generosity goes beyond a flat 10%, and the power of understanding scripture in its original context. Key Takeaways: • Rethinking Tithing in a New Testament Context – Why the 10% rule isn't a mandate and how the Bible calls for radical generosity from the heart. • Jesus and the Heart of the Law – Understanding how the Sermon on the Mount intensifies the moral seriousness of actions by focusing on internal transformation rather than just external behavior. • Beyond the Meme – Addressing how names like Matthew and John came to be associated with Middle Eastern figures and the impact of translation and cultural adaptation in scripture. • Generosity vs Obligation – Exploring how giving can be a response to love and purpose, not guilt or obligation, and why supporting the church isn't the only way to honor God with your money. Resources Mentioned: • Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7 • Acts & 2 Corinthians – Paul's teachings on giving • Organizations for Generosity: World Vision, Compassion International, Charity: Water • Voxology Podcast Homepage – https://voxologypodcast.com/ • Voxology on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Join the ongoing conversation and send in your questions anytime—we love hearing from you as we all pursue Jesus together. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to be part of the community. 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Subscribe on iTunes https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How does someone faithfully follow Jesus while working at the highest levels of American government? Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Michael Wear, author of Reclaiming Hope and former Director of Faith Outreach for President Obama, to explore what it looks like to live out the teachings of Jesus under a microscope of politics, partisanship, and public scrutiny. Wear shares his incredible journey—from a chance hallway meeting with then-Senator Obama to serving in the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He opens up about the tensions of holding Christian convictions in a progressive Democratic administration and explains how he navigated controversial issues like abortion, the contraception mandate, and LGBTQ+ rights. Through it all, he offers a hopeful vision for how Christians of all stripes can engage in meaningful political action without losing their integrity or their soul. Key Takeaways: • Faith and Public Service – What it meant for Wear to live as a committed Christian while serving under President Obama, and how his identity shaped his political engagement. • Engagement Without Idolatry – Practical ways that followers of Jesus can advocate for justice, human dignity, and the common good without placing their hope in political outcomes. • Reframing Polarization – Why reclaiming hope requires that we move beyond cynicism and demonization, and what it looks like to be 'other-centered' in the public square. • From Critique to Contribution – Ways Christians can create shared moral ground around pressing issues like poverty, fatherhood, immigration, and religious liberty. • How Hope Becomes Subversive – Wear’s definition of hope as a force that challenges fear-based politics and empowers believers to lead with humility and courage. Guest Highlight: Michael Wear – Author of Reclaiming Hope and President of Public Square Strategies, Wear offers a deeply informed and nuanced take on the intersection between Christian faith and American politics. As one of President Obama’s youngest staffers, he brings firsthand experience from the frontlines of policymaking and shares a radical vision of what Spirit-led civic engagement could look like today. Resources Mentioned: • Book: Reclaiming Hope by Michael Wear – Amazon • Public Faith Initiative – publicfaith.us • World Vision – worldvision.org • Tyler Wigg-Stevenson – The World is Not Ours to Save Reframe your approach to politics by rediscovering Jesus-centered activism that puts people over partisanship. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge cultural assumptions and deepen your discipleship. Leave a review, share with a friend, and follow us on social media to stay engaged. 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 should followers of Jesus navigate boundaries in relationships across gender lines, especially in leadership and workplace settings? Mike Erre and Andy discuss the ethics and implications of the “Billy Graham Rule” after a listener question sparks thoughtful reflection on Vice President Mike Pence’s commitment never to dine alone with a woman other than his wife. Drawing from biblical principles, personal experience, and cultural critique, they unpack the tension between honoring marital fidelity while also recognizing the unintended consequences of such personal convictions—especially for women in leadership. This wide-ranging conversation explores not only the historical origins of the Billy Graham Rule but also what it reveals about power, temptation, gender dynamics, and spiritual formation. At the heart is the challenge to move beyond compliance to external boundaries and instead become the kind of person who naturally chooses integrity, trust, and love. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the “Billy Graham Rule” – Its origins, motivations, and how leaders like Mike Pence have applied it in politics. • Protecting Marriages vs. Disempowering Women – Why well-intentioned boundaries can unintentionally limit women’s access to opportunity and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. • The Role of Lust and the Heart – Jesus’s deeper teaching on lust and adultery shifts the focus from circumstances to spiritual formation. • Cultural and Generational Gaps – How Millennials and Gen Xers engage the workplace differently, and why older frameworks may fall short today. • Becoming a Safe Person – Why avoiding temptation isn’t enough and how integrity is formed in private, not just enforced by rules. Notable Quotes: • “Marriage is hard work. Every marriage will reach a place where one or both partners wonder, ‘Did I make a mistake?’ That’s when boundaries can help—but only for a season.” • “Jesus didn’t merely avoid the appearance of evil—he was sometimes accused of it. His focus wasn’t appearances. It was love.” • “The goal is to become the kind of person who is safe—around anyone.” Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 – God's design for male and female partnership • Matthew 5:27–28 – Jesus’s teaching on adultery and lust • The Billy Graham Rule background: Wikipedia – Billy Graham rule • Ray Vander Laan’s teachings – Cultural insights into Jesus’s world • Close Calls by Dave Carder – Exploring the stages and warnings of near-affair situations Join the ongoing conversation about how Christ followers can engage the workplace, relationships, and power with grace and wisdom. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media—it really helps us continue these important conversations. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion in the journey of following Jesus. Got thoughts? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook. Watch the conversation on VOXOLOGY TV Grab some fresh Voxology gear at our ETSY shop More ways to connect: • Visit voxologypodcast.com • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Support us on Patreon • Check out Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Follow him: @GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter  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 adopting a biblical view of aging reshapes our identity, deepens community, and reveals the unexpected vitality of growing older. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the difference between two Greek words for “new” — neos and kainos — to explore how scripture invites us to reimagine aging not as a decline, but as a spiritual renewal. From pop culture’s idolization of youth to the church’s neglect of its elders, they challenge our assumptions and offer a fresh, hopeful perspective on what it means to age in God’s kingdom. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Neos vs. Kainos – Mike breaks down the difference between neos (new in time) and kainos (new in kind), revealing how the Bible values a deeper kind of renewal not bound to physical age. • Reframing Aging as a Gift – Learn why the scriptures celebrate old age as a sign of wisdom, responsibility, and fruitfulness, not decline or irrelevance. • Confronting Cultural Ageism – The modern obsession with youth leads us to discard the value of elders. Mike and Andy advocate for repentance and renewal in how we view and relate to different generations. • Intergenerational Exchange – Exploring how scripture calls both young and old to invest in each other through care, wisdom, and mutual honor, leading to shared growth and community transformation. • Caleb’s Bold Declaration – Even at 85, Caleb believed he was as vigorous as ever in declaring God’s promises. His story offers a powerful model for spiritual maturity and resilience in later life. • A New Vision for the Church – Mike discusses how recapturing this theology of aging can transform discipleship, mentoring, and church culture, highlighting the importance of older voices for spiritual formation. Resources Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – A foundational scripture on inward renewal. • Psalm 92 – The righteous still bearing fruit in old age. • Joshua 14 – Caleb’s strength and courage at 85. • Ancient Near Eastern cultural references on honoring the elderly. • Timothy’s pastoral instructions on treating older members with honor. Join the conversation by rethinking what it means to grow older in a youth-obsessed culture. Whether you’re 20 or 70, discover how God renews us inwardly, day by day, and how we’re called to bless and be blessed by every generation. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your story with us on social media. 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 conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ET SY 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 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 can Christians wrestle faithfully with some of the toughest and most personal questions of faith? In this deeply vulnerable and wide-ranging episode, Mike and Andy tackle real questions from listeners, offering theological insight and pastoral care on topics often avoided in church discussions. From suicide and salvation to masturbation, from hearing God's voice to discerning deception, the conversation is raw, compassionate, and refreshingly honest. If you've ever carried questions you were afraid to ask—about sexuality, divine guidance, or grief—this thought-provoking episode opens space for both truth and grace. Mike and Andy emphasize a Jesus-centered understanding of God's character and encourage spiritual maturity rooted in wisdom, community, and honest reflection. Key Takeaways: • Suicide and Salvation – God’s judgment is not simplistic or transactional. Mike emphasizes that suicide is not the unpardonable sin and that the character of Jesus gives us reason to trust in a compassionate and redemptive God. • Hearing God’s Voice – God speaks, but learning to discern His voice requires deep immersion in the Gospels. Recognizing Jesus’s voice in scripture trains us to notice His voice elsewhere. • Masturbation and Morality – Pleasure isn’t inherently sinful, but the why and how matter. Mike explores the nuanced realities of solo sexuality, balancing grace with responsible reflection and spiritual formation. • Calling Out Deception – While warning others can be loving, it must be done with humility and only after first examining our own hearts. Community-based discernment leads to more truthful—and less judgmental—engagement. • The Importance of Community – Lifelong spiritual growth involves surrounding ourselves with trusted voices who can lovingly speak the hard truths we may not want to face. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – "Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God" • Gospel Accounts – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (for learning Jesus’s voice) • www.voxologypodcast.com – For more episodes and resources As always, we encourage and welcome your questions as we journey together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some Vox merch on our ETSY store Learn more, support on Patreon, and subscribe: • Website • iTunes • Spotify • Patreon • Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow us on social: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by: Timothy John Stafford (@GoneTimothy) If today’s episode helped you wrestle honestly with your own questions, subscribe and leave us a review—we want to continue creating space for real conversations around Jesus and faith.  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 someone become a wise, compelling teaching pastor without going to seminary? What does it really mean to follow Jesus—and are you truly a disciple if you're not living out his teachings? In this special Facebook Live Q+A episode, Mike Erre and Andy tackle raw, honest questions from the Voxology community. This is the first part of an ongoing series responding to listener-submitted spiritual, theological, and cultural questions. Mike and Andy reflect on church leadership development, biblical literacy, spiritual authority, and what true discipleship looks like in practice. They also explore how the church should rightly approach sin and judgment within its own community. Key Takeaways: • Becoming the Kind of Person Who Has Something to Say – Instead of chasing credentials, immerse yourself deeply in Scripture, pursue spiritual maturity, and find mentors whose voices resonate with Christ-centered integrity. • Following Jesus Means Actually Following – A verbal commitment to Christ is not enough without transformation and Christlike love being formed in your actual life. • Grace and Accountability in the Church – The distinction between judgment and discernment and how discipline, when done right, leads to restoration, not exclusion. • Misusing Scripture to Avoid Nonbelievers – How verses like 2 Corinthians 6 are often taken out of context to wrongly justify excluding the world rather than loving and serving it. Guest Highlights: No special guest this time, but the conversation is powered by the vibrant Voxology community and the powerful dynamic between Mike Erre and Andy. Resources Mentioned: • N.T. Wright – https://ntwrightonline.org • Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy • Scott McKnight – https://scottemcknight.substack.com • Ray Vander Laan series – “That The World May Know” (Focus on the Family) • Books and resources from Beth Moore, Megan Fate, and other female teachers This is just the beginning of the Q+A Series—more honest, unfiltered conversations are on the way. Got your own questions? Send them to hello@voxpodcast.com and be part of the dialogue. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and follow us on social media to support the show and stay connected! We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV – https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do we reconcile the compassionate nature of Jesus with the seemingly angry and wrathful God of the Old Testament? In this deep-dive conversation, Mike Erre sits down with pastor and author John Mark Comer to unpack the complexities of God’s character as revealed in Exodus 34:6–7—an often overlooked but deeply foundational passage in Scripture. As Comer's book “God Has a Name” launches, the two friends explore how God's mercy, justice, jealousy, and slowness to anger paint a fuller picture of who Yahweh really is. This episode tackles some of the toughest theological questions listeners frequently ask, offering a fresh lens to engage Scripture and dismantle the harmful caricatures of God many carry. Highlighting God's personal name, Yahweh, and the relational nature of that revelation, Mike and John Mark invite us into an understanding of God that's deeply biblical, profoundly human, and ultimately hopeful. Key Takeaways: • God’s Name Matters – Seeing God as “Yahweh,” not just a generic “Lord,” opens the door to intimacy and relationality with the divine. • Slow to Anger Doesn’t Mean Never Angry – Understanding God's wrath as a deliberate, just response to evil and suffering, rooted in His love for the world. • Justice and Mercy in Tension – Exodus 34:6–7 reveals how God’s character holds both mercy for thousands and accountability for wrongdoing, with mercy overwhelmingly outweighing punishment. • Why Jealousy is Good News – God’s jealousy reflects His zeal for relationship with us and His passion for eradicating the idols that enslave us. • Misusing God’s Name Damages Witness – Living out God’s name wrongly misrepresents His character and distances people from true knowledge of Him. Guest Highlight: John Mark Comer – Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and author of several popular books on discipleship and spiritual formation. In this episode, he unpacks the themes of his newest work, “God Has a Name,” bringing theological clarity and relational depth to the attributes of God. Resources Mentioned: • “God Has a Name” by John Mark Comer – johnmarkcomer.com • Exodus 34:6–7 – A detailed exploration of the most quoted Bible verse... by the Bible itself. • Bridgetown Church – bridgetown.church • Vox Live Event – April 20 in Placentia (RSVP info TBD) • Bridgetown Podcast – [Available on iTunes/Spotify] Join the conversation as we challenge misconceptions and rediscover the God who is merciful, just, and relentlessly faithful. Don’t miss this approachable but deeply thoughtful episode that bridges biblical theology and lived experience. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite platform, and be sure to leave a review and connect with us on social. — As always, we encourage and love discussion as we pursue these truths together. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube, too: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Support the show on Patreon Connect with Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Insta & 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 proximity, storytelling, community, and embracing complexity help transform cultural narratives about disability and reshape the Church’s witness to those the world often overlooks. Mike and Andy welcome back Heather Avis—author, mother, advocate, and founder of the Lucky Few—for a powerful conversation in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day. Through candid storytelling, laughter, and raw honesty, Heather, Mike, and Andy reflect on their shared journeys as parents of children with Down syndrome. They explore what it means to celebrate their kids joyfully and unapologetically in a world that still often sees disability through the lens of sorrow or burden. This episode goes far beyond advocacy—it is a reflection on God’s invitation for all of us to enter into spaces of discomfort, risk, and deep love for the sake of others. It’s about the beauty found in the “yes” to raising children with Down syndrome, the brokenness of systemic ableism, and the everyday wonder these kids bring into the world. Key Takeaways: • Parenting Children with Down Syndrome – Heather, Mike, and Andy share their adoption stories, fears, joys, and the transformational impact of raising their children. • The Power of Proximity – Why relationship and authentic inclusion—not pity or distance—change culture and hearts more than social media ever could. • Confronting Ableism – Personal stories of heartbreaking exclusions and how our systems are still built for the “typical,” despite efforts at inclusion. • What If There Were a Cure? – Wrestling with the ethics and theology behind conversations about eradicating Down syndrome and what that says about our values. • Joyful Non-Compliance – Advocating for our kids begins with celebrating every little victory for what it is: sacred and worthy of delight. Guest Highlights: Heather Avis – Author of The Lucky Few, adoptive mom of three children (two with Down syndrome), and fierce advocate for inclusion, dignity, and beauty in diversity. Heather shares her heart about the importance of story-sharing, confronting cultural narratives of “normal,” and using her platform to spotlight the incredible value her children carry just by being themselves. Resources Mentioned: • The Lucky Few by Heather Avis – heatheravis.com • Heather's Instagram – @macymakesmyday • Learn more about the movement at theluckyfew.com • Changing the Face of Beauty – Link • World Down Syndrome Day – worlddownsyndromeday.org Join us in celebrating the beauty of difference and becoming people who say a full-throated "yes" to others the world might overlook. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology wherever you listen—your support helps amplify voices that matter. 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 power dynamics shape the church, politics, and our personal witness sits at the heart of this thought-provoking live podcast episode in our Way of Resistance series. Recorded at the Monkey Business Café in Fullerton, California, Mike and Andy take a deep dive into the teachings of Jesus on power—contrasting “power over” (coercion, control, and dominance) versus “power under” (self-sacrificial love, service, and nonviolent resistance). Through Scripture, cultural analysis, audience interaction, and a healthy dose of humor, they confront how the American church has often lost its way by pursuing the wrong kind of power—political, institutional, and authoritative—at the expense of the cross. Listeners will walk away challenged and inspired to reclaim a Jesus-like influence rooted not in dominance but in subversive servanthood, prophetic humility, and a commitment to love even the enemy, including how this shapes voting, protesting, and everyday personal relationships. Key Takeaways: • The Danger of Power Over – A deep dive into how the church often mimics the world’s structures of control and coercion, from celebrity pastors to political endorsements. • Power Under, the Way of Jesus – Why self-sacrifice, service, empathy, and love are the defining marks of kingdom power, and how Jesus modeled this in his life and death. • Keeping Two Questions Distinct – Understanding the crucial difference between “What do I believe the state should do?” and “What advances the Kingdom of God?” • Cross-Centered Protest – Tips for protesting without perpetuating division, by staying rooted in love, humility, and solidarity with the marginalized. • Confronting Spiritual Abuse with Grace and Truth – A raw discussion on how to process church leadership failures and confront power-abusing institutions with integrity. • How to Love Our Enemies (like ISIS) – Wrestling with the radical call of Jesus to bless those who persecute you, even in the face of systemic evil. Guest Highlights: Live Q&A with an engaged audience tackled questions on military service, spiritual abuse, evangelical politics, interfaith solidarity, and more—offering raw, heartfelt insights from people navigating faith on the ground. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 20:25-28 – Jesus’s teaching on greatness and servanthood. • Matthew 26:47–56 – Jesus’s rebuke of Peter and commentary on violence. • John 18 – Jesus before Pilate and “My kingdom is not of this world.” • Constantine and the shift of the church to power over culture. • Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement as examples of power under. • The practice of lament and blessing in spiritual life & trauma recovery. Get Involved: Help us push back against toxic power structures by embodying power under through compassion, service, and self-sacrificial love. Share this episode with someone struggling with faith and politics. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media to continue these vital conversations about what it means to follow Jesus in the chaos of modern culture. — As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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