Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Culture Warring. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the idea of ‘Culture Wars’ in light of the leaked Roe V Wade decision. What’s the goal of a culture war? What does it mean to “win?” Does undoing a law such as this help to save lives? Or is it about the message? What does it mean to actually be ‘Pro Life?’ Is there Biblical permission for culture warring? It seems like Nobody wins a culture war. Either you lay down your weapons and seek peace together as neighbors, or you destroy the culture. The New Testament vision of the church is of these small and vulnerable communities, that venture out into the world to serve and that open up their communities and households to others (especially the marginalized) for encounters of mutual blessing. At the end of the episode, Mike and Tim try something new in 'Prayers of the People,' which is hopefully an active way of engaging in prayer and worship on behalf of brothers and sisters all over the globe.  We realize the sensitivity of these topics and our intention is to

Image - Part Seven: Gotta Have Faith, Faith, Faith. Today, Mike and a very sick Tim continue the conversation on Imaging, focusing on the words of Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Previously, they established salvation as 'an embodied participation in the new heavens and new earth.' Today, the focus is on faith. How does it differ, scripturally, from the understanding most of us grew up with? What Faith is not:  Not the opposite of evidence assessment Not a leap in the dark Not the opposite of works Not optimism or a positive mindset that makes us passive Not a profession of Faith Not good theology What is faith? Faith has these three elements: Mental affirmation/intellectual agreement: certain enough to yield Professed fealty to Jesus

Deconstruction, Death & Depression. Today we take a break to digest all of the content from the Image series so far to sit with a few listener questions. First, Mike speaks to a comment that rubbed him wrong on his own 'deconstruction.' How do you talk about New Creation and the Gospel with someone on Hospice? If the idea of being 'saved' is so important and supposedly so easy to understand, why did it take us so many episodes and so much research to unpack? Can the ideas of New Creation and center focus be dialed down to a "Romans Road" style message of the Gospel?? All that and one long critique of both Mike and Tim from recent episodes. So much good stuff from the VOXOLOGY Community!!! As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify c

Image - Part Six: Time. Today, we wrap up the first part of our series on 'Imaging,' focusing on the words of Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Saved is about Space & Time. As Jews thought about the Kingdom Of God, they used two grand eras: The Old Age, which was characterized by sin, death and evil, and the Age to Come, which was characterized by life, peace, justice and love. The Kingdom Of God was another way of talking about the age to come. In some ways, the two ages have overlapped. This is about Now and Not Yet. This is about how we Have Been Saved, We are Being Saved and We Will Be Saved. As we dig into these ideas, we are encouraged to avoid: Any theology that separates us from our bodies Any theology that is escapist Any theology that priva

BONUS EPISODE - How? Why? When? Today, Mike and Tim sit down with pastor, author and friend Bethany Nass Cseh. Together, they read through some heavy listener emails dealing with various questions about the Church, ranging from: Abuse. Bounded Mindsets. John MacArthur. Deconstruction/Reconstruction. Not hearing or feeling God. Cynicism towards the Church model. What posture is there to hold in all of this? Where is hope? What role does community play? Bethany's church can be found HERE Bethany's books, Stepping Into Lent & Stepping Into Advent, can be found HERE As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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 Twitte

Image - Part Five: Saved (From). What is wrath?!? Today, we explore God’s judgment, here and now, as this reality where wrath is simply a self-consumptive dynamic. Do people who engage in the oppression of others initiate these cycles of violence and oppression themselves? All the sinful practices that we could possibility engage in humanity wide, they all have us in their grip, making sure that we are dehumanized and dehumanize each other; it’s all part of this cosmic network that is wrath. It is self-consumptive. The whole thing is set aflame and will consume itself. Where is God in this? How do New Creation dynamics play into this? What does Paul say in Romans on all of this? Today, we continue our series on Imaging, focusing on the words of Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in adv

Image - Part Four: Space. Today we continue our series on Imaging, focusing on the words of Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” How does the language in Genesis shape the human imaging project? How does worship factor in? What is the chaos God subdues? How does it come to define us and creation?? Mike and Tim also answer follow up questions on short term missions trips from the previous episodes. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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 u

Image: Part Three - Saved, Continued. This episode, we continue the conversation on what being "Saved" means, as we dive into Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Today, we park in Romans for a bit to pick apart salvific language. What are we saved to? How does restoration play in? How do we image creation back to God, rather than image God to creation? We also respond to a listener email and to a question on criticism of mission's trips from last episode.  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The V

BONUS Episode: Centered-Set Church. Today, in a bonus conversation, Mike and Tim are joined by the man himself, the author of “Centered-Set Church: Discipleship and Community Without Judgmentalsim,” Dr. Mark D. Baker! Dr. Baker was gracious enough to sit down and answer questions from the Unified Series that were sent in by y’all, the VOXOLOGY Community! Mark's book can be purchased HERE The video series he mentions can be found HERE As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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

Image - Part Two: Saved. We're continuing this series, looking at the grammar of the gospel, in particular the key words used in Ephesians 2:8-10, words that have come to define our faith and understanding of the journey we're on with Yahweh. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." In Genesis 1 and 2, God makes humanity in his image; that is, God constructs the world as God’s own temple and the image of God in the temple (just like an ancient temples, you go into the temple and there is the image of the unseen diety). In the temple that is creation, the image of the unseen God is humans. All of humanity. As we live lives of flourishing and continue to enjoy and spread the shalom of God within creation, God is glorified b/c that is what the 'Image of God' is meant to do: flourish, en

Image - Part One: Return of the King. We're starting a new series today that will help us renew the key words used in Ephesians 2:8-10, words that have come to define our faith and understanding of the journey we're on with Yahweh. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." To begin, what is the Kingdom of Heaven? How does it operate as an image of God himself? When the White House issues a statement, we all realize the actual White House isn't speaking. It is a symbol or image for the powers within. Everything Jesus said and did pointed to the Kingdom! “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Something is here that forces you to reckon and respond. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com

Heavy Burdens. Today, we welcome back to the show author, professor and advocate Bridget Eileen Rivera to discuss her new book, Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church. What are the seven ways that the LGBTQ community has experienced harm? What are direct traumas the church has committed? What are indirect ways?  How can we best repent of the harm caused? Bridget is a favorite guest of ours and we're excited to have her back. Bridget Eileen Rivera is a sociologist completing her Ph.D. at the City University of New York Graduate Center. A homeschool graduate and alum of Patrick Henry College, Rivera has become a leading voice on gay celibacy in the the church, helping Christians better grapple with gender and sexuality in a divided culture. She has worked with a number of faith-based organizations, including Revoice, Christians for Social Action, and Preston Sprinkle’s Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, where she contributed to the Digital Leaders Forum. You can buy

Unified - Part Six: War & Centered Relational Dynamics. Today, Mike and Tim begin with a conversation about Ukraine and where we fit in. How are we to be peacemakers in this? What does that even mean? What does the Bible say about war? They then continue the series 'Unified,' and the dynamics of community in 'Centered' Churches (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker).  Security: Stuart Murray: “Churches with healthy centers are secure enough to welcome those who are exploring faith and searching for authenticity." How the Bible is Used: Disintegrative shaming vs. reintegrative shaming - not all shaming is the same. Disintegrative shaming focuses on making an example of guilty offenders and ensuring they get what they deserve. It stigmatizes. Reintegrative shaming acknowledges that the social bond has been damaged and draws attention to the shameful action, but its goal is to heal relationships and reintegrate the offender to the group. Stigmatization is shaming the person rather than t

Mike and Tim sit down with a number of listener questions, comments and critiques!  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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

Unified - Part Five: Defining the Center. This episode, Mike offers thoughts on defining the "center" of the 'Centered Set' focus (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker). Defining the center is the most important task of a Centered Focused Church. For christians, the center is the God revealed by Jesus Christ. But, saying that Jesus is the center is not a complete definition. Who is God (our conceptions about God will influence whether we do church in a bounded, fuzzy, or centered way, and the paradigm of our church will influence how we view God)? Who is Jesus?? Jesus was Jewish Jesus preached the Kingdom Of God Jesus preached and embodied the 'Great Reversal' The Kingdom Of God created conflict Jesus revealed the Father Cruciformity Eschatological bearer of judgment As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Voxology

Unified - Part Four: Earning the Right to be Heard. Today, Mike continues ‘church discipline’ via the Centered set (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker). Jesus and Paul both make it clear that we must do more than simply avoid bounded practices, we must also confront and challenge them. Galatians, for example, is not a reaction to loose moral living but to bounded-church line drawing; Jesus repeatedly exposed and challenged bounded group religiosity. In challenging the bounded approach, we must attack the power of the paradigm rather than the people. We paint the picture of the possibility of being liberated from bounded ways. We seek to liberate people from a view of God that contributes to their bounded ways of judgment against others and themselves. If they see God as an accusing eye in the sky, then no amount of centered intervention will help. We must love extravagantly both through gracious embrace and concrete actions of accompaniment. We must embody centered values: relationship building

Unified - Part Three: Treating Symptoms & Roots. Mike continues with the concepts of ‘Bounded, Fuzzy & Centered’ sets (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker) and how they pertain to Church Discipline and leaving behind the judgment of Bounded Churches. Critiquing a Bounded Church is not a critique of boundaries; boundaries are often healthy expressions of care - without limits children do not thrive. While boundaries are good things, a Bounded Church twists and misuses them. A Bounded Church is one whose identity is defined by the boundary line and who uses the boundary line to self-righteously divide the included from the excluded. Discipline in Bounded Churches: Focus is boundary. Not much grace for failure and the focus is on externals, not internals. Exclusion and Shame. Discipline in Fuzzy Churches: Avoid most judgment altogether (except for the people who do draw lines). Avoid making someone else feed bad. Discipline in Centered Churches: Deal with each case individually. Deal w

Unified - Part Two: If I Should Fall Behind. Today we broaden the conversation on unity and what it means to be ‘unified.’ Mike continues the concepts of ‘Bounded, Fuzzy & Centered’ sets (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker), but furthers it to how they relate and manifest in the Church. Bounded churches: One’s status in relation to the boundary line is communicated in a variety of ways. “We don’t believe/do that”; silence and shunning. Even hearing how others are talked about (unstated lines are no less real!!!!) Fuzzy Churches: Whatever-ism – People refrain from confronting someone else in regard to hurtful actions, but rarely describe beliefs and action as inappropriate. Centered Churches: The center is Jesus; Jesus is the focus, not the boundary line. To whom does the person offer their worship or allegiance? Are you living in the new creation? Are you trusting God for your security rather than rituals? Which direction are you heading? As always, we encourage and would love discuss

Unified- Part 1: Lines and Erasers. This is the first episode in a longer conversation on 'Unity.' We have received many questions about how we can have unity with people we vehemently disagree with... Here, Mike and Tim first discuss how we define unity, or what it means to be unified. Then, Mike walks us through different "sets" we use (as first explored by Paul Hiebert, via Mark Baker). What is a 'Bounded Set,' and how do we relate to and understand that way of living? How has a 'Bounded Set' been realized in our churches and communities? The next is a 'Fuzzy Set.' How does this relate to 'Bounded?' How might we overcorrect from one and land in the other? Lastly, Mike walks us through the 'Centered Set.' How is this characterized? How might we restructure our communal dynamics to better embody this mindset? How does all of this relate to deconstruction and leaving the Church? There is so much to unpack here, hence the beginning of a longer conversation.  Mike also reads a few more listener 'deconstruc

A Conversation on the Death Penalty. Today, Mike and Tim are joined by new friend Renee Monzon. Renee is a public defender in Ohio who represents people on death row and is a part of our Voxology community. Along with her work in the law, Renee has a heart to educate, inform and tell people’s stories. What is the definition or heart of justice? How has this system fallen apart? Who is the most affected? Where does the Church lay historically within this conversation? Why? As a people who believe in the power of redemption, why are we so much more in favor of the Death Penalty? What can we do? What would Jesus have us do? It’s a tough and controversial topic, but one we need to be having. Bryan Stevenson’s book, Just Mercy, can be found HERE  Tim’s record of imprisoned men’s stories, Letters From Lancaster Prison, can be heard HERE  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Fac