Voxology

How the events of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021—and the troubling use of Christian symbols within it—highlight a critical need for the Church to return to the Jesus of the Gospels. Mike and Tim process these pivotal moments in real time, connecting the cultural crisis to the deeply subversive messages within the Sermon on the Mount. Through honest reflection and spiritual clarity, they examine how political idolatry has hijacked the Christian witness—and why reclaiming the cross-shaped way of Jesus has never been more urgent. Key Takeaways: • The Capitol Insurrection and Epiphany – Why the events of January 6 strikingly mirrored Herod's fear of Jesus and the wise men's rejection of political power in Matthew's Gospel. • Recognizing Political Idolatry – How attaching Jesus's name to political slogans like "Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President" violates the sacred and embodies taking the Lord's name in vain. • Two Christs, Two Christianities – The distinction between the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount and a distorted political Christ used as a tool of empire and power. • What is Truly "Christian"? – A challenge to use the Sermon on the Mount as the litmus test for genuine Christlikeness, beyond labels, denominations, or political affiliations. • Processing Righteous Anger – Discussion on anger, protest, and "flipping tables" as metaphor vs. Christlike action, and how believers can engage prophetically without becoming what they critique. • Truth as Love – A call for churches and Christians to love others by confronting falsehood and rejecting a unity that compromises core Kingdom values. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 2 – The story of Herod and the Magi • Obadiah & Genesis – Prophecies connecting Edom and the rule of Judah • The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7 as a vision for radical discipleship • Revelation imagery – The Lion turned Lamb in Revelation 5 • Dallas Willard – Teachings on joyful noncompliance and kingdom living • "Jesus Saves" Flags at Capitol – Real-world example of theological misappropriation • Tim Gombis – Referenced for his grounded critique and online presence • Bruce Springsteen – "The idea of America" as an evolving vision worth redeeming Recenter your vision of Christianity around the teachings and posture of Jesus—not cultural Christianity or partisan power grabs. Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow along as we keep unpacking the Sermon on the Mount and the true mission of Jesus. As always, we welcome your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the ongoing conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube! VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How a controversial worship leader's pandemic events, a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship, and Jesus' teachings on money collide in this engaging and raw episode of Voxology. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off 2021 with a candid, convicted conversation on the damaging witness of anti-lockdown worship gatherings, the real meaning of persecution, and why our cultural interpretations of worship and possessions fall short of Jesus' call to discipleship. Starting with an impassioned take on Sean Feucht's pandemic evangelism concerts and culminating in a rich, challenging study of Matthew 6 and Luke 14, this episode grapples with what it truly means to surrender everything and follow Jesus. Whether you're wrestling with cultural Christianity, the church's public image, or personal attachment to material things, this episode offers a thought-provoking roadmap back to the heart of the gospel—one shaped by neighborly love, spiritual sobriety, and radical generosity. Key Takeaways: • A Compromised Witness – Why public worship protests during a pandemic may be harming, not advancing, the name and mission of Jesus. • The Real Meaning of Persecution – Unpacking the stark difference between real persecution and Western inconveniences masked as spiritual warfare. • Jesus vs. Mammon – A deep exploration of Matthew 6 and the rival spiritual power behind money, wealth, and ownership. • "Mine" as a Discipleship Obstacle – How the act of constantly declaring possession over things robs us of the capacity to fully follow Jesus. • Spiritual Minimalism – Understanding the spiritual weight of "owning" and how Jesus invites us to a life of open-handed generosity and freedom. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:19-24 – Jesus' teaching on treasures, the eye, and serving God over money. • Luke 14:33 – "Unless you give up everything you have…"—a deeper look into Jesus' demand for discipleship. • The Sermon on the Mount series on Voxology (prior episodes recommended for full context). • Dallas Willard's Concept of Renovation of the Heart – Counter-programming against cultural formation. • Francis Chan, Shane Claiborne, and Early Church Practices – Examples of alternative Christian witness and community ethic. Join us for honest questions and bold conversations about what it really means to bear witness to Jesus today. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media to dive deeper into these ongoing conversations. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions. Reach out to us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV 🎥 Check out our Merch: Etsy Store Support us on Patreon Explore past episodes, listener resources, and more at voxologypodcast.com Find us on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Intro & outro 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 we rediscover the purpose and subversive beauty of Jesus through the chaos of a pandemic-filled year? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest "Voxmas" episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford bring Christmas Eve energy to the mic while reflecting on the tumultuous and revealing events of 2020. From pandemic politics, cultural unraveling, and spiritual deconstruction to the wild backstory of "O Holy Night" as an abolitionist anthem, this episode swings from silly to sobering in classic Voxology style. The conversation dives into how this difficult year has become a strange gift — exposing religious hypocrisy, broken institutions, systemic injustice, and idolatry in American Christianity. Far from despairing, Mike and Tim argue that moments of cultural and personal unraveling might actually be the fertile soil where Jesus shows up to bring something new and beautiful out of our collective rubble. Key Takeaways: • The Subversive Power of Christmas – Rediscovering Christ's upside-down kingdom in a story often sanitized and tamed by holiday tradition, including how "O Holy Night" was written by an atheist and became a justice anthem. • What 2020 Revealed About the Church – From politicized faith to pandemic-era church failures, why this unraveling may be exactly what Jesus is using to refine and renew his people. • Tithing and Trust in the Local Church – Why Mike still believes in financially supporting church communities — but only the ones embodying transparency, collective humility, and true Kingdom values. • Hope for the Future – What it means to sift, sort, and rebuild with discernment, and why a church reformation is not only possible but already underway. Resources Mentioned: • Article: "O Holy Night Started Out as an Abolitionist Anthem" – Relevant Magazine • Facebook Micro Communities Group – Join Here (verified community page if available) • Give through Patreon • Give via Tithely Link Whether you're burned out, questioning, or desperately needing to hear that you're not alone, this episode invites you to join a tribe of people seeking to follow Jesus more authentically. Find humor, honesty, and hope as we collectively say goodbye to 2020 and move toward a more refined and faithful Church. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you'd invite into deeper spiritual community. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue this journey. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with our community 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 us on Patreon Stream curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How Jewish and Christian communities read the same scripture differently, and how embracing these distinct interpretations can deepen both scholarship and spiritual formation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with renowned Jewish New Testament scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine to discuss themes from her book, "The Bible With and Without Jesus," co-authored with Marc Brettler. AJ brings warmth, brilliant storytelling, and scholarly insight as they dive into how texts like Genesis, Isaiah 53, and Jonah have been interpreted historically and theologically by Jews and Christians alike. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Contextual Lenses – How the way we read scripture is shaped by the "glasses" we wear—our religious traditions, cultural assumptions, and theological expectations. • The Bible as a Multi-layered Text – Why the Bible supports multiple interpretations and how that opens doors to richer understanding, not confusion. • Reframing Original Sin – Exploring the Jewish view of Genesis 3 as an "original opportunity" rather than a catastrophic fall, and what that tells us about human nature and divine relationship. • Why Sacrifice Isn't Always About Sin – How the ancient Jewish sacrificial system was about more than atonement, and how Second Temple practices differed from Christian readings in Hebrews. • Wrestling as Worship – How wrestling with scripture—through community, conversation, and study—is how Jews and Christians can both approach the divine. Guest Highlights: Dr. Amy-Jill Levine – World-renowned Jewish New Testament scholar, Vanderbilt professor, and co-author of "The Bible With and Without Jesus." AJ's unique perspective bridges faith traditions, helping Christian audiences rediscover the Old Testament while honoring its Jewish roots. With equal parts depth and humor, she offers a liberating vision of how interfaith learning can lead to deeper faithfulness. Resources Mentioned: • "The Bible With and Without Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Z. Brettler – [Link] • "The Jewish Annotated New Testament" – [Link] • Luke Commentary by Amy-Jill Levine & Ben Witherington III – [Link] • "Short Stories by Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine – [Link] • Genesis 1–3, Isaiah 53, Jonah (referenced throughout) – Bible Gateway Dive deeper into the practice of wrestling with scripture and embracing the tensions that arise from differing views—and discover how that journey can actually lead to a stronger, more resilient faith. Got thoughts or questions? We'd love to hear them! Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Support the podcast! Visit our Merch Store on Etsy Become a Partner on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us at facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on Twitter and Instagram Subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going! As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

A powerful and candid conversation exploring the intersection of sexuality, faith, purity culture, and theological growth in the modern church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Tyler Cherneski, a Cincinnati-based church planter, and Bridget Eileen Rivera, author, researcher, and LGBTQ+ Christian advocate, to unpack the lingering harm of purity culture and how the church can move toward a more grace-filled, Gospel-centered sexual ethic. This episode dives deep into what it means to extend authentic grace to all, the damaging legacy of purity culture, and how to create space for LGBTQ+ Christians to belong, wrestle with theology, and follow Jesus without fear of exclusion or judgment. Together, they examine the double standards often imposed on queer Christians, and call for a more consistent, Christ-like approach to discipleship and sexual ethics. Key Takeaways: • Purity Culture's Lingering Harm – How the idolization of sex as both ultimate good and worst sin continues to distort the church's teaching on sexuality and hampers spiritual growth for many, especially LGBTQ+ believers. • Creating Space for Honest Discipleship – The importance of allowing time, grace, and theological wrestling for LGBTQ+ Christians without pressure to conform to preset conclusions. • The Folk Devil Phenomenon – Bridget explains how LGBTQ+ people have been scapegoated in the church and culture, similar to historical "folk devils" blamed for societal decline, particularly in the wake of 1980s evangelical political alignment and the AIDS crisis. • Universalizing the Ideal – The tension between holding out Jesus' sexual ethic as an ideal without applying it with exclusive or inconsistent standards. • Grace Beyond Straight Norms – Why the church must extend the same grace and spiritual growth process to LGBTQ+ Christians that it routinely offers to heterosexual believers around issues like divorce, remarriage, or premarital sex. Guest Highlights: • Bridget Eileen Rivera – Sociologist, author of Heavy Burdens, and LGBTQ+ Christian advocate pursuing a PhD in the intersection of gender, sexuality, and crime. She challenges assumptions about LGBTQ+ people in the church and offers articulate insights on grace, discipleship, and justice. • Tyler Cherneski – Church planter at City Church OTR in Cincinnati, openly gay and committed to celibacy as part of his journey of faith. Tyler shares how purity culture shaped his formation and how he's pastoring others with empathy, nuance, and Gospel depth. Resources Mentioned: • Bridget Eileen Rivera – bridgeteileenrivera.com • "Heavy Burdens" by Bridget Eileen Rivera – [Link to book] • City Church OTR – citychurchotr.com • "Unclean" by Richard Beck – Exploring disgust psychology and evangelical purity ethics • "The Condemnation of Blackness" by Khalil Gibran Muhammad • Scripture References – Genesis 1–2; 1 Peter; New Testament teachings on Christian community and grace This episode invites listeners to consider how we can be more like Jesus—not by gatekeeping righteousness—but by extending radical grace and making space for everyone to pursue him in community. Join the conversation and help reshape the future of the church toward one rooted in mercy, humility, and love. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay part of the journey. 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 radical intertwining of critical race theory, biblical economics, and systemic sin challenges modern Christian assumptions around capitalism, race, and justice. Continuing their Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome back theologian Timothy Gombis to explore how the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and the Old Testament offer a countercultural vision for economic and social life rooted in repentance, restoration, and community. From the Lord's Prayer's plea to "forgive debts" to Paul's vision of a just and unified humanity under Christ, this episode uncovers how deeply Christianity has been co-opted by capitalist ideology, individualism, and white supremacy—and what it might look like to reclaim the Jesus way in the public, economic, and racial spheres of our society. Key Takeaways: • Critical Race Theory and the Gospel – Understanding CRT as a biblical tool to help Christians identify and dismantle racism baked into culture, law, and power—not as a political threat, but as an opportunity for justice and transformation. • Jubilee Economics vs. Capitalism – Exploring how God's economy of debt forgiveness, land redistribution, and care for the poor clashes with modern capitalist assumptions about profit, property, and merit. • Why Individualism Fails – How evangelicalism's overemphasis on individual sin blinds us to the powers and systemic evil Paul confronts in his letters. • God's Preferential Focus – Learning to emulate a God who listens to the oppressed and acts for their liberation—and recognizing that justice, not comfort, is the call of Christian discipleship. • What Discipleship Really Costs – Why following Jesus must mean unlearning inherited racial, economic, and theological assumptions, and how it might reshape our church budgets, politics, and personal lives. Guest Highlights: Timothy Gombis – Bible scholar, professor, and host of the "Faith Improvised" podcast, Gombis offers a prophetic yet humble perspective on race, economics, and Christian complicity in injustice. With his upcoming commentary on the gospel of Mark and a lifelong journey of being "a student in process," Gombis models how to wrestle faithfully with scripture and the systems we live in. Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – Hosted by Timothy Gombis • Book: "Resurrecting Justice" by Douglas Harink • Robert P. Jones – "White Too Long" • Matthew 25:31–46 – The call to justice as criteria for the final judgment • Deuteronomy 15 – Jubilee and debt forgiveness • Kevin Kruse – "One Nation Under God" Be part of a community that's asking better questions, embracing costly discipleship, and seeking the justice of God's kingdom over cultural allegiance. Don't forget to subscribe, review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform. We love hearing your perspectives! Email us your thoughts at hello@voxpodcast.com, or engage with us on social media. Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab Vox Merch: Etsy Store Learn more about the show: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Listen to curated music on Voxology Radio – Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike Erre: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // @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 structure and theology of the Lord's Prayer reveal the core of Jesus's ministry, reshape the way we engage with God, and invite us to embody the kingdom of heaven here and now. Mike and Tim dive deep into Matthew 6 in this Sermon on the Mount series entry, revealing the prayer not as a script to memorize, but as a revolutionary way of aligning our lives with God's transformative mission in the world. From reimagining what "Our Father in Heaven" means to understanding God's will "on earth as it is in heaven," this conversation offers a rich, practical guide to prayer that pushes beyond cliché into responsive, active discipleship. Key Takeaways: • The Lord's Prayer as an Outline for Life – Jesus provides more than a liturgical formula; it's a framework for participation in the renewal of all things. • Heaven and Earth Reunited – Reframing heaven not as a distant place but as the realm of God's will, overlapping and reuniting with earth through our daily obedience. • Praying as a Revolutionary Act – Declaring "Your kingdom come" is a personal pledge to live as an agent of that kingdom, practicing justice, mercy, and forgiveness. • Forgiveness as Formation – Yielding our right to retaliate is central to the way of Jesus, not just for personal healing but as a proclamation of God's grace. • Daily Bread and Dependence – Receiving daily provision as a gift reshapes how we view everything from wealth and privilege to systemic injustice. • Resisting Evil – Prayer acknowledges the reality of opposition—be it internal, external, or spiritual—and anchors us in dependence on the Spirit to navigate it. Guest Highlights: Seth Eerie makes a surprise, joyful appearance—from giving thanks to sharing pie and impromptu blessings, reminding us of the childlike heart that Jesus praised. Resources Mentioned: • The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King – Tim's quarantine collection project • Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6:9-13 – Bible Gateway Link • NT Wright – Reflections on prayer's mystery and power • The 18 Benedictions (Amidah) – Historical Jewish prayer tradition echoing themes in the Lord's Prayer • The Bible Project's Tim Mackie – Insight on God's name and Star Wars as a metaphor for hallowing Rediscover prayer not as obligation but as formation—shaping our vision, reshaping our lives, and aligning us with God's redemptive work in the world. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone wrestling with how to pray and what it means to follow Jesus. 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 reframing prayer as a relationship between a child and a parent opens the door to deeper faith, vulnerability, and trust. In this powerful installment of the Exile Series, Mike and Tim explore Jesus' teachings from Matthew 6 and 7 and how his use of the word "Father" (Abba) radically redefines what it means to talk with God in a world driven by performance, control, and religious cliches. They unpack the difference between performative and formulaic prayers versus the genuine, raw posture Jesus invites us into—a relationship rooted in trust, not fear or manipulation. Through personal stories (including shirtless podcasting), cultural context, and lived wrestling with unanswered prayer, this episode helps listeners reconsider what it means to ask, seek, knock—and be heard. Key Takeaways: • The Dangers of Performative and Voodoo Prayer – Why Jesus critiques religious prayer done to impress and anxious prayer done to manipulate outcomes. • God as Abba, Not a Cosmic Vending Machine – How understanding God as a parent reshapes how we pray and process silence, disappointment, and hope. • Why Ask if God Already Knows? – Exploring the mystery of petition and the role of partnership with God in shaping both our hearts and the world. • Trust, Surrender, and the Struggle for Control – How prayer mirrors our desire to control God and how Jesus invites us to trust instead. • Letting Go of Christian Cliches – Honest reflections on the harm of transactional thinking in churches and the need to reclaim prayer as relationship, not outcome. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:5–8 – Jesus' teaching on prayer from the Sermon on the Mount • Matthew 7:7–12 – Ask, seek, knock—and the image of God as a good parent • Dallas Willard – "The Divine Conspiracy" (Chapter on the power of asking) • Greg Boyd, Tim Mackie, N.T. Wright – Theological insights discussed throughout the episode • Genesis & the Abraham/Isaac Narrative – Connection to father-son dynamics in Jewish tradition • "Dude Perfect," rage monsters, and booby-trapped trucks – Kids, prayer, and the chaos of everyday life Whether you're struggling with prayer, feeling let down by unanswered cries, or tired of sentimental church answers, this episode offers honesty, wisdom, and hope. Join us to rediscover why Jesus invited us to call God not just Father—but Abba. Don't miss the next episode as we dive into the Lord's Prayer and explore its revolutionary structure and intent. Subscribe to keep up with this journey through Exile and beyond! Leave a review, share with a friend, and follow us online to stay part of the conversation. 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

Unpacking how the distorted gospel we've inherited may be enabling spiritual hypocrisy rather than cultivating Christlike transformation, Mike and Tim continue the Sermon on the Mount Series by diving into Jesus' sobering words in Luke 12. From confronting religious duplicity to reframing what it means to be "saved," this episode explores how the yeast of hypocrisy infects individuals and institutions—and what living in true covenant with Jesus actually looks like. This conversation invites us to move beyond the consumerized, transactional gospel toward a kingdom-centered vision of discipleship grounded in relational covenant, daily participation, and communal transformation. Through analogies like marriage and authentic faith as action, the episode offers a deeply challenging yet hopeful vision of the Jesus way. Key Takeaways: • The Infectious Nature of Hypocrisy – Why Jesus warns it spreads subtly and pervasively like yeast in dough, impacting both our inner lives and public witness. • Judgment as the Revelation of Truth – Reframing divine judgment as the great uncovering where outward performance and internal reality are laid bare. • The Courtroom vs. Covenant Gospel – Critiquing the transactional "legal" gospel and inviting deeper engagement with Jesus through a participatory, covenantal lens. • Discipleship After the Vows – How faith, like marriage, is more than a one-time profession—it's a daily act of trust, alignment, and surrender. • Living Today for the Coming Kingdom – Why caring for justice, creation, and community now is central to Christ's message of restoration. Resources Mentioned: • Book Reference: John Barclay on Grace (exact title not recalled, but highly recommended for theological study) • Luke 12 – Jesus' warning about hypocrisy and judgment • Romans – Paul's multifaceted metaphors of salvation (legal, familial, participatory) • Matthew 7 – "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord'…" referenced in discussion Join the Voxology community as we wrestle with reclaiming the beauty, cost, and joy of Jesus's call to take up the cross—not just recite a prayer. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue learning and unlearning together. 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: Voxology Podcast Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Listen to the Voxology curated 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

How the early church's proclamation that "Jesus is Lord" became a radical act of resistance—and how today, it's at risk of becoming a hollow cliché. Mike and Tim push back against spiritual bypassing, toxic positivity, and performative righteousness in this honest conversation about political polarization, theological language, and what it really means to live the Sermon on the Mount in modern America. They dive into the origins of hypocrisy, the performative nature of modern faith, and invite listeners to deconstruct and reclaim authentic discipleship rooted in vulnerability, justice, and community. Key Takeaways: • Jesus Is Lord as a Cry of Resistance – Why this phrase was never meant to promote passivity and how it originated with the marginalized as a declaration against oppressive systems. • The Danger of Toxic Positivity – How common Christian phrases like "God is in control" can be weaponized to silence grief and shield privilege. • Virtue Signaling and Public Piety – Unpacking the Sermon on the Mount's warnings about performative righteousness, and how hypocrisy manifests today through social media, activism, and church culture. • Hypocrisy vs. Humility – Why real righteousness is quiet, lived, and rooted in love—not polished, performative, or rewarded with likes, applause, or hashtags. • The Need for Community – Why honest community fosters spiritual growth and helps expose self-deception, blind spots, and the subtle masks we wear. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 6:1–18 – The basis for this week's Sermon on the Mount reflection: fasting, giving, and secrecy. • Dallas Willard – Teachings on spiritual reality and the kingdom of God never being in trouble. • Vox Facebook Community – Join the discussion and connect with others journeying through this series. • Enneagram Fours & Fives Resource – YourEnneagramCoach.com for deeper insight into community and personality in spiritual life. • Didache – Early Christian document referenced in connection with discipleship and fasting practices. • Atlantic Article on "Two Americas" – Discussing the cultural and political divide referenced by Mike. Join our growing community of listeners wrestling with faith, justice, and what Jesus really invites us into. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on your favorite podcast platform — and as always, we'd love to hear from you. Send questions, feedback and musings to hello@voxpodcast.com—and don't forget to connect and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Find us on YouTube at VOXOLOGY TV. Check out our Merch Store on ETSY Explore more of the Voxology podcast at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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