Voxology

Exiles on Main Street. Today Mike and Tim explore themes of exile and displacement within the context of faith and community. They discuss the implications of the kingdom of God, the challenges of political idolatry in church leadership, and the nature of God's kingship. The conversation delves into the historical role of Israel and the transition to the church, emphasizing the ongoing choice between life and death in the spiritual journey.

What are the implications of the kingdom of God as a political and social order that transcends partisan politics? What is the law of love, the geopolitical reality of Jesus' message, and the importance of understanding the Old Testament as a historical lineage with significant implications for contemporary life? Together, Mike and Tim emphasize the public nature of the kingdom, the now and not yet aspect of its realization, and the need for repentance and discernment in the face of political idolatry.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

Are There Limits to Hospitality? Today, Mike and Tim are joined by the one and only Dr. Timothy Gombis to discuss whether or not there are limits to biblical hospitality.

Together, they explore how hospitality is rooted in God's character and how it should manifest in church communities. The discussion also delves into the political dynamics affecting church communities, the limits of hospitality, and the challenges of navigating political idolatry and competing claims of harm within the church. What are the complexities of community engagement, political activism, and the challenges faced by faith communities in a divided society? What is the importance of identity, belonging, and the role of pastors in navigating cultural tensions?

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

Signs of a Healthy Church? Today on the Voxology podcast, Mike and Tim reflect on Thanksgiving and delve into the complexities of choosing a church. They discuss the importance of community, the role of disagreement, and the need for authenticity in worship. The conversation highlights the significance of power dynamics in church leadership and contrasts the liturgy of politics with the liturgy of the Lord's Supper. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of building a new humanity within faith communities, where hospitality and mutuality thrive despite differences.

Mike and Tim discuss the importance of fostering unity in diversity within church communities and explore practices that promote communion and community, the value of embracing disagreement, and the necessity of repairing relationships. The dialogue emphasizes active participation in church life, the distinction between co-learning and authoritarian leadership, and the power of weakness in faith. They also reflect on the significance of the crucifixion as an act of enthronement and the importance of relational dynamics over doctrinal statements.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

Guerrilla Radio. Today, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a candid conversation about the complexities of navigating political conversations within the church. They reflect on the challenges of finding community in a politically charged environment and discuss the role of politics in church dynamics, emphasizing the importance of grace and understanding in these discussions. The episode concludes with insights on how to approach church leadership and community in light of political differences.

What is the nature of the Kingdom of God? How can we emphasize its nonviolent principles and the rejection of political power? What are the dynamics of power within the church, the dangers of partisanship, and the importance of separating the person from their political views? How can we focus on what we stand for rather than what they oppose, while advocating for a posture of love and commitment to flourishing?

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

Clipped from the end of episode 481, here is Mike reading the Sermon on the Mount in its entirety from The Message.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.