Voxology

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John MacArthur's Statement on Social Justice is a Flaming Hot Mess Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

How does the American evangelical church reconcile justice, culture, and faith in a post-Christian age? Mike Erre is joined by author, pastor, and podcast host Skye Jethani (The Holy Post) for a provocative discussion about the recently issued "Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel" from prominent conservative evangelical leaders—and why its assumptions about sin, culture, and mission may be fundamentally flawed.

Together, Mike and Skye unpack the tensions between personal salvation and social transformation, the fragmentation of modern evangelicalism, and the theological implications of rejecting systemic sin and collective repentance. Through humor, history, and a deep love for scripture, they contrast a kingdom vision of justice and shalom with the boundary-drawing tendency of political and cultural Christianity.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding a Broken Evangelicalism – Why modern evangelicalism feels fractured and why many feel "spiritually homeless" in today's tribal climate. • The Problem with Statements – How culture war-era declarations like the Nashville Statement and the "Gospel and Social Justice" statement reflect a dying vision of Christianity. • Justice is Not a Distraction – A biblical case for how social justice is not an add-on, but an integral part of gospel witness and the Kingdom of God. • Jesus' Kingdom Vision – How personal righteousness and community transformation must go together for followers of Christ. • Culture and Power – Why framing some cultures as morally "better" reveals deep-rooted assumptions about privilege, whiteness, and American exceptionalism. • The Cross is Both Vertical and Horizontal – A rejection of the false split between private faith and public justice, and the need for holistic discipleship.

Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Former executive editor at Christianity Today, co-host of The Holy Post podcast, and author of multiple books including "What If Jesus Was Serious?" and creator of the daily devotional With God Daily. Skye brings deep theological insight with a winsome, challenging voice that critiques American Christian culture from within.

Resources Mentioned: • The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – statementonsocialjustice.com • The Holy Post Podcast with Skye Jethani – holypost.com • Lausanne Covenant (1974) – lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant • Tim Keller's Book – "Generous Justice" – [Link] • Voxology Non-ference Details – [Link]

Redefining faith means challenging power structures, wrestling with uncomfortable truths, and seeking the heart of Jesus beyond political categories. Join the conversation, subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay engaged.

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 – voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Learning Community, Not Isolation: A Mental Health Crisis in the Church Sep 03, 2018

Show notes

What happens when the pastoral spotlight becomes too heavy to bear—and no one sees the weight until it's too late? Mike Erre and longtime friend Andy Lara reflect deeply on the tragic suicide of Inland Hills Church pastor Andrew Stoecklein, a young leader whose public transparency about his mental health struggles still couldn't prevent a heartbreaking end. This raw discussion examines broader issues of how we as individuals, communities, and the Church respond to mental illness—and what goes awry when simplistic solutions meet complex pain.

Unpacking the pressures of pastoral leadership, the toxic success culture of the modern American church, and the harmful theological prescriptions often offered in response to depression, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to reimagine spiritual community as a space of solidarity—not isolation.

Key Takeaways: • The Hidden Costs of "Success" – Why growing attendance, staff, and budgets often don't correspond to spiritual or emotional health for pastors. • Performance Culture in the Church – How the celebrity pastor model exacerbates spiritual isolation, performance anxiety, and suppresses vulnerability. • The Limits of Spiritual Clichés – Why phrases like "fix your eyes on Jesus" or "rest in God's sovereignty" may do harm when offered as one-size-fits-all solutions to mental illness. • Embodied Faith, Not Spiritual Gnosticism – Reframing mental health through holistic, embodied support—embracing therapy, medication, community presence, and practical care. • A Call to Pursue, Not Push Away – Why the church must learn to lean in with compassion, presence, and support when someone is spiraling—not retreat under the guise of sabbatical or spiritual advice.

Notable Quotes: • "It's not that they want to die—they want relief. And everything else they've tried hasn't worked." • "The opposite of depression recovery isn't willpower—it's connection." • "When someone's honest about struggle, the worst thing we can do is hand them a prescription with seven spiritual buzzwords and back away."

Resources Mentioned: • Andrew Stoecklein's final sermon and Kayla Stoecklein's public letter (search "Inland Hills Church blog") • Anchor podcasting app – anchor.fm • John Mark Comer & Mark Sayers – This Cultural Moment podcast • The Gospel Coalition's article on supporting loved ones with depression – [Search TGC depression article]

Join us in reimagining how the Church can be a place of healing, not pressure. Want to continue the conversation and support this kind of work?

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Rethinking Tithing: A New Testament Approach to Generosity and Church Giving Aug 27, 2018

Show notes

What if tithing isn't actually a New Testament teaching? In this honest and deeply practical solo episode, Mike tackles an insightful listener question about the theology behind tithing, prosperity gospel implications, and whether churches should be offering "90-day tithe challenges" with promised blessings (and optional refunds). Unpacking Scriptures like Malachi 3, Matthew 23, and key passages from 1 & 2 Corinthians and Acts, Mike invites us to reframe our understanding of generosity, stewardship, and the church's mission in the world.

Mike explores how the early church didn't prescribe a 10% tithe, but instead fostered radical, heart-led generosity focused on caring for the poor and supporting gospel work. He contrasts this with modern church practices that often confuse or pressure members into rigid financial expectations, sometimes under theological pretenses that mimic prosperity gospel teachings.

Get ready for a robust biblical breakdown and a challenging reorientation of how we view money, blessing, and the church's financial asks.

Key Takeaways: • Tithing Isn't Commanded in the New Testament – The early church encouraged giving "as each one is able" rather than enforcing a 10% standard. • Generosity Is a Spiritual Discipline – Mike emphasizes cultivating cheerful, voluntary giving as a form of resistance to materialism and worship of money. • Support for Church Workers Is Biblical – While generosity to sustain gospel workers is affirmed, Scripture does not equate church giving with a prosperity formula. • Blessing ≠ Wealth – God's blessings aren't defined by financial prosperity; obedience often brings spiritual growth, not necessarily material gain. • Giving Should Focus on Justice – The New Testament prioritizes supporting the poor, not funding large-scale church infrastructure or flashy programs.

Resources Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 8–9 – Paul's teaching on generosity and heart-led giving • Acts 4:32–35 – Early church practices of communal support and radical sharing • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for missing justice while tithing mint and cumin… what did he mean?

Join the conversation about how the church can practice more transparent, meaningful generosity rooted in New Testament principles. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform to keep deconstructing and reconstructing faith with 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.

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Follow Mike on Twitter: 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Rethinking Church Scorecards: How Weakness, Not Production, Reveals the Gospel Aug 20, 2018

Show notes

Challenging the modern church growth mindset, Mike Erre and guest Kevin revisit the assumptions baked into much of American Christian culture—namely the obsession with polished Sunday services, celebrity pastors, and numerical success. In a week where high-profile abuse scandals shook major institutions like the Catholic Church, Willow Creek, and John MacArthur's ministry, the conversation turns to a deeper issue: How do we define "church success," and what does the witness of Jesus call us to instead?

This raw and prophetic episode asks whether our obsession with "excellence" in worship bands, livestreams, and church branding might actually distract from the mission of Jesus—especially in a time when abuse, injustice, and marginalization are being revealed inside the very systems we've built to "do church well."

Key Takeaways: • Unmasking Toxic Success Metrics – Producing high-quality services isn't inherently bad, but treating them as the gold standard of church success reveals an idolization of production and performance. • When Big Church Models Fail – Exploring how the prioritization of large platforms, celebrity pastors, and top-tier talent creates systems vulnerable to abuse of power. • Jesus' Scorecard – Paul's letters remind us that God chooses the weak, the lowly, the overlooked—not the spotlight-ready. The church loses its distinctiveness when it mimics the world's obsession with strength and success. • The Power of Lament and Repentance – In light of abuse scandals, the church's role isn't to distract with polished services but to lead in public repentance, healing, and transparency. • Hope for Small Churches and Planters – For pastors leading small or struggling communities, this episode offers an alternative vision: practice-based, missional communities that emphasize discipleship, vulnerability, and real-life transformation—not just production value.

Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – Paul's challenge to the world's systems and the affirmation of God's preference for the foolish things over the wise. • The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch – [Link] • C3 Church Columbus – A missional model for tracking community health through disciple-making, not Sunday attendance. • Dave Lomas and John Mark Comer – Pastors focused on practice-based, embodied Christianity over entertainment-driven churches. • Rock Harbor Church (CA) – One example of a church that shifted from attractional to missional focus.

Join us as we rethink success, celebrate weakness, and call the church to a more honest, humble witness of Jesus. Subscribe to stay part of these paradigm-shifting conversations, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue the dialogue.

As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Catch us on YouTube here: VOXOLOGY TV.

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Explore more at the Voxology Podcast

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Support the podcast on Patreon

Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre

Music by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Why "Black Lives Matter," Matters Aug 13, 2018

Show notes

A deep dive into how Scripture confronts racism and ethnic supremacy, revealing that loving all people—regardless of race or background—is a fundamental expression of following Jesus. Mike Erre reflects on a provocative Atlantic article about why young atheists are abandoning Christianity and responds to a Twitter challenge: "Prove to me the Bible says I must value Black lives." His answer? A sweeping biblical case for racial equality rooted in the image of God, God's covenant with Abraham, and the reconciling work of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • The Church's Role in Creating Atheists – Research shows many young people leave Christianity due to vague messaging, shallow answers to deep questions, and lack of space to wrestle with doubt. • Why Superficial Faith Falls Short – Offering pat answers to complex subjects like sexuality, science, and suffering drives people—especially teens—away from the church. • Created in God's Image – A foundational biblical truth: all humans are made in God's likeness and are deserving of dignity, honor, and value—no exceptions. • The Gospel Is Reconciliation – True salvation reconciles us to God and also to each other, dismantling racial and ethnic divisions to form a diverse, unified new humanity in Christ. • Virtue Signaling vs. Embodied Love – Social media activism is easy; building cross-cultural friendships, listening to marginalized voices, and loving across ideological divides is where real change happens.

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 and 9 – The image of God in all people as the basis for human dignity • Ephesians 2 & Galatians 3 – Paul's teachings on racial reconciliation and one new humanity • Revelation 5 – A picture of the worshiping multitudes from every tribe and nation • James 3 & 1 John 4 – The contradiction of worshiping God while hating your brother or sister

Join the movement toward embodied love and gospel-fueled reconciliation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology to engage in deep conversations that don't shy away from the hard questions.

As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue Jesus together. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with Voxology on Facebook and Instagram.

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Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter

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

Leadership Failure & Reimagining Church Culture: Moving Beyond the CEO Model Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Examining the dangers of celebrity leadership culture in the American church, Mike Erre gets candid about the recent public downfalls of figures like Bill Hybels and Urban Meyer—both of whom have been celebrated as leadership experts. Unpacking how the church's obsession with platform, power, and production may be feeding these moral failures, Mike reflects on how the New Testament offers a radically different vision for leadership: one that emphasizes plurality, humility, and shared responsibility.

The episode transitions into a passionate theological dialogue as Mike challenges the "TULIP" doctrines of Reformed theology, particularly the ideas of total depravity, unconditional election, and limited atonement. He reaffirms that salvation is universally available and critiques what he sees as an unbiblical notion of a God who arbitrarily chooses some people for salvation and not others.

Alongside that, Mike addresses listener questions ranging from biblical discipline in Matthew 18 to the evolution of the podcast itself, reaffirming Voxology's commitment to diversity in leadership and theological integrity.

Key Takeaways: • Reevaluating Church Leadership Models – Why the CEO-style leadership culture has harmed both church leaders and congregations, and what a biblical alternative might look like. • The Cost of Celebrity Pastoring – How platform and exposure can feed temptations toward money, sex, and power, especially in high-powered church or coaching roles. • A Critique of Reformed Theology – Breaking down the TULIP acrostic and offering a biblical counterpoint to doctrines like unconditional election and limited atonement. • Meaningful Church Discipline – Exploring the real context of Matthew 18:20 and debunking the misuse of "where two or three are gathered" in pop Christian culture. • The Future of Voxology – Updates on plans to revamp the podcast with new voices, including diverse perspectives and enhanced production.

Notable Quotes: • "God's power is only made perfect when ours comes to an end." • "You can be a faithful follower of Jesus and not be a Calvinist." • "Leadership failures often speak more to cultural systems than just personal sin."

Resources Mentioned: • Romans 9–11 (Context for election and predestination) • Matthew 18:15–20 (Misunderstood passage on church discipline) • Common Grace doctrine in Reformed theology • Dallas Willard – Teachings on truth and character • TULIP Acrostic (Reformed theological summary)

Join the conversation and help Voxology reimagine leadership, theology, and community. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to be part of the journey.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Reconstructing Faith Without Creating a New Orthodoxy (Reconciling Faith and Politics Series) Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

How do we rebuild our faith after it feels like everything we believed has fallen apart? That's the core question behind this rich and vulnerable conversation between Mike Erre and long-time Vox supporter Kevin #1, live from Lake Tahoe. In response to passionate listener feedback regarding Christian political alignment and the perceived imbalance of criticism toward the Right, this episode unpacks how personal faith can become tangled with political identity—and what must be deconstructed and reconstructed in response.

Mike also responds thoughtfully to critiques about how frequently the podcast calls out evangelicals who support Trump, highlighting that Voxology has always sought to challenge the fusion of Christianity and partisan politics wherever it occurs. Then, the conversation pivots toward a truly resonant topic: faith reconstruction. Is it possible to rebuild without just creating a new formula? What practices reorient us without turning into legalisms? How do we move through doubt into something deeper and truer?

Drawing from real-life stories of political tension, deconstruction, and even marriage counseling metaphors, this episode offers space for those feeling spiritually untethered to imagine a rigorous but hopeful journey toward a more relational, less formulaic Christianity.

Key Takeaways: • Deconstruction vs. Reconstruction – It's not just about tearing down beliefs but carefully rebuilding something more relational, authentic, and deeply rooted in Jesus, not political platforms or simplified theology. • Faith and Politics – Christians on both sides of the aisle often conflate political allegiance with spiritual fidelity. Mike seeks a third way—where identity in Christ transcends and critiques both Left and Right. • Listener Feedback Matters – Mike reads and directly responds to emails and Facebook post critiques, modeling gracious engagement that values dissent and collaborative dialogue. • Avoiding New Orthodoxy – In reconstructing faith, there's a temptation to replace one rigid system with another. How do we remain open to mystery and growth instead of creating a new dogma? • Healthy Markers of Reconstruction – Living in tension, embracing mystery, creating a larger table of inclusion, and resisting the urge for spiritual certainty are signs of healthier, deeper faith.

Resources Mentioned: • Stages of Faith Development – Referenced past Vox episode (#87) on disorientation and spiritual maturation. • Romans 8:28 – Highlighted as an example of scripture often used to gloss over deep tension, rather than sit within it. • Vox Podcast "Non-ference" Gathering – Stay tuned for future conversations around spiritual homelessness and faith community connection.

Join the VOX community in continuing this crucial conversation—send your feedback or share your reconstruction story at hello@voxpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode if it resonated with your journey.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Politics, Worship, and the Church's Witness in a Divided America - w/ Andy Lara (Reconciling Faith and Politics Series) Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

Exploring the critical intersection of politics, worship, and the role of the church, Mike Erre reunites with longtime friend and Vox co-founder Andy Lara for a powerful episode in the ongoing Faith & Politics series. With heart, humor, and serious theological reflection, they examine how Christianity in America has been co-opted by partisan allegiance—sacrificing the holistic, worship-driven vision of community that scripture outlines.

What begins as a joyful update featuring special guest Seth Eery—sharing family vacation antics and Mighty Ducks anthems—turns into a candid conversation about the dangers of political idolatry and the temptation to separate church identity from civic engagement. Mike and Andy critique the views of influential figures like Pastor Robert Jeffress, discussing how defending policies at the expense of character reflects a broken understanding of kingdom citizenship. Together, they challenge believers to imagine what it actually means to be the church in a politically diseased culture.

Key Takeaways: • How false divisions between "spiritual" and "political" allow Christians to justify immoral policies for the sake of preferred outcomes • The biblical vision of worship as encompassing justice, economics, and social order—not just Sunday rituals • What Paul, Jesus, and early Israel teach us about communal identity and political engagement as acts of worship • Why Christian identity should take priority over national, political, or ideological allegiances • The real meaning of loving our enemies in the public square—whether that's Donald Trump, Barack Obama, or Judas at the table

Notable Moments: ⭐ Special guest appearance by Seth Eery, whose joy, wit, and spontaneous mic drops ("Five!") provide levity and love throughout the conversation. ⭐ Andy Lara shares hilarious stories from the world of worship guitar pedals and underground Facebook groups—proving there's room for theology even in the comment section. ⭐ A bold response to listener Josh's tough but honest question about whether Christians worship the same Jesus across ideological lines.

Resources Mentioned: • "Your Favorite Band Sucks" podcast – Satirical takes on pop music legends • Facebook Group: Pedalboards of Doom • Voxology Faith & Politics Series – Previous episodes in this ongoing series • Philippians 3:20 – "Our citizenship is in heaven..." • John 13 – Jesus washes the disciples' feet, including Judas

Join us on the journey of reshaping Christian political witness—not just by protesting what's wrong, but by embodying an alternative community shaped by Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to be 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.

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Follow Mike on Twitter: https://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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Jesus is Lord: Reclaiming the Church's Radical Politics in a Divided World (Reconciling Faith and Politics Series) Jul 15, 2018

Show notes

How the early church's radical social practices revealed an alternative political imagination rooted in the lordship of Jesus—and how those practices challenge today's believers to embody a cross-shaped way of engaging with power, community, and culture.

Mike Erre continues the Exile Series by diving deep into Paul's subversive, kingdom-centered vision of church and politics. Drawing from Paul's life before and after encountering Jesus, and through reflections on apocalyptic literature like Revelation, Mike outlines how the church was and still is called to be a deeply political community—not in alignment with worldly partisanship, but through radical embodiment of the reign of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Jesus Is Lord as a Political Claim – Declaring the kingship of Jesus was a direct confrontation of Rome's imperial power, and today it reorients our loyalties away from partisan identities. • Worship as Subversion – Early Christian worship mimicked and mocked the imperial praise of Caesar, inviting us to consider how our gathering together proclaims a new order. • The Lord's Supper as Resistance – Communion didn't just remember Jesus—it embodied a countercultural, egalitarian community that broke down class, race, and power structures. • Caring for the Poor as Political Witness – The early church outpaced Rome's welfare system, serving the marginalized not merely as charity, but as participation in God's justice. • Cruciform Politics – Paul called for a cross-shaped politics marked by humility, mutual service, and sacrificial love—values that stand in stark contrast to today's political climate. • Political Discipleship – Modern churches must resist being discipled by social media or cable news and instead anchor their vision in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Resources Mentioned: • The Book of Revelation – Key texts from apocalyptic literature reshaping how we see empire and God's rule • 1 Corinthians 11 – Paul's critique of how communion was being misused to reinforce class divides • Philippians 2 – The "Christ hymn" revealing the radical humility of Jesus as our model of political engagement • Acts 2 & 4 – Descriptions of the early church's economic justice as a core outgrowth of resurrection life • Michael Gorman – Theologian whose term "cruciform" helps center our imagination around cross-shaped living

Join us as we push past the toxic politics of our age to rediscover the church's call to be an alternative political community that reflects the love, justice, and humility of our crucified king. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social to continue the conversation about the church's transformative public witness.

As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we journey together. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We're also on YouTube! Check out VOXOLOGY TV

Shop the Voxology Merch Store on ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast at voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the podcast on Patreon

Check out our music curation on Spotify: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford (@GoneTimothy on socials)

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

From Zealot to Witness: How Paul's Political Imagination Was Transformed by Jesus (Reconciling Faith and Politics Series) Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

How the apostle Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus radically reshaped his political vision, identity, and understanding of salvation—and what that means for the church today. This third installment of the Exile Series dives into how Paul's pre- and post-conversion worldview about kingdom, nation, power, and mission underwent a massive transformation, ultimately redefining faith as political allegiance to a crucified and risen king.

Mike unpacks the deeply political nature of Paul's conversion, reframing salvation not as a personal escape to heaven but as entrance into a cross-shaped community—"the new creation polis of Jesus." The episode explores the robust implications of Jesus' resurrection and lordship on how Christians engage politics, identity, and vocation in the world.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Salvation as Political Allegiance – Why Paul shifted from viewing Jesus as a failed insurrectionist to proclaiming him as Lord over all creation, a move that reframes salvation within a deeply political lens. • The Cross as the Shape of God's Politics – How Jesus' crucifixion reoriented Paul's understanding of authority, declaring that God's kingdom advances not by power but by self-giving love. • The Kingdom Is Now – Paul realized that resurrection wasn't only an end-times event, but had begun in Jesus and now spreads through a new community of Spirit-filled disciples. • From Jewish Nationalism to Global Invitation – How Paul's prejudices were undone as he saw that non-Jews didn't need to become Jewish but were co-heirs through Jesus, prompting a redefinition of God's people. • Church as the New Political Community – The ekklesia as a holy, elected body called to embody the radically inclusive and cruciform vocation originally entrusted to Israel.

Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 1 – Paul's vision of cosmic Lordship • Exodus 19 – The church's vocation as a royal priesthood and holy nation • Michael Gorman – On cruciformity and Pauline politics • Tim Gombis – Pauline insights and gospel-centered political imagination

For those wrestling with the collision of politics and faith, this episode offers a powerful reorientation toward a kingdom rooted in the cross—not in nationalism or tribalism. Be part of the conversation as we challenge distorted ideas of power and identity and rediscover the church's true calling in the politically charged landscape of today.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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