Madison Church

What if you could discover hidden truths buried within familiar biblical narratives that would awaken faithfulness and obedience in your Christian walk? In our latest conversation, we peel back layers in the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary from the book of Luke, revealing valuable lessons about faith and obedience regardless of our understanding or circumstances. We explore the incredible joy Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced after welcoming parenthood after a long wait, reminding us that with God, no waiting season is ever in vain.We also venture into the extraordinary encounter between Elizabeth and Mary, both carrying miracles in their wombs. The exchange between these women is brimming with divine revelations; from Elizabeth's spirit-filled prophetic greeting to Mary's hymn of praise, their stories exemplify courageous faith and obedience beyond societal norms. It's a reminder of God's favor on those who society might disregard, emphasizing the importance of aligning with G

Ever wondered what time travel has to do with the Christmas story? Brace yourself for an intriguing exploration of faith, disbelief, and divine revelations that'll reshape your understanding of the biblical account of Mary and the angel Gabriel. We kick off our talk with a spirited debate on Christmas music before we journey back in time, drawing you into the extraordinary announcement Mary receives and her remarkable faith in response. Unpack the significance of Gabriel's message and the role of Joseph, even as we highlight the surprising ways God works.As we continue our journey, we dive deep into Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement. Imagine being told you'll bear a son who will be great and be called the Son of God! We break down the religious language so you can grasp the full implications of this divine message. Discover how Mary's faithful affirmation contrasts sharply with Zechariah's skepticism. We conclude our episode with a practical discussion on embracing G

Ever felt that prickle of anticipation, that longing for Christmas morning as a child? Remember that toy you desired above all else but never found under the tree? We're about to venture on a journey that explores the art of waiting, the disappointment that sometimes accompanies it, and ultimately, the divine purpose that unfolds in God's perfect timing. We'll take a deep look into Luke's gospel, and the Christmas story that we all know, to drive home these life-altering insights.We've all experienced a Zechariah and Elizabeth moment - a time of waiting, a period of questioning, a season of disbelief. Their story, marked by infertility and an angelic encounter, is a powerful testament to God's fidelity even in our seasons of doubt. We explore how their waiting period, much like ours, was not a punishment but a divine orchestration leading to the fulfillment of a divine promise. This story acts as a mirror, reflecting our own doubts, disappointments, and ultimate triumphs in the f

Ever wondered about the peculiar Christmas traditions that have become an integral part of your holiday celebrations, or the historical intricacies of the Gospel of Luke? If so, buckle up for an enlightening discussion where we decode these traditions, starting from the peculiar Christmas Pickle to Krampus Night. We also embark on an explorative journey through the first two chapters of Luke's gospel in our Advent series, "Christmas according to Luke", where we aim to provide a detailed understanding of Luke's writings, bringing about a sense of personal renewal and fresh perspective this Christmas season.As we navigate through the Gospel of Luke, we're not shying away from hard-hitting questions about its authenticity, comparing the New Testament with other religious texts, and addressing your queries about the historical truth of Jesus' story. We're going to dissect the concept of textual criticism and its role in determining the reliability of historical documents. Luke&a

Have you ever wondered about the role faith plays in our lives, and how it impacts our decisions and perceptions? We've embarked on an enlightening journey, concluding our Suspicious Faith series by delving into the thought-provoking critiques of Freud, Marx, and Nietzsche. Uncover how Freud's assertion that faith fulfills unconscious psychological needs, Marx’s view of faith as a painkiller, and Nietzsche's multifaceted critique of religion can refine and deepen our faith. Venture further with us into Suspicious Faith as we study Nietzsche's impactful teachings. Challenge yourself to see faith not just as a spiritual shelter but as a philosophical guide to life. As we dissect Nietzsche's assertion 'God is dead' and his concept of Ubermensch, we find an unexpected parallel with James, Jesus's brother, who also urged Christians to be proactive in doing good on earth. This episode will help you embrace the essence of both philosophies - the pursuit of truth and the drive

Ever wondered why some of history's most influential atheists like Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Frederick Nietzsche, were able to make such uncomfortably accurate critiques of faith? We're shaking things up in our latest episode, taking a brave step towards understanding their perspectives and how they invite us to examine our own beliefs. This isn't about questioning our faith, rather it's about strengthening it through thoughtful self-examination and open conversation.Enter the enigmatic world of Karl Marx as we explore his unique outlook on religion and faith. Marx argues that religion has become a soothing balm, a societal ibuprofen, if you will, that distracts us from the true societal issues. We delve into the compelling intertwinement of religious institutions with oppressive political and economic systems. Together, let's unearth the potential within us to address religion as an opium and strive for a more enlightened society.Finally, we edify our thoughts with the teachings

Imagine walking a path of faith, hand in hand with Jesus, that is not dictated by dogmas but a journey of self-discovery and critical examination. Can we genuinely experience spiritual fulfillment without questioning the very foundations of our beliefs? It’s a journey that invites us to dig deep into the philosophies of Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche. We take a closer look at Marx's perspective on religion being the opium of the masses and Nietzsche’s critique of Christian morality. Can we discern between societal conditioning and divine truth? Can we unravel the threads of religion and tradition to reveal the purest essence of faith?As we navigate through this intellectual expedition, we also turn the spotlight on Freud's viewpoint that considers religion as a human creation serving as a source of comfort. How does this perspective resonate with the New Testament's description of God's love? This love, we find, is not just something God does, it's a part of his ver

Have you ever pondered what makes your church unique and essential in your spiritual journey? Well, we did just that at Madison Church. In part two of this series, we delve into the distinctive elements of Madison Church that make us who we are. On this exciting journey of discovery, we unpack the six core values that form our community's backbone: Jesus is Lord, Disciple Making, Missional-Incarnational Impulse, Community, Organic Systems, and an APEST culture. Each value acts as a compass, guiding our actions, molding our decisions, and strengthening our bond with God and each other.Continuing on this path of revelation, we share our ambitious vision of establishing ten micro-locations within Madison. By doing so, we aim to meet the diverse needs of the community and create a platform for spiritual growth. We shed light on the checks and balances in our leadership structure and the importance of membership within our congregation. So, are you ready to uncover the essence of Madison Church and how these

Ready to deepen your spiritual journey and embrace a vibrant community? Join us as we embark on a compelling exploration of Madison Church's unique mission and practices. We'll dive into the heart of spiritual growth, uncovering the power of Bible reading, consistent prayer, and the sacred tradition of baptism. Discover how these practices serve as spiritual anchors, drawing us closer to God and enhancing our spiritual depth. Then, let's journey together into the heart of community building, from sharing meals to resolving conflicts biblically. We'll unravel the three pillars of giving back - volunteering, financial contributions, and using our influence for Christ and his Kingdom.So, whether you're a seeker or a long-time believer, this episode is your invitation to connect more deeply with God and others. We believe in the power of diversity, welcoming individuals from all faith backgrounds. We look forward to welcoming you into our Sunday gatherings, where we aim to grow together i

Have you ever pondered on the story of the Prodigal Son, considered its profound message, and sought to connect its teachings of grace and forgiveness to real-life challenges? Well, join us on this journey as we draw deep lessons from this biblical parable while reflecting on the nine-year journey of Madison Church. We'll share stories of resilience, strength, and faith that led us through daunting trials, including the shut-down of our two locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this challenging world where faith often wavers, we need more than the typical Sunday gathering. What if every believer took Paul's teachings to heart, grew more like Christ, and embedded themselves deeply in the church body? In this episode, we emphasize the indispensability of community involvement in the church, inspiring one and all to live out their faith not solitarily, but as part of an interconnected, supportive community. We call on everyone to come together as believers, learn from one another, and inspire each

A profound conversation with my son sparked a fascinating exploration into the intrinsic value of relationships and community in our spiritual lives. He wisely reminded me that the company we keep is, undeniably, one of the most critical life decisions we make. Do you find yourself drawn to the comfort of solitude? Or perhaps you've been scarred by misplaced trust, leaving you hesitant to let anyone in? Regardless of your reasons, this episode compels you to reconsider the value of companionship on your spiritual journey, debunking the notion that spirituality is a solitary pursuit.Let's get real - genuine, authentic connections are a lifeline. They provide us with a sense of clarity, a support system, and a sense of belonging. Remember that time in college when you were overwhelmed with decisions and doubts? That's when your 'clearness committee' stepped in - your trusted group of friends who helped you navigate through the storm. We all need a clearness committee, a sanctuary where

Have you ever wondered about the story behind Madison Church, and how it transformed from a single Facebook post to the vibrant community it is today? I'm Stephen Feith, your host and lead pastor, and today, we're taking a walk down memory lane. We'll revisit our early days, when Anthony, a young man I met through a Facebook post, became our first member, our first baptism, and one of our first leaders. Through trials and tribulations, we've grown organically, carrying the faith and dedication of our members as our backbone.Then, we shift our focus to the heart of our community - our small group gatherings. Inspired by the early disciples, we delve into the foundations and significance of these little clusters within our congregation. We acknowledge the fears and reservations that may come with joining such groups, but we also celebrate the profound impact these gatherings can have on your spiritual journey. As we look ahead in 2023, we share practical advice on maintaining individual Bibl

We're venturing to the heart of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, a city marked by deep-seated and violent conflict. What if you could discover the tools to bridge the chasm between deeply divided groups? As we navigate the geographical split between the Catholics and Protestants, symbolized by a river bisecting the city, we're driven to reflect on our own relational divisions. The tumult of 2020, compounded by the pandemic, has only strained relationships further. It's time we took a step towards mending these rifts.Join us as we strive to initiate and pacify conflicts with the grace and patience embodied by Jesus. We'll explore how to initiate those challenging conversations, while offering the other party ample time to process the discussion. In learning to be patient with ourselves and our evolution, we cultivate resilience. As we journey towards building bridges, we draw inspiration from the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. It stands not just as an architectural marvel, but as a testament to

Are you ready to break the chains of pain with the power of forgiveness? Prepare to journey with us as we navigate the complex terrain of forgiveness, discussing its potent impact on mending relationships and its role in emotional healing and spiritual growth. Together, we'll shatter the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, reinforcing that it isn't about forgetting or justifying someone's actions, nor is it synonymous with immediate trust. Drawing from the profound teachings of Jesus, we invite you to redefine your view of forgiveness. Venture further into the realm of forgiveness as we spotlight the enormous strength it brings and how it serves as a pathway to liberation. We'll discuss the brave decision to forgive, illuminating how it can be a constant, even hour-by-hour choice, and the importance of focusing on God's mercy rather than dwelling on the pain inflicted by others. Join us in a special prayer session, seeking divine guidance to center our thoughts on forgiveness. Bra

What if the most difficult part of restoring a relationship wasn’t mending the broken bond, but rather admitting that you were wrong? This episode is a deep dive into the human psychology behind being wrong and how our denial can often lead to more heartache and destruction than the initial mistake. We examine the compelling story of a cult from the book "Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)," whose faith in their leader only strengthened after their doomsday predictions failed. Admitting our mistakes is a difficult yet necessary step in restoring our relationships and maintaining our sanity.Relationships, like ships, require constant attention and direction. An unattended ship will inevitably head towards an iceberg, much like unprocessed emotions can bring about the downfall of a relationship. Despite the effort required, we argue that working to restore relationships is a worthwhile endeavor. But what happens when a relationship is damaged beyond repair? We've got you covered there too, offeri

Are you ready to build meaningful relationships, foster community, and discover your true identity? Brace yourself as we step into the arena of relationships, in an intimate setting at the intentionally small Madison Church, where we believe in the power of social interactions. Whether you're a believer or non-believer, you're welcome to connect and develop relationships that matter.From the joy of friendships to the pain of disappointments, relationships can be a roller coaster. We understand it's not just about finding the perfect friend or partner, but becoming one. Unearth the courage it takes to take responsibility and the wisdom needed to know when a relationship isn't healthy to restore. Remember, it's not always about the other person changing; it's about us stepping up and doing the work of restoring relationships.As we explore the realm of reconciliation, remember that it all begins with God. Our decisions, worship, and identity significantly influence the restoration p

What if we told you our understanding of the physical realm can significantly influence our perspective of the supernatural? That's the journey we're embarking on as we wrap up our series on Unseen, exploring how the physical and spiritual intermingle, with the God of the universe in the mix. We use the lens of Mark 1:14-15 to scrutinize the Kingdom of God, shattering misconceptions and unveiling the vast implications of this biblical cornerstone.Have you ever wondered about the implications of God being at once natural and supernatural? This intriguing duality forms the crux of our discussions. We bask in the refreshing truth of the Gospel, acknowledging the tarnished reputation of the term 'evangelical', yet appreciating its essence as the bearer of good news. We confront our brokenness and its contribution to the world's suffering, but not without the reassurance that the good news proclaimed by Jesus and his early followers still holds true for us today, despite the disillusionmen

Ever wondered the role unseen forces play in shaping your everyday existence? We'll unveil how demons, angels, and the prince of darkness himself subtly influence our relationships, reactions, and our inherent capacity to do good. Drawing wisdom from the Apostle Paul's poignant words in Galatians 5, we highlight the paramountcy of allowing the Holy Spirit to be our compass, guiding us away from the snares of our sinful nature. For what manifests in our lives often has its roots in the unseen.Our journey deepens as we expose the concept of 'signature sins', those seemingly irresistible temptations that persistently lure us into their clutches. In spite of our earnest attempts to resist, these unseen sins often emerge victorious, wreaking havoc and stealing away our peace, relationships, and time. As we navigate this murky terrain, we also dissect the concept of sin management, underlining its futility against the might of these signature sins. In the face of such overwhelming odds, surrende

What if there’s an unseen realm that impacts our everyday existence? Get ready to pull back the curtain and journey with us into the uncharted territories of the supernatural, where we’ll explore spiritual warfare and demons. We recognize this topic may be a no-go zone for some, but our aim is to help you reevaluate and reconstruct aspects of spirituality that may be misaligned with biblical teachings. It’s not about dismantling your faith, but rather encouraging renovation and growth.Ever considered how our understanding of evil in the unseen realm can be similar to our understanding of viruses and germs? Drawing parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic, we discuss how ignoring the danger or obsessing over it are both far from healthy. Unmasking our blind spots when it comes to the supernatural, we share insights on how to dismantle and reconfigure what we've been taught about demons, striking a balance between caution and curiosity.Remember Jesus' spiritual battle when tested by the devil in the wilde

Are you ready to challenge your perspective on angels and the unseen realm? Join us in our latest Unseen series as we dive into the fascinating world of angels and unearth the truth behind these powerful spiritual beings. With expert insights from Professor Andy Angel and author Scott McKnight, you're in for a thought-provoking and eye-opening experience.In this conversation, we debunk common misconceptions about angels - no, they're not just chubby babies with harps. Instead, we explore their true nature as divine messengers sent by God to bring news, comfort, and deliverance. We also delve into the riveting story of Elisha and the supernatural army, showcasing how God's incredible power protects and guides his people.Embrace the wonder of the unseen and open yourself up to experiencing the supernatural like never before. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this episode is sure to challenge and inspire you to see the world in a whole new light. So, tune in and let's embark on thi