Voxology

Welcome to the Voxology Podcast with Mike Erre and Tim Stafford. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to pray for God's Kingdom to come while living in a world that feels increasingly fractured and chaotic. 🌍 We kick things off by discussing the problematic rhetoric surrounding climate change and the biblical mandate for stewardship. Is the earth just a disposable backdrop for the Gospel, or does God care about the flourishing of creation? 🌿 We also dive into a controversial military prayer used at the Pentagon, examining how wrapping requests for overwhelming violence in the name of Jesus represents a fundamental misunderstanding of his character and mission. 🕊️ The core of our study today focuses on the Already and Not Yet paradox of the Kingdom of God. We look at the ancient Jewish expectation of the two ages and how Jesus inaugurated the age to come right in the middle of our present reality. This overlap of ages explains the common tensions of the Christian life, such as why we experience both the power of the Spirit and the ongoing struggle with sin, death, and suffering. 📖 Welcome to the Voxology Podcast with Mike Erre and Tim Stafford. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to pray for God's Kingdom to come while living in a world that feels increasingly fractured and chaotic. 🌍 We kick things off by discussing the problematic rhetoric surrounding climate change and the biblical mandate for stewardship. Is the earth just a disposable backdrop for the Gospel, or does God care about the flourishing of creation? 🌿 We also dive into a controversial military prayer used at the Pentagon, examining how wrapping requests for overwhelming violence in the name of Jesus represents a fundamental misunderstanding of his character and mission. 🕊️ The core of our study today focuses on the Already and Not Yet paradox of the Kingdom of God. We look at the ancient Jewish expectation of the two ages and how Jesus inaugurated the age to come right in the middle of our present reality. This overlap of ages explains the common tensions of the Christian life, such as why we experience both the power of the Spirit and the ongoing struggle with sin, death, and suffering. 📖 Chapters ⏳ 0:00 Intro and Easter Week 3:15 Climate Change and Faith 7:40 Biblical Stewardship of Creation 10:30 Three Meanings of the World 14:15 New Creation and NT Wright 17:50 Interdimensional Ideas and Aliens 21:10 The Pentagon Prayer Controversy 25:00 Critiquing Violent Prayers in Jesus Name 30:45 Peacemaking vs Peacekeeping 35:20 Finding Hope in Apathy 39:00 The Kingdom of God Series Continues 43:10 The Two Ages Jewish Perspective 47:30 Paradox of the Present Kingdom 52:15 Living in the Overlap of Ages 56:40 Implications for Healing and Sin 1:00:30 Building For the Kingdom 1:04:06 Outro and Support 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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Spiritual Warfare, the Body, and Collective Discipleship: Unlearning Gnostic Influences and Embracing the Kingdom of God. This episode explores how contemporary understandings of spiritual warfare often veer into performative, individualistic practices that miss the communal and restorative essence emphasized in the New Testament. Mike and Tim discuss the influence of Gnosticism on Western theology, emphasizing the importance of embodied faith, collective resistance against powers of wrath, and practical practices for embodying the kingdom of God today. Key Topics: - The critique of performative and theatrical spiritual warfare practices and their impact on faith formation - The influence of Gnostic dualism on misconceptions about flesh, salvation, and the body - Reframing spiritual warfare as collective resistance rooted in community practices such as confession, communion, and mutual hospitality - The importance of embodiment, silence, and physical practices (like breath prayer) in resisting individualism and fostering full humanity - How the powers and principalities influence societies collectively, not just individuals - The role of the church as a monument and enactment of the new creation, practicing reconciliation, justice, and community embodied faith - Deconstructing misconceptions about wrath, sin, and the influence of the demonic, emphasizing God's wrath as self-consuming and current—focused on empowering resistance within the community - The importance of unlearning inherited dualisms and Gnostic ideas to recover a robust biblical view of flesh, body, and salvation - Practical steps for cultivating hope, resisting shame, and engaging in non-reactive, presence-filled discipleship Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The season, weather, and fire season anxieties 02:00 - Opening musical suggestions and poetic reflections on growth and resilience 05:00 - The story of Iranian asylum seekers and recent U.S. immigration developments 09:00 - Reflections on current national crises and the call for collective hope 12:00 - Challenging individualistic views of spiritual warfare and the role of community 16:00 - The influence of Gnostic dualism on understanding flesh and salvation 22:00 - The impact of disembodied spiritual practices and the importance of embodied faith 30:00 - The church as a communal space of resistance against powers of division and exploitation 38:00 - Reimagining spiritual warfare as living out the kingdom through practical love and justice 42:00 - The significance of confession, accountability, and mutual presence 50:00 - Deconstructing misconceptions of wrath and divine anger 60:00 - Understanding flesh, sin, and death as neutral yet inhabited by patterns of habit and obedience 68:00 - The destructive role of wrath and how Jesus absorbed it in love 75:00 - Practicing renewal through prayer, hope, and embodied presence 78:00 - The transformative power of pausing and inviting God's presence in daily life 86:00 - The mission of the church as a community embodying divine justice and reconciliation 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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Are we focusing on the wrong threats while ignoring the ones growing right inside our own communities? Join Mike, Tim, and Seth as they dive deep into the biblical definition of the Antichrist, the manipulative power of fear, and how the modern church often aligns itself with worldly systems rather than the Kingdom of God. This episode moves beyond traditional labels to explore what it actually means to live in a cosmically contested space. In this conversation, the team unpacks the startling New Testament reality that antichrists are often plural and internal to the church, rather than a single external boogeyman. We discuss the recent tragic events in Iran and how nationalistic rhetoric often blinds us to the suffering of others. By looking at the life of Jesus through the lens of security versus threat, we explore why the church is so easily led by fear and how we can begin to resist the systemic powers of individualism, tribalism, and redemptive violence. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro and Spring Break Shenanigans 3:15 Subscribe or Die 7:45 Global Conflict and the Good Guys Narrative 12:30 Redefining the Antichrist: Plural and Internal 18:15 The Theology of Gnosticism and the Flesh 23:50 Why Fear Drives Us to Authoritarianism 28:10 Jesus, Foot Washing, and Identity Security 34:20 James Baldwin: Every Dead Child is My Child 39:45 The Kingdom of God vs. The Counter-Kingdom 44:10 The Origin of Evil and Moral Agency 49:30 Salvation as a Cosmic Dimension 55:15 Cultural Discernment Beyond Safe for the Family 59:40 Six Powers Dominating the American Church 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. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Oh, John Piper... Does bad theology actually hurt people in the real world? Today Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the intersection of faith, war, and the heavy burden of rigid religious systems that leave no room for human pain. From political rhetoric to pastoral advice, they explore how our view of God shapes our response to suffering and global conflict. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at Seth Erre's new podcast before shifting into the sobering reality of the conflict in Iran and the troubling rhetoric of Christian nationalism. The heart of the episode is a detailed critique of John Piper's recent teaching on lament. Piper suggests that criticizing God's ways is always a sin, but Mike and Tim argue that the biblical text shows a much more complex, raw, and honest relationship between the Creator and the suffering. By looking at the Garden of Gethsemane, the book of Job, and the laments of Jeremiah, they challenge the idea that faith requires passive resignation. Instead, they propose a slow theology that values human agency and honest wrestling. Along the way, they pull in surprising insights from Oppenheimer, Batman, and even Henry Rollins to discuss education, empathy, and what it truly means to be an image-bearer in a chaotic world. CHAPTERS 0:00 INTRO AND THE BEST FRIENDS PODCAST 3:15 AUSTIN POWERS AND THE GOLDEN DRAPES 6:00 THEOLOGY OF WAR AND CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM 10:45 THE ETYMOLOGY OF WOKE AND MILITARY RHETORIC 1 3:50 NAMING THE FALLEN AND VICTIMS OF WAR 18:15 FINDING HOPE AND THE CHURCH AS A MIRROR 22:30 IT TAKES A VILLAGE FOR AMERICA AND THE CHURCH 26:45 JOHN PIPER ON LAMENT AND CHRONIC ILLNESS 32:00 IS IT ALWAYS A SIN TO CRITICIZE GOD 37:15 SOVEREIGNTY VS THE REALITY OF EVIL 42:30 BIBLICAL PROTEST IN JOB AND JEREMIAH 47:50 GETHSEMANE AND THE HONEST WRESTLING OF JESUS 53:00 THE SHEPHERD METAPHOR VS RELIGIOUS CAGES 57:45 SLOW THEOLOGY AND THE POWER OF AGENCY 1:02:30 OPPENHEIMER EDUCATION AND HUMAN DISCOVERY 1:06:50 CLOSING THOUGHTS AND HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW If you value these deep dives into the complexities of faith and culture, please consider supporting the Voxology Podcast. We are a listener-supported nonprofit dedicated to creating a space for honest conversation. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/voxology Find us on Instagram at instagram.com/voxologypodcast Visit our website at voxologypodcast.com Thank you for walking this long road with us. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a more compassionate perspective on faith and suffering. 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. Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Are we ignoring the most important issues of justice while fighting over trivial things? In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike and Tim tackle the heavy reality of the Epstein files and the church's response to systemic injustice. Join us for an honest conversation about anger, accountability, and a powerful message on faith. ⚖️ JUSTICE AND THE EPSTEIN FILES Things get serious as Mike reads a phenomenal post by Pastor Brian Drinkwine. We dive deep into the recent news surrounding the Epstein files, the Department of Justice, and political figures. ⛪ THE CHURCHS RESPONSE This is a raw look at how American Christianity has become skilled at straining gnats and swallowing camels. Why do we go to war over church carpet colors but stay silent on the exploitation of the vulnerable? We discuss the heartbreak of losing trust in leaders and the challenge of Matthew 20. Jesus asks if we can drink the cup of reckoning without rushing to defend our political tribes. THE POWERS AND PRINCIPALITIES Then, Mike and Tim explore the concept of powers and principalities, the wisdom of God versus human wisdom, and redefine what freedom in Christ truly means. The conversation is rich with personal reflections, cultural critiques, and a call to action for listeners to engage with the world around them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 00:57 Creative Outlets: Music and Expression 02:59 Reflections on Current Events and Social Media 06:03 The Epstein Files and Moral Outrage 09:49 The Weight of Accountability and Justice 12:05 Punk Culture and Social Commentary 16:01 Holding the Cup of Reckoning 20:07 Destruction as a Form of Creation 24:06 The Weight of Idealism 27:43 Understanding Systemic Evil 30:08 The Powers and Their Influence 34:39 Philosophy and Spiritual Forces 45:24 Redefining Freedom in Christ 01:01:06 "Hope" is the thing with feathers -By Emily Dickinson SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you appreciate this conversation, please rate and review the podcast to help others find us! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on today's topics, and do not forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Voxology podcast! 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. 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 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