Voxology

When the rot of power, celebrity, and capitalism runs deep in modern American church culture, is walking away the best response—or is there another way forward? In this deeply vulnerable and passionate installment of the New Creation Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Dr. Timothy Gombis, who brings sobering wisdom, theological insight, and a dawning vision of church grounded not in success but in rest, repentance, and resistance. What begins as an honest lament about megachurch scandals, celebrity abuse, and American idolatry evolves into a provocative reimagining of what it truly means to be the Church. Rather than retreat into cynicism or fight to fix a broken system with the same tools that corrupted it, Gombis invites us into a radical posture: Sabbath rest, confession, humble presence, and quiet faithfulness. Together, the trio confronts questions about church size, performative faith, historical injustice, and the seductive pull of power—all through the lens of New Creation. Key Takeaways: • Deconstructing Celebrity Church – Confronting the spiritual costs of megachurch models built on personality, PR, and performance. • Reimagining Church Participation – How simply being the church may be more transformative than trying to fix the church. • Capitalism & the Gospel – Why American success metrics have co-opted the church and how reframing our goals changes everything. • Receiving the Kingdom – Embracing the Gospel's passive verbs: inheriting, receiving, and resting instead of striving and producing. • Practices of Peace and Presence – Confession, community meals, serving the marginalized—not because they fix the system, but because they form us. • Sexual Anxiety & Power in American Evangelicalism – Exploring the Church's obsession with sexuality through the lens of control and exclusion. • Can the Church Repent? – Wrestling with America's Christian history rooted in colonization, slavery, and patriarchy, and what repentance looks like today. • Living as a Christian in a Captive Culture – Gombis's personal posture of engagement: naming complicity, pursuing private transformation, and relinquishing control. Guest Highlight: Dr. Timothy Gombis – Seminary professor, New Testament scholar, and prophetic voice of humility and hope. Gombis joins the conversation with candor and insight, offering a strong counter-narrative to ambition-driven models of spiritual leadership. Resources & References: • Matthew 25 – The sheep and goats and Jesus' judgment based on care for the least of these. • Zondervan "God Bless the USA" Bible – Highlighted as a misguided fusion of nationalism and scripture. • Book on Reparations – Referenced for wrestling with historical sin and the possibility of corporate repentance. • U2's "Grace" and "Beautiful Day" – Cited for theological reflection on the realism and hope of grace. • Letter Writing to Prisoners – One way Gombis practices quiet, embodied faith. • Rethink Megachurch Podcast Interview (Hillsong Today Show segment) – Source of Tim's frustration and springboard for the dialogue. Connect, Respond, and Reflect: This episode doesn't pull punches, and we invite you to join the conversation. How are you wrestling with the state of the church? What does it mean to be the church in our current age? Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and let us know how you're finding—or struggling to find—Christ's presence in Christian spaces. As always, we're grateful for your time and presence as we pursue the true mission of Jesus together. Subscribe, leave a review, and consider supporting us on Patreon to keep these conversations going: Patreon.com/voxology Follow on social: 🟣 Instagram – @voxologypodcast 🔵 Facebook – Voxology Podcast 🐦 Twitter – @mikeerre Watch on YouTube: Voxology TV Grab our merch: Voxology on Etsy More at: VoxologyPodcast.com Let's practice love, honesty, and humility as we walk this road together toward New Creation. 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 myth of the American Dream and a narrow evangelical subculture are being authentically challenged by those living out the radical call to love your neighbor. Mike and Tim are joined by author and activist D.L. Mayfield to explore how her journey from youth group punk rocker to committed neighbor and advocate for the marginalized reveals a deeper and more robust understanding of faith, formation, and following Jesus. Together, they discuss what it means to reconstruct faith in a way that centers the voices of the oppressed, de-emphasizes certitude in favor of humble practice, and reclaims grief, lament, and joy as necessary parts of Christian discipleship. Danielle shares how her proximity to refugees and underserved communities has shaken her assumptions about America, challenged her theology, and offered a more hopeful vision of the church rooted in Jesus' teachings. Key Takeaways: • Love Your Neighbor Means Everyone – D.L. Mayfield shares how her work with Somali refugees at 19 challenged her notions of mission, success, and American Christianity. • The Myth of the American Dream – Why proximity to the marginalized helped Danielle recognize the toxic marriage of nationalism and evangelical faith. • Deconstruction and Reconstruction – Community responses and practical metaphors for rediscovering a faithful spirituality beyond doctrinal certitudes. • Finding Joy Through Lament – Redefining spiritual growth through embodied experiences of grief, hope, and social engagement. • A Punk Rock Ethic of Faith – How spiritual disruptors like Danielle and others are re-centering the church around Jesus rather than culture war idolatry. Guest Highlights: D.L. Mayfield – Writer, speaker, and advocate whose work explores white evangelicalism, social justice, and solidarity with the marginalized. Author of The Myth of the American Dream and Assimilate or Go Home, Danielle brings real-life experience and theological compassion to questions of justice, faith, and Christian witness in America today. Resources Mentioned: • D.L. Mayfield's website and writing – dlmayfield.com • The Myth of the American Dream – Book Link • Eugene Peterson's As Kingfishers Catch Fire – Book Link • Saved by Faith and Hospitality by Joshua Jipp – Book Link Join us as we wrestle with our heritage, confront harmful theology, and pursue the joy of an embodied, neighbor-centered faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to keep the conversation going. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Reach out at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. Don't miss us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some merch: Voxology Etsy Store More from us: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 reading Genesis through ancient eyes—and understanding the spiritual beings behind the biblical narrative—can reshape how we think about sin, salvation, and the reconstruction of faith. In this theologically rich and mind-expanding episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford go deep into the cosmology of Genesis 1-3, unveiling how the biblical story tells a far more imaginative and layered tale than modern interpretations often allow. From the idea of the "heavenly hosts" and the mysterious serpent in Eden to reframing deconstruction as kingdom-centered discipleship, this episode reframes everything—from ministry to personal growth to the cosmic scope of salvation. Key Takeaways: • The Cosmic Blueprint of Genesis – How Genesis 1 presents a structured vision of creation built around three inhabited realms—and the governing creatures placed in each. • Sun, Moon, and Stars as Spiritual Beings – Exploring how ancient Israelites may have understood the "lights" in the sky as more than physical bodies, but also part of the "heavenly host." • Eden as a Heaven-Earth Overlap – Why the garden wasn't just a geographical place, but a spiritual realm where God, spiritual beings (Elohim), and humans coexisted. • Rethinking the Serpent – The significance of the serpent as a spiritual being, possibly a Seraphim, and why this changes how we view the fall narrative. • Reconstructing Faith After Deconstruction – Honest and empathetic discussion around what it means to rebuild after your theological foundation has crumbled—and how spiritual community, the Sermon on the Mount, and reading the Gospels repetitively can provide grounding. • New Creation vs. Old Creation Dynamics – Paul's frequent contrasts between "old" and "new" creation in his letters offer a lens to evaluate modern church practices with fresh eyes. Resources Mentioned: • Michael Heiser – "The Unseen Realm" • Timothy Gombis – "Power in Weakness," "Drama of Ephesians" • Dallas Willard – "The Divine Conspiracy" • Philip Yancey – "The Jesus I Never Knew" • Tim Mackie & The Bible Project – Divine Council resources • Greg Boyd – "God at War," "Satan and the Problem of Evil" • NT Wright – "Surprised by Hope" • Genesis 1–3, Job 38, Deuteronomy 4 & 32, Isaiah 6 Call to Action: Redefining what we believe begins by asking deeper questions. Join our ongoing adventure into the mystery, complexity, and beauty of the Bible. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, share with curious friends, and leave a review to help others discover the conversation. We love hearing your thoughts and stories. Reach out anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com or follow us @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook. Watch the full video version of the podcast on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab Voxology merch here: ETSY Support the show: Patreon Explore more: VoxologyPodcast.com Dig into Voxology-curated playlists: Voxology Radio on Spotify 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 recovering the biblical storyline from Genesis to Revelation changes everything about how we think about sin, salvation, and our role in God's mission. In part seven of the Big Story Series, Mike and Tim unpack the central question the Old Testament actually leaves us with—not "How do we get to heaven?" but "When will Yahweh return and restore his people?" From the temple imagery of Eden to humanity's original vocation as royal priesthood, they explore how sin is not merely rule-breaking, but a failure to live into our God-given purpose as image-bearers who reflect God's glory and steward creation. The conversation covers how Jesus opens a space of new creation where that royal-priesthood vocation is restored, not just spiritually but biologically, communally, and cosmically. What are we saved TO? What powers are we saved FROM? And why understanding this changes everything from how we worship to how we deal with shame, ego, and even church structures. There's also a surprise mini-masterclass on worship leading, performance culture, and integrating stage presence with authentic spiritual practice—and yes, an extended metaphor involving breadsticks at Olive Garden. Classic Vox. Key Takeaways: • Sin as Failed Vocation – Sin isn't just breaking rules; it's missing the mark of our divine calling to reflect and represent God in the world. • Salvation as Restored Humanity – The cross doesn't just forgive individual guilt, it opens up "new creation space" where we become fully human again. • Old Story vs. Big Story – The heart of the gospel isn't escaping hell but participating in God's restoration of heaven and earth. • Powers and Principalities – How spiritual and cultural powers deceive us into patterns of consumption, individualism, and domination, and why Jesus came to disarm them. • Worship and Ego – Exploring how performance dynamics in modern worship can either reinforce self-glorification or become a path to humility and deeper communal life. • Biblical Hospitality – Loving people who think differently isn't weakness—it's the radical call of Jesus in practice. Resources Mentioned: • The Day the Revolution Began by N.T. Wright – [Link] • "Saved by Faith and Hospitality" by Joshua Jipp – [Link] • "The Temple and the Church's Mission" by G.K. Beale – [Link] • The Book of Genesis – [Link to Genesis] • The Book of Romans – [Link to Romans] • Voxology Big Story Series (Episodes 1–6) – VoxologyPodcast.com Join the journey of rediscovering the gospel's fuller story and purpose for humanity. Help others join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: 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 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 way of Jesus invites us to rethink gun violence, church leadership, and what it really means to be "pro-life." In this powerful conversation, Mike and Tim are joined by author, activist, and Red Letter Christian co-founder Shane Claiborne for a deeply compelling and often hilarious episode exploring faith, justice, and embodied discipleship. While reflecting on his own spiritual evolution (including an early obsession with leadership books, apologetics, and megachurch culture), Mike shares the deeply spiritual act of letting go—literally—through a symbolic home purge involving a dumpster he nicknames "Gehenna." The conversation leads into a rich introduction to Shane Claiborne, who shares updates on his mobile-bus lifestyle, his blacksmithing work transforming guns into garden tools, and why embodied activism matters more than intellectual arguments. Key Takeaways: • From Head to Heart Faith – Mike reflects on discarding leadership theory and apologetics books as part of a spiritual re-centering around embodiment and mental health. • What It Really Means to Be Pro-Life – Shane reframes "pro-life" to include a consistent ethic regarding immigration, the death penalty, racial justice, gun violence, and more. • Guns to Garden Tools (Literally) – Shane details the sacred work of transforming decommissioned firearms into tools for cultivation and peace, inspired by Isaiah and Micah. • Beyond Deconstruction – Faith revival isn't just tearing down toxic systems but building life-giving alternatives—through embodied justice, humility, and community. • Prophetic Imagination and Activist Discipleship – A call to model the church as a radical alternative shaped by the Sermon on the Mount, not political ideology. Guest Highlights: Shane Claiborne – Speaker, activist, and co-founder of Red Letter Christians, Shane shares personal stories from his childhood in East Tennessee (clown school and Bon Jovi included), why he's traveling the country in a school bus, and how blacksmithing and communal grief have energized his spiritual life. Resources Mentioned: • Red Letter Christians • RAWTools – Guns into Garden Tools • Book: Beating Guns by Shane Claiborne and Michael Martin • Matthew Sorens – World Relief • Instagram Account: Black Coffee with White Friends Join the Misfit Tribe: a community of people figuring out how to faithfully follow Jesus outside the bounds of performative Christianity. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who needs hope for a truly alternative vision of church and mission. 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 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 biblical image of "outside the city" reshapes our theology of hell, judgment, and salvation. In this first part of the Hell Series, Mike and Tim wrestle deeply with scriptural themes, the legacy of fire-and-brimstone fear tactics, and a more Jesus-centered, hope-filled way to understand what hell really is—and what it definitely is not. Beginning with a fiery valley outside ancient Jerusalem called Gehenna and ending with Revelation's new creation imagery, this episode traces a surprising continuity through the biblical arc: hell as exile rather than divine torture. Along the way, they cover Tim Keller's controversial Twitter comments on sexuality, the generational effects of purity culture, and the struggles many—including their own families—have with modern church representations of Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Hell as Exile, Not Torture – The Bible frequently presents hell as separation or exclusion from God's restored creation, rather than eternal conscious torment. • Gehenna Explained – How a literal valley of idolatry and child sacrifice became Jesus's primary metaphor for hell—and why it's crucial to understand that the fires were lit by human hands. • Heaven and Hell as Present Powers – Beyond future destinations, Jesus and James portray both heaven and hell as realities acting on us now through the choices we make. • Fire and Light as Revelation – Hellfire and divine light are metaphors that purify and reveal what is true, not punishments inflicted arbitrarily. • Community Categories – "Wicked" and "righteous" are not just moralistic grades for individuals but community-wide dynamics that move us toward or away from God's peace (shalom). • Misuse of Hell as Psychological Control – The trauma caused by fear-based theology continues to haunt generations and distort our view of God's character. Whether you're deconstructing long-held beliefs, wrestling with anxiety and salvific certainty, or simply asking what justice and love look like when fully revealed, this episode offers space to rethink the story—and to trust that the gospel is far wider, deeper, and more compassionate than we've often been taught. Resources Mentioned: • James 3:6 – "The tongue also is a fire…set on fire by Gehenna." • Colossians 1:20 – "God was pleased to reconcile all things…by making peace through [Jesus's] blood." • Matthew 19:28 & Acts 3:21 – "The renewal of all things" and "restoration of everything." • Hebrews 13:12-13 – Jesus suffered "outside the city gate," connecting to the exile theme. • Bradley Jersak's Work on Hell – Exploring hell as relational separation rather than brute punishment. • The Lord's Prayer – A closing reading of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24–26 Join the journey as we unravel the traditional heaven & hell narrative and rediscover a gospel that embraces the full beauty of God's intent for all creation. Have a question or insight? Hit us up! 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 biblical vision of judgment reveals the path toward healing, truth-telling, and the restoration of all things. Continuing the Hell Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle the idea of divine judgment not as punitive wrath or eternal shame, but as a redemptive purifying process that reveals, restores, and renews. With reflections on Romans, 1 Corinthians, Peter, and the Sermon on the Mount, the duo proposes a vision of judgment rooted in the goodness of God and the transformative power of truth. Key Takeaways: • Judgment as Restoration, Not Damnation – How the Bible portrays judgment not merely as punishment, but as the essential unveiling of truth and the purifying fire of new creation. • Why Truth-Telling Matters – Exploring how judgment is necessary for cosmic healing, communal reconciliation, and the exposure of injustice and religious hypocrisy. • Creation's Cry for Renewal – Paul's vision of a groaning creation eagerly awaiting the revealing of God's children as part of a holistic rescue operation. • Rethinking Fire and Judgment – How images of fire in Scripture (refining, purifying, revealing) emphasize God's desire for renewal, not annihilation. • Encouragement for the Disillusioned – A heartfelt response to a listener's experiences with spiritual abuse and misuse of power during the COVID-19 pandemic, modeling how one can resist toxic leadership without becoming bitter. • The Samaritan Woman and Jesus – A beautiful example of what it means for everything to be laid bare and met with love, compassion, and profound calling. Resources Mentioned: • Romans 8 • 1 Corinthians 3 – "The Day" and the fire that tests every person's work • 2 Peter 3 – "The earth and everything in it will be laid bare" • John 4 – The story of the Samaritan woman at the well • Joshua Ryan Butler – "The Skeletons in God's Closet" • Dallas Willard's teachings on relinquishing rights for the good of others • Voxology Instagram: Visual breakdown of contrasting "Not This / But This" end-times diagrams Join us in reimagining divine judgment as the ultimate hope for justice and freedom. If you've experienced spiritual harm or questions around God's justice system, this illuminating episode offers both theological depth and pastoral encouragement. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover Voxology. Engage the conversation and share your own reflections via email at hello@voxpodcast.com or on Instagram and Facebook. Catch full episodes and behind-the-scenes on VOXOLOGY TV, shop exclusive merch at our Etsy Store, and find more resources at voxologypodcast.com. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow Mike: Twitter Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

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

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