In this special 25th episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores how facing life's greatest challenges can transform our perspective and deepen our faith. Through powerful personal stories and insightful biblical analysis, Adam examines how we interpret Jesus's teachings and apply them to modern life. The episode weaves together intimate conversations about cancer, faith, and living fully into the biblical calls for justice and compassion. This is a conversation that bridges the gap between head and heart, offering both intellectual depth and emotional connection.
Episode Highlights:
Embracing "All The Things" - Discover how one couple's cancer journey taught them to say "yes" to life's opportunities, creating meaningful memories and living each day with intention rather than taking time for granted.

Taking Jesus Seriously, Not Always Literally - Adam unpacks how Jesus often used prophetic hyperbole—exaggeration to make a point—and explains why understanding this speaking style helps us interpret challenging passages without missing their deeper meaning.

Grace Beyond the Rules - Learn how Jesus's compassion for the Samaritan woman reveals that while he holds high standards, he offers mercy and grace when we fall short—teaching us to balance ideals with compassion.

Justice and Righteousness - Explore the biblical concepts of "mishpat" (justice) and "tzedekah" (righteousness) and how they call us to care for the vulnerable in both our personal lives and our society.

Common Decency and Common Justice - Adam challenges listeners to move beyond political divisions to embrace values that transcend party lines—creating a society that cares for those in need while practicing good stewardship.
Whether you're questioning your faith, navigating a life’s challenges, or simply trying to make sense of Jesus's confusing teachings, this episode offers fresh perspectives that speak to both your intellect and your heart. Adam's honest exploration invites you into a conversation where doubt is embraced, difficult questions are welcomed, and faith becomes more authentic through the journey. By focusing on how we make sense of faith in real-world situations, this episode demonstrates that Christianity doesn't require checking your brain or your values at the door—instead, it invites you to bring your whole self to a faith that brings people together and transforms lives.

In this impactful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores three essential practices for meaningful connection in our increasingly disconnected world. Through personal stories and scriptural wisdom, Adam makes a compelling case that regardless of our personality type or life circumstances, we all need Jesus as a friend, relationships with others, and meaningful connections in our workplace. His gentle invitation to say "yes" to Jesus offers listeners a simple yet profound way to begin or renew their faith journey.
Episode Highlights:
The Friendship of Jesus - Adam explains that Jesus doesn't just call us servants but friends. The prayer of discipleship is simply saying "yes" to Jesus' invitation to follow him and allow him to walk alongside us in our daily lives.

The Friendship Recession - We're experiencing what experts call a "friendship recession" with fewer people reporting close relationships than ever before. Adam shares how even as a pastor of thousands, he once felt deeply lonely until he intentionally cultivated meaningful friendships.

Who Would You Call at 3 AM? - Drawing from the gospel story of friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, Adam challenges listeners to identify who would carry them in crisis and encourages intentional relationship building through church community.

Faith in the Workplace - Our greatest mission field may be where we spend most of our waking hours. Adam suggests that if coworkers don't see evidence of your faith in how you treat others, it might be time for reflection.

The Power of Gratitude - Simple words like "please" and "thank you" can transform workplace relationships and reflect the fruit of the Spirit in our daily interactions.
Whether you're skeptical about faith, curious about Christianity, or looking to deepen your spiritual journey, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating life's complexities. Adam's conversational approach doesn't require checking your brain or values at the door—instead, he invites you into an authentic exploration of how faith and friendship intersect to bring meaning to our lives. This thought-provoking conversation might be exactly what you need to transform your approach to relationships and find hope in today's disconnected world.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores the profound "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. With his characteristic blend of historical context, theological insight, and practical application, Adam invites listeners to consider their own answer to Jesus' timeless question: "Who do you say that I am?" Whether you're spiritually curious or a longtime believer, this concise exploration offers a fresh perspective on statements that have shaped history for over two thousand years.
Episode Highlights:
The Divine Connection – Discover how Jesus' use of "I AM" directly connects to God's revealed name to Moses at the burning bush, challenging listeners to reconsider who Jesus claimed to be.

Bread of Life – Learn why Jesus' declaration about being "the bread of life" goes beyond physical nourishment to address the spiritual hunger we all experience in our increasingly disconnected world.

Light in Darkness – Adam shares a powerful illustration about "punching holes in the darkness" that reveals how Jesus' statement about being "the light of the world" offers hope amid life's uncertainties.

The Good Shepherd – Experience the powerful imagery Adam encountered in the Holy Land that brings new meaning to Jesus' promise of protection and personal care as both "the gate" and "the good shepherd."

Life Beyond Death – Explore the radical hope embedded in Jesus' claim to be "the resurrection and the life," offering an eternal perspective that transforms how we view our current challenges.
These seven statements invite us to see Jesus in a completely new light – not as a distant religious figure, but as someone offering practical wisdom for our deepest human needs: nourishment for the soul, guidance when lost, protection from harm, truth in confusion, and hope beyond death. By understanding these profound self-descriptions, you'll gain fresh perspective on life's big questions without having to check your brain or values at the door. Whether you're spiritually curious or skeptical, these ancient declarations still have the power to transform how you navigate life's complexities and find meaning in an uncertain world.

In this deeply moving episode of "Making Sense of Faith," Adam Hamilton sits down for an intimate conversation with his uncle, Glenn Miller, a man whose life journey epitomizes the transformative power of faith. The episode traces Glenn’s remarkable path from addiction, crime, and federal prison to finding peace and purpose through Christ. With raw honesty, we hear about family trauma beginning with a mother's suicide, struggles with drug addiction, multiple prison sentences, and the gradual journey toward redemption. This powerful testimony speaks directly to those who wonder if their past defines their future or if genuine transformation is possible, showing how faith can bring hope even to those who feel beyond saving.
Five Powerful Moments from This Episode:
The Weight of Family Trauma - Learn how childhood wounds, including a mother's suicide and a difficult relationship with his father, set the stage for decades of struggle.

The Spiral into Addiction - Hear the candid account of how promising opportunities were derailed by drugs, first as a user and then as a dealer.

Prison and Rock Bottom - Discover the sobering reality of multiple prison sentences totaling nearly nine years and the decision point that finally led to change.

Finding Faith - Experience the turning point that occurred when regular church attendance opened the door to a new understanding of forgiveness and purpose.

"These Are the Happiest Times" - Be inspired by the profound revelation that despite earlier wealth and success, true happiness came through faith in the love and grace of Christ
This episode speaks to anyone who's ever felt lost, broken, or defined by their mistakes. It addresses life's hardest questions with honesty and compassion, offering hope without easy answers. If you've ever wondered whether a troubled past can give way to a peaceful present, or if redemption is possible for those who feel they've gone too far, this conversation offers a thoughtful glimpse into how faith can transform a life from the inside out. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey—skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between—this story reminds us that transformation is possible for everyone.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles perhaps the most challenging question people face on their spiritual journey: Does everything happen for a reason? Drawing from his pastoral experience, Adam offers a fresh perspective that bridges faith and doubt, challenging the common notion that God micromanages every detail of our lives. Instead, he presents a view of God who created natural processes and gave humans freedom, yet walks alongside us through our suffering. This conversation invites everyone to reconsider comforting but potentially harmful phrases like "everything happens for a reason" or "it must be God's will" when confronting life's painful moments.
Key insights from this episode:
God created processes, not puppets - Adam challenges the perception that God controls every detail at the cellular, cosmic, and personal levels. Instead, he suggests God created natural processes that generally work well but sometimes go wrong, and gave humans genuine freedom to make choices—both good and bad.

Why "everything happens for a reason" hurts - Through powerful stories like Patty's experience after losing her two-year-old daughter, Adam reveals why well-meaning platitudes can actually increase someone's pain and anger toward God by making Him the source of suffering rather than comfort.

Jesus healed, He didn't explain - If sickness were God's will, Adam points out, Jesus wouldn't have healed people—he would have told them to accept their illness as divine punishment or teaching. Instead, Jesus consistently worked against suffering, showing God's true desire.

Prayer works, just not how we expect - Rather than always delivering dramatic miracles, God typically answers prayers through people, medicine, and compassion. Adam shares how he prays for both miraculous healing and for God to work through doctors, revealing a balanced approach to faith and practical action.

Finding meaning without blaming God - Adam offers a powerful reframing of Romans 8:28, suggesting that God doesn't cause suffering but works to bring good from it—an invitation to ask "how can something meaningful come from this?" rather than "why did God do this?"
When life's hardest moments leave us questioning where God is, this episode offers a lifeline of hope without sacrificing intellectual honesty. Adam stands firmly in what the Resurrection community calls "the radical center"—acknowledging the reality of suffering while affirming God's loving presence through it all. Whether you're wrestling with doubt, seeking deeper understanding, or supporting someone through grief, this conversation provides language and perspective to make sense of faith when life seems senseless. Listen to the full episode to discover a God who doesn't cause your suffering but promises to walk with you through it.

In this eye-opening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores two powerful Hebrew words that appear 357 times in the Old Testament: "mishpat" (justice) and "tzedekah" (righteousness). Adam unpacks how these ancient concepts speak directly to today's heated debates about government spending and social programs. While acknowledging the importance of eliminating waste in government, he challenges listeners to consider whether we're using a precise scalpel or a destructive chainsaw when making these cuts. This episode bridges the gap between fiscal responsibility and our moral obligation to protect the vulnerable—offering a fresh perspective that transcends partisan politics and speaks to the heart of what it means to live out our faith in today's complex world.
Episode Highlights:
Biblical Foundation for Social Justice - Adam explores how the Hebrew words "mishpat" and "tzedekah" appear throughout scripture, revealing God's expectation that we create systems that ensure fairness for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, the poor, and immigrants.
The Fast God Truly Desires - Through Isaiah 58, Adam illustrates how God is less concerned with religious rituals and more interested in our commitment to "loose the chains of injustice" and care for those in need—challenging us to reconsider what spiritual disciplines should actually accomplish.
Balancing Fiscal Responsibility with Compassion - Rather than taking sides politically, Adam advocates for a thoughtful approach that eliminates waste while preserving programs that provide vital support to vulnerable populations.
Common Values Beyond Politics - The episode makes a compelling case that protection of the vulnerable isn't a partisan issue but a matter of "common decency, common justice, and common righteousness"—values that unite us across political divides.
Jesus's Standard of Judgment - Drawing from the parable of the sheep and goats and the Good Samaritan, Adam reminds us that Jesus's measure of faithfulness centers on our treatment of "the least of these"—a timely challenge as we consider government's role in meeting human needs.
Whether you're questioning your faith, curious about Christianity, or wrestling with how to apply your beliefs to complex societal issues, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that doesn't ask you to check your brain or your values at the door. Adam stands firmly in the radical center, inviting listeners to embrace both fiscal responsibility and compassionate concern for others. In a time when political discourse often divides us into opposing camps, Making Sense of Faith offers a bridge-building alternative that honors both wisdom and compassion. By examining ancient biblical principles through a contemporary lens, this episode equips listeners to engage thoughtfully in conversations about government spending while remaining grounded in timeless values that transcend political affiliation.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most perplexing aspects of Jesus's teachings: those moments when his words seem impossibly harsh or difficult to follow. With honesty and transparency, Adam explores Jesus's command to "cut off your hand" or "pluck out your eye" if they cause you to sin. He unpacks what Jesus really meant by these jarring statements and helps listeners understand when to take Jesus literally versus when he was speaking figuratively. Through real-life examples and historical context, Adam offers a fresh perspective that makes these challenging teachings not only understandable but also deeply meaningful for our lives today.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Prophetic Hyperbole: Adam explains how Jesus often spoke in what scholars call "prophetic hyperbole"—using dramatic exaggeration to make powerful points that shake up his listeners. Far from expecting to be taken literally, Jesus was emphasizing the seriousness of sin and our need to address it radically.

Marriage, Divorce, and Grace: When discussing Jesus's seemingly harsh teachings on divorce, Adam provides crucial historical context about women's vulnerability in first-century society and reveals how Jesus was actually protecting women while upholding the sanctity of marriage—all while leaving room for grace in broken situations.

The Woman at the Well: Through the story of Jesus's compassionate interaction with a Samaritan woman who had been married five times, Adam illustrates how Jesus balanced high moral standards with extraordinary mercy and acceptance—proving we can take his teachings seriously without being legalistic.

Wealth and the Kingdom: Is it really "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven"? Adam unpacks this famous teaching to reveal Jesus's warnings about wealth without condemning prosperity itself.

Serious, Not Literal: The episode culminates in a liberating principle for interpreting Jesus's challenging words: we are meant to take Jesus seriously but not always literally, understanding both the high ideals he calls us toward and the grace he extends when we fall short.
In a world that often dismisses Christianity as judgmental or simplistic, this episode offers a refreshing alternative—a faith that embraces questions, acknowledges complexity, and finds hope in Jesus's teachings rather than confusion or despair. Whether you're skeptical about faith, wrestling with doubt, or simply curious about what Jesus really meant, Adam's thoughtful exploration provides practical wisdom for making sense of Christianity's most challenging passages. By the end, you'll discover that Jesus's seemingly harsh words weren't meant to condemn us but to transform us, inviting us into a life of deeper meaning and purpose. Join the conversation and find out how these ancient teachings speak directly to our modern questions and struggles.

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Matt Stewart, a Kansas City news reporter, who shares his family's incredible journey through dual cancer diagnoses. Matt's wife Chrissy was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in 2021, and while serving as her caregiver, Matt received his own devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs, and spine. Rather than surrendering to despair, the couple embraced a philosophy of "all the things" – saying yes to life's opportunities and leaning deeply into their faith. This conversation explores how facing mortality can transform our perspective on life, faith, and purpose in profound ways. Matt's compelling story shows how adversity can strengthen faith rather than diminish it, offering listeners authentic insights into finding hope and meaning during life's most challenging seasons.
Episode Highlights:
All the things" approach to living: Discover how Matt and Chrissy's decision to say "yes" to every opportunity after their diagnoses, including a wedding vow renewal that became a beautiful celebration of life and love for their entire family.

Faith in the face of mortality: Hear Matt's candid reflections on how his cancer diagnosis deepened rather than diminished his faith, and how he finds comfort in knowing "where he's going" while still praying for more time.

From football to fighting cancer: Learn how Matt's experience as a walk-on football player at Northwestern, where persistence transformed him from fifth-string to scholarship athlete, prepared him mentally for his cancer battle.

Supporting loved ones with cancer: Get practical, honest advice about what to say (and what not to say) to someone facing cancer, with Matt's refreshing perspective on avoiding the "head tilt" of pity and focusing on authentic connection.

Finding purpose through adversity: Explore how Matt uses his platform as a news reporter to inspire others facing similar challenges, controlling his attitude when he couldn't control his diagnosis.
This episode embodies what Making Sense of Faith is all about – wrestling with life's biggest questions through the lens of authentic faith. Whether you're facing your own health crisis, supporting someone through illness, or simply questioning how faith works when life gets hard, this episode offers genuine perspective from someone living in that difficult space. It's a powerful reminder that faith doesn't require checking your brain at the door – it can provide genuine comfort and purpose even in life's darkest moments.

In this thoughtful, concise episode of "Making Sense of Faith," Adam Hamilton explores what was at the heart of Jesus' teaching: the Kingdom of God. While many assume Jesus primarily taught about love, Adam reveals that Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God four times more frequently. This concept isn't just historical theology—it's a practical framework for how we live our daily lives. In just 15 minutes, Adam unpacks this profound idea that shapes our understanding of faith, purpose, and relationship with God.
What is the Kingdom of God? Adam explains that the Kingdom of God has three dimensions: God as the rightful ruler of everything in existence, our personal choice to live according to God's will, and a future reality when God's kingdom will fully come on earth as it is in heaven.
The Daily BattleWhile God is the rightful king of everything, we all face a daily decision: will we be king in our own lives, or will we let God reign? Adam shares his personal morning practice of kneeling in acknowledgment of God's authority.
The Lord's Prayer as a Kingdom Prayer Adam unpacks how the Lord's Prayer is fundamentally about yielding to God's sovereignty—praying "thy kingdom come" rather than "my kingdom come"—and how this prayer can reorient our hearts toward God's will for our lives.
Living with Divine Interruptions Through personal stories of hospital visits and grocery store encounters, Adam illustrates how Kingdom living means being attentive to God's presence in everyday moments and unexpected interruptions.
The Paradox of Loving God First When we make God our priority rather than ourselves or others, Adam shares how we actually end up loving others more genuinely and living more fulfilling lives than if we had put ourselves first.
This episode speaks directly to those who feel pulled between competing priorities and wonder what it means to live a life of faith in practical terms. Whether you're spiritually curious, wrestling with doubts, or seeking to deepen your faith, Adam's exploration of the central message of Jesus offers a refreshing perspective that bridges intellectual understanding with heartfelt application. By the end, you'll understand why New Testament scholar Gordon Fee said, "You are zero on Jesus if you don't understand [the kingdom of God]." The invitation is clear: start each day by acknowledging God as king and watch how it transforms your relationships, purpose, and perspective. Listen to the full episode to discover how this ancient concept can revolutionize your modern life.

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of Christianity's most challenging questions: "Are all non-Christians really going to hell?" With his signature blend of intellectual depth and pastoral compassion, Adam explores different Christian perspectives on salvation, eternal life, and God's boundless mercy. Drawing from scripture, church history, and personal experience, he offers a fresh perspective that speaks to both skeptics and believers wrestling with questions about faith, judgment, and divine love.
Beyond Simple Labels: Understanding Christian Views on SalvationAdam unpacks three main perspectives on salvation - Christian exclusivism, Christian universalism, and Christian inclusivism - offering nuanced insights into how different traditions understand God's saving work through Christ.
Finding Biblical Truth in Unexpected PlacesThrough careful examination of both Old and New Testament passages, Adam reveals how scripture often points to a more expansive view of God's mercy than many traditional interpretations suggest, while maintaining the uniqueness of Christ as savior.
Building Bridges Across Faith TraditionsDrawing from his own friendships with Jewish rabbis and Muslim leaders, Adam shares how interfaith relationships can deepen rather than diminish our Christian faith, leading to richer spiritual practices and broader understanding.
Rethinking Hell and Divine JusticeUsing insights from C.S. Lewis and John Wesley, Adam presents a view of judgment and hell that emphasizes human choice and God's persistent mercy rather than divine vengeance.
The Heart of EvangelismAdam offers a compelling alternative to fear-based evangelism, explaining why sharing our faith should flow from experiencing Christ's transformative love rather than anxiety about others' eternal destiny.
Whether you're a skeptic who's struggled with traditional Christian teachings about hell, a Christian grappling with questions about loved ones of different faiths, or someone simply seeking to understand God's love more deeply, this episode offers fresh insights and hope. Adam's measured approach demonstrates how you can hold onto Christian truth while embracing a more expansive view of God's mercy. By the end, you'll discover a perspective that honors both divine justice and grace, while providing practical wisdom for relating to people of different beliefs. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and points toward a more hope-filled understanding of God's love for all humanity.