Living Influence with Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd
Episode: Moving From Shame to No Condemnation
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Moving From Shame to No Condemnation," hosts Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd delve into the transformative journey from a shame-based mindset to living without condemnation. Joined by a special guest, Cole Voldemort, the discussion explores deep personal experiences, theological insights, and practical steps toward embracing a life defined by grace and self-acceptance.
Personal Testimonies and Backstories
Cole Voldemort's Journey
Cole begins by introducing himself and sharing his profound personal journey. Raised in a Christian home as a first-generation immigrant from Germany and Canada, Cole was instilled with a strong sense of performance and the need for excellence from an early age. This upbringing fostered a persistent feeling of not being "enough," leading him to excel academically and professionally.
“I grew up knowing the love of Jesus... But there was also a very strong tone of performance and a need to be excellent in everything I did.”
[00:44]
Despite his successes—including an MBA, a career at USAA and Fidelity, and a stable family life with his wife Ann and their children—Cole faced a series of personal and professional crises around 2005-2006. These challenges led him to Phoenix, where he met Bill Thrall and became involved in a community of grace that would significantly alter his life's trajectory.
“It was a bad fit and I had to resign... we really did fall into a community of grace that God had planned.”
[03:09]
Scott Boyd shares a similar narrative of loss and recovery, having lost his first spouse to cancer alongside his wife Aileen. Together, they found solace and growth in a supportive community, illustrating the profound impact of grace-filled relationships.
The Concept of Shame vs. No Condemnation
Challenging the Necessity of Shame
The hosts and Cole engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of shame in personal growth. They challenge the commonly held belief that shame is necessary for improvement, referencing Romans 8 to argue that living without condemnation is not only possible but foundational to personal and spiritual well-being.
“It's not how much I trust, it's who I'm trusting.”
[11:24]
Redefining Identity Through Jesus
A central theme is the redefinition of one's identity through the lens of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. They emphasize that Jesus didn't just die for sins but also for personal insecurities and shame, thereby liberating individuals from self-condemnation.
“Jesus himself took upon him at Calvary... He died for our shame.”
[12:26]
The Role of Trust and Theology
Trust as the Foundation of Transformation
The conversation pivots to the importance of trust—not just the quantity of trust, but the object of that trust. Trusting Jesus, who embodies grace and love, is portrayed as the pivotal step in moving away from shame.
“Trust is the key operative word in all relationships. It really is.”
[09:31]
They discuss common misconceptions about trust, noting that many Christians understand the theology but struggle to apply it relationally and personally. The hosts encourage a shift from a theology that emphasizes sin management to one that highlights grace and love.
“If I see myself as a sinner, I will constantly put the emphasis of my life on my savior, but if I see myself as a saint, I will constantly put the emphasis on my life. On Jesus.”
[18:03]
Transformative Process from Shame to Freedom
From Self-Perception to Divine Acceptance
Cole shares how being part of a grace-filled community helped him start trusting others with his insecurities, which in turn allowed him to believe in God's promises. This communal support was crucial in his journey toward self-acceptance and freedom from shame.
“I started to believe. Actually, maybe God can do what he says because I'm seeing it.”
[13:59]
Embracing a Safe Environment
An environment of grace is depicted as essential for vulnerability and trust. Such a space allows individuals to be known without fear, facilitating the discovery and acceptance of divine love.
“When I am in a safe place, I am not afraid to be known. And shame wants me to hide from you.”
[14:21]
Theological Shift from Sin to Love
The hosts argue that shifting one's theological focus from being a sinner to being a saint transforms one's approach to life. Emphasizing love over sin management leads to genuine behavioral change and spiritual growth.
“When I love more, I will actually sin less... the solution to sinning less was learning to be loved.”
[22:26]
Key Insights and Conclusion
Integrating Trust and Identity
The episode underscores the necessity of trusting Jesus not just with one's sins but also with personal shame and insecurities. This holistic trust facilitates a life free from condemnation and rich in love.
“His name's Jesus. And as we learn to trust who Jesus is, as we learn to trust Jesus, we can begin to live with no condemnation.”
[24:06]
Final Thoughts
Bill and Scott wrap up the conversation by reiterating the transformative power of embracing a grace-filled identity. They invite listeners to move beyond self-condemnation and to trust in Jesus' ability to redefine their worth and purpose.
“There is a solution to our shame. His name's Jesus.”
[24:07]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Cole Voldemort:
“I grew up knowing the love of Jesus... But there was also a very strong tone of performance and a need to be excellent in everything I did.”
[00:44] -
Bill Thrall:
“Trust is the key operative word in all relationships. It really is.”
[09:31] -
Cole Voldemort:
“Jesus himself took upon him at Calvary... He died for our shame.”
[12:26] -
Scott Boyd:
“When I love more, I will actually sin less... the solution to sinning less was learning to be loved.”
[22:26] -
Bill Thrall:
“His name's Jesus. And as we learn to trust who Jesus is, as we learn to trust Jesus, we can begin to live with no condemnation.”
[24:06]
Conclusion
"Moving From Shame to No Condemnation" offers a profound exploration of how embracing trust in Jesus and redefining one's identity through grace can lead to liberation from shame. Through personal testimonies and theological insights, Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Cole Voldemort provide listeners with a roadmap to transform their lives by shifting their focus from self-condemnation to divine love and acceptance.
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