Madison Church

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

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

What if you could experience a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God by understanding Jesus as the new and better High Priest? Join us today on Losing My Religion as we explore Hebrews, chapter nine, and uncover the significance of Jesus's sacrifice and the new and better covenant he made on our behalf. Get ready to be challenged to grow in your faith and learn how to avoid drifting away from God.In our conversation, we dive into the ancient Greek word for redemption and its use in liberating slaves in Leviticus and Numbers. Discover how Jesus's sacrifice not only redeems us from our sins, but also sets us free with eternal liberation. Learn why the blood of Jesus is superior to the blood offered by animals in the old system and how he mediates a new covenant between God and us, granting an eternal inheritance for all.As we follow in Jesus' footsteps, we're called to make sacrifices in our own lives. We share the story of James and John in Mark 10 and discuss how Jesus calls us to

What makes Jesus's sacrifice on the cross superior to the old sacrifices made in Leviticus? Discover the three primary reasons in this episode, as we embark on an enlightening journey into the differences between the old and new sacrifices in the context of Jesus's ultimate offering.As we unravel the relevance of the old covenant worship in our lives today, we'll explore the first covenant between God and Israel, the regulations for worship, and the earthly place of worship. Delving into the two rooms of the tabernacle and their fascinating contents, we'll examine how the Holy Spirit employs the old covenant system to demonstrate just how much better the new covenant is. Learn how Levitical law, animal sacrifices, and memorizing 600 rules give way to a new covenant of experiencing God, as well as the importance of orienting our entire lives - not just Sunday mornings - around worship.Finally, we'll discuss the sacrifices we can make today to orient our lives around worshiping God, and

Can you believe it's been a year and a half since the world came to a standstill due to COVID-19? We take a moment to reflect on the impact it had on our lives, from the historic moment of shutdowns and the how it affected our work and education, to the emotional toll it took on all of us. As we settle into a new normal, we also delve into the message of Hebrews and its lessons on faith, spirituality, and growth.Hebrews offers a powerful perspective on Jesus as a new and better high priest, guiding Jewish Christians through their transition from a Jewish to Christian mindset while they faced persecution in the Roman Empire. We discuss the importance of spiritual maturity in staying engaged with our faith and how growing closer to God brings new life. As we navigate these challenging times, Hebrews reminds us of the transformative power of faith.Finally, we explore the concept of the 'new covenant' in Hebrews, urging us to find balance between our physical and spiritual priorities. We discuss th

How often do we hear about concussions in football, but do we really understand the severity of their impact on players? In this episode, we take a closer look at the NFL's Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee and the long-term effects of concussions on players' lives. From memory loss, headaches, sleep disturbances, to early death, we discuss it all. Join us as we also address the mindset of athletes who push through injuries and the risks they take.As we switch gears, we delve into the theological aspect of the conversation, examining why the author of Hebrews believed a different priesthood was necessary, and the critical role Jesus plays as our high priest. We explore the limitations of the Levitical system and how our relationship with God through Jesus brings us a renewed hope, enabling us to draw closer to him.Lastly, we take a moment to reflect on Jesus' unwavering commitment to us, which is a testament to God's dedication to humanity. In the age of COVID, how can we rekindle and

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