Exploring More

Galatians 5: Living by the Spirit and Resisting the Drift to Bondage In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, diving deep into chapter 5 and its radical invitation: to live free and walk by the Spirit. They explore the tension between flesh and Spirit, law and grace, and what it means to express faith through love—not fear, performance, or legalism. Drawing parallels to The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler's List, the conversation unpacks how easy it is to return to "institutionalized" ways of living—even after being set free. The hosts reflect on Paul's passionate call to resist that drift and instead live as adopted sons and daughters, led by the Holy Spirit. They also examine the historical backdrop of the Reformation and Martin Luther's deep connection to Galatians, tracing how his translation work helped recover the gospel of grace in an age of religious rule-keeping. With stories, Scripture, and honest questions, Michael and SJ make the spiritual struggle tangible—and hopeful. The episode also highlights Zoweh's Base Camp, a free resource library full of devotionals, discussion guides, and podcast-based study tools designed for personal and group growth. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Galatians 4: From Law to Sonship—Living in the Freedom of Grace In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, unpacking the powerful contrast between life under the law and life as sons and daughters of God. Using the characters of Les Misérables—Javert and Valjean—they illustrate the stark difference between rigid justice and transformative grace. Michael and SJ reflect on Galatians 4 and the metaphor of the law as a guardian or tutor—meant to lead us to maturity, not define our identity. With personal stories and biblical insight, they explore the theme of adoption into God's family, emphasizing both the legal authority and intimate connection that come with true sonship. The conversation calls believers to grow from spiritual slavery into spiritual maturity—moving from performance and obligation into freedom and responsibility, led by the Spirit. Grace isn't just forgiveness—it's the empowering presence of God that brings about real transformation. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journey with grace, and to prepare their hearts for the next step in the series: the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Galatians 3: Faith, Freedom, and the Promise of More In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson turns the spotlight to Galatians chapter 3—a pivotal passage where Paul passionately unpacks the difference between living by faith and being bound by the law. Building on earlier chapters, this conversation explores how grace, not performance, secures our place in God's family. Through clear teaching and heartfelt reflection, Michael highlights Paul's rebuke of the Galatians for slipping back into works-based righteousness, and his reminder that the Spirit comes by faith—not rule-keeping. From Abraham to the coming of Christ, Galatians 3 unveils the promise of freedom through trust in God's covenant, not human effort. This episode also reintroduces Zoweh's Base Camp, a new online resource library filled with devotionals, discussion guides, and podcast video series designed to help individuals and small groups dive deeper into Scripture—especially journeys like Galatians. Whether you're walking this out alone or with brothers in community, Galatians 3 reminds us that there is always more—more to believe, more to trust, and more freedom to receive as sons and daughters of God. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp 🎧 More Episodes & Show Notes: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Galatians 2: Identity, Intimacy, and the Freedom Beyond Performance In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Galatians by diving into chapter two—where Paul boldly defends the gospel of grace and challenges efforts to impose law-driven faith on new believers. Through humor, baseball analogies, and historical insight, the hosts explore the cultural tension between Jewish and Gentile followers and how those same dynamics show up in modern faith and identity struggles. The conversation centers on the difference between living in performance-based religion versus intimacy with God. Michael and SJ reflect on Paul's confrontation with Peter, the deeper meaning of justification by faith, and the subtle ways we still try to earn what Christ has freely given. Drawing from personal stories, cultural comparisons, and even Tim Keller's commentary, this episode offers both theological depth and real-life application. The message is clear: our worth doesn't come from rituals or appearances—it comes from being known, loved, and justified in Christ. This episode also spotlights Zoweh's Base Camp, a powerful resource for men seeking spiritual growth, healing, and deeper connection with God and others. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Visit Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Galatians 1: Gospel Clarity, Conditional Love, and Personal Theology In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series through the book of Galatians, focusing on Paul's bold defense of his apostleship and the uncompromising unity of the gospel. Writing with passion and urgency, Paul confronts distortions introduced by the Judaizers—reminding the Galatians that his commission comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ Himself. The conversation moves from historical context to personal reflection, as Michael and SJ examine how cultural expectations, church upbringing, and performance-based faith can cloud our understanding of grace. They explore how many believers, knowingly or not, come to believe that love must be earned—when in fact, the gospel declares it's freely given. This episode also introduces Zoweh's Base Camp, a new online resource hub offering devotionals, podcasts, and discussion guides to support deeper connection with God and others. Whether you're exploring Galatians in a group or on your own, this resource is a companion for your healing and restoration journey. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own personal theology and motivations: What's driving your faith—grace or performance? What version of love did your story teach you to believe? We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 🧭 Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Galatians, Grace, and Gospel: Paul's Passion and Our Freedom In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings open a brand-new journey through the book of Galatians. With passion and insight, they explore Paul's missionary travels, his dramatic transformation from Pharisee to apostle, and the cultural tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. This episode lays the foundation for the Galatians series—a deep dive into one of Paul's most emotional and urgent letters. Michael and SJ unpack themes of identity, freedom, grace, and spiritual warfare, and examine how Paul's personal encounters with the resurrected Christ shaped his bold message of salvation by grace, not by works. Alongside historical and theological context, the conversation gets personal: What are we adding to the gospel? Where are we still performing for acceptance? Through honest reflection and practical application, the hosts invite listeners to confront performance-based faith and embrace grace as the empowering presence of God. Whether you're listening alone or with a small group, this series invites you into the heart of the gospel—a life of freedom, identity, and unshakable belonging in Christ. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Kings Row with John Eldredge: Experiencing Jesus in Daily Life In this special episode of Exploring More, Michael Thompson welcomes bestselling author John Eldredge to launch the new series Kings Row. Together, they explore deeper spiritual experiences—not through religious striving, but through daily relational union and communion with Jesus. John shares his heart behind Experiencing Jesus, a guide to recovering ancient practices and creating space to connect with God. Drawing from Psalm 91, neuroscience, and his own journey, he introduces the "ordinary mystic"—believers who walk intimately with God in everyday life. The conversation explores the challenge of a culture driven by speed and distraction. John names the toll of technology and invites listeners to unplug and return to practices that foster healing and peace. From angelic encounters to Star Trek, the episode offers wisdom and wonder in how God meets us. Michael and John also highlight the role of spiritual fathering, mentors, and tools like the Pause app—resources to reorient the soul and experience God in real time. This episode invites you to linger in God's presence, embrace the unseen realm, and rediscover the joy of walking with Jesus daily. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 🕊️ Pause App & Experiencing Jesus Module: https://www.pauseapp.com

Healing the Father's Heart: Questions, Connection, and the Power of Apology In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the deep waters of fatherhood and healing. They explore how a father's spiritual health and emotional presence can shape not only his own heart but also the hearts of his children. The invitation is clear: walk with God, get your heart back, and reconnect with your children—no matter what season of parenting you're in. Through personal stories, including bread baking requests, football games, Star Trek marathons, and the hard lessons of missed moments, Michael and SJ unpack practical ways for fathers to stay engaged and grow in empathy. From asking better questions to reading books and watching shows alongside their kids, they share everyday strategies that create opportunities for meaningful connection. A major theme of the episode is the healing power of sincere apologies. The hosts offer guidance on how to make amends—not from a place of shame, but from a place of humility and love. They emphasize that even past mistakes, when owned and addressed, can become sacred moments of restoration. The conversation also highlights the spiritual dimension of fatherhood: praying for and with children, standing in spiritual authority, and staying attentive to God's voice in the parenting journey. Resources like Zoweh's Daily Prayer and the book King Me are recommended as tools for this sacred calling. Whether you're in a season of reconnection or just beginning to examine your own story, this episode offers hope, honesty, and help for the road ahead. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Training Up a Child: Discovering Gifts, Asking Questions, and Fathering with Intentionality In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton invite listeners into a candid and heartfelt conversation about the ongoing journey of fatherhood. Drawing from Proverbs 22:6 and their own lived experiences, they explore the sacred responsibility of training up children—not in a rigid mold, but in alignment with each child's unique personality, giftings, and "bent." Fatherhood, they reflect, is not about mastery—it's about discovery. Whether it's planning one-on-one adventures, reading books their kids love, or simply asking the right questions at the right time, Michael, SJ, and Josh share how intentional moments of connection become anchors for a child's identity. The episode emphasizes the value of listening deeply, affirming consistently, and staying curious—especially as children grow into their own. The conversation also highlights how a father's story—his wounds, growth, and transformation—inevitably shapes the map he offers his children. From stories of moving day emotions to navigating different personality types, the episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for dads walking through every stage of parenting. Ultimately, Michael, SJ, and Josh point to the deeper reality that to father well, a man must be fathered by God. Healing the false self, becoming more self-aware, and leaning into community are all part of the ongoing work of fatherhood. This episode is a reminder that while parenting is hard, no man is meant to do it alone. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Josh Overton, a father of three and leader of the Zoe Allies, shares heartfelt stories about fatherhood and healing. He discusses the nuances of parenting boys versus girls and the deep impact of generational wounds. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and acknowledging mistakes in parenting. Josh recalls moments with his sons, focusing on reconnecting after missed opportunities and the power of a father's presence. Ultimately, they emphasize turning regrets into opportunities for reconciliation and growth, fostering a safe space for children.