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