Making Sense of Faith isn’t your typical religious podcast. Join Adam Hamilton, bestselling author, speaker, and pastor, as he tackles life’s biggest questions with intellectual depth and genuine compassion without asking you to check your brain at the door. Drawing from his experience as an author, speaker, and pastor with decades of conversations asking questions about faith, Adam explores faith that’s both deeply rooted and forward-thinking. Here, doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—it’s part of the journey.
Do You Believe in Everyday Miracles?
Nov 24, 2025
Show notes
What if a simple Google ad could lead you to save a stranger's life? In this powerful episode, Adam Hamilton sits down with Jeff Reisinger, a Church of the Resurrection member who became a living liver donor, and Dr. Sean Kumer, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Kansas Health System, to explore the remarkable journey of organ donation—from that first unexpected popup ad to the moment two families were forever changed. Jeff's story begins with an unusual series of "coincidences": a persistent advertisement, a Christmas Eve phone call, and a match with another Jeff whose son shares his own son's name. But as you'll hear, these weren't coincidences at all—they were part of something much bigger. In this episode, you'll discover:- How living liver donation works and why your liver regenerates after donation - The difference between kidney and liver donation, and what recovery looks like - Why there are over 100,000 people waiting for organ transplants in the US - How faith can lead to radical acts of selfless love - Practical steps you can take to become a living donor This isn't just a medical story. It's a profound exploration of what it means to love your neighbor in the most tangible way possible. Whether you're considering becoming a donor, curious about the medical process, or simply looking for an inspiring story of faith in action, this episode will move you. Resources mentioned:- University of Kansas Health System Transplant Center: (913) 588-6183 - HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration): hrsa.gov - Gift of Life donation awareness This episode could save lives. If you know someone who might be interested in organ donation—or anyone who needs hope that extraordinary goodness still exists in this world—please share this with them.
Beyond Left vs. Right: How to Read the News in Polarized Times
Nov 19, 2025
Show notes
In a world where news feels overwhelming and every headline seems designed to trigger an emotional response, how do we stay informed without losing our peace—or our ability to love people we disagree with? Critical Thinking as Spiritual Practice Adam explains why Jesus's command to love God with our minds is more relevant than ever. When Jesus said we should love God with heart, soul, and mind, he used the Greek word "dianoia"—which can be translated as "critical thinking." This isn't just intellectual exercise; it's a spiritual discipline that helps us guard our hearts from hatred while engaging thoughtfully with the world around us. Whether it's evaluating news sources or listening to a friend share gossip, critical thinking asks us to slow down and seek the whole truth before responding. The Manipulation Machine: Understanding Modern News News has fundamentally changed from Adam's childhood, when it aired at specific times and aimed for balance. Today's 24/7 news cycle combined with social media algorithms has created what Adam calls a "manipulation machine"—headlines designed as clickbait, stories that confirm our existing biases, and coverage that prioritizes emotional reaction over comprehensive understanding. Adam shares his own struggle with news addiction, describing the unhealthy pattern of "doom scrolling" before bed and checking multiple news apps throughout the day. The first step toward healthier news consumption is recognizing how we're being manipulated. Multiple Sources, Multiple Perspectives Adam's practical approach includes subscribing to news sources across the political spectrum—New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. When a story triggers a strong emotional response, he intentionally seeks out how it's being covered from different angles. This isn't about moral relativism or saying all perspectives are equally valid; it's about gathering enough information to form thoughtful conclusions rather than reactive ones. Adam notes that often the most salacious headline is followed by a much more mundane story, and taking time to read beyond the headline changes everything. From Information to Transformation: Guarding Your Heart Perhaps the most powerful insight Adam shares is about the danger of allowing news consumption to lead to hatred. He references Holocaust survivor Sonia Walorski, who said "I will not hate" even after losing her family to the Nazis. Adam emphasizes that Christians can take strong stands against injustice and wrong actions while still loving the people on the other side. This requires intentional work—trying to understand others' motivations, being curious about their perspectives, and remembering that we're called to "agape" love, which means wishing the best for others even when we disagree with them. Pause and Think Before You Post Adam shares a vulnerable story about posting too quickly after a public figure's assassination, having to revisit his words after feedback from a respected church member. His key advice: slow down. Wait before posting on social media. Do more fact-checking. Try to understand the other perspective. This discipline of pausing creates space for wisdom instead of reaction, for love instead of hatred, for truth instead of propaganda. In a culture that rewards instant responses, choosing to slow down is a countercultural—and deeply Christian—practice.
Why Church? The Surprising Science Behind Faith Community
Nov 05, 2025
Show notes
Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most pressing questions facing modern spirituality: Do we really need church? With trademark honesty, Adam acknowledges the hurt and disillusionment many people feel about organized religion... and then makes a compelling, research-backed case for why faith community might be exactly what we're missing. Drawing from his own journey from teenage atheist to pastor of the largest United Methodist church in the country, Adam shares both hard data and heartfelt stories that reveal the transformative power of showing up, belonging, and being carried by others when life gets hard. Insights from This Episode: Church attendance could add 7 years to your life. Multiple Harvard studies show that people who attend religious services at least weekly live significantly longer... with mortality rates 25-35% lower over 10-15 years. Adam breaks down why this isn't just about faith, but about the social capital, support systems, and “stretcher bearers” we all desperately need. Mental health and faith community are deeply connected. The American Psychiatric Association reports that 6 in 10 Americans say faith supports their mental wellness, and those actively involved in faith communities show 20-30% lower rates of depression and up to six times lower rates of suicide. In an age of increasing isolation, these numbers tell a story we can't afford to ignore. Churches are volunteer engines that power communities. Here's a stat that might surprise you: 58% of people actively involved in church also volunteer in other community organizations. Adam explores why researchers are raising alarms about what happens to our communities if church attendance continues to decline... where will the volunteers come from? You don't have to claim the worst examples of Christianity. When people say, "I'm a follower of Jesus, not a Christian," Adam pushes back with wisdom: If you let the Christians who get it wrong claim the title while you abandon it, then those are the only Christians people will know. Be the different kind of Christian the world needs to see. If you've ever wondered whether church is worth it, or if you've been hurt by church and aren't sure you can go back, this episode offers a fresh perspective that doesn't require you to check your brain at the door. Adam invites both skeptics and longtime believers into an honest conversation about why gathering together still matters, backed by science and lived experience. Whether you're spiritual but not religious, nominally religious but not active, or somewhere in between, this episode might just change how you think about community, belonging, and what it means to truly thrive.
15,695 Times: One Key to Love That Lasts a Lifetime
Oct 29, 2025
Show notes
In this deeply personal episode, Adam Hamilton pulls back the curtain on his 43-year marriage to LaVon, sharing the honest, sometimes messy reality of how faith has held them together when everything else might have pulled them apart. After recently officiating his youngest daughter's wedding, Adam reflects on what it really means to build a lasting relationship - not through rose-colored romanticism, but through prayer, intentionality, and the kind of commitment that shows up even when feelings fade. This isn't your typical marriage advice. It's a real, vulnerable conversation about the moments when attraction wanes, when other people could easily turn your head, and when the gap between who you married and who you're married to now feels impossibly wide. If you've ever wondered whether faith makes any practical difference in relationships, Adam's story - complete with late-night flower runs and 15,695 nightly prayers - offers compelling evidence that it does. 5 KEY INSIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE:The Three-Step Rule That Saved Adam's MarriageAdam describes those dangerous moments early in marriage when casual workplace friendships could have become something more. His solution? Recognizing when he was "three steps away" from destroying everything he cared about, and choosing to step back instead of forward. Why Doing Comes Before FeelingAfter hearing a prompting to buy LaVon flowers at 11 PM when he didn’t feel like it, Adam discovered a crucial truth: in dating, you do loving things because you feel love. In marriage, you often do loving things first, and the feelings follow. The 70% Happiness FactorResearch shows that couples who pray together daily are 70% more likely to report being very happy in their marriages. Active religious participation reduces divorce rates by 30%. These aren't just numbers - they're Adam's lived experience. What the First Wedding Teaches UsAdam unpacks the Genesis story of Adam and Eve, revealing two Hebrew words that define marriage: ezer (helper/rescuer) and kenegdo (companion). You're not promising to always feel madly in love - you're promising to show up and do life together. The Hand Print on Your HeartDrawing from the musical Wicked, Adam shares how he sang "For Good" to LaVon, realizing that after 43 years, they've been changed by each other - reshaped, reformed, and ultimately made better through the commitment they made as teenagers. This episode isn't just for people planning weddings or struggling in their marriages. It's for anyone wondering whether ancient faith has anything relevant to say about modern relationships. Adam's vulnerability about his own journey and daily disciplines offers a roadmap that's both practical and profound - showing us that love isn't just a feeling to chase, but a choice to make, again and again, for a lifetime.
Resurrection's First Sermon: October 7, 1990
Oct 07, 2025
Show notes
On the 35th anniversary of founding the Church of the Resurrection, Adam Hamilton takes us on an extraordinary journey back to October 7, 1990—when he was a nervous 26-year-old pastor standing in a funeral home chapel, wondering if anyone would show up. In this deeply personal episode, Adam shares the complete audio of his very first sermon, a message that tackled life's most fundamental question: "Is this all?" Drawing from his grandmother's deathbed question and the Apostle Paul's words about knowing Christ, Adam explores why the resurrection isn't just about what happens after death, but about how we choose to live today. This isn't a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it's a powerful reminder that the questions keeping us up at night are the same ones humans have asked throughout history, and the answer changes everything about how we show up in the world. 5 Key Moments You Don't Want to Miss: The Question Behind Every Struggle - Adam reveals how "Is this all?" shows up in different forms throughout our lives: in moments of despair ("Why should I go on?"), in grief ("Where are they now?"), in success that feels empty ("Where do I go from here?"), and in moral compromise ("Why not? Who's gonna know?"). These aren't different questions—they're all asking whether there's something more than what we can see and touch. Why the Resurrection Is the Answer - For Christians, Adam explains, the decisive proof of "something more" isn't Jesus's birth or even his death—it's the resurrection. This event gives us hope in the face of death, allows us to worship in a funeral home without dread, and proves there's one who holds power even over our deepest fears. It's the foundation that lets us face tomorrow with confidence. The Hero Who Packed His Life Into One Night - The sermon culminates with the moving story of Edward William Spencer, a college swimmer who saved 17 lives during a shipwreck in 1860—and was paralyzed for the rest of his life as a result. When asked if he'd do it again, his answer reveals what it means to live as a person of the resurrection: "I'm a follower of one who packed his whole life into nine hours on the cross." What Makes a Great Church - Young Adam's vision wasn't about having a great preacher, a beautiful building, or perfect programs. It was about people deciding to live as people of the resurrection—laying their lives on the line for others with such authentic faith that others would be drawn to join them. From 200 People to a Movement - What started with coffee mug deliveries and a simple invitation to "come dream with us" grew into the largest United Methodist Church in the country—not through strategy, but through ordinary people choosing to love selflessly and sacrificially. Why This Episode Matters:Whether you're skeptical about faith, burned out on church, or simply wondering if there's more to life than what you're experiencing right now, this episode meets you exactly where you are. Adam's vulnerability about his own nervous beginnings and his willingness to revisit his younger self's convictions create space for honest exploration. The question "Is this all?" doesn't require a religious background to understand—it requires only the courage to ask it honestly and consider what you'll do with the answer. Listen to discover why this 35-year-old sermon still speaks to the deepest longing of the human heart.
Will the Rapture Come Today?
Sep 24, 2025
Show notes
When a South African preacher recently claimed Jesus would return on September 23rd or 24th, 2025, it made international headlines and filled social media feeds. This bold prediction sparked conversations worldwide about the Second Coming and the concept of "the rapture." In this week’s episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles these complex theological questions head-on, drawing from his own journey from teenage atheist to faith leader. With his characteristic blend of scholarly insight and pastoral warmth, Adam unpacks what Scripture actually says about Christ's return, why predictions consistently fail, and what it means to live with hope rather than fear about the future. From Teenage Terror to Mature Faith. Adam shares his personal experience growing up in a Pentecostal church where end-times teaching was emphasized. He describes watching frightening movies like "A Thief in the Night" and reading charts predicting Christ's imminent return—experiences that led him to make major life decisions because he thought Christ would return at any moment. The Historical Context Behind Rapture Theology. Most Christians throughout history—and most Christians worldwide today—don't subscribe to "rapture" theology. Adam explains how this relatively recent interpretation emerged in 1830 with Charles Darby and became popular in some evangelical circles, despite not being the mainstream Christian understanding of Scripture. What Scripture Actually Teaches About Christ's Return. Rather than providing a detailed roadmap for end times, biblical passages about Christ's return focus on three key messages: this broken world won't continue forever, we have eternal hope, and we should live ready to meet Christ. Adam shows how even the apostles expected Jesus to return in their lifetime, yet Scripture's true power lies in its enduring hope. Why Date-Setting Always Fails. Jesus himself said he didn't know the day or hour of his return, making any human prediction inherently flawed. Adam points out that throughout 2,000 years of church history, countless predictions have proven wrong—yet the core message of hope and readiness remains relevant for every generation. Living Ready Without Living in Fear. The most practical takeaway involves embracing daily readiness through faith in Christ and loving service to others. Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or in a thousand years—or whether he comes for us individually at death—we can live with confidence rather than anxiety when we trust our lives to him. This episode embodies what makes Making Sense of Faith essential listening for thinking people navigating spirituality in our complex world. Adam doesn't offer easy answers or ask you to check your brain at the door. Instead, he provides the theological depth and pastoral wisdom needed to wrestle with profound questions about faith, hope, and our eternal future. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or deeply committed in your faith journey, this conversation will leave you better equipped to make sense of one of Christianity's most debated topics. HIGHLIGHTS: [0:34] Rapture Predictions in the Headlines[0:51] What is the Rapture? Setting the Stage[2:00] Literal Readings: Jesus’ Return and the Bible[2:38] Prophecy Charts, Books, and Movies[5:12] Mainline vs. Evangelical Views on the Rapture[6:15] What Did Jesus Actually Say About His Return?[7:11] Signs of the End Times: Wars, Disasters, and Prophets[8:38] The Meaning of “Parousia” and Early Christian Beliefs[10:08] The Second Coming: Literal or Metaphorical?11:15 - Hope, Judgment, and the Promise of Renewal12:09 - Paul’s Letters: Living in Expectation[13:22] What Happens to the Dead? Paul’s Comfort[14:21] Paradise, Resurrection, and the Afterlife[15:13] The Real Message: Be Ready and Live with Hope[16:26] The Modern Rapture Doctrine: Where Did It Come From?[19:00] The Ultimate Hope: Christ’s Return and Restoration[20:41] Final Thoughts: Don’t Worry, Be Ready
What Happens After We Die?
Sep 04, 2025
Show notes
In this deeply thoughtful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles some of the biggest questions that keep thinking people up at night: What will heaven actually be like? Is there really a literal hell? And perhaps most challenging of all—what happens to good people who follow other faiths? Adam doesn't shy away from the hard questions that have driven many away from traditional Christianity. Instead, he offers a fresh, honest exploration that respects both Scripture and human reason, providing the kind of thoughtful answers that don't ask you to check your brain at the door. Biblical Surprises About Hell and Heaven: You might be shocked to learn that the word "hell" never appears in the Old Testament, and Jesus only mentions it 12 times in the New Testament. Adam unpacks what Jesus actually meant by "hell" and reveals the surprising lack of detailed heaven descriptions in Scripture—and why that might be intentional. The Troubling Geography of Salvation: Why does your eternal destiny seem to depend so much on where you're born? Adam wrestles with the uncomfortable reality that most people's religious beliefs are largely determined by their birthplace and tackles the question that haunts many: does God really punish people for circumstances beyond their control? What About Gandhi, Buddha, and Your Hindu Neighbor?: Through powerful Old Testament stories like Jonah and the Ninevites, Adam explores whether God's grace might extend beyond traditional Christian boundaries. He shares his personal friendship with a Jewish rabbi and offers a perspective on salvation that honors both Jesus's unique role and God's universal love. The Real Story Behind "No One Comes to the Father But Through Me": This verse has been used to exclude billions from heaven, but Adam provides crucial context that changes everything. He explains how Jesus can be the only way to salvation while God's grace might still reach those who never had a fair chance to hear the gospel. A Hell You Can Actually Leave?: Drawing from C.S. Lewis's insights, Adam explores the possibility that hell's doors might be "locked from the inside"—a place for those who genuinely choose separation from God, but not necessarily a permanent punishment. This episode doesn't offer easy answers or ask for blind faith. Instead, Adam invites you into the kind of honest conversation that acknowledges both the beauty and the difficulty of traditional Christian doctrine. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or someone who's walked away from faith because these questions felt unanswerable, you'll find a perspective that takes both Scripture and human dignity seriously. Ready to explore what happens when ancient wisdom meets modern questions? [0:12] What will heaven be like? [4:16] Hell in Scripture: Old vs. New Testament[5:56] God’s View of Other Nations [7:03] The Story of Jonah and God’s Mercy [10:47] The Magi and God’s Inclusion of Gentiles [14:15] Jesus as the Only Way to Salvation[17:57] Understanding Heaven and Hell [23:57] CS Lewis’s Perspective on Heaven
Big Dreams? Expect Criticism (and here's how to handle it)
Aug 27, 2025
Show notes
Ever wondered what it takes to make a real difference in the world? In this episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton takes us on a journey to Bristol, England, where he explores the very first Methodist building—the New Room, built in 1739. From inside this historic space where John Wesley launched a movement that changed Christianity forever, Adam unpacks the timeless lessons about pursuing big dreams, handling criticism, and staying true to your calling even when others push back. This isn't just a history lesson—it's a roadmap for anyone wrestling with whether to take bold steps for something they believe in. Takeaways from This Episode: "The World Is My Parish" - Why Breaking the Rules Sometimes Matters. When the Bishop of Bristol told Wesley to stay in his lane, the young preacher responded with one of history's most famous declarations. Adam reveals how this moment of holy defiance teaches us when it's okay to push the boundaries for something bigger than ourselves. Buildings as Tools, Not Monuments - The Original Purpose-Driven Church. The New Room wasn't just a preaching house—it was a seminary, food pantry, pharmacy, and community center all rolled into one. Discover how Wesley's approach to using space challenges our modern assumptions about what church buildings should actually do. Big Dreams Equal Big Criticism - And That's Actually Okay. Adam shares Wesley's famous quote: "If you have a big dream, you're gonna be criticized." Learn why criticism might actually be a sign you're on the right track and how to push through when people say "we've never done it that way before." When Faith Gets Political - The Sermon That Started a Riot. In 1787, at age 85, Wesley preached against slavery in Bristol—a city built on the slave trade. The congregation literally started fighting, breaking pews and throwing things. Adam explores what happened next and what it teaches us about speaking truth to power. The Power of Singing Theology - Why Music Matters More Than You Think. With Charles Wesley's 6,000 hymns, the Methodist revival happened as much through song as sermons. Adam explains why singing isn't just the warm-up act—it's how theology gets into our hearts and stays there. Considering a career change? Starting a business or ministry? Simply trying to live more authentically? This episode offers both historical wisdom and practical encouragement, and you’ll leave this episode with a clearer understanding of why taking risks for something you believe in isn't just acceptable—it's essential.
Anti-Racism, Women's Rights, Environmentalism, and John Wesley
Aug 19, 2025
Show notes
Step inside the world's first Methodist building with Adam Hamilton as he takes listeners on a tour of Bristol's historic New Room, revealing how John Wesley's revolutionary ministry laid the groundwork for modern social justice movements. Broadcasting live from England, Adam uncovers the surprising progressive roots of Methodism that connected coal miners to causes we're still fighting for today. Episode Highlights: Wesley's Anti-Slavery Stand Nearly Started a Riot – Adam reveals the dramatic 1788 scene when Wesley preached against slavery in Bristol's slave trade capital, causing angry traders to literally break apart church pews and attack each other during the service. This wasn't just moral posturing – it was dangerous activism in the heart of England's slavery industry. Women's Rights Were Part of Methodism From Day One – While most churches excluded women from leadership, early Methodism embraced female preachers and leaders. Adam traces this progressive thread from Wesley's time through to the 1950s ordination of women in American Methodism, showing how social justice was woven into Methodism’s DNA. Environmental Activism in the 1700s – Long before climate change became a global concern, Wesley taught that humans were called to be stewards of creation. Adam explores the museum exhibits showcasing Wesley's early environmental theology and how it connects to today's creation care movement. From Coal Dust to Global Impact – Adam paints the vivid scene of Wesley preaching to thousands of coal miners who couldn't afford church pew taxes, watching tears cut through the coal dust on their faces. This moment of radical inclusion for society's outcasts became the template for Methodist social ministry worldwide. Adam's tour through Wesley's private apartment brings history to life in ways that make 18th-century activism feel surprisingly relevant. The New Room wasn't just a church – it housed food pantries, schools for poor children, medical clinics, and pastor training programs that served Bristol's most vulnerable populations. Whether you're interested in church history, social justice, or understanding how grassroots movements create lasting change, this episode reveals how one preacher's willingness to break religious conventions sparked a global revolution.
My 40-Year Friend Called Me "Evil". This is How I Responded...
Aug 13, 2025
Show notesWhen a longtime friendship ends over faith differences, how do you respond with love instead of defensiveness?
In this deeply personal episode, Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most painful realities of our polarized world: what happens when the people closest to us see our beliefs as fundamentally wrong—or even evil. Through vulnerable storytelling and practical wisdom, Adam explores the messy humanity of biblical figures like Judas, while sharing his own heartbreaking experience of losing hundreds of church members and a 40-year friendship over his stance on LGBTQ inclusion. This isn't a typical religious podcast episode filled with easy answers—it's an honest conversation about the cost of conviction and the radical choice to love even when it hurts. Highlights: Did Jesus Know Judas Would Betray Him? Adam wrestles with the mystery of Jesus' humanity, questioning whether Christ knew from the beginning that his trusted disciple would sell him out for thirty pieces of silver, and what this means for our understanding of divine foreknowledge. The Three Days That Could Have Changed Everything What if Judas had waited just three more days before taking his own life? Adam paints a powerful picture of the forgiveness and redemption that might have been possible if Judas had encountered the risen Christ. When 800 People Leave Your Church Adam shares the devastating personal cost of preaching about inclusion in 2004, describing months of depression and the moment his wife asked the question that changed everything: "Is God calling you to leave, or are you running away?" Love Your Enemies—Even at Family Dinner Drawing from Dr. King's wisdom about wearing people down with love, Adam offers practical guidance for navigating relationships with family and friends who fundamentally disagree with your beliefs—without compromising your convictions. The Friend Who Walked Away In a raw moment of transparency, Adam recounts receiving a letter from a 40-year friend who called him and his church "evil" and "cancer" for their welcoming stance—and how choosing love over defensiveness became a powerful testimony. This episode doesn't offer neat, packaged solutions to the messy reality of human relationships. Instead, Adam invites us into the uncomfortable space where faith meets real life, where love costs something, and where the hardest commandment—to love our enemies—becomes not just a nice ideal but a daily choice. Whether you're struggling with family divisions, questioning your own beliefs, or simply trying to figure out how to love difficult people, this conversation will challenge you to see conflict through the lens of radical grace. It's a reminder that sometimes the most Christ-like response isn't to be right—it's to be loving, even when love feels like the hardest thing in the world.
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