Voxology

How can the church faithfully navigate cultural change without compromising the gospel? Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford tackle the fallout from John MacArthur's public rebuke of Beth Moore, dissecting its implications for women in ministry, biblical interpretation, and the misuse of spiritual authority. Using sobering personal stories and sharp theological insights, the trio wrestle with the deeper issues behind why conversations about gender, race, and power provoke such intense responses within evangelical culture. From Paul's teachings on women to the role of cultural interpretation in faithful exegesis, this episode challenges long-held assumptions about who's allowed to lead in the name of Jesus—and how that leadership should reflect Christ. Key Takeaways: • Beyond "Go Home" – Why the real issue behind the MacArthur-Beth Moore controversy isn't just complementarianism, but how power is protected and wielded in the church. • When Culture Drives Gospel Reflection – Understanding Paul's missionary accommodations, and why sometimes culture helps the church see Scripture more clearly. • Rethinking Gender & Power in Scripture – Exploring alternative readings of Pauline texts often used to prohibit women from teaching and leading. • The Damage of Dismissiveness – Bonnie shares a personal story of spiritual abuse, highlighting how mocking and silencing women in ministry has long-term effects on leadership and faith. • Micro-Communities Movement – Updates on growing listener-led Voxology gatherings, and opportunities for deeper engagement across the country. Resources Mentioned: • Email your micro-community location: hello@voxpodcast.com • Past and upcoming events: Q Commons, Heated event audio & video on YouTube • Galatians 3 & 1 Timothy 2 – Scriptural references unpacked in the discussion • Support Voxology: Patreon | Tithely Giving • Vox Merch Store: ETSY • VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Help us amplify the voices Jesus invites to the table—subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and engage the conversation. As always, reach out to us with questions or reflections at hello@voxpodcast.com. Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook. Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford. Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy. Learn more 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 biblical concept of identity, rooted in Paul's letters to the Ephesians and Colossians, can radically transform our daily lives and free us from the shame and lies of our inherited identity. In this exclusive Voxology solo episode, Tim Stafford introduces a powerful past sermon from Mike Erre that explores what it means to be "in Christ" and how our God-given identity is foundational to becoming who we were created to be. Despite being recorded several years ago, Mike's reflection is more relevant than ever, challenging us to move from performance-based faith into a grace-driven reality of fullness. Key Takeaways: • Inherited Identity vs. In-Christ Identity – Unpacking the difference between the scripts the world writes for us and the indestructible identity we receive through Jesus. • Becoming Who You Already Are – How Paul's order of indicative (what Christ has done) before imperative (what we should do) is essential to a healthy understanding of growth and obedience. • Identity in Ephesians and Colossians – Exploring profound truths from Paul's letters about what it means to be sealed, adopted, raised, and filled in Christ. • The Role of Grace in Formation – Challenging the belief that grace simply cleans up our past, instead showing how grace leads and sustains our transformation. • Living From Fullness, Not Emptiness – How the false pursuit of "more" can be put to rest when we fully embrace the completeness we already have in Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Book of Ephesians – Ephesians 1–4 • Book of Colossians – Colossians 1–3 • "The Secret" – Referenced as an example of modern-day gnostic thinking • Good Friday Activity Cards – Reflection prompts for listing false identities and embracing Christ's truth • Past Episodes with Tim Gombis – Exploring Kingdom dynamics vs. sin and death patterns Let this episode be a pause to realign your understanding of grace, formation, and true identity. Join us in preparing for Good Friday by reflecting on the lies you carry and the truth Christ declares over you. Subscribe to stay connected and be a part of the ongoing conversation about justice, grace, and the church's mission. Leave a review if this message resonated with you, and don't forget to follow Voxology on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage 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

Creating a safe and welcoming space for those who feel spiritually disoriented, disillusioned, or homeless has always been at the heart of Voxology. On this special four-year anniversary episode, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and producer Bonnie reflect on the journey so far: what's worked, what's shifted, and what's ahead for the Vox community. They share how the podcast was born from a desire to ask bold questions about faith, the church, culture, and Jesus without fear or shame. Now, with over 2 million listens, the team is more committed than ever to being a landing place for anyone feeling out of place in modern church expressions or wrestling with their beliefs. This episode outlines a bold vision for the future—through resourcing interpreters, forming micro communities, and developing new content streams specifically for those seeking to reconstruct their faith in light of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Creating a Home for the Spiritually Homeless – Why so many believers feel dislocated from traditional church spaces and how Voxology offers community through spiritual disruption. • Deconstructing, Then Reconstructing – The necessity of deconstruction within a revealed faith and how to rebuild with Jesus at the center. • Vision for Future Growth – Voxology announces new initiatives: a podcast stream for interpreters, regional micro communities like the one forming in Columbus, Ohio, and expanded resources for people leading their own groups. • Investing in Interpreters – Defining the "interpreter" as someone bridging the foundational truths of Christian faith with the questions and culture of today. • From Content to Community – How the show is evolving from content delivery to nurturing meaningful spiritual relationships offline. Guest Highlights: No special guests this week—but plenty of beloved "family banter" from Mike, Tim, and Bonnie as they celebrate the podcast's journey. Resources Mentioned: • Join or Start a Micro Community – Email hello@voxpodcast.com • Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/voxology • Make One-Time or Recurring Donations via Tithe.ly – https://voxologypodcast.com • Vox Podcast Facebook Page – Livestreams and Community: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast • Resource Page (Books, Tools, Teaching) – https://voxologypodcast.com Want to help this movement grow? Join the conversation, share this episode, support Voxology financially, or even start something yourself! Subscribe, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected. — As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or 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 or Tithely 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 sermon-centric church models are limiting spiritual formation—and what we should consider doing instead. In this episode, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Bonnie Lewis serve up laughter, listener mail, and meaningful critique as they unpack everything from naming conventions to how churches center around teaching rather than transformation. Plus, Mike sits down with Skye Jethani (Holy Post podcast, With God Daily, author of "With") to tackle his recent article challenging the long-held assumption that preaching should be the church's primary method of disciple formation. From mental health feedback to listener encouragements, free events, and a rich discussion about ecclesiology in the digital age, this conversation will challenge you to seriously reconsider what church is for and what participation actually looks like for Jesus followers today. Key Takeaways: • The Problem with Sermon-Centric Models – Why dedicating 50–80% of church resources on a single weekly teaching moment may no longer serve the mission of forming disciples. • Preaching vs. Teaching – Skye and Mike unpack the biblical and functional differences between proclamation (preaching) and instruction (teaching), and why conflating the two can be harmful. • Faith Formation in a Digital World – Given the immense access to podcasts, videos, and devotionals, is Sunday still the most effective day for learning? • What Gathering Could Look Like – Exploring more holistic and participative alternatives for congregational life: meals, small groups, application-centered learning, and communal responses. • Listener Feedback – Important discussions around mental health language, being vulnerable in Christian communities, and how the words we use shape our engagement with one another. Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Author, speaker, podcaster, and former pastor, Sky shares his critique of the sermon-centric church model and explores healthier and more sustainable ways the church can disciple people in today's cultural and technological landscape. His Daily Devotional at WithGodDaily.com has become a vital spiritual practice for many. Resources Mentioned: • Heated Conversation: Why We Changed Our Mind (Women in Ministry Event) – [Eventbrite Link] • Q Commons Costa Mesa (Free Event) – [QCommons.com → Costa Mesa] • With God Daily Devotional App – withgoddaily.com • "With" by Sky Jethani – Amazon • Sky's Article: "The Case Against Sermon-Centric Sundays" (Premier Christianity) – Premier Christianity Be part of the ongoing conversation around reimagining church for Jesus-centered community and formation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on your favorite platforms. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue Jesus together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the community on Facebook and Instagram. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab merch and support the mission: ETSY Store Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon Check out the 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

How the Apostle Paul's cosmic vision of salvation reshapes everything we thought we knew. Mike, Bonnie, and Tim sit down with Pauline scholar Dr. Tim Gombis to talk about one massive question: why did Jesus have to die? What begins as a conversation about atonement turns into an hour-plus deep-dive into how Paul viewed salvation, sin, and the church—not as individual concerns, but as cosmic realities. Gombis pulls back the curtain on distorted gospel narratives common in modern Christianity and reframes salvation not as ledger-clearing, but as the liberation of all creation from enslaving cosmic powers. From understanding wrath as a pervasive force within the present evil age to rethinking what Paul meant by "forgiveness of sins," this episode challenges individualistic soteriology and calls us to see gospel, sanctification, and mission as profoundly communal. Oh, and yes, Romans 3 and the "sinner's prayer" don't go unchallenged here either. Key Takeaways: • The Cosmic Purpose of Christ's Death – Jesus didn't die just to forgive your sins; his death shattered the present evil age and launched an entirely new creation. • The Problem with Individualistic Salvation – Paul wasn't driven by questions of individual guilt and judgment but by the need to reconstitute a people for God's mission. • Forgiveness as New Creation Space – "Forgiveness of sins" isn't a personal transaction—it's the name of the kingdom arena God carved out in the midst of a polluted world. • How Sin and Death Hijacked God's Plan – Sin, death, and wrath are not personal moral failures—they're cosmic powers that enslaved all of creation, including the law and Israel. • Salvation as Liberation, Not Just Justification – Through Jesus, God rescued a people (not just persons) from the reign of sin and death and into Spirit-empowered, reconciled community. Guest Highlights: Dr. Tim Gombis – Pauline scholar, professor, and author, Tim challenges foundational assumptions about salvation, atonement, forgiveness, and mission with both academic depth and personal vulnerability. A recurring friend of the show, Gombis brings rich theological insight with a pastor's heart. Resources Mentioned: • "Reading Romans Backwards" by Scot McKnight • "Militant Grace" by Philip Ziegler • "The Drama of Ephesians" by Tim Gombis • "The Triumph of Abraham's God" by Bruce Longenecker • "Saint Paul, Our Mother" by Beverly Gaventa • Heated: A Conversation on Women in Leadership – Oct 18 in Costa Mesa (more info on Heated IG & Facebook) Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help more folks discover Voxology. And join us on Instagram and Facebook as we continue unpacking this one and rethinking salvation in both personal and communal terms. Email your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and, as always, let's keep pursuing the true mission of Jesus together. Watch episodes on VOXOLOGY TV (YouTube) Merch Store ETSY Support us on Patreon Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow: @voxologypodcast • Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // IG & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How should followers of Jesus approach mental health in a way that's faithful, honest, and deeply human? In this vulnerable and theology-rich conversation, Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford unpack the complexities of mental illness through a biblical lens. Building a positive theology of mental health, they respond to a viral Christian post that stigmatized mental illness among pastors—particularly surrounding suicide and leadership in the church. Together, the hosts challenge damaging narratives and explore how the church can become a redemptive, healing community for those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and spiritual struggle. Key Takeaways: • Theological Missteps on Mental Health – Addressing the harmful assumption that mental illness is incompatible with Christian leadership and exploring the flawed linkage between mental illness, apostasy, and doctrinal doubt. • A Biblical Theology of Mental Health – How scripture offers robust categories for mental illness through the lenses of the imago Dei, embodiment, communal identity, and the effects of the Fall. • Jesus and Mental Illness – What the Gospels reveal about God's presence with the suffering and the misunderstood, and how Jesus modeled compassion and holistic healing. • Church Culture and Vulnerability – Why the church's overemphasis on strength, certainty, and positivity needs to be replaced by embracing lament, doubt, and emotional honesty. • Leadership and Struggle – Why brokenness doesn't disqualify leaders, but unacknowledged weakness might. The necessity of structure, accountability, and a broader definition of health in ministry. • Restoring Belonging – Critiquing the theology of "unbelonging" that drives suffering people into isolation rather than into community, and reclaiming the church's mandate to embody reconciliation, restoration, and grace. Resource Highlights: • Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A key resource for understanding how trauma is experienced and stored in the body. • Book: Finding Quiet by J.P. Moreland – A theologically rooted personal story of overcoming anxiety and finding peace through integrated care. • Book: People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck – Explores evil's psychological and spiritual manifestations. • Biblical Texts Referenced – Psalms (especially 6, 13, 88), Job, Lamentations, the Gospels (Jesus and healing marginalized individuals), and Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19. • Therapeutic Approaches – Discussion of therapy modalities, including EMDR (referenced but unnamed), the effectiveness of talk therapy, and the mindful use of medication with spiritual discernment. Engage with this vital conversation and join us in reshaping how the church thinks, talks about, and responds to mental health realities—with compassion, truth, and a commitment to wholeness. We'd love to hear your story or thoughts as we continue pursuing this essential dialogue. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out the VOXOLOGY Merch Store on ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Learn more about the show at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram 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

Alan Hirsch, a missional thinker and author, and Mark Nelson, a pastor and co-author, delve into the importance of reframing our understanding of God and the gospel. They argue that the evangelical church has shrunk its view of God to mere doctrine, losing the awe and mystery inherent in faith. Their discussion touches upon the dangers of reductionism, the need for imaginative engagement with culture, and the call to expand gospel perspectives beyond guilt to inclusivity. With insights on restoring wonder and embracing diverse voices, they offer a vibrant blueprint for church renewal.

Unpacking how Jesus is the clearest revelation of God and the essential key to interpreting the Old Testament with clarity, compassion, and consistency, Mike, Tim, and Bonnie wrap up their "BONNIE Strikes Back" series with a thoughtful and humor-filled reflection on scripture. This episode explores how reading the Bible as a unified narrative centered on Jesus reframes how we engage with the more difficult and confusing aspects of the Old Testament. The hosts highlight how understanding recapitulation, divine accommodation, and cross-centered hermeneutics can illuminate the character of God and bring life to ancient texts. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Jesus as the Lens – Why Jesus is the interpretive center of the Bible and how this affects the way we read the Old Testament. • Recapitulation Explained – Learning how Jesus re-enacts Israel's and humanity's story in a redemptive, faithful way that reveals God's character. • Embracing the Messiness – Why it's important not to sanitize or skip over difficult texts but to sit with them, wrestle, and trust Jesus as the clearest picture of God. • Divine Accommodation – Exploring Greg Boyd's view that the Old Testament includes pictures of God shaped by human sin and limited cultural lenses, not contradictions to Jesus. • Engaging the Text with Curiosity – How Tim Mackie's advice to approach challenging scriptures with humility and curiosity helps unlock richer understanding and deeper theology. Resources Mentioned: • Episode 101 – How to Read the Bible with Tim Mackie of The Bible Project • Episode 95 – "Angry God and Peaceful Jesus" with Greg Boyd • Episode 169 – How is the Old Testament Authoritative for Jesus Followers? • The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com • Greg Boyd's Cross Vision theology on divine accommodation Join us in reimagining what it means to read the Bible through the lens of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to continue exploring how deep, curious faith reshapes our encounter with Scripture. 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 understanding the heart behind biblical generosity can reshape your relationship with money, discipleship, and community. In this fourth episode of the Voxology Q&A Series, Mike, Tim, and Bonnie dive deep into the topic of tithing—addressing how it was practiced in the Old Testament, its evolution through the early church, and what generosity looks like in the life of a Jesus follower today. Mike and Bonnie reflect on personal stories, spiritual disciplines, and scriptural insights to challenge the legalistic approach to giving and recenter it around the person and teachings of Jesus. They draw a clear line between the Levitical tithe and New Testament generosity, offering a liberating reframing of tithing as a joy-filled practice of trust, stewardship, and kingdom participation. Key Takeaways: • The Purpose of Tithing in the Old Testament – Exploring tithes as temple support, social justice, and a tool for cultivating generosity. • New Testament Giving – Why Paul doesn't teach a 10% mandate, and how Christian giving becomes about internal transformation, compassion for the poor, and freedom from the idolatry of wealth. • Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline – How being both disciplined and spontaneous in giving shapes our character and breaks the grip of consumerism. • The Danger of Legalism – Why tithing shouldn't be reduced to a religious checkbox, and why giving should be rooted in joy, not guilt or manipulation. • What to Consider When Giving to a Church or Organization – The importance of support for the poor, church transparency, and non-religious motivations behind your generosity. Guest Highlights: Bonnie – Reflects on a transformative teaching moment from Mike that shaped her perspective on generosity and how trust in God's abundance opens the door to free and joyful giving. Tim Stafford – Shares lessons learned from partnering with homeless shelters, encouraging intentional, impact-driven giving and how generosity of time and presence is just as vital. Resources Mentioned: • Biblical References: Genesis (Melchizedek), Levitical laws on tithing, Deuteronomy (stewardship), Acts 2 and 4, and Paul's teachings in 2 Corinthians • Homeless services and shelters in Long Beach as examples of targeted giving • The Popcorn Illustration teaching from Mike's Rock Harbor sermon Let's move beyond obligation and into a lifestyle of transformative generosity. Subscribe to Voxology, leave us a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected! As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we journey together. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out the merch: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Visit the website: voxologypodcast.com Listen on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow Mike: 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

A thought-provoking conversation that unpacks the foundations, expressions, and challenges of Reformed Theology from a pastoral and personal lens. Responding to listener Sarah's question, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Bonnie dive deep into the theology behind Calvinism, discussing both its fruit and its fallout. They explore how theological systems can sometimes shrink our view of Jesus and grapple with the implications of sovereignty, election, grace, and salvation. Whether you're wrestling with doctrines like tulip, questioning predestination, or struggling with your place in a church culture that feels too rigid, this episode invites you into a gracious, nuanced, and honest conversation about where God's love and mystery intersect with theological systems. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Reformed Theology – A clear breakdown of the five solas and the tulip acronym that define Calvinist thought. • The Trouble with Tight Systems – Why neatly packaged theology sometimes fails to leave room for mystery, grace, and the full breadth of Jesus. • Rethinking Sovereignty – Mike outlines his disagreement with the concept of "meticulous sovereignty"—that God controls every detail, including suffering—and advocates for a more Jesus-centered view. • Fruit and Warnings of Reformed Culture – Bonnie vulnerably shares her personal struggles with some Reformed spaces and the rigidity they can carry, while also acknowledging the depth of biblical engagement she's seen in that tradition. • When to Stay and When to Leave a Church – Practical wisdom for those questioning their theological fit while still feeling connected to their church community. Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology Episodes on Deal Breakers • Five Solas of the Reformation – More Info • Theological Breakdown: TULIP Explained – Calvinism Overview • Scripture References – Genesis 1–2, Revelation 21–22, various teachings of Jesus and Paul on grace, salvation, and sovereignty Join the Voxology community as we continue wrestling with tough theological questions and strive to better reflect the love, grace, and humility of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media to become 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Apple: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy