The Life of Jesus – Episode 34: The Kingdom of God

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Date: February 15, 2026
Featured Actors: Sean Astin, Kristen Bell, Neal McDonough, Blair Underwood, Malcolm McDowell, Stacy Keach, Hill Harper, Julia Ormond, Michael York, Brian Cox, John Rhys-Davies
Narrator: Ainsley Earhardt

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode explores the opening chapters of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, focusing on the concept of the Kingdom of God as it relates to unity, spiritual wisdom versus worldly wisdom, immorality, and the conduct expected from followers of Christ. Through dramatic readings and a postscript reflection, the episode draws parallels between the struggles of the early church in Corinth and modern issues of division and morality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Setting (00:32)

• Corinth is introduced as an affluent, diverse Greek city beset by idolatry, immorality, and social division.
• Purpose: Paul’s letter addresses problems within the Corinthian church that resonate with today’s societal challenges.

Notable Quote:

“Much of it directly applies to some cultural issues we see in today's chaotic world.”
— Ainsley Earhardt (00:32)

2. Paul’s Appeal for Unity (01:59–06:00)

• Opening Address: Paul greets the Corinthian church, affirming their calling and spiritual gifts.
• The Problem of Factionalism: Church members identify themselves with various leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ), causing division.
• Paul’s Rebuke: Reminds them that Christ is undivided and only He was crucified for them, not Paul or any other human leader.

Notable Quotes:

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
— Paul (as voiced, 02:55)

“...that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
— Paul (02:30)

• Core Message: Unity is fundamental; allegiances to human leaders undermine the foundation of faith.

3. The Message of the Cross vs. Worldly Wisdom (06:01–12:30)

• The ‘Foolishness’ of the Gospel: The message of Christ crucified is “folly” to many, yet it is the power and wisdom of God.
• God’s Upside-Down Wisdom: God chooses what is weak, lowly, and “foolish” by worldly standards to shame those who think they are wise or strong.

Notable Quotes:

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
— Paul (07:10)

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
— Paul (08:20)

• Spiritual Discernment: Spiritual truths can only be understood through the Spirit, not human wisdom.

4. Growth in Spiritual Maturity (12:31–16:00)

• Spiritual Infancy: Paul accuses the Corinthians of being spiritual “babes,” not ready for deeper teachings due to ongoing jealousy and strife.
• Servants, Not Celebrities: Paul and Apollos are simply “servants through whom you believed.” True growth comes from God alone.

Notable Quotes:

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it...”
— Paul (13:00)

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
— Paul (14:00)

5. The Foundation of Christ and Judgment of Works (16:01–19:30)

• God’s Building: The church is God’s building; Christ is the only foundation.
• Works Tested by Fire: Every believer’s contributions will be revealed and tested; only what is built on Christ survives.

Notable Quotes:

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— Paul (16:40)

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
— Paul (17:30)

6. Warnings Against Pride and Judgment (19:31–21:50)

• Against Boasting: All things come from God; boasting about spiritual achievements or leaders is pointless.
• Final Judgment Belongs to God: Paul insists it is God alone who judges motives and actions.

Notable Quotes:

“Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord.”
— Paul (12:40)

7. Life in the Kingdom of God: Humility, Suffering, and Integrity (21:51–25:00)

• Apostolic Hardship: Paul contrasts the apparent honor of the Corinthians with the hardship faced by apostles.
• Example of Leadership: Paul encourages them to imitate his humble, sacrificial approach, warning against arrogance.

Notable Quotes:

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ… We hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless.”
— Paul (22:45)

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk, but in power.”
— Paul (24:30)

8. On Immorality and Discipline (25:01–27:00)

• Confronting Sin: Paul deals directly with sexual immorality in the community, advocating church discipline for restoration, not mere punishment.
• Call for Purity: Urges the church to purge evil so it may remain holy.

Notable Quotes:

“Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump...with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
— Paul (26:20)

9. Christian Conduct in Secular Disputes (27:01–28:00)

• Grievances Among Believers: Criticizes going to secular courts over disputes within the church, encouraging internal resolution and self-sacrifice.

Notable Quote:

“Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?”
— Paul (27:40)

• The Inheritance of the Kingdom: Lists behaviors inconsistent with inheriting God’s kingdom, and affirms transformation through Christ.

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the spirit of our God.”
— Paul (27:55)

10. Sanctity of the Body and Relationships (28:01–28:12)

• Body as Temple: The body is for the Lord and a temple of the Holy Spirit. Believers are urged not to misuse it.
• Marriage and Singleness: Addresses proper conduct within marriage and singleness, emphasizing mutual respect and spiritual purpose.

Notable Quote:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… you are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
— Paul (28:04)

Concluding Reflection & Application (28:48–29:30)

Ainsley Earhardt delivers a closing devotional, connecting Paul’s timeless call for unity and godliness to present-day struggles:

• Unity Must Be Different in God’s Kingdom: The church must transcend society’s divisions.
• True Allegiance: Obedience to God’s Word, not cultural trends, defines God’s people.

Notable Reflection:

“Unity and harmony are certainly possible in this world, but only if it is God’s Word we find, His voice we hear, and He is the expert we choose to obey.”
— Ainsley Earhardt (28:55)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
  — Paul (02:55)
• “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
  — Paul (07:10)
• “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
  — Paul (08:20)
• “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
  — Paul (14:00)
• “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
  — Paul (17:30)
• “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk, but in power.”
  — Paul (24:30)
• “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… you are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
  — Paul (28:04)
• “Unity and harmony are certainly possible in this world, but only if it is God’s Word we find, His voice we hear, and He is the expert we choose to obey.”
  — Ainsley Earhardt (28:55)

Key Takeaways

• True unity in the Church is found in allegiance to Christ alone, not human leaders or ideologies.
• Spiritual wisdom is contrasted with human wisdom; only through the Spirit can one understand God’s ways.
• God’s power and calling overturn worldly hierarchies; those considered weak or insignificant are valuable in His kingdom.
• The body and the community are sacred; both should be used to honor God.
• Practical holiness is essential; believers’ actions reflect the reality of the Kingdom of God in the present.

This episode offers a rich, dramatic retelling of early church struggles, blending scripture, performance, and reflection to encourage listeners to live out the principles of the Kingdom of God in today’s divided and chaotic world.