Voxology

Dr. Timothy Gombis discusses Paul's vision for ministry post his encounter with Jesus. Topics include authenticity in Christian leadership, forming small groups for new perspectives, contrasting Western church practices with Paul's approach, embodying cruciform ministry, and exploring spiritual forces in scriptures.

A clarion call to the Church to reject the temptation of political power and reaffirm its allegiance to the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford bring fire and clarity in this Exile Series finale, confronting the rising influence of Christian nationalism, the misguided embrace of culture wars, and the tragic confusion between American politics and gospel truth. With passion and unfiltered honesty, they unpack Matthew 7, expose false prophecy masked in patriotism, and call Jesus followers back to a radical life of self-sacrificial love, embodied justice, and Christlike faithfulness rooted in the Sermon on the Mount. Key Takeaways: • Fruit over Fame – Jesus defines His disciples not by giftedness, popularity, or public confession—but by quiet, faithful obedience to His words. • Christian Nationalism Debunked – Exposing the roots and dangers of the "Seven Mountain Mandate" and why equating political dominance with Kingdom victory is anti-Christ. • Cancel Culture and the Church – A striking analysis of how the Church actually pioneered 'cancel culture' through moral panics, boycotts, and culture wars. • The True Mountain of Jesus – Challenging the pursuit of platform and power with a reorientation to Golgotha—the hill of crucifixion—as the model of Christian witness. • Discipleship as a Countercultural Path – Why becoming an apprentice of Jesus means learning to live in community with radical honesty and resistance to celebrity Christianity. Guest Highlights: John Vinalas – Vocally contributes today's Scripture reading from Matthew 7:13-23, anchoring the conversation in Jesus' climactic words on the narrow way, false prophets, and wise builders. Resources Mentioned: • David French: The Seven Mountain Mandate • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider • Dallas Willard on Discipleship • "Upside-Down Kingdom" by Donald B. Kraybill • Mark 7 and Matthew 7 • Voxology Non-ference & Pastoring As Resistance series (links on Voxology website) • Marvel's WandaVision – for an uncanny metaphor of grief, deconstruction, and hope Join us in confronting the forces corrupting Christian identity in America and rediscovering the radical, subversive heart of Jesus. As the culture clamors for power, we return to the mountain of Golgotha and the Sermon on the Mount, where true Kingdom life begins—and ends. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast to continue the conversation and community. Contact us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com Engage further: 📺 Voxology TV on YouTube 🛒 Vox Merch on Etsy 🌐 Voxology Podcast Website 🎧 Subscribe via iTunes | Spotify 💞 Support us at Patreon Listen to curated tracks on Voxology Radio Spotify Channel Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike Erre on Twitter: @mikeerre 🎵 Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Tackling some of the most confusing, disturbing, and often-misunderstood parts of Scripture, Mike and Tim welcome author Dan Kimball to discuss his new book, How Not to Read the Bible. This episode is an honest, insightful, and sometimes humorous deep dive into how we approach the Bible's "anti-science," "anti-women," "pro-slavery," and violent passages—and how to keep our faith intact in a world full of catchy atheist memes and biblical misquotes. Dan lays out four transformative principles to help listeners engage Scripture with greater wisdom and humility. By teaching us to treat the Bible as a diverse library written for us but not directly to us—and urging discernment over cherry-picking verses—Dan invites us into a deeper, more faithful way of reading that ultimately points to Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Viewing Scripture as a Library, Not a Single Book – Understanding how genre, context, and audience radically influence meaning. • Written For Us, Not To Us – The importance of cultural and historical differences when interpreting ancient texts today. • Never Read a Bible Verse (Alone) – Why zooming out to listen contextually is key to preventing misinterpretation. • All Scripture Points to Jesus – How the full biblical narrative arcs toward the person and work of Christ—and why that matters. Guest Highlight: Dan Kimball – Author, pastor, and longtime friend of the podcast, Dan brings decades of teaching experience and a passion for helping people explore and wrestle with the Bible honestly. His book, How Not to Read the Bible, is designed for skeptics, faithful Christians, and everyone in between. Resources Mentioned: • Dan Kimball's Book: How Not to Read the Bible – Link • BibleProject – bibleproject.com • Tim Mackie – Co-founder of the BibleProject • N.T. Wright's "Five-Act Play" Analogy – Exploring how Scripture invites us into the ongoing narrative of God's redemption • Greg Koukl's "Never Read a Bible Verse" – Stand to Reason Learn how recovering context, asking better questions, and approaching Scripture humbly can breathe new life into your faith—even when you're struggling with the Bible's most difficult passages. Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on Instagram and Facebook @voxologypodcast. Have questions or thoughts? We'd love to hear from you at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store on ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon 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 the church, scripture, and even your past can be reclaimed—not discarded—through the necessary, messy process of spiritual doubt and reconstruction. Author and professor A.J. Swoboda joins Mike and Tim to talk through the nuanced, painful, and transformative journey outlined in his book, "After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It." Together, they explore how real faith often grows not in certainty but in surrender—wrestling with hard questions that don't have easy answers, while staying tethered to the person and faithfulness of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Doubt as a Spiritual Discipline – Why doubt doesn't signal failure but can serve as a powerful catalyst for refining and deepening a more durable faith. • The Three Stages of Faith Formation – Understanding construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction as cyclical parts of any maturing theological journey. • Inherited Faith vs. Invented Faith – How to honor and critique the faith traditions we've been handed without discarding their value or history. • The Role of Emotions in Faith – Rage, grief, and lament are valid and often necessary spiritual expressions. The Psalms—and Jesus—make space for that pain. • Reading Dead Christians – How engagement with voices across church history can temper modern arrogance and help us discern between core convictions and cultural assumptions. • Beliefs Matter, But Belief Isn't Everything – Swoboda emphasizes faith as trust in the person of Jesus, not just intellectual agreement with doctrine. • The Risk of Apathy vs. the Gift of Curiosity – Why staying engaged—even when exhausted or disillusioned—can lead not to the loss of faith, but its rebirth. • Deconstruction for the Sake of Love – Healthy deconstruction pushes us toward a more honest, loving, and Jesus-shaped faith, while toxic deconstruction either abandons the faith altogether or creates God in our image. Guest Highlights: A.J. Swoboda – Author, theologian, and professor. A.J. brings a rare combination of deep academic insight, pastoral tenderness, and lived experience growing up between secular and evangelical worlds. With humility and vulnerability, he shares how his own story of doubt, identity crises, and rediscovered trust in Jesus informs the practices outlined in "After Doubt." Resources Mentioned: • "After Doubt" by A.J. Swoboda – ajswobodawrites.com • The Book of Hebrews – Swoboda's current course focus and touchpoint throughout the conversation. • Dallas Willard – On joyful resistance and intellectual humility. • C.S. Lewis – A Grief Observed – Referenced for understanding God as the "great iconoclast." • Dead Christian Thinkers & Early Church Voices – Augustine, Athanasius, Teresa of Calcutta, Martin Luther. • Fuller Seminary & Dr. Love Sechrest on Lament Psalms – Insights on rage and spiritual protest. Join us as we navigate a road that many walk but few discuss honestly—losing and rediscovering faith in a way that feels emotionally authentic, biblically rich, and genuinely Jesus-centered. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow along on social media for more ways to engage with the Voxology community. We'd love your feedback and questions—email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com. Check out the following links: • YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Vox Merch Store: ETSY • Website: voxologypodcast.com • iTunes: Subscribe Here • Spotify: Follow Us • Support Us on Patreon • Instagram: @voxologypodcast • Facebook: Like Us • Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre • Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Let's keep asking, wrestling, believing—and helping one another find the Jesus at the center of it all. 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 invitation to "ask, seek, and knock" is more than just a spiritual posture toward God—it's the foundation of how we engage others without manipulation, judgment, or coercion. In part 10 of the Sermon on the Mount series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unravel Jesus' revolutionary teaching on relational power, dignity, and the transformative logic of kingdom ethics. Going deeper into Matthew 7, Jesus connects these ideas to the Golden Rule, summing up the law and prophets with a call to communal sensitivity and humility. Drawing from Dallas Willard's insights, Mike and Tim unpack how Jesus contrasts the controlling mechanisms of religion and culture with the quiet, persistent power of agape love and request-based relationships. Key Takeaways: • Ask, Seek, Knock as a Life Dynamic – Why these aren't just prayer prompts but reflect the healthy, respectful way God intends people to interact. • The Relational Power of Requesting – How humility, not coercion, centers our conversations and opens doors for true Kingdom relationships. • God's Goodness as Our Security – Trusting in God's provision allows us to let go of manipulation and embrace non-anxious presence. • Jesus as Embodied Sermon – How Jesus modeled every aspect of what he taught, dismantling the political and religious expectations of his time. • Golden Rule as Kingdom Ethic – Seeing "do to others what you would have them do to you" not as sentiment, but revolutionary counter-cultural wisdom. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – "The Divine Conspiracy" • Matthew 7:7-12 – Bible Gateway • Galatians 6:1 – Restoring others gently • Leviticus 19:18 – Love your neighbor as yourself • Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14 – Paul's reflections on the Golden Rule • The Babylonian Talmud (Hillel's version of the rule) Join us on the journey as we rethink how we approach others, ourselves, and God through the lens of Jesus' subversive love. Don't forget to share, subscribe, and leave a review so the Voxology community can keep growing organically and intentionally. As always, we encourage and love discussion as we pursue Jesus together. Questions? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some sweet Voxology merch in our ETSY Shop Learn more at the Voxology Podcast site Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support what we do on Patreon For curated Voxology listening, check out the Voxology Spotify Channel Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Original 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 navigate relationships through the lens of love rather than condemnation? Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford deep-dive into Matthew 7:6—perhaps one of the passage's most misunderstood verses—exploring Jesus' cryptic words about pigs, pearls, and sacred things. This conversation dismantles harmful religious strategies like condemnation and coercion, and instead paints a picture of a new posture rooted in discernment, humility, and invitation. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard, the Apostle Paul, and even C.S. Lewis, the episode highlights the destructive loop created by both judgmentalism and spiritual nagging. Mike and Tim invite listeners to replace condemnation with curiosity, supremacy with service, and coercion with love. Key Takeaways: • Condemnation vs. Discernment – Understanding the Greek word "Krino" and the difference between judging someone's value and healthily discerning behavior in relationship. • The Pigs and Pearls Metaphor – Unpacking why pushing even "good" things (truths or moral views) on unwilling recipients often causes harm rather than transformation. • Jesus' Revolutionary Invitation – How Matthew 7:6-12 calls us toward relationship-based restoration rather than control, manipulation, or exclusion. • Parenting, Preaching & Public Witness – Real-life parallels in how parents, pastors, and political Christians often confuse righteousness with dominance. • Love Like God Loves – Reflecting on the sequence of God's covenant love (committed to, with, for, and toward us), and how we can mirror that in our relationships. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 7:1-12 – [Link to passage] • Dallas Willard's thoughts on "Condemnation Engineering" • A Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight – [Link] • C.S. Lewis quote on parental incivility from The Four Loves • Galatians 6:1 – Paul's instruction on gentle correction within the church • Acts chapters (esp. 8-10) – The inclusion of the Ethiopian eunuch and Peter's vision of clean/unclean Join us in reflecting on how we speak to, engage with, and love our neighbors, families, and even enemies through the radical ethos of the kingdom. Subscribe, leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow Voxology on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected. As always, we encourage thoughtful and grace-filled discussion. Feel free to email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Catch full episodes and bonus content here: • YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Learn more at voxologypodcast.com • Support the show at Patreon • Grab some merch at our Etsy Store • Follow us on Spotify via Voxology Radio Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Timothy John Stafford's music: 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 discern truth and error, good and evil, right and wrong—without falling into the trap of condemnation? Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus from Matthew 7:1–6, exploring the difference between judgment and discernment in the life of Jesus followers. It's a hard-hitting conversation about our tendency to categorize, condemn, and get a "hit" of self-righteousness from judging others—and how Jesus calls us to a radically different way of seeing people. You'll learn how to spot the difference between helpful, humble discernment and harmful, isolating judgment—and what it looks like to both call out sin and remain rooted in love and self-awareness. Mike and Tim also wrestle with the implications of social media, cancel culture, and Christian subcultures that attach labels like "Christian" to all kinds of ideas and products not found in the Sermon on the Mount. Key Takeaways: • The Difference Between Judgment and Discernment – Why Jesus isn't prohibiting the practice of discernment, but instead condemns the separation of people into categories of worthiness. • Self-Righteousness and the "Hit" We Get from Judgment – How we're often energized by outrage and condemnation, and how that distances us from compassion and relationship. • The Sermon's "Log and Speck" Analogy – Removing the metaphorical plank from our own eye before confronting the speck in someone else's requires humility, vulnerability, and deep community. • Judgment Begins with the Household of God – Why Christian accountability belongs first within the body and should be rooted in close, trusted relationships. • Rethinking the Christian Label – How the Bible invites us to practice discernment with nuance rather than simplistic labels like "Christian" or "secular." • Becoming a Community of Discernment – Why we must reject both harsh condemnation and naïve cultural consumption in favor of ongoing, communal discernment shaped by love, humility, and truth. Guest Highlights: • Ashley from Calgary – Kicks off the episode with a beautiful reading of Matthew 7:1–6. • Seth Erie – Offers a wholesome and hilarious mid-episode blessing, reminding us of the joy found in authentic community. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 7:1–6 – Read on Bible Gateway • 1 Peter 4:17 – "Judgment begins with the household of God" • 1 Corinthians & Paul's Pastoral Letters – On church discipline and discernment • "AA and 12-Step Recovery Community" – Compared as examples of non-condemning honesty, community, and accountability • "Christian Subculture" critique – Examining flaws in applying Christian labels too easily • Mike's experience at Onsite – A therapeutic retelling of discovering compassion through others' stories • "Jesus as a Super Spreader" T-shirts – Cited as examples of actions worth critique but not condemnation Become part of a discerning community that reflects the heart of Jesus—a community committed to truth, grace, and transformation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on YouTube and social media to join the conversation. As always, we encourage thoughtful engagement. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast via Patreon Listen to our musical curation: Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do our fears and anxieties reveal what we treasure most? In this deeply reflective and often humorous episode, Mike and Tim continue their journey through the Sermon on the Mount by unpacking Jesus's revolutionary teaching on worry—and how it's far more radical than a simple "don't be anxious." By reframing familiar verses, they reveal that Jesus isn't offering a Hallmark platitude, but an invitation to reprioritize our lives around an unshakable kingdom. The conversation is also shaped by two thoughtful listener reviews, sparking critical feedback on Voxology's engagement with political and Christian culture, and prompting a rich discussion on tone, tribalism, and critique within the church. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Anxiety through Treasure – Jesus links our worry to what we value most. Worry flows from storing up the wrong treasures—things that fade, fail, and ultimately can't bear the weight of our security. • The Radical Call of the Kingdom – Jesus isn't promising security from hardship. He calls us to live carefree—not because nothing will go wrong, but because God's kingdom reframes what matters. • Birds, Flowers, and False Promises – Jesus doesn't promise that bad things won't happen. In fact, he affirms that suffering is real. But unlike fleeting treasures, seeking the kingdom transforms how we live amidst it all. • Responding to Critique with Grace – Listener feedback on theological tone and political commentary spurs honest reflection from Mike and Tim about how to call out injustice with humility and openness while affirming the beauty of faithful believers doing good behind the scenes. • The Power of Imagination and Deconstruction – Holding beliefs loosely in pursuit of truth, the guys explore why ongoing faith "deconstruction" isn't spiritual peril—but a path to deeper fidelity to Jesus and his way. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:19-34 – Jesus's teachings on treasure, masters, and worry • Sermon on the Mount Series Archive – voxologypodcast.com • Amanda Gorman's Inauguration Poem (referenced by Tim in passing) • Past episodes with Tim Gombis and Kevin #1 for deeper theological context Join us on the journey as we continue breaking down the Sermon on the Mount, pushing back against fear and reclaiming Jesus's call to treasure what truly lasts. Subscribe, leave a 5-star review (with kind or critical feedback—we read it all), and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected. We'd love to hear your thoughts or questions: email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or message us on Instagram or Facebook. Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop Vox merch: Voxology Etsy Store Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Voxology Music on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How can the Church respond faithfully to modern political chaos without getting entangled in the power structures of empire? In a powerful, raw reflection following the January 6 insurrection, Mike and Tim welcome Pauline theologian Dr. Tim Gombis to unpack how the Apostle Paul might interpret and respond to the events that unfolded in the U.S. Capitol. This episode invites listeners into a deep, sobering conversation about Christian nationalism, fear-fueled political movements, and how the Church can—and must—rediscover its identity as a cruciform, counter-cultural kingdom community. With an urgent call to reject ideological captivity, reclaim gospel-centered political imagination, and embody the radical love and hospitality of Jesus, this episode offers pastoral wisdom, prophetic challenge, and real hope for the future of the Church. Key Takeaways: • Reframing January 6 as Symptom, Not Shock – Why the events at the Capitol are part of a long historical arc of systemic injustice and white supremacy, rather than an isolated incident. • Discipling Our Political Imaginations – How Christian allegiance to political parties reveals a crisis of discipleship and misplaced loyalty. • Paul's Response to Christian Empire Entanglement – Imagining how Paul would pastor churches facing Christians who prioritize nationalism over kingdom living. • Local Action as Political Resistance – Recapturing the lost practice of loving neighbors, welcoming strangers, and subversively embodying Jesus' political ethic. • Church Leadership in Perilous Times – Why silence is complicity, and how pastors can start rebuilding healthy, communal imaginations with scripture, truth-telling, and lament. Guest Highlights: Dr. Timothy Gombis – Professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and host of the "Faith Improvised" podcast. Gombis, a New Testament scholar and author, brings a powerful Pauline lens to help us interpret the spiritual implications of sociopolitical turbulence while challenging the evangelical church's complicity in systemic sin. Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – [Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] • New Book: "Power in Weakness: Paul's Transformed Vision for Ministry" by Timothy Gombis • Hebrews 13:2 – The call to practice hospitality (philoxenia) • Matthew 25 – Jesus' teaching on judgment and mercy • James 3 – Speech, wisdom, and the destructive power of envy and selfish ambition Let's pursue the true mission of Jesus together—through lament, action, truth-telling, and radical hospitality. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay in the loop and join the ongoing conversation. We value your voice. Reach out anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV – YouTube Grab some Voxology gear from our Merch Store on Etsy Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Listen on iTunes or Spotify Support what we're doing via Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Website | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How Christian nationalism has infiltrated the American church and why it's vital for believers to name, reject, and repent from this deceptive ideology. Pulling back the curtain on how political allegiance has replaced spiritual formation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle tough listener questions about navigating nationalism in local churches, whether to stay or leave, and how the church lost the way of Jesus by embracing cultural dominance over radical love. Key Takeaways: • Christian Nationalism as a False Gospel – Drawing a clear line between the kingdom of God and political ideologies, this episode names Christian nationalism for what it is: a distortion of the gospel that demands unwavering loyalty to a nation rather than to Jesus. • Discipleship Failure in the American Church – Unpacking how decades of culture war theology, poor end-times teaching, and a lack of kingdom-centric discipleship have led to the current crisis. • When to Leave Your Church – Navigating the hard question of whether and when it's time to walk away from a church that has embraced nationalism and partisan politics. • What January 6 Revealed About the Evangelical Church – A sobering look at Christian symbols and rhetoric used in the Capitol insurrection and why we must not dismiss or minimize it. • Deradicalizing the Church – Highlighting the need for political discipleship that is rooted in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and resists the extremes of both the right and the left. Resources Mentioned: • Article by David French on Christian nationalism and the Capitol riots – David French at The Dispatch • Dallas Willard – Concepts like "Joyful Non-Compliance" • Voxology Episode with Tim Gombis (coming soon) – Discussing Pauline theology and apocalyptic imagination • Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) – For guidance on dealing with divisiveness and false teachings • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) – The core political ethics of Jesus' kingdom Join the call to resist false unity and re-anchor your faith in the gospel of Jesus, not the mythology of nation and party. Subscribe to be part of the ongoing conversation, leave a review to help others discover us, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more conversations on love, justice, and the church's true mission. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the show: voxologypodcast.com Find us on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Voxology Spotify Music Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy