Wrestling with how faith affects your prayers? Wondering if it's un-Christian to cut off toxic relationships? Curious where Paul fits into the twelve apostles? In this thoughtful Q&A episode, Mike and Andy dig into some tough but deeply relatable questions from the Voxology community. This episode offers perspective-shifting responses to common theological misconceptions, helping listeners navigate spiritual anxiety, relational boundaries, and what faith actually means in the way of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Apostleship – Clarifying the difference between "the Twelve" and broader New Testament uses of the term "apostle," including Paul and even a female apostle. • Faith and Prayer, Reconsidered – Why the phrase "your faith unlocks God's blessings" can be harmful, and how faith, properly understood, is more about covenantal allegiance than psychological certainty. • Boundaries and Spiritual Guilt – Exploring how Christians can approach toxic relationships with both grace and wisdom, while evaluating spiritual guilt that may stem from bad theology rather than the Holy Spirit.

Resources Mentioned: • Jesus's Teachings on Faith – Gospel references to mustard seed faith and community alignment. • Andy Stanley's Pastoral Advice – "Do for one what you wish you could do for all." • Melchizedek – Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 for more on this mysterious biblical figure.

Have a question you're wrestling with? Email [email protected]—Mike and Tim would love to hear from you. And don't forget to check out the Vox Community Podcast for even more rich conversation.

As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue deeper understanding together.

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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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How can reading the Bible form us into people who actually look, sound, and live more like Jesus? This episode dives into that powerful question through raw honesty, theological reflection, and practical insights. Mike Erre processes a deeply personal season of anxiety, health struggles, and spiritual battle—and unpacks how Scripture, when engaged relationally instead of merely intellectually, can be a tool of deep transformation.

Recorded after a teaching event with John Mark Comer and Todd Proctor on the practices of Jesus, Mike explores why many of us don't feel spiritually transformed despite decades of Christian practice, and what it means to read the Bible as a relational and covenantal tool that fosters intimacy and "abiding" with Christ. Rather than reading the Bible to "be right" or gather rules, we are invited to read it because we're already in relationship with Jesus and want to become like Him.

Key Takeaways: • Reading the Bible Relationally – How Scripture becomes a tool for formation when we read it as part of a covenantal relationship with God, rather than a rulebook or doctrinal manual. • Jesus as the Box Top – Why Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God and how our interpretation of all Scripture must be filtered through His life, death, and resurrection. • Transformation Through Attachment – Abiding in Jesus is about relationship, not performance—spiritual growth happens not through formulas or behavior modification, but through intimacy. • Why Many Christians Feel Unchanged – A critique of "trying harder," program-based growth, and information overload as false answers to the gap between who we are and who we want to become. • Living the Story Like Jesus – Understanding the Bible as a unified story we are invited to inhabit—not simply observe or quote—with the goal of embodying Christ.

Resources Mentioned: • Vanguard University – vanguard.edu • John Mark Comer – Practicing the Way – practicingtheway.org • Tim Mackie – The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Hebrews and Galatians – Themes of covenant, transformation, and the new humanity through Jesus

Join the Vox community as we lean into curiosity, wrestle with the hard questions, and rediscover the beauty of what it means to follow Jesus in a deeply Jesus-looking way—honest, raw, and full of grace.

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to continue the conversation.

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Deep questions demand deep exploration, and this episode of Voxology tackles some of the biggest theological and cultural questions facing the modern church. Mike Erre and Andy field four thought-provoking listener questions—each one diving into misunderstood spiritual frameworks and their real-world implications on faith, marriage, evil, and Scripture.

We begin by reexamining the foundations of our faith, contrasting the gospel of Jesus with how we've inherited Paul's theology through Western lenses like the Reformation. From there, we wrestle with the controversial language of submission in marriage in Ephesians 5, the nature of evil and why God hasn't destroyed Satan, and finally, the mysterious process of biblical canonization and why some gospels didn't make the cut.

Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or just curious, this conversation offers a thoughtful roadmap back to the heart of Jesus's mission.

Key Takeaways: • Reframing Faith Around Jesus – Why starting with the gospel of Jesus—not Paul—can lead to a more holistic and life-oriented faith. • Revisiting Ephesians 5 – A deeper look at mutual submission in marriage, the radical call to sacrificial love, and misinterpretations that fuel patriarchy. • The Problem of Evil and Human Freedom – Why God allows free will, even for Satan, and how it points to a grander divine project of human sanctification and cosmic governance. • How the Bible Was Formed – The overlooked process of canonization, community validation, apostolic authorship, and why texts like the Gospel of Thomas were excluded.

Resources Mentioned: • BibleProject (with Tim Mackie) – https://bibleproject.com • Ephesians 5:21-33 – Mutual submission and Christlike love • "Romans Road" – A traditional evangelistic outline using verses from Romans • Tim Mackie's website – https://timmackie.com (for Bible canon resources)

Let's keep asking hard questions and re-centering on Jesus's life, message, and mission. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and find us on your favorite podcast platform and social media for more dialogue around faith that matters.

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.

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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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How a deeper look at scripture, church culture, and the example of Jesus challenges traditional views of women in ministry positions. Mike Erre and Andy break down decades of theology, cultural biases, and inherited assumptions to explore the truth behind women's roles in Christian leadership—and what might be more faithful to the vision of Jesus.

Drawing from Genesis, Paul's letters, and the trajectory of redemption throughout the Bible, this episode offers a powerful case for inclusion. Whether you're complementarian, egalitarian, or just curious, this honest and thoughtful conversation invites listeners into a deeper understanding of authority, gender, and gospel mission in the 21st-century church.

Key Takeaways: • Biblical Interpretation Anchors – Six core theological filters—including creation, eschatology, and Jesus' actions—guide how to discern scripture's intent and application. • Jesus on Women – From discipleship to resurrection witnesses, Jesus consistently elevated and empowered women as full participants in the mission of God. • The Cultural vs. Scriptural Divide – Many church restrictions on women are deeply cultural, not biblically grounded, and often inconsistent or harmful. • Complementarianism's Double Standards – Mike and Andy unpack the theological contradictions and practical absurdities of restrictive models. • Redemptive Trajectory of Scripture – From Genesis to Revelation, the arc of the Bible points toward restored equality and shared leadership in the Spirit.

Resources Mentioned: • Craig Keener, N.T. Wright, Gordon Fee – Noted biblical scholars with perspectives on women in the church. • William Webb – "Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals" • Genesis 1-3 and Galatians 3:28 • Vox Community Teachers: Megan Fate Marshman, Carrie Garcia, Bonnie Lewis • Facebook hashtag thread: "Things Only Christian Women Hear" • Letter to Philemon – Paul's radical approach to slavery and equality in Christ

Join the Voxology community in rethinking deeply held assumptions and imagining a church that reflects the inclusive heart of Jesus. Let your voice be heard—send your feedback, critiques, or questions to [email protected] or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen.

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Let's live out the mission of Jesus—together.

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Tackling real questions from the Vox Community and beyond, Mike Erre and Andy kick off the new Q&A Series with honest, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous reflections on key topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and Christian life. From the Sabbath to science, to the tension between free will and predestination, the duo models what it looks like to wrestle through complex theological questions with curiosity and compassion.

Key Takeaways: • Keeping the Sabbath in Today's World – Why Sabbath is a wisdom practice, not a covenantal requirement, and how Jesus reinterprets the law through love and rest. • Science vs. Essential Oils – Exploring the relationship between faith and science, Christian skepticism toward scientific institutions, and why curiosity and discernment matter. • Free Will and God's Sovereignty – Unpacking the difference between God's corporate predestination and personal agency, and why God is not the author of evil or suffering. • Singleness and God's Compassion – Navigating the desire for marriage with grace, wisdom, and trust, while staying rooted in community and purpose.

Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology Episodes:

• "Does God Cause Suffering?" – [Link to episode]
• "Understanding the Law and the Sabbath" on Facebook – [Link if available]

Join us in rethinking what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in modern life—ask big questions, seek better answers, and laugh along the way. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

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.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Discover why so many are rethinking their faith and how deconstruction can actually catalyze a deeper, more authentic walk with Jesus. Recorded live with audience participation, this episode captures powerful personal stories of disorientation, doubt, and rediscovery. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the rise of Christian deconstruction, challenge the pitfalls of "faith-as-performance," and advocate for a reconstructive faith centered on the radical way of Jesus, not religious systems.

Whether you're post-evangelical, spiritually curious, or navigating your own crisis of faith, this conversation holds space for pain, honesty, humor, and hope.

Key Takeaways: • Deconstructing the Faith – Why more Christians are walking away from inherited religious systems while seeking a more truthful, lived-out spirituality. • Stages of Faith – Exploring concepts like spiritual orientation, disorientation, and reorientation through frameworks from Brueggemann and Fowler. • The Normalcy of Doubt – Why skepticism, grief, and disillusionment are not spiritual failures but invitations to deeper transformation. • Following Jesus vs. Following a System – How a Paul-centered gospel often replaces a Jesus-centered way of life, and why that distinction matters. • Why Reconstruction Matters – The power of rebuilding a durable, honest faith after deconstruction, rooted in the person of Jesus rather than tradition or certainty. • Audience Stories – Live testimonies of deconstructing journeys—from confronting toxic evangelical cliches to having a loved one come out, losing a spouse, struggling with infertility, or simply encountering a more human Jesus.

Guest Highlights: This episode features live participation from audience members who courageously shared moments that sparked their personal faith deconstruction and, for many, the beginning of reorientation toward Jesus.

Resources Mentioned: • Stages of Faith by James Fowler • Walter Brueggemann's framework of Orientation / Disorientation / Reorientation (as seen in the Psalms) • Real Time with Bill Maher – Discussion surrounding Christian public image and its portrayal • Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – Emphasis on grounding and reconstructing faith in the Gospels • The Vox Podcast – Previous episodes addressing church hurt, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and systemic critiques

Call to Action: Help us continue creating space for honest conversations about Jesus, doubt, and identity. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your own story by emailing us at [email protected].

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Support us via Patreon

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify The Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "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 [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How the pursuit of power in the American church undermines its true mission—and how returning to the way of the Lamb transforms our communities, leadership models, and personal discipleship. Mike Erre and guest co-host Andy Bear are joined by authors and leaders Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin to unpack themes from their book, The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb. In this deep and often hilarious conversation, they explore how modern Christianity has embraced worldly power, how we can relearn the power of weakness, and what it means to follow Jesus' subversive model of leadership.

From seminaries to mega-churches, preaching to hair highlights, the crew examines how power, charisma, and platform have overtaken humility, community, and spiritual disciplines—leaving us spiritually malnourished but numerically impressive. What does real maturity, real spiritual authority, and real fruit look like? And how do we build churches that form Christlike disciples instead of celebrity pastors?

Key Takeaways: • Power from Below vs. Power from Above – Exploring the biblical distinction between worldly ambition and Christlike leadership, drawing from James 3 and Revelation's imagery of the dragon and the lamb. • How the Church Mimics Culture – From influencer-minded platforms to stage-driven services, we've too often baptized secular strategies instead of embodying alternative kingdom values. • Spiritual Practices Recenter Power – Communion, confession, and community are not optional; they are tangible expressions of dependence and reminders of grace, crucial for counter-forming us from self-reliance. • Weakness as the Path to Trustworthy Power – God meets us in our weakness not to leave us there, but to empower us to lead and love from a deeper place of transformation. • Redefining Mission – What if instead of going to "fix" others, mission was about mutuality, embodied love, and learning from those the world marginalizes?

Guest Highlights: Kyle Strobel – Professor of Spiritual Theology at Biola University and systematic theologian with deep expertise in Jonathan Edwards. Kyle unpacks how the church's theological integrity is compromised when it defaults to power-grabbing and performance.

Jamin Goggin – Longtime pastor currently serving in San Marcos, CA, Jamin shares authentically about the challenges of leading differently, seeking relationships with those unimpressed by pastoral authority, and creating space for genuine friendship and accountability.

Resources Mentioned: • The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb by Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel – Amazon • James 3 – Teaching on two kinds of wisdom and the roots of demonic power (selfish ambition and envy) • John 15 – Jesus' call to abide and the paradoxical fruitfulness of weakness • Eugene Peterson, Dallas Willard, Jean Vanier, John Perkins – Key spiritual leaders explored in their book • The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard • Second Corinthians – Where Paul boasts only in his weakness • Harry Potter (!) – A surprisingly robust metaphor for Christlike power rooted in love, not dominance

Join the Conversation: This episode is a call to detox from the worldly ways we've accepted as normal and rediscover Jesus' life-giving model of power through love. We'd love to hear your thoughts—email us at [email protected] or engage with the community on social media.

Subscribe to Voxology wherever you listen and leave a rating or review to help others find the show.

We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: Etsy Store Support us on Patreon: Join the Community Discover more at: voxologypodcast.com

Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike: twitter.com/mikeerre

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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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How does the New Testament reframe the concept of tithing? Is lust really equal to adultery? Can "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John" really be ancient Jewish names? In this family-style Q&A edition, Mike Erre and Andy dive into light-hearted and deeply theological listener questions to explore how Jesus expands and redefines Old Testament laws through the Sermon on the Mount, why generosity goes beyond a flat 10%, and the power of understanding scripture in its original context.

Key Takeaways: • Rethinking Tithing in a New Testament Context – Why the 10% rule isn't a mandate and how the Bible calls for radical generosity from the heart. • Jesus and the Heart of the Law – Understanding how the Sermon on the Mount intensifies the moral seriousness of actions by focusing on internal transformation rather than just external behavior. • Beyond the Meme – Addressing how names like Matthew and John came to be associated with Middle Eastern figures and the impact of translation and cultural adaptation in scripture. • Generosity vs Obligation – Exploring how giving can be a response to love and purpose, not guilt or obligation, and why supporting the church isn't the only way to honor God with your money.

Resources Mentioned: • Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7 • Acts & 2 Corinthians – Paul's teachings on giving • Organizations for Generosity: World Vision, Compassion International, Charity: Water • Voxology Podcast Homepage – https://voxologypodcast.com/ • Voxology on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast

Join the ongoing conversation and send in your questions anytime—we love hearing from you as we all pursue Jesus together. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to be part of the community.

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.

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Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast

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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 [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How does someone faithfully follow Jesus while working at the highest levels of American government? Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Michael Wear, author of Reclaiming Hope and former Director of Faith Outreach for President Obama, to explore what it looks like to live out the teachings of Jesus under a microscope of politics, partisanship, and public scrutiny.

Wear shares his incredible journey—from a chance hallway meeting with then-Senator Obama to serving in the White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He opens up about the tensions of holding Christian convictions in a progressive Democratic administration and explains how he navigated controversial issues like abortion, the contraception mandate, and LGBTQ+ rights. Through it all, he offers a hopeful vision for how Christians of all stripes can engage in meaningful political action without losing their integrity or their soul.

Key Takeaways: • Faith and Public Service – What it meant for Wear to live as a committed Christian while serving under President Obama, and how his identity shaped his political engagement. • Engagement Without Idolatry – Practical ways that followers of Jesus can advocate for justice, human dignity, and the common good without placing their hope in political outcomes. • Reframing Polarization – Why reclaiming hope requires that we move beyond cynicism and demonization, and what it looks like to be 'other-centered' in the public square. • From Critique to Contribution – Ways Christians can create shared moral ground around pressing issues like poverty, fatherhood, immigration, and religious liberty. • How Hope Becomes Subversive – Wear's definition of hope as a force that challenges fear-based politics and empowers believers to lead with humility and courage.

Guest Highlight: Michael Wear – Author of Reclaiming Hope and President of Public Square Strategies, Wear offers a deeply informed and nuanced take on the intersection between Christian faith and American politics. As one of President Obama's youngest staffers, he brings firsthand experience from the frontlines of policymaking and shares a radical vision of what Spirit-led civic engagement could look like today.

Resources Mentioned: • Book: Reclaiming Hope by Michael Wear – Amazon • Public Faith Initiative – publicfaith.us • World Vision – worldvision.org • Tyler Wigg-Stevenson – The World is Not Ours to Save

Reframe your approach to politics by rediscovering Jesus-centered activism that puts people over partisanship. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge cultural assumptions and deepen your discipleship. Leave a review, share with a friend, 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 [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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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.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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How should followers of Jesus navigate boundaries in relationships across gender lines, especially in leadership and workplace settings? Mike Erre and Andy discuss the ethics and implications of the "Billy Graham Rule" after a listener question sparks thoughtful reflection on Vice President Mike Pence's commitment never to dine alone with a woman other than his wife. Drawing from biblical principles, personal experience, and cultural critique, they unpack the tension between honoring marital fidelity while also recognizing the unintended consequences of such personal convictions—especially for women in leadership.

This wide-ranging conversation explores not only the historical origins of the Billy Graham Rule but also what it reveals about power, temptation, gender dynamics, and spiritual formation. At the heart is the challenge to move beyond compliance to external boundaries and instead become the kind of person who naturally chooses integrity, trust, and love.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding the "Billy Graham Rule" – Its origins, motivations, and how leaders like Mike Pence have applied it in politics. • Protecting Marriages vs. Disempowering Women – Why well-intentioned boundaries can unintentionally limit women's access to opportunity and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. • The Role of Lust and the Heart – Jesus's deeper teaching on lust and adultery shifts the focus from circumstances to spiritual formation. • Cultural and Generational Gaps – How Millennials and Gen Xers engage the workplace differently, and why older frameworks may fall short today. • Becoming a Safe Person – Why avoiding temptation isn't enough and how integrity is formed in private, not just enforced by rules.

Notable Quotes: • "Marriage is hard work. Every marriage will reach a place where one or both partners wonder, 'Did I make a mistake?' That's when boundaries can help—but only for a season." • "Jesus didn't merely avoid the appearance of evil—he was sometimes accused of it. His focus wasn't appearances. It was love." • "The goal is to become the kind of person who is safe—around anyone."

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 – God's design for male and female partnership • Matthew 5:27–28 – Jesus's teaching on adultery and lust • The Billy Graham Rule background: Wikipedia – Billy Graham rule • Ray Vander Laan's teachings – Cultural insights into Jesus's world • Close Calls by Dave Carder – Exploring the stages and warnings of near-affair situations

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Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Follow him: @GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter

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