Faith in Practice: Episode 31: The Upside Down Kingdom episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 1, 2026 · 27 MIN

Faith in Practice: Episode 31: The Upside Down Kingdom

from The Higher Powered Podcast · host Kurt Kessler

What does success actually look like?We’re taught to chase comfort, money, influence, and control. But when you slow down and really study the Gospels, Jesus points in a completely different direction.In this episode, Kurt breaks down the idea of the “upside down kingdom”—a kingdom where strength starts with need, where the overlooked are seen, and where the people we avoid are often the ones Jesus moves toward.Walking through real examples from Scripture—the leper, the woman at the well, Matthew the tax collector, the sinful woman, and more—this episode highlights a consistent pattern:what we naturally pursue, Jesus often rejects… and what we naturally avoid, He pursues.This isn’t just theology—it’s a direct challenge to how we define success, build our lives, and interact with others.If you’ve ever felt the tension between ambition and faith, comfort and obedience, or success and surrender, this episode will make you take a hard look at what you’re actually chasing.Chapters:00:00 – What Does Success Actually Look Like?02:30 – The Upside Down Kingdom Explained07:30 – Who Jesus Moves Toward (Real Gospel Examples)18:30 – Wealth, Comfort, and Dependence on God23:30 – Rethinking Your Values & What You’re ChasingConnect with Kurt:Instagram: @higherpowersportspt

What does success actually look like?We’re taught to chase comfort, money, influence, and control. But when you slow down and really study the Gospels, Jesus points in a completely different direction.In this episode, Kurt breaks down the idea of the “upside down kingdom”—a kingdom where strength starts with need, where the overlooked are seen, and where the people we avoid are often the ones Jesus moves toward.Walking through real examples from Scripture—the leper, the woman at the well, Matthew the tax collector, the sinful woman, and more—this episode highlights a consistent pattern:what we naturally pursue, Jesus often rejects… and what we naturally avoid, He pursues.This isn’t just theology—it’s a direct challenge to how we define success, build our lives, and interact with others.If you’ve ever felt the tension between ambition and faith, comfort and obedience, or success and surrender, this episode will make you take a hard look at what you’re actually chasing.Chapters:00:00 – What Does Success Actually Look Like?02:30 – The Upside Down Kingdom Explained07:30 – Who Jesus Moves Toward (Real Gospel Examples)18:30 – Wealth, Comfort, and Dependence on God23:30 – Rethinking Your Values & What You’re ChasingConnect with Kurt:Instagram: @higherpowersportspt

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Faith in Practice: Episode 31: The Upside Down Kingdom

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This episode was published on June 1, 2026.

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What does success actually look like?We’re taught to chase comfort, money, influence, and control. But when you slow down and really study the Gospels, Jesus points in a completely different direction.In this episode, Kurt breaks down the idea of...

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