Vox Community Podcast

In the passage where Jesus appeared to the disciples in Matthew 14, where they had been crossing the Sea of Galilee, it's observed that they had been rowing for many hours in the storm. Often, in similar moments in our own life we find ourselves just rowing, and rowing, and rowing trying to get where we are going and all the while having doubt, skepticism, and fear about if what we are doing is actually working. And even then, where is Jesus in all of this? In the passage Jesus does eventually arrive in an unexpected way. And for some of us even now, we are still rowing waiting for his relief. Learn more about the VOX Community: www.voxoc.com Learn more about our teacher this Sunday, Joanne Jung: https://www.biola.edu/directory/people/joanne_jung Dr. Jung's interests lie in hermeneutics and spiritual formation. Her research of the English Puritans, specifically their spiritual practices and community, continues to fuel Dr. Jung's passion to nurture her students' growth in their knowledge of the Bible

In an incredibly unexpected move, Jesus tells Zacchaeus, a condemned tax collector, that he would be coming to his house to eat a meal with him; upon seeing him in a tree, desperately trying to see Jesus' teaching. That day, Jesus proclaimed that salvation was upon his house. Among many others, this story would support Jesus' scandalous grace for making friends with sinners. Accused by the religious elite of his day, this very act alone was also tied with being a glutton and drunkard which in there eyes, corrupted the community. Jesus was not afraid of the condemnation of sin thrown his way by the Pharisees, because his love would prove to be much greater than a set of rules to justify their holiness. This week musical artist, Joy Oladokun, joins us for worship. Her song "Cathedrals" is featured int he podcast as i available for purchase via iTunes in the Buy Link. Learn more about Joy at: http://www.joyoladokun.com Follow her and listen to her music on Soundcloud at: https://soundcloud.com/joyoladoku

Many people ask the question, "Why didn't Jesus just claim he was God?" We would argue that he did, you just have to be Jewish to understand it. This Sunday we look back at a few verses where this claim was made, and how the Pharisees recognized it and considered it blasphemy. Learn more about our community at: http://www.voxoc.com

Under no circumstance did a Jewish person of Jesus' time HAVE to travel through Samaria. There was a longer, more comfortable and worn road that was considered the best way of travel in order to avoid such a despicable nation, according to Jewish law. Jesus however, chose the short road through Samaria for a scandalous purpose. And as a result, displayed himself as Messiah and the great I AM for the first time in recorded history to one of the most disenfranchised people of his time, a Samaritan Woman. Participate with us at VOX Community at http://www.voxoc.com

Either things have gotten worse or we just know more now because of social media and expanded communication platforms. How God presents justice in not how America presents justice. God calls upon his people to be a whole existence of forgiveness, reconciliation, and voice for the marginalized of our days. This week we take a deep look at Jesus' justice, and consider what must become second in order for us to be a people of reconciliation. Learn more about VOX Community at www.voxoc.com

Join us this week as we hear from Bonnie Lewis as she presents Jesus as the great equalizer and dismantler of hierachical struggles built to separate us from the ones He loves most. Bonnie has a podcast and blogs at www.findtheblue.com and call also be heard on VOX The Mike Erre Podcast below: http://subversivekingdom.com/?s=bonnie+lewis

This week we observed Jesus' encounter with the woman caught in adultery. While the law suggested she should die for the sin she had caused, Jesus had other plans in mind. In this account, the old law which the religious elite upheld was quickly turned on it's head as Jesus wrote in the sand. We'd love your thoughts and comments below. Enjoy the teaching.

This week we revisit lament with the question; Does God Cause Suffering? We look at Jesus' encounters to understand the reality of this common question in our world about God. Original song written and performed by Izzi Ray "Still Hope" used with permission granted by artist. Check out Izzi Ray on the internet: Soundcloud @izzi-ray iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/izzi-ray/id386256769 YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fYOCSmeh87ky_l0PhTHrg

This week we observe the incredible notion of public lament. We discuss why when Jesus wept, it had reason and meaning even in his knowledge of all things. We take some time to consider the horrific events over the past couple weeks in Orlando, Kenya, and Chicago as we step into a week to embrace lament and look to God for answers and comfort. Original song written and performed by Izzi Ray "Still Hope" used with permission granted by artist. Check out Izzi Ray on the internet: Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/izzi-ray iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/izzi-ray/id386256769 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fYOCSmeh87ky_l0PhTHrg

This week we observe again another insult to Jesus. There was no question of his ruthless effort to flip the religious understanding of the leaders of his time. Numerous times he challenges the fences and rules upheld by the Pharisees and shows a more loving, graceful, and redemptive entrance to his kingdom. This made him a lawbreaker. And his healing and blessing in the face of such outrageous law, made him beautiful.

This week we begin to explore the many insults casted at Jesus, which ultimately point us to his unique characteristics that make him beautiful.

Religion is the best way to hide from God. While Jesus saw the beauty and compassion of the woman who cleaned and wiped his feet with her tears and hair. Simon was lost in his judgement and religiousness as he threw critique at Jesus and the woman. (Luke7:36-50) There is no stain, no blemish, no sin, no screw up, that keeps us away from Jesus. Listen to the gathering, and hear the good news that The Table is for you.

We invite you to listen to week 2 of our Friends and Family preview gathering titled, Who is Invited to the Table. Learn more about VOX community at www.voxoc.com

We invite you to enjoy this raw audio experience of our first preview gathering at VOX Community, a local church expression of the VOX Podcast with Mike Erre in Orange County, CA.