Voxology

Latest Episodes:

How To recognize Spiritually Healthy or Spiritually Toxic Environments Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Spiritual abuse doesn’t begin with one bad person. It grows through a culture of approval, secrecy, fear, and loyalty that slowly teaches people to stay quiet, play along, and mistake control for faithfulness. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford break down the eight phases of a power-through-fear church and contrast them with the kind of community Jesus actually builds - a pocket of tov, where goodness, wholeness, and courage can exist without hype or performance.

If you'd like to support the work at VOXOLOGY, and join us next month for the book club, you can join here: https://www.patreon.com/c/voxology/posts

If you're interested in Spiritual Coaching, you can email tim@voxpodcast.com

Timestamps

00:00 - Opening banter, kids back in school, and community updates

02:01 - Spiritual coaching and the Patreon book club announcement

03:49 - Frustration with corruption, outrage fatigue, and local engagement

09:31 - Refugees in Tennessee and creating pockets of hope

12:08 - A listener asks if introversion is sinful

14:54 - Quiet time as formation for community, not a spiritual end point

17:24 - Why introverts can still be harmed by solitude without structure

18:38 - Why spiritual disciplines need purpose, framework, and discernment

21:50 - Spiritual abuse is a culture, not just a bad person

24:48 - Step one: power concentrated in one person

26:14 - Insider approval, status enhancement, and filtered influence

28:09 - Outsiders, status degradation, and fear of disapproval

30:04 - Secrecy, image management, and what happens behind the wall

32:59 - Banishment, loyalty tests, and being expelled from the circle

34:29 - How church culture also shapes who gets seen as a leader

36:34 - Compassion and empathy as the first marks of a healthy culture

38:30 - Grace, failure tolerance, and hierarchy as responsibility

41:25 - A bottom-shaped triangle: leadership exists for the community

45:17 - Putting people ahead of the institution

47:39 - Truth telling, confession, and why churches avoid self-exposure

50:25 - Justice over loyalty culture and the misuse of Matthew 18

52:26 - Power dispersed, not accumulated

54:25 - Service over celebrity and power-under leadership

56:18 - Overperforming, underperforming, and leaders inserting themselves between God and people

58:08 - What heroes a culture celebrates and why ordinary faithfulness matters

61:27 - How do you build a healthy church in a hype-driven world?

62:55 - Practices of resistance: no hype language, no sermon-series hype machine

65:42 - The woman caught in adultery as a model of calm, teaching, and restoration

69:03 - Christ-likeness over leadership culture and the CEO model of church

72:12 - Richard Foster’s marks of spiritual power: love, humility, self-limitation, joy, vulnerability, submission, freedom

73:11 - Mike’s daughter testifies in a stalking case and the cost of being believed

77:31 - Why he stays in an organized church and what a healthy community can look like

80:33 - Why people won’t stay just for hype, and the need for pockets of tove

81:53 - Building boring, sustainable, life-giving community

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Toward a Theology of Disability - with Alex Wolf Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Today, Mike and Tim talk with Alex Wolf, director and content developer at Hope Heals, about her journey from pastor’s kid and missionary to one of the key theological voices shaping Hope Heals’ work. The conversation centers on how proximity to disability reorients faith, why disability is not a niche category but a universal human story, and what the church misses when it treats accessibility as a program instead of a posture.

How does something like Hope Heals embody a kind of disruption to normal church life? How does belonging differ from hospitality, and how does co-creation matter more than merely making room for people?

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

07:30 - Introducing Alex Wolf and her connection to Hope Heals

12:00 - Growing up in a pastor’s home and early faith formation

13:00 - Missionary work overseas and the questions that started to surface

14:00 - Family, trusted guides, and the freedom to question

15:35 - Intellectual and existential wrestling in her 20s

17:33 - How Alex first said yes to Hope Heals

20:46 - Space to doubt inside a faith-centered parachurch organization

23:00 - Proximity to disability and a new understanding of the Beatitudes

25:00 - Why Alex began writing theology of disability

31:36 - Invisible wheelchairs and the many forms of hidden limitation

39:00 - Why disability should not be treated as a program

49:35 - Alex names the lack of ego as the secret ingredient at Hope Heals

54:00 - Closing gratitude and final remarks

Praxis Thesis: Valuing People With Disabilities as a Gift to Society

Hope Heals Website

Hope Heals on Instagram: @hopeheals

Hope Heals Camp Website

The GoodHard Story Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf and Alex Wolf

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Difference Between Spiritual Abuse and Normal Church Conflict Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Imagine a church where spiritual abuse is not just an exception but a pattern rooted deep in its culture... It’s a heartbreaking reality revealed when both pastors and congregation members unconsciously enable destructive behaviors. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into how systemic cultures within churches can foster coercion, manipulation, and spiritual trauma—even when no one intends harm.

How does spiritual abuse differ from healthy conflict, and what are the subtle ways it manifests through control, secrecy, and elitism?
The role of church culture in either enabling or resisting abuse—plus practical elements that cultivate a healthier, “Tov” (good) environment
Why trusting cultures matter more than trusting individual leaders, and how to discern whether a church’s environment fosters righteousness or ripples with bad fruit
The importance of humility, repentance, and transparency in confronting and preventing systemic failures - Real-world examples of how power, wealth, and even well-meaning teachings become tools for harm when unchecked

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction: Navigating summer, beards, and the heat

02:00 - Vacation reflections: Gulf of America and political symbolism

03:40 - The contrast between dry and humid heat; Florida’s atmosphere

05:00 - Cultural perceptions of patriotism and national identity

06:00 - Current polls: Millennials, Gen Z, and the influence of political support on church attendance

07:57 - The surprising data: Atheists and agnostics rejecting support for Trump and church

09:20 - The decline and revival of religious interest among young adults

11:00 - Worship, justice, and genuine spiritual longing amidst cultural confusion

13:00 - The influence of church history, state power, and religious movements

15:00 - The importance of uncharged (free) prophetic ministry and systemic patterns of abuse

17:00 - Recognizing authentic love and discipline versus toxic authority

19:00 - The nature of spiritual abuse: coercion, manipulation, secrecy, and power distortion

22:00 - Differentiating dispute and conflict from abusive patterns

25:30 - The importance of culture, habits, language, and collective identity

27:00 - Routine issues: church discipline, transparency, accountability, and systemic healing

30:00 - Recognizing and addressing spiritual trauma and systemic failure

33:00 - How unintentional actions contribute to harm; the need for awareness

36:00 - The role of leaders, nepotism, wealth, and power in perpetuating abuse

38:00 - What authentic love and humility look like in church leadership

41:00 - The importance of healthy cultures and the influence of external societal pressures

43:30 - Practical discernment: when disagreement becomes spiritual abuse

47:00 - The challenge of repentance, truth-telling, and confronting church complicity

50:00 - The importance of humility in leadership, ongoing learning, and personal growth

53:00 - The influence of church culture on shaping trust and accountability

55:30 - Defining "Tov" and how cultivating goodness counters bad fruit

58:00 - Recognizing and nurturing good fruit in church and community life

60:00 - The metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ: fighting for health and justice

62:00 - Practical final thoughts: loving well, confessing honestly, and cultivating healthy culture

63:00 - Wrap-up and closing blessings

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Salvation is the Restoration of our Humanity, Not Evacuation From it Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Spoiler: Stick around to the end to hear Seth do a Justin Bieber/Shema mashup...

What if salvation isn't about escaping our humanity but restoring it? This episode unpacks a revolutionary view: human beings are inherently divine images—nouns and verbs—created to reflect God's character and creativity into the world. But somewhere along the way, that sacred image is fractured, leading to spiritual abuse, dehumanization, and disconnection from ourselves and others.

In this episode, we explore the biblical concept of being fully human as God originally intended—images and likenesses of God, called to image and "verb" humanity into the world. We discuss how understanding our created purpose impacts our view of spirituality, identity, and the fight against spiritual abuse.

The biblical foundation of human dignity: imagery and likeness in Genesis
The significance of image-bearing as verb and noun: (re)imagining God into the world
Humanity's role in creation: exercise of sovereignty, rule, and subduing with purpose
The concept of glory and honor: humans crowned when acting as God's image
The impact of idolatry: exchanging God's glory for created things, resulting in dehumanization
The recovery of humanity through Christ: becoming conformed to Jesus' image in ongoing transformation

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: rediscovering what it means to be fully human

02:08 - Parental stories and everyday life as reflections of human image-bearers

03:19 - Introducing the series: spiritual abuse and the importance of being fully human

06:06 - How bad religion binds us and takes us away from our true humanity

06:54 - Humanity's broad scope: body, spirit, and all aspects of life as God's image

07:25 - Genesis 1: Making humans in our image and likeness—temple language

08:47 - Image as physical representation of divine power: statues of gods and kings

09:47 - Humanity as living idols: embodying God's character and purposes

10:45 - Humanity’s role to rule, subdue, and create potential in creation 1

2:10 - Purposeful rule: exercising sovereignty and cultivating the world

14:37 - The divine breath and humanity: dirt plus divine spirit

15:32 - Material and immaterial unity: embodying God's spirit and image

16:14 - Humanity’s role in worship through work and loving care of creation

17:10 - Names and authority: humans mirroring God's naming as image bearers

19:07 - The human's shared authority with God: law, naming, and rule

20:18 - Doing what God does: image as noun and verb—reflecting and enacting God's character

21:55 - The importance of language: naming and imitating God's creative acts

22:56 - The impact of the fall: losing the image and glory, and the rupture in relationships

24:34 - The shift from image as noun to image as verb: imaging the serpent’s wisdom

27:17 - Psalm 8: Humanity crowned with glory when fulfilling divine purposes

29:49 - Romans 1 and 3: Exchanging God's glory for images of creation, resulting in dehumanization and corruption

32:34 - The fall and the wave of idolatry: suffering in bodies and communities

35:09 - Jesus as the perfect human: revealing the true image of God

37:42 - Christ's image as the ultimate image bearer: revealing God's character fully

40:50 - The power of the Gospel: recovering the image and glorifying God in our restored humanity

44:13 - Salvation as the recovery of true humanity, not escape from bodies

45:39 - Practical implications: recovering sexuality, emotion, and purpose in God's image

47:37 - Jesus' ministry as the full embodiment of human image-verbing

50:11 - Community and shame: reclaiming sacredness and dignity

52:30 - The challenges of shame and the path towards wholeness in Christ

55:26 - The importance of seeing ourselves as image bearers: our identity and calling

56:33 - Systems of dehumanization and the collapsing of societal structures

58:29 - Celebrating community and the gift of joyful service in God's image

Why Communion Should be Open to Everyone Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Rethinking Communion: Social Dynamics and Inclusive Practice

In this episode, we explore the social and communal dimensions of communion, examining how historical practices, theological interpretations, and contemporary church culture influence our understanding and celebration of this sacred act. Join us for a biblically grounded, socially aware perspective that challenges traditional boundaries and invites an inclusive approach to the Lord's Supper.

Key Topics

The original context of early Christian meals and their social significance
How Roman social hierarchy influenced the Corinthian church's practice of communion
The distinction between private morality and social morality in communion
The metaphor of the body of Christ as a symbol of unity and equality
The importance of discerning the body, both Christ in the elements and the church community
Critique of common practices that divide or shame participants
The cultural transformation of communion from a shared meal to a ritualistic, individual-focused event
Practical ideas for more inclusive and community-focused communion celebrations

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction and the significance of social dynamics in communion

02:10 - The context of early Christian meals and Roman influence

05:55 - The division of social status and its impact on the Lord's Supper

09:45 - Interpreting 1 Corinthians 11: the meaning of unworthy manner

14:50 - Community examination and practicing worthy participation

20:06 - The biblical symbolism of the body of Christ and social equality

26:40 - How divisions undermine the purpose of communion

32:43 - Practical implications for church practice and inclusive communion

36:36 - The role of non-believers and open invitation

45:12 - The church as a gathering place that reflects social hierarchies

47:33 - The importance of authentic community and simplification of practices

51:50 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for a more inclusive approach

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Hope Heals: Cultivating Belonging and Belovedness Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Today, Mike and Tim unpack the transformative experience the Erre's had at Hope Heals Camp, where faith, community, and a commitment to dignity intersect to create a sanctuary for families and individuals experiencing disabilities. Join us as we unpack the theology behind embodied hope, mutuality, and the sacredness of every person.

The origin and purpose of Hope Heals Camp, inspired by Katherine and Jay Wolf's story
The camp’s four postures: incarnation, mutuality, disability, and image bearers
How Jesus’ incarnation exemplifies dignity in limitations
The social model of disability and creating welcoming environments
The significance of sacred spaces of belonging and hope
The theological reasoning behind disability as a reflection of the divine image
The importance of community, proximity, and shared limitations as spiritual practices
The challenge to societal structures that dehumanize or exclude
The impact of this model on church and culture, emphasizing inclusivity over exclusivity

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Seth and Mike’s camp experiences

01:25 - Reflections on camp activities and community spirit

03:36 - The profound personal impact of Hope Heals

05:39 - Framework of the camp’s origins and purpose

09:02 - Volunteer roles and the structure of camp days

11:45 - The parade and joyful welcomes for families

13:11 - The emotional power of the entrance moment

15:38 - Programming for campers and families, including special events

20:25 - The significance of the talent show and stories of remarkable individuals

22:15 - Poetry readings capturing the hope and embodied life

24:33 - Celebrating Christmas in July and the Luke 14 banquet

27:40 - The symbolism of the meal and oil blessing

31:22 - The theological postures: Jesus’ embodiment and dignity

36:32 - The theological foundations: from incarnation to imagery of God

41:53 - Disabout mutuality, respect, and person-first language in community

44:16 - The divine worth of every person as image bearers

48:09 - The societal realities of disability and exclusion

50:22 - Reflection on hope, culture, and the kingdom of God

54:19 - The contrast between exclusive and inclusive communities

57:17 - The concept of thin places and sacred spaces of proximity

60:34 - Worship and community as embodied, participatory acts

61:10 - Final reflections: embodying God's love through dignity and kinship

Hope Heals Website

Grace's Poetry

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How Do We Get Saved? Stumbling Into the Kingdom Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and Tim explore the nuanced landscape of salvation, church community, and spiritual growth through a centered set approach. They challenge traditional boundaries, emphasizing that salvation is a journey rather than a destination, and highlight the importance of allowing people space to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Mike and Tim continue their conversation about center-set thinking and what it looks like to follow Jesus in a way that emphasizes relationship, growth, and grace rather than rigid boundaries.

They begin with some lighthearted banter about endurance races, introversion, rest, and pop culture before moving into a deeper theological conversation about salvation, repentance, discipleship, and the differences between bounded-set and center-set approaches to church life.

-The meaning of center-set language in Christian community

-Why Jesus often seems to welcome people from many different directions

-The tension between in-or-out thinking and process-oriented discipleship

-Why salvation in the New Testament is described in multiple ways

-How church culture can create pressure to “pretend” instead of grow

-The difference between judgment and discernment

-How church leadership can clarify the center without creating unnecessary barriers

-Why invitation works better than coercion, shame, or fear

-The danger of double standards in churches

-How truth can be pursued rather than merely possessed

-Why systems built on power often become more about control than transformation

The big idea of the episode is that following Jesus is a journey of becoming, not a checkpoint to pass. Mike argues that people should be allowed to grow into their identity in Christ over time, with the church serving more like a welcoming center than a gatekeeping wall.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode: Embracing the journey of salvation

01:00 - How many paths lead to Jesus? Multiple ways into the kingdom

02:30 - The concept of salvation as a journey, not a static point

03:15 - Jesus’ invitational approach: Touching lives through relationship

04:50 - The significance of allowing people space to be in process

05:30 - Examining the "decision moment" and its limitations

08:00 - The role of community discernment over uniform rules

09:00 - Clarifying the center: Jesus and authentic following

10:40 - The difference between truth possessed and truth pursued

13:00 - The danger of legalism and exclusivity in faith communities

16:00 - Allowing people to stumble through the process—examples from Scripture

17:00 - How salvation is like a marriage: a relational journey

22:00 - The danger of legalistic boundaries and exclusive doctrines

28:00 - Strategies for cultivating a centered set community

35:00 - How sin dehumanizes, and salvation restores full humanity

41:00 - Moving beyond polarity: holistic, relational, process-oriented faith

46:00 - Making space for everyone's growth, imperfections, and ongoing process

48:00 - Final encouragement: live into the fullness of grace, not the boundaries of fear

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

If Jesus is the Center, How Then Do We…? Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Today, we look at how Jesus redefined Israel, love, hierarchy, and table fellowship — practices that the early church faithfully modeled and that can revolutionize our modern faith communities today. We break down four powerful implications of Jesus' approach: recentering identity on himself, redefining love as covenantal and non-coercive, overturning social hierarchies with radical kinship, and practicing open, inclusive table fellowship.

You'll see how these principles uphold human dignity, foster unity, and invite the marginalized into genuine kinship. How did Paul's letters categorize core gospel essentials versus disputable matters, offering a blueprint for churches seeking unity without uniformity? We explore how to limit unnecessary barriers for faith, allowing room for honest disagreements while maintaining allegiance to the central call of Jesus. Plus, practical insights on how to embody these principles today through reimagined practices like open communion and inclusive community tables.

Jesus saw himself as the true temple, embodying the fulfillment of Old Testament festivals like Passover and being the vine that sustains Israel and all believers. His love was agape—non-coercive, unconditional, and sacrificial—intended to create belonging before repentance. Jesus broke social barriers by elevating women, children, and marginalized groups, overturning hierarchy with practices like table fellowship. The early church continued these practices, emphasizing Jesus’ identity as the fulfillment of Israel, embodying covenant love, and practicing inclusive, open table fellowship. Paul’s teachings in Romans and Corinthians highlight the importance of limiting essential doctrine, practicing unity over disputable matters, and emphasizing community shared over social status or moral perfection.

00:00 - Welcome and intro to the episode's focus on Jesus' countercultural ministry

02:45 - Jesus re-centers Israel around himself as the fulfillment of God's promises

08:27 - Four big implications of Jesus’ approach: re-centering Israel, redefining love, reordering hierarchies, reorienting table fellowship

15:21 - Jesus’ radical redefinition of social hierarchies and practice of humility

16:44 - Elevating women and children and welcoming marginalized groups

18:38 - The early church’s continuation of Jesus’ mission, proclaiming Christ as the fulfillment of Jewish motifs

23:19 - The importance of shared table fellowship and its role in embodying the gospel

29:28 - Practical principles for modern churches: limiting essentials, practicing unity, and encouraging diversity of thought

36:10 - Embracing contested issues through acceptance and advocacy, without making them gospel essentials

40:51 - The importance of understanding discipleship as a way of life, not just doctrine

44:36 - The cultural issues of hierarchy, power, and nationalism seen through the lens of Jesus’ practices

53:44 - The significance of open communion and its liberating, inclusive power

58:41 - Final reflections on the church’s need to resist hierarchy and maintain Christ-centered unity

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

A Glutton, a Drunkard and a Rabbi Walk Into A Bar: How Jesus Changed the World Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Most religious leaders are quick to draw boundaries around who belongs and who doesn't — but Jesus does the opposite. Today, we explore how Jesus' scandalous love, through table fellowship and acceptance of sinners, flips the Old Testament and religious norms upside down to invite everyone into God's salvation. You'll discover how his approach to holiness, mercy, and inclusion challenges even the most revered traditions and power structures of his time.

Join us as we break down the radical difference between the Pharisees' method of separation and Jesus' revolutionary method of association. We dive deep into Luke’s stories—from calling Levi (Matthew) as a tax collector, to meals with sinners, to his confrontations around purity laws—revealing that Jesus' core strategy is connection before correction. You'll learn why sharing a meal signified trust, acceptance, and kinship, and why Jesus' table fellowship scandalized the religious elite.

You'll also explore how Jesus’ method of calling people—before their repentance—prefigures the radically inclusive way of the early church. We examine how Jesus embodies holiness through proximity and love rather than separation, and how his model of acceptance exposes the Pharisaic trap of moral boundary-setting.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on Jesus’ countercultural critique

02:25 - Seth Erie’s adventurous week at King’s Island and family stories

05:00 - Transition into spiritual and religious themes, setting up Luke’s context

09:00 - Background on Jewish education: from elementary to rabbinic tracks

12:00 - Analyzing Matthew (Levi) as a typical candidate for Jesus’ revolutionary call

15:00 - Jesus’ approach to unclean persons and the significance of table fellowship

17:00 - The Pharisees’ goal of resurrection and their focus on separation and purity

19:00 - How Pharisees fence the law and practice holiness through exclusion

22:00 - Jesus’ practice of embodying holiness through association and acceptance

26:00 - The social implications of table fellowship as an act of love and belonging

30:00 - Jesus’ response to accusations: eating and drinking with sinners as a declaration of sanction

33:00 - The danger of legalism and the importance of Jesus’ inclusive love

36:00 - Jesus’ challenge to religious leaders: Who belongs at the table?

39:00 - Theologically interpreting Jesus’ claim to forgive sins and the authority of the church

45:00 - How Old Testament motifs connect to Jesus’ revolutionary love

52:00 - Reapplying these insights into contemporary church practices and boundaries

58:00 - Conclusion: Embracing Jesus’ love as the foundation for genuine community

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Deliver Us From Evil: The Time of Testing Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus in a culture that feels increasingly corrupted and confusing? Today we wrap up our series on the Lord's Prayer by looking at the final and perhaps most complex petition: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Join Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and our favorite special guest Seth Erre as we navigate the tension between the joy of summer break and the heavy realities of the world around us. We start the show with some lighthearted updates about Seth's summer school, an upcoming trip to Kings Island, and a surprise for a friend. However, the conversation quickly turns to the importance of creating counter-narratives in a world that often devalues life and marginalized communities.

In the second half of the episode, we dive deep into the Greek word peirasmos to understand the nuance between being tested and being tempted. We explore how Jesus re-enacted the story of Israel by succeeding in the wilderness where they failed, and how his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane provides the ultimate model for our own spiritual lives. It is a deep dive into moving from a posture of entitlement to one of gratitude while staying awake to the subversive work of the Kingdom.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Summer Break Updates

3:15 Kings Island and Band Surprises

6:42 Mike's Pickleball Injury and Seth's Kindness

9:55 Navigating Political and Cultural Turmoil

14:10 Muscular Christianity and Energy Drinks

17:30 Counter-Narratives and Down Syndrome Joy

21:45 Women in Ministry and Active Peacemaking

26:20 Winning vs. Faithfulness in Following Jesus

30:45 The Final Petition: Lead Us Not Into Temptation

34:10 Testing vs. Temptation in the Bible

39:05 Jesus in the Wilderness and the Exodus Story

43:20 The Garden of Gethsemane and the Cup of Suffering

48:50 Embodying the Lord's Prayer

53:15 Modern Testing: Entitlement vs. Gratitude

57:40 Staying Awake in Community

59:50 Outro and How to Support Us

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy