017: What Did Jesus ACTUALLY Teach?

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 Battle
While 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.