Exploring More

Michael Thompson - Zoweh

Zoweh's Exploring More Podcast is an invitation to conversations committed to sharing our discoveries of the wild and wonderful Kingdom of God… how it works, who we are in it, and the Love and Life that is constantly pursuing us. The Kingdom of God isn't easy nor is everything in our story good—there are predators and parasites in the spiritual realm, another kingdom, the kingdom of darkness that exists and violently opposes our discovering and becoming more. Exploring More is hosted by Michael Thompson, produced by Zoweh, and recorded in Durham, NC.

  1. há 22 h

    Why Jesus Really Came

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Kingdom realities by asking one of the most important questions of the Christian faith: Why did Jesus come? For many, the answer begins and ends with the forgiveness of sins. And while forgiveness is central to the Gospel, Michael and SJ explore the much larger mission Jesus Himself declared: to heal the brokenhearted, set captives free, restore sight to the blind, seek and save the lost, give His life as a ransom, and bring abundant life. Drawing from Luke 4 and Isaiah 61, Michael and SJ examine the moment Jesus stood in the synagogue, opened the scroll, and publicly announced His mission. His words reveal a Gospel of rescue, healing, freedom, restoration, and redemption—a Kingdom reality that reaches far beyond simply securing a place in heaven someday. Together, they explore the foundational Scriptures that have shaped Zoweh's understanding of the larger Gospel and what it means to experience the life Jesus came to give. They also reflect on their own journeys of faith, the Bibles and passages that have marked their stories, and how a broader understanding of Jesus's mission can transform the way we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. Jesus didn't come only to forgive you. He came to rescue, heal, restore, redeem, and set you free. This episode is an invitation to rediscover the fullness of the Gospel and ask: Have I experienced all that Jesus came to give?

  2. 8 de jul.

    Biblical Realities Of The Kingdom Life

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Kingdom realities by exploring a powerful truth: the Gospel often meets us at our deepest point of need. For some, it's forgiveness. For others, it's healing, freedom, belonging, comfort, purpose, or hope. Michael and SJ share deeply personal stories of how God met them in seasons of desperation and transformed their understanding of the Gospel. SJ recounts one of the darkest chapters of his life—walking through divorce, estrangement from his son, PTSD, and months of suicidal thoughts. In the middle of that despair, a simple phone call from his sister and the truth of Isaiah 55 became an anchor that changed everything. Together, they explore the idea of a "customized Gospel"—not a different Gospel, but the many ways the one Gospel reveals itself to meet people exactly where they are. The conversation highlights how our personal stories shape the way we first experience Jesus and reminds us that there is always more of His Kingdom available than we may have previously understood. Michael and SJ also reflect on the verses, songs, and moments that become "posters on the walls of our hearts"—truths God uses to sustain us through every season of life. Whether you're walking through pain, searching for hope, or simply wanting to understand the Gospel more deeply, this episode is a reminder that Jesus meets people personally, compassionately, and right where they are.

  3. 1 de jul.

    This Is The Zoweh Life |

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings begin a brand-new series exploring one of the most foundational themes in Scripture: life. Not simply existence—but the abundant, eternal, Kingdom life Jesus came to give. Drawing from John 10:10, Michael and SJ unpack the biblical meaning of the Greek word zoe, revealing a life that is far greater than mere biological existence. It's the life of God's Kingdom available to us now—a life marked by intimacy with God, restoration, freedom, and transformation. The conversation explores the intersection of personal theology and biblical theology, asking how our experiences with God shape the way we understand Scripture—and how Scripture continually reshapes the way we experience God. Michael shares pieces of his own journey through seminary, influential books like Wild at Heart, and the profound impact of discovering C.S. Lewis's distinction between bios (natural life) and zoe (the life of God). Together, they challenge listeners to consider whether their faith has been built primarily on sin and forgiveness, or on the greater invitation of resurrection life and the Kingdom of God. The Gospel isn't simply about escaping death—it's about entering Life. This episode launches a series that invites listeners to rediscover the biblical reality of abundant life and to experience the deeper love, freedom, and restoration Jesus has always intended for His people.

  4. 24 de jun.

    Awareness, Breakthrough, Renewal

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their conversation around The Life You Built by Scott Jennings, diving deeper into one of the most important realities of spiritual formation: growth is cyclical, not linear. Many of us expect healing and transformation to happen in a straight line. But what if the journey actually looks more like a wave? Awareness. Breakthrough. Peace. Trigger. Old patterns resurfacing. New awareness. Deeper surrender. Renewal. Michael and SJ explore how the false self and true self continue to emerge throughout life, especially in our closest relationships. They discuss the challenges of marriage, recurring conflicts, and the temptation to interpret, predict, and protect ourselves rather than remain open, curious, and compassionate. The conversation reveals how the false self operates through fear and self-protection, while the true self invites us into trust, presence, and connection. The episode also continues the discussion on the Enneagram as a tool for understanding motivations, emotional patterns, and relational dynamics. Rather than serving as a label, it can become a map that helps us recognize why we react the way we do and where God may be inviting deeper freedom. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: healing is not a one-time event. It's a lifelong process of learning to "ride the wave"—returning again and again to awareness, compassion, and truth. If you've ever felt discouraged by recurring struggles or wondered why old patterns keep resurfacing, this episode offers hope. Growth isn't about never falling back. It's about learning how to return.

  5. 17 de jun.

    The Great Exchange

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Scott Jennings continue their conversation around The Life You Built, exploring one of the most transformative ideas in the spiritual journey: the Great Exchange. What if the life you've been living was built around survival rather than freedom? Together, they unpack the ongoing process of moving from the false self to the true self—from protecting to trusting, performing to resting, pretending to revealing, and fear to love. While survival strategies may have helped us navigate pain, wounds, and difficult seasons, they were never meant to become our permanent identity. The conversation highlights the reality that freedom isn't about becoming someone new; it's about returning to who God created you to be. Michael, SJ, and Scott discuss how awareness, reflection, and grace help us recognize the ways the false self still operates in our lives and relationships. They also dive into the Enneagram, not as a tool for labeling people, but as a map for understanding motivations, patterns, and the hidden drivers behind our behavior. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding it, they explore how the Enneagram has helped many people gain greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and deeper compassion for themselves and others. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to exchange survival for freedom, fear for love, and self-protection for trust. The true self isn't something you have to create—it's the person God has been calling forth all along.

  6. 10 de jun.

    Looking Through The Lens Of The Enneagram

    In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson welcomes Scott Jennings and Steve Knee for a powerful conversation around Scott's book, The Life You Built, and one of the most important journeys a man can take: moving from the false self to the true self. What if the version of you that learned to survive isn't the real you? Together, they explore the ways men construct false identities through wounds, fears, coping mechanisms, and performance. Over time, these strategies can become so familiar that they feel like who we are. But beneath the masks, defenses, and self-protection is the true self—the man God created and loves. The conversation centers on what Scott calls "The Great Exchange"—the ongoing process of recognizing the false self, releasing its grip, and learning to live from a place of truth, freedom, and belovedness. Michael, Scott, and Steve unpack practical steps for this journey, including awareness, self-observation, compassion, and choosing presence over fear. They also discuss the role of community in healing, using the image of interconnected aspen trees as a reminder that transformation was never meant to happen alone. Freedom isn't found by trying harder—it's found by becoming more honest, more awake, and more connected to God and others. If you've ever felt trapped by old patterns, exhausted by performance, or disconnected from your true self, this episode offers a hopeful invitation: the real you is still there, waiting to emerge.

Sobre

Zoweh's Exploring More Podcast is an invitation to conversations committed to sharing our discoveries of the wild and wonderful Kingdom of God… how it works, who we are in it, and the Love and Life that is constantly pursuing us. The Kingdom of God isn't easy nor is everything in our story good—there are predators and parasites in the spiritual realm, another kingdom, the kingdom of darkness that exists and violently opposes our discovering and becoming more. Exploring More is hosted by Michael Thompson, produced by Zoweh, and recorded in Durham, NC.

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