Madison Church

As we convene at Madison Church, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of our lives, I, Stephen Feith, share heart-wrenching yet uplifting tales of lives forever changed by divine encounters. This season, when weariness seems to cling to our bones, we embrace the stories of those who walked with Jesus and found their burdens transformed into beacons of hope. My own journey through grief—a miscarriage and the loss of a cherished pet—serves as a testament to the restorative power of faith. Together, we uncover the parallels between the ancient narratives of the first Christmas and our current adversities, finding solace in the promise of renewal that the Christmas message bestows upon our weary hearts.In an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the coming celebration, we delve into the essence of what biblical hope truly means. Far from a naive belief in a pain-free existence, we unravel the profound truth that Christian hope is about God's unwavering companionship through life's storms. The discussions we

Feeling left out of the Christmas party invite list was just the nudge I needed to ponder the profound significance of belonging. As the holiday chaos ensues, we often forget that the most meaningful gifts can't be bought. This episode unpacks the concept of belonging—being seen, known, and valued. I share a personal tale of post-parenting loneliness and how, paradoxically, even Albert Einstein once confessed to feeling isolated. We tackle the idea that belonging transcends age, status, or success, and I introduce a conversation about the Samaritan woman's life-altering encounter with Jesus. Her story isn't just a biblical lesson; it's a timeless inspiration for fostering inclusion in our own circles.As we unwrap the theme of transformation, we find ourselves at the well with Jesus and the Samaritan woman, seeing her transformation from an isolated individual to a catalyst for change in her community. I suggest practical steps we can all take to build stronger connections, from lingering a

As the twinkling lights of the holiday season cast a warm glow over our homes, I, Stephen Feith, invite you on a journey that transcends the bright decorations and festive cheer. Picture this: a home brimming with the sounds of Christmas music, the laughter of children anticipating their birthdays, and a heartwarming transition from Thanksgiving to a season that's not just about merriment, but about embracing God's greatest gift to humanity. In our latest podcast episode, I reveal the intimate moments that make my family's celebrations special, my personal triumph over a fear of heights to adorn our abode with lights, and most importantly, how these treasured traditions mirror the deeper significance of Christmas for us followers of Jesus.As the pastor at Madison Church, I delve into an often overlooked narrative of Christmas—one where the radical love of Jesus Christ shines brightly through his acceptance of the marginalized, as seen in the evocative story from Luke 7. Our discussion meanders

How can our perspectives change and expand through personal relationships, and how does this relate to our relationship with Jesus? Join us as we share our heartfelt journey of growth and understanding. We explore how embracing these new experiences can lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a more expansive view of the world around us, as we step into the kingdom of God.We also dive into the three realms of the kingdom of God - personal, relational, and social - and how Jesus started his ministry with a powerful social, communal, and even political message. Discover the importance of racial reconciliation as part of our Christian responsibility. Let's talk politics - often a touchy subject, but one that Jesus didn't shy away from. We explore how Jesus engaged with political authority and the importance of viewing politics from a Kingdom perspective. We discuss how love always wins, regardless of election results, and the role the church can play in bringing people of all political beliefs

Are you feeling exhausted by the upcoming election and the relentless attack ads? It's time to take a step back and explore the intersection of faith and politics in this week's eye-opening episode. We dive into the importance of putting our faith first when it comes to our political party affiliations, discussing how no political party perfectly aligns with the values of Jesus, yet both parties can represent some of his values. We continue by examining Paul's journey to becoming a slave to all people, in order to bring many to Christ. Discover how Paul strategically chose his battles to live amongst the Jews and the Gentiles, and learn how choosing unity and love over fear and division is key to navigating our current political climate. As Christians, we need to be reminded that we should have more in common with fellow believers who hold opposing political views than with those who share our politics but not our faith.Lastly, as the election approaches, we explore how to approach difficult co

Can we all agree that faith and politics are a touchy yet undeniably important topic? Join us as we dive in head-first, exploring Jesus' teachings on politics and their modern-day relevance. We'll navigate the excitement and apprehension surrounding the upcoming midterm elections while examining how Jesus' teachings transcend the political climate of any era.We're challenging ourselves - and you - to be better followers of Jesus by filtering our politics through our faith, not the other way around. Let's explore together the idea of disagreeing politically but loving unconditionally, as we delve into John 17. Are we prepared to follow Jesus, even when it creates space between us and our political party of choice?Lastly, let's consider Jesus' prayer for unity among his followers and its significance in our world today. Divisions within the church can lead people away from God, so let's discuss what it means to prioritize the kingdom of God and work together, despite our

When Stephen embarked on the journey of establishing Madison Church, the vision was to create micro locations fostering healthy, quality communities rather than attracting huge crowds. Join us in this episode as we share the incredible story of Madison Church's growth, the many lives transformed through baptism, and the power of Jesus to bring healing, purpose, and life.We also discuss the impact of friendship and perseverance in faith, as shown through Jason's journey from moral failure to working at Madison Church, where he helped reshape our leadership team. Dive into the potent message of the Hebrews letter, which encourages us to support each other despite our friends' mistakes and persevere through life's challenges. Together, let's explore how to live like never before.Lastly, we delve into the true essence of biblical holiness by examining Jesus' teachings on money, marriage, and hospitality. Discover the importance of honoring God in our relationships, being content with

How often do you find yourself consumed by the daily distractions of life, struggling to reconnect with the divine? This episode reveals the power of music in worship, as a tool to help us refocus our attention on our spiritual connection with God. Join us as we share our journey in founding Madison Church and the vital role music plays in creating an impactful, meaningful worship experience.Discover the significance of persevering faith as we delve into the lives of individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11 and the lessons we can learn from their faith in action. Learn how the two covenants play a role in our spiritual lives and the importance of community in helping us persevere through trials and challenges. As we explore the concept of holiness, find out how God's holiness once kept him distant from his people and how, through Jesus, we can now approach him without fear.Finally, let's challenge ourselves to reorient our lives towards the present and future workings of God, not just the past. We invite

Imagine completing an Iron Man triathlon and the sheer perseverance it demands, both physically and emotionally. Now, picture your spiritual journey as an Iron Man race, with similar endurance and commitment necessary to cross the finish line victoriously. That's the heart of our conversation in this episode, as we explore Hebrews 12 and its teachings on faith and perseverance.Join us as we discuss Jesus as the ultimate example of faith, enduring the cross and disregarding the shame, teaching us the value of perseverance in our spiritual race. We dive into the powerful analogy of running the race with weights, which represent the extra baggage that slows us down in our spiritual journeys, and the faith Jesus demonstrated through his sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, we unpack the significance of discipline and learning from God, who acts as our personal trainer, pushing us to reach our goals and dreams.Finally, we emphasize the importance of community support in persevering in our faith. By surroundin

Did you know that heroes don't always wear capes? Sometimes, they're the people we least expect, like our parents, mentors, or even ourselves. Join me as I share the incredible story of my grandpa, who transformed from a mean alcoholic to a wonderful grandfather and became one of my personal heroes. His journey taught me that it's not about how you start, but how you finish that truly matters.Faith can be a controversial topic, but what if it's not just a blind leap but a confident belief in God based on what he has already done? In this episode, we dig deep into Hebrews 11 to dissect misconceptions around faith and the stories of biblical heroes like Abraham and Moses. Together, we'll explore the importance of persevering in faith despite overwhelming challenges and how God works in, through, and around us, even when we can't see it.But faith isn't just an abstract concept; it involves movement and action. Whether it's moving cities or making an offering, taking a step

Are you wavering in your commitment to your Christian community? This powerful discussion dives into the crucial role that fellow believers play in our spiritual growth and well-being. We unpack the idea that neglecting our relationships with other Christians can lead to a wavering faith in Jesus, as well as the dangers of turning our faith into a hyper-individualistic, do-it-yourself practice.We also tackle the consequences of deliberate sin, examining the Greek word 'Hakusos' which refers to willful sinning. Discover how this can lead to the breakdown of relationships and our inability to live according to God's standards. The importance of discipline in our faith journey cannot be understated, as it affects our relationship with God and those around us.Lastly, we explore the importance of remembering our faith during persecution, discussing the various ways modern-day persecution can manifest. From internet memes with Bible verses taken out of context to ridicule and mocking from non-believe

Stephen's journey into the world of ministry started with great excitement, only to be confronted by a toxic and abusive church environment that left him feeling broken and questioning his future as a pastor. In this episode, he bares all and shares his personal story - from being yelled at and bullied, to witnessing inappropriate behavior and questionable financial practices. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Stephen found valuable lessons about perseverance and finding hope in the darkest of times.Together, we explore the concept of boldly approaching God through Jesus and unravel the Old Testament symbolism of the High Priest. As we discuss how Jesus is the one true High Priest, come to understand that this isn't a new religion, but rather the fulfillment of what was always meant to be. Embrace a life free from guilt, where we can genuinely share our inner selves with God.Finally, let's talk about living a purposeful spiritual journey, embracing both challenge and support. Discover how to put your th

Ever grappled with the violence in the Old Testament and wondered how it can be understood in today's context? Brace yourself for a riveting discussion that aims to demystify this complex issue. We embark on this mission to decode the stories of graphic violence - cannibalism, incest, and human sacrifice - a challenging prospect, especially when teaching the younger generation and addressing critics like atheist writer Richard Dawkins.Richard Dawkins' perspective sets the tone for much of our discourse. He views God as the villain in these violent narratives, but we go beyond the surface, analyzing the context and steering the conversation towards a more wholistic understanding of God's character. We open up about our struggles with the 'no apology' and 'Bible is wrong' approaches to Old Testament violence and propose an alternative - understanding the violence as a specific period in Hebrew history. The conversation deepens as we contemplate God's patience in dealing w

Ever wondered how deeply-seated religious convictions can harbor perceptions of intolerance? Or if the belief that all faiths converge to a single divine entity is a dismissive perspective that oversimplifies the uniqueness of each religion? These are the pressing questions we grapple with in this insightful episode. We dissect the statements of global figures like Madonna, who assert that every faith pathway leads to God, and John, as quoted from the Bible, underlining the necessity of having the son to have life.We venture into the various ways in which different religions, notably Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, respond to the quintessential questions of who God and Jesus are, and the process of attaining salvation. It's quite fascinating to discern how the responses vary across each religion, leading to divergent faith destinations. We challenge the idea of religious homogeneity, arguing that this perspective overlooks the unique teachings of each faith and paints a picture of a distant and elusiv

Ever thought about the perplexing crossroads of science and the Bible? Have you pondered if the Bible can stand the test of our scientific knowledge or if humans and dinosaurs shared their days on earth? In our lively discussion, we tackle these burning questions and more, inviting you to consider the Bible not just as a source of divine wisdom but also as a lens to view our scientific world.We journey back to Genesis, the bedrock of creation, and excavate the intricacies of the Hebrew language that underpin the narrative. From the nuanced interpretations of 'day' to the creation of the world and the first human from mud, we aim to shine a light on these age-old tales. We also delve into the three perspectives on the Bible and science: young earth, appearance of age, and evolutionary creationist, reminding ourselves that curiosity about the Bible reflects not mistrust but a relentless quest for truth.As we turn the final pages of this enlightening episode, we encourage you to ask, to seek, and to kn

Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, plea

Are you ready to challenge your perspective on women's roles as depicted in the Bible? This episode promises an invigorating exploration that dare not shy away from controversial verses. Engage in a critical yet faithful study of scriptures from 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Timothy. We invite you to join us as we dig deep into the context, intent, and cultural influences behind these verses.Let's embark on a journey from Genesis, where God declared man should not be alone, to examining the power dynamics following the fall. Discover how 'ezer' breaks free from the conventional interpretations of 'assistant' or 'secretary.' Hear how despite the patriarchal society of the Old Testament, God's support for women remains unwavering, and His use of women in leadership positions continues to inspire.In the final leg of our exploration, we navigate through the roles women played in church gatherings. We construct a vivid picture of Corinth and Ephesus, shedding light on

Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, plea

Have you ever scratched your head at the sight of an absurd law and wondered, "what on earth were they thinking?" Join us in a hearty laugh as we swap hilarious stories about peculiar laws in our society and in the Bible. Can you imagine not being able to honk your car horn after 9 PM near a sandwich shop in Arkansas, or being fined for letting your donkey nap in a bathtub in Arizona? Even stranger, the Sun Prairie municipal code won't let a bicycle proceed by momentum alone, with the rider's feet off the pedals!Shifting gears, we grapple with the enigmatic world of Biblical interpretation. The Bible, a text that inspires and confounds in equal measure, has left us all at a loss at some point - perhaps the slavery depictions in the Old and New Testaments come to mind? Guided by Paul's counsel to his apprentice Timothy, we wade through these murky waters, reminding ourselves that while the Bible was written for us, it wasn't written specifically to us. Our understanding, therefore

Ever wondered why the Bible, a seemingly ancient text, still holds so much power and relevance in our modern world? Or have you questioned why certain stories in the Bible stir up so much controversy? We're tackling these questions head-on in our latest series, seeking to uncover the enduring mystery and power of the Bible. We invite you to join us, armed with humility and an open mind, as we navigate the complexities of biblical texts and their impact on our faith and beliefs. This series isn't just about understanding or interpreting the text; it’s about exploring how the Bible informs our relationship with God and guides us in loving one another. We engage with Dan Kimball's teachings and address some tough questions, such as whether God endorses violence, or if the Bible is anti-women or anti-science. We also delve into the world of Bible translations, discussing how mistranslations can lead to misunderstandings. Have you heard about the unicorns mentioned in the King James Version of the B