

Voxology
Voxology
Voxology (Formerly the Vox Podcast with Mike Erre) is a collection of voices that question and discuss our culture's most relevant topics in relation to Christ and Christianity. We talk LGBTQ, American and church politics, Christian culture's catastrophic marginalization of the very people Jesus implores us to love and so much more. If you have serious questions about the church's representation of Jesus, what he has done and the beauty of his work on earth today, join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford and their guests to talk things out and find your way back to the true mission of Jesus.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2017 • 1h 1min
What's Wrong With Religion?: Reclaiming Identity from Fear, Control, and Missionalism - w/ Skye Jethani
Skye Jethani, an author and former Christianity Today editor, dives deep into the complexities of faith in a consumer-driven culture. He discusses how fear-based religion distorts the gospel and the pitfalls of missionalism that prioritizes tasks over a genuine connection with God. The conversation touches on the unsustainable model of megachurches and how political dynamics influence the American evangelical landscape. Ultimately, Jethani advocates for reclaiming identity through authentic faith amidst a disillusioned church environment.

Sep 25, 2017 • 1h 34min
The True Purpose of Marriage: Covenant, Brokenness, and Redemption (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How does our modern understanding of marriage diverge from its biblical foundation, and what does it mean to live in covenant rather than comfort? Continuing with the Song of Songs Series, Mike Erre unpacks the theological and spiritual weight behind the concept of marriage as a holy covenant—one that reflects the gospel itself. With warmth, vulnerability, and humor, he explores the Old and New Testament framework for marriage, diving deep into Genesis, Exodus, Ephesians, and Revelation to illuminate how our relationships mirror God's redemptive relationship with His people. Mike is joined by Jim and Roe Dodgin, a couple whose personal journey through sexual brokenness, addiction, healing, and street-level ministry powerfully illustrates how God can redeem even the most shame-filled parts of our stories for a greater mission. Their testimony sets the tone for an evening focused on grace, truth, and honest reflection about sex, sin, singleness, and sacred unions. Key Takeaways: • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Why biblical marriage is about self-giving faithfulness, not mutual convenience or self-fulfillment. • The Bible's Marital Imagery – Exploring how God's relationship with Israel and the Church is framed as a marriage across Scripture—from Genesis and Exodus to Ephesians and Revelation. • Redeemed by Grace – No one is too broken or too far gone; God's grace transforms sin into mission, and brokenness into healing. • Sexuality and Holiness – Why God addresses human sexuality through theological beauty and not shame, and how the "one flesh" union points to a deeper spiritual truth. • Real Talk on Modern Marriages – Addressing infidelity, pornography, abuse, and spiritual mismatches between spouses through the lens of grace and covenantal love. Guest Highlights: Jim and Roe Dodgin – Longtime members of Vox community, they share their extraordinary testimony of overcoming pornography addiction and shame, and how God used their healing process to start ministries for the homeless and women coming out of the sex industry. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 3 – Read Here • Genesis 2, Exodus 6 & 19, Ephesians 5, Revelation 21 – Key passages highlighting marriage in Scripture. • Treasures – A ministry serving women exiting the sex industry: iamatreasure.com • Vox Care Team – Trained counselors and prayer warriors available after every gathering. This is a must-listen if you're married, single, divorced, or simply rethinking what love, covenant, and community look like in light of the gospel. Join the dialogue by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs encouragement. Follow us on social media and be a part of the Voxology community online. Are you wrestling with questions around marriage, sexuality, or identity? We'd love to hear from you. Email hello@voxpodcast.com to join the conversation. 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

Sep 18, 2017 • 36min
Loving Before Truth-Telling: A Pastoral Response to the Nashville Statement (Sex Love God Series #5)
What does true Christian love look like in our conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and theology? Continuing the "Sex Love God" Series, Mike Erre takes a heartfelt and theologically grounded look at the Nashville Statement, critiquing not only its theological assertions but more importantly its failure as a pastoral document. This episode serves as a call to embody a covenantal love rooted in commitment, presence, advocacy, and transformation—before truth is ever spoken. Drawing heavily from scripture and inspired by theologian Scot McKnight's framework for covenantal love, Mike offers his own "Suburban Columbus Statement" in response, encouraging the church to lead with love that is felt, embodied, and transformative. The result is a challenging reflection for anyone who cares about how the church engages with LGBTQ+ individuals and with the broader culture. Key Takeaways: • Loving Before Toward-ing – Why declaring "the truth" without showing up in love and relationship first is often perceived as coercion, not compassion. • Covenant Over Contract – Exploring God's love as covenantal: a commitment to be with, for, and toward another, regardless of response. • The Problem with the Nashville Statement – Mike argues that its failure is not primarily theological, but pastoral—it lacks empathy, presence, and humility. • Love as Action – Unpacking scripture to highlight that love is not just doctrinal correctness or affection, but lived-out commitment. • Grace Before Truth – The biblical pattern of Jesus' ministry shows truth follows grace, not the reverse. Resources Mentioned: • Scot McKnight – A Fellowship of Differents • Scripture References: Matthew 22, Luke 6, Romans 13, Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3, 1 John 4, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3 • The Nashville Statement – CBMW.org/Nashville-Statement • Voxology's "Sex Love God" Series Archive – VoxologyPodcast.com Let's be a church known more for covenantal love than ideological declarations. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social to continue the conversation around a more faithful and loving representation of 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

Sep 10, 2017 • 1h 26min
What Does the Fox Say? Navigating Conflict, Desire, and Redemption in Relationships (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How the metaphors of vines and foxes in Song of Songs help us understand what undermines healthy relationships—and how God invites us to pursue healing and redemption from a place of honesty, grace, and commitment. In this fifth installment of the Sex, Love & God series, Mike unpacks the biblical worldview on relationship dynamics, addressing everything from Genesis creation truths to modern issues like fear of abandonment, sexual expectations, and emotional reactivity in conflict. This is a raw, revelatory exploration of why "foxes" (aka unaddressed issues) destroy intimacy and how Jesus-centered love offers something deeper than infatuation or cultural ideals. Key Takeaways: • Foxes in the Vineyard – What the imagery in Song of Songs 2 reveals about the small, often ignored issues that ruin intimacy and hinder relational flourishing. • Why Love Is Hard – A deep dive into the Genesis 1–3 narrative showing how sin fractured our relationships, creating power struggles between genders and frustrating our efforts to find ultimate meaning in romance or career. • God's Merciful Frustration – Understanding how God's "curses" in Genesis are actually invitations to return to Him, healing our relationships from egocentrism and making love more than just self-fulfillment. • Fear & Sexual Frustration in Marriage – Examining how fear of abandonment or rejection—and real misunderstandings around sexuality—surface even within the most committed relationships. • Breaking Cultural Myths About Love – Dismantling Hollywood illusions of "the one" and rediscovering biblical love as self-giving, covenantal, and genuinely countercultural. • Practical Foxes to Watch For – Conflict avoidance, stonewalling, condescension, secrets, finances, emotions about in-laws, and how these, unaddressed, sabotage intimacy. • Hope for the Broken – A call to those who carry sexual shame, trauma, or regret—God restores what the locusts have eaten, and healing is on the table for all who seek it. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 2 – The metaphor of the vineyards and foxes and its relevance to relational health. • Genesis 1–3 – How creation, fall, and redemption narratives shape biblical views of relationships. • Ephesians 5 – God's redemptive vision for marriage and mutual submission. • Mike's Book List – Now available at voxpodcast.com/resources Join us as we aim to navigate love, sexuality, and pain with honesty, compassion, and biblical wisdom. Questions, doubts, and struggles all belong in this space. Stay connected with us as we move toward a healing service in the coming weeks to surrender our sexuality back to God. Subscribe to the podcast, drop us a review, and share on social to invite others into these courageous conversations. Email questions to: hello@voxpodcast.com Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Shop Voxology Merch: ETSY Store Support Voxology on Patreon Listen on iTunes or Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast 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

Sep 3, 2017 • 59min
Reframing Sexual Ethics and Christian Witness: A Response to the Nashville Statement (Exile Series)
How does the church navigate the complex and often painful terrain of sexuality, identity, and public witness? In this candid and challenging episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy reunite in-person to unpack the Nashville Statement—a public declaration from the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) aimed at defining Christian responses to homosexuality and gender identity. Rather than a hot-take, this episode offers a deeply reflective critique on what this kind of theological statement represents, what it misses, and how it affects the real people the church is called to love. The conversation explores the harm caused by boundary-focused definitions of orthodoxy, the danger of equating theological disagreement with spiritual disqualification, and the urgent need for humility, confession, and nuance in today's cultural and church climate. Whether you've never heard of the Nashville Statement or have wrestled through its implications, this conversation is both pastoral and prophetic—offering an alternative way forward rooted in grace, conversation, and the shared pursuit of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Statements vs. Pastoral Responsibility – Why theological declarations like the Nashville Statement can do more harm than good when they ignore the lived realities of LGBTQ+ individuals. • The Dangers of Boundary-Marked Faith – Critiquing the tendency to turn theological positions into exclusionary markers of who's "in" or "out" of the faith. • Orthodoxy vs. Ethics – An exploration of how expanding orthodoxy to include ethical stances (like those on sexuality or gender) risks adding to the gospel and alienating faithful followers of Jesus. • Repentance Before Proclamation – Naming the church's historical and ongoing failure in relating to LGBTQ+ communities with love, humility, and repentance. • Jesus and the Middle Way – Provoking reflection on how Jesus calls us beyond binary affirming/denying stances into a radical hospitality that centers His lordship and compassion. Resources Mentioned: • Nashville Statement • Denver Statement (Progressive Counter) • Wesley Hill – Washed and Waiting [Link] • Podcast Episode: Jesus and the LGBTQ Community – A Nuanced Approach • Center-Set Theology Explained – YouTube Join us in exploring a faith that welcomes questions and centers on Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and join the conversation. As always, we encourage and welcome your questions, feedback, and stories. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with the community on Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Explore our merch at our ETSY Store Visit VoxologyPodcast.com Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon 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

Aug 28, 2017 • 1h 30min
Sex, Self-Worship, and the Tornado of Desire: Understanding Lust, Love, and God's Design (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How does our view of God shape our experiences of desire, sexuality, and freedom? In this raw and emotionally honest continuation of the "Sex, Love & God" series, Mike explores the sacredness of sexual desire through the lens of Song of Songs while unpacking the dangerous spiral of lust, idolatry, and self-worship outlined in Genesis and Romans. This episode – titled "The Tornado of Death" – offers a deep dive into the difference between holy longing and destructive craving, revealing the power of God's design for intimacy, restraint, and healing. As Mike leads us through poetic affirmations in Song of Songs and the brutal honesty of Romans 1, we explore how desire becomes corrupted when it disconnects from gratitude and reverence for God. He unpacks the devastating effects of lust – not as mere sexual temptation, but as the loss of sensitivity, agency, and joy. Whether you're single, married, struggling with addiction, or questioning your faith, this episode offers soul-piercing honesty, powerful biblical insight, and compassionate perspectives on how to break free from the prison of self-worship. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Spiral of Lust – From ingratitude to idolatry, from self-worship to captivity, Mike maps out how distorted sexual desire emerges from a misaligned view of God. • Lust vs. Sexual Desire – Differentiating between healthy, God-honoring romantic longing as seen in Song of Songs and the soul-deadening craving of lust. • The Role of Worship – Why battling sexual temptation begins not with behavior modification, but with reorienting worship from self to God. • Lost Sensitivity and Slavery – How lust enslaves us by numbing joy, increasing craving, and replacing healthy intimacy with compulsive behavior. • Healing Through Truth and Community – Freedom begins with honesty, vulnerability, and the willingness to come out of hiding in safe spiritual communities. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 1–2 – Exploring Biblical romance, affirmations of beauty, and desire with restraint. • Genesis 1–3 – The roots of ingratitude, idolatry, and human fall through disobedience and self-rule. • Romans 1 – Paul's warning of God "giving us over" to our lusts when we refuse to glorify or thank Him. • Ephesians 4 – The call to reject sensuality and reclaim God-honoring desires through the renewing of the mind. Join the Conversation: Experience healing by coming into community. Share your questions and stories with us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Your voice matters — and chances are, someone else is thinking the same thing. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue exploring what it means to pursue Jesus in our brokenness, our desires, and our questions. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: VOXOLOGY ETSY Store Learn more and access past episodes: Voxology Podcast Subscribe: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Support us: • Patreon Let's keep the conversation going: • Instagram – @voxologypodcast • Facebook – Voxology Podcast • Twitter – Mike Erre 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

Aug 21, 2017 • 1h 33min
Don't Stare at Me: Reclaiming Body Image, Beauty, and Identity (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How confronting the cultural lies about body image, beauty, and identity can free us to live in the restored image of God. In episode three of the Sex, Love & God series, Mike Erre takes us deep into Song of Songs 1:1-8 to unpack the powerful truth behind the phrase "Do not stare at me," exposing our culture's toxic standards of beauty and inviting listeners into a radically different story rooted in image-bearing, not performance. Through biblical reflection, historical context, and raw personal engagement, Mike invites us to rethink what it means to be human, to be loved, and to be seen—not as objectified bodies but as divine image-bearers in a world of Hellenistic distortions. Key Takeaways: • What Song of Songs Teaches About Insecurity – Exploring the ancient woman's plea, "Do not stare at me because I am dark," and how her vulnerability speaks directly to today's struggles with body image and cultural beauty norms. • The Legacy of Hellenism on Body Image – Tracing the history of "ideal beauty" from Alexander the Great to modern celebrity culture, and how ancient Greek ideals still shape our perception of worth. • The Broken and Reconstituted Image of God – How Genesis and New Testament passages point to the core truth that our value is rooted in being image-bearers, not our looks or sexual performance. • Healing from Shame and Objectification – Understanding how Jesus doesn't just make us feel "pretty enough" but destroys the entire false system that promotes shame, comparison, and commodification of people. • Learning to Be Fully Known and Loved – Strong reflections on insecurity, sexuality, and porn addiction—not from judgment, but from personal experience, grace, and the hope of transformation. • Community as a Site of Resistance and Healing – A powerful moment from the live event where women are prayed over by men, inviting a revolutionary countercultural act of honor, accountability, and restorative love. Notable Quotes: • "Only the beautiful are loved. To not be beautiful is to be unloved. That's the lie of Hellenism—and it's wrecking us." • "We take our beautiful people and modify them. That's how sick culture has become." • "Jesus doesn't want to improve your self-esteem, he wants to destroy the thing that makes beauty a measuring stick of worth in the first place." Resources Mentioned: • Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/voxpodcast • Watch Voxology on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Join the Vox Community Group on Facebook • Email questions or feedback: hello@voxpodcast.com Join the conversation, share this episode, and help spread a better, truer story about beauty, community, and restoration. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @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

Aug 21, 2017 • 34min
Racial Reconciliation and the New Humanity: A Gospel-Centered Response to Charlottesville
How the church's prophetic call and ministry of reconciliation compel followers of Jesus to confront racism, embody peacemaking, and build the new humanity in response to Charlottesville and beyond. Mike Erre addresses the tragic events of Charlottesville and the deeper systemic, theological, and prophetic implications for the modern church. Responding to a listener's heartfelt question, he explores how the Biblical gospel compels every follower of Jesus to reject racial superiority and embrace a ministry of reconciliation rooted in humility, confession, and peacemaking. Key Takeaways: • Racial Reconciliation at the Core of the Gospel – The Bible consistently affirms the equal worth of every human as bearers of God's image, making racial division not just a social concern but a central theological issue. • The New Humanity in Christ – Paul's doctrine of a unified community beyond Jew and Gentile reveals that the church is meant to model a diverse, counter-cultural body where all are equal under Christ. • Peacemaking as a Kingdom Vocation – Followers of Jesus are not called to maintain superficial peace, but to actively engage in reconciliation — relationally, prophetically, and structurally — much like Jesus did with outcasts, enemies, and empire. • Humility and Confession in Prophetic Witness – Before denouncing injustice in society, the church must first embrace confession, lament, and acknowledgment of its own complicity in systemic racism and inequality. • Rejecting Over-Spiritualization – Racism is not just a matter of hearts needing Jesus; it's a systemic evil that requires collective repentance, institutional change, and sustained relationships across racial and cultural lines. Resources Mentioned: • Podcast episode on "Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking" – [Link to earlier episode] • Ephesians 2:11–22 – Paul's teaching on the new humanity in Christ • Colossians 3 and Galatians 3 – Key passages dismantling hierarchy within the body of Christ Call to Action: Let's be the church that not only speaks out against racial injustice but also lives the answer through humble confession, action-oriented peacemaking, and building cross-cultural relationships that reflect the coming kingdom of God. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us online to continue 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

Aug 14, 2017 • 1h 18min
I Delight to Sit in His Shade: The Power of Safety, Desire, and Character in Relationships (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How desire, vulnerability, and sacrificial love shape authentic intimacy and emotionally safe relationships. Mike Erre continues the "Sex, Love & God" series by diving into Song of Songs 1–2 and Ephesians 5 to examine what it means to delight in the "shade" of another—how trust and character matter far more than superficial attraction. This deeply personal and honest reflection invites conversation around biblical sexuality, gender roles, healthy submission, and what makes love truly safe, satisfying, and Christlike. Key Takeaways: • "I Delight to Sit in His Shade" – A profound image from Song of Songs that shows how emotional and relational safety form the basis for attraction and intimacy. • Physically Attracted, Spiritually Anchored – How beauty, desire, and character intersect in a relationship that honors God's design. • Reframing Ephesians 5 – Why mutual submission, not domination, lies at the heart of biblical love and marriage. • Redefining Headship – What true love and leadership look like when modeled after Christ's sacrificial headship of the church. • Sexuality and Character Formation – How marriage isn't an escape from lust but a context for refining selflessness and faithfulness. • Dating Wisdom – Don't settle for "he's hot"—date long enough to learn someone's character, or their real "name." • Masturbation, Porn, & Intimacy Gaps in Marriage – Vulnerable listener Q&A dives into real-life questions about unmet needs, sexual shame, and holistic faithfulness. • Single but Not Alone – Encouragement from the Psalms and pastoral honesty for singles navigating sex, longing, and worth without shame. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 1–2 – [Link to Song of Songs] • Ephesians 5 – [Link] • Psalm 17:8 – "Hide me in the shadow of your wings" • Psalm 68:5–6 – "God sets the lonely in families" • Genesis 38 – The story of Onan and "spilling seed" • EV Free Fullerton – Original hosting venue for the series • Vox Community Counseling & Story Resources – voxpodcast.com Join the Voxology community in challenging cultural norms and rediscovering God's vision for sex, love, and relational formation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to continue this deeply personal and transformative series. 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

Aug 7, 2017 • 1h 33min
Made in the Image: Reclaiming Our Humanity and Sexuality (Sex, Love, and God Series)
How understanding our humanity as made in the image of God offers a better story of sexuality, identity, and spiritual integration than what culture or the church often provide. Kicking off the Sex, Love, and God series, Mike Erre revisits his powerful and vulnerable teaching on sexuality from 2013—complete with updated reflections and grace-filled context. This episode, "Made in the Image," explores the ways we have been misformed by both the culture's over-sexualization and the church's silence or shame around sex, and invites us into a more human, integrated, and hopeful vision rooted in Scripture and God's design. Key Takeaways: • Fully Human, Not Merely Animal or Angel – Unpacking how humans are uniquely created to embody both body and spirit, and why that impacts how we should understand and live out our sexuality. • Reframing Broken Desire – Why the biblical view of sexuality offers a redemptive middle way between cultural license and religious repression. • Sexuality as Spiritually Significant – How physical desire and spiritual awareness are not at odds, but intertwined in our design as image-bearers. • From Shame to Honest Conversation – Encouragement to bring our stories, questions, and struggles into a grace-filled, nonjudgmental space modeled after Jesus's compassion and truth. • Song of Songs as a Biblical Vision for Desire – Rediscovering the sacredness of attraction, love, and eroticism in the language of Scripture, especially through the voice and agency of women. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 1:1–4 – Exploring desire and sexuality through the Israelites' erotic poetry. • Genesis 1 & 2 – The foundational image of humanity as physical-spiritual beings made in God's image. • Psalm 8 & Job 38 – Contrasting humanity with angels and animals to understand our unique role and dignity. • 1 Corinthians 6, Ephesians 4, and 1 Timothy 4 – New Testament insights on the body, sin, and false teachings about desire. • Vox Care Team – Onsite support and prayer team available after teachings to walk alongside anyone seeking help or healing. Join us as we start this much-needed conversation about sexuality, desire, singleness, marriage, identity, and freedom. Share this episode with someone navigating questions around faith and sexuality, and help us build a Jesus-centered community where nothing is off-limits and everything is wrapped in grace. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the ongoing conversation online! 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


