Madison Church

There are a lot of spaces in our lives where we may think that evil has won. It's not just our world or our city; it's our lives. Our boss criticizes us. The doctor comes in and say says it's cancer. Your dream marriage becomes a nightmare. My kids make decisions that go against everything I've taught them. Our financial security is no longer secure.You think to yourself, evil has won. For those of us who have felt this, or feel this way now, Jesus offers us a lifeline in the form of a famous prayer that we've been studying here for the last few weeks. I want us to look at the very last line of this prayer: "Rescue us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).If God's ever going to rescue us from evil, there are some things we need to know. We need to know our enemy. You and I are at war, but the problem is that we've identified the wrong enemy. We think our boss or spouse is our enemy. We believe our friend who betrayed us or took advantage of us is our enemy. Some of us

None of us genuinely enjoy admitting when we’ve blown it. There’s a lot of shame when acknowledging that we’re wrong. This stunts our spiritual growth and connection with God.We’re in the fourth week of a series called Pray Like This… We’re taking The Lord’s Prayer and breaking it down line-by-line to learn about different tools and ways to pray. Today, we’re talking about confession. Which means we’ve got to talk about the s-word: “Forgive us of our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12, NLT).Sin is the actions and thoughts that create space between us, God, and other people. Sometimes sin is objective. “Do not murder” is pretty objective. Murdering is a sin that creates space between you and God. Other times, sin is more subjective. The answer could be yes, depending on who you are; it could be no, depending on who you are.The Bible isn’t a giant cosmic rulebook. It’s the story of God. In that story are people and our sins. We need forgiveness. That’s the humble part of Christian

Today, we’re studying the line within the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says, “Give us the food we need today…” This has been more commonly called “our daily bread.” It’s a phrase that doesn’t hold much meaning for most of us. “Giving us our daily bread” seems like the most insignificant part of the prayer.Petitionary prayer is the most commonly associated with prayer. Prayer means many things to many people, but at its most straightforward and apparent, prayer is about asking God for help. Petitionary prayer is simply asking God to meet our needs and, sometimes, our wants. What we’re talking about today is a tool that most of us have already been equipped with and are already familiar with. Still, we need to take the prayer further. Jesus instructs us to pray like that.When Jesus teaches us to pray for our “daily bread,” he instructs us to pray for the tangible, the immediate, and the insignificant things. It seems silly, or selfish even, to pray for something like a good night’s rest, or about that fight you ha

Prayer is, at its most basic, straightforward simply talking to God. And just like any other conversation or relationship, it has different aspects.We’re in part two of this series called Pray Like This… The disciples notice that prayer is a regular part of Jesus’ life. They saw prayer as a foundational practice to Jesus, so they came to him with a straightforward request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Today we’re going to learn about a form of prayer called intercessory prayer.Intercession is the act of intervening on behalf of one another. It is the practice of coming to God with other people’s or our communities needs. Intercessory prayer is asking God to make right what is currently not right. It’s asking him to bring Heaven to Earth. God is very committed to bringing his kingdom into the places, communities, situations, and people where his will still needs to be done.God’s will is not yet fully realized on Earth. Everything that happens is not God’s will. Things that happen in this world are not God’s will.

All of us have skills or abilities we wish we had. This includes the disciples of Jesus. We see all over the Gospels the disciples coming to Jesus and asking specifically for him to teach them something. The one we will talk about for the next month and a half throughout this Lent season is when they asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1)The disciples wanted to pray better. They’ve seen Jesus go away to pray often and have witnessed many signs, wonders, and miracles. This has prompted them to say they want to pray like him. They say, teach us how to pray.Prayer is a core practice for followers of Jesus. And yet, it’s something that many of us struggle to do regularly. We want to pray more, so why don’t we? It could be because you don’t know where to start. How do we know if we’re doing it? We’re distracted. We can be encouraged today by the disciples’ questions because they also knew what it was like to be busy.Jesus responds to their question in Matthew 6:9-13, “Pray like this: Our heavenly Father

Unlock the secret to a life of financial freedom and the heartfelt joy that comes with intentional generosity. Our latest episode invites you into a candid conversation about how the teachings of Jesus can illuminate the path to a deeper sense of fulfillment through giving. We share inspiring tales from our recent holiday gift drive, reflecting on the happiness that blooms from generosity and pondering how we can extend this spirit beyond the festive season.Tackling the discomfort that often surrounds talks of money, we delve into the cultural and personal hurdles that can impede the development of a generous heart. We contrast the prevalent scarcity mindset with the abundance mindset, drawing inspiration from the Macedonian church's example of giving joyfully despite their own lack. This spirited discussion will leave you contemplating how you might adopt a mindset of plenty, finding contentment and joy in every aspect of your life, financial and beyond.In wrapping up, we highlight the profound impact t

Can money truly buy happiness, or does it just complicate life with more zeros in your bank account? William Budd's story, a man whose lottery win was supposed to be a dream come true yet turned into a fiscal nightmare, reminds us that financial freedom isn't about wealth—it's about wisdom. This week's heartfelt episode peels back the layers of debt's effect on our lives, from straining relationships to diminishing our mental well-being. It's a journey through the pitfalls of poor money management, and a reminder that a fat wallet can quickly slim down without the right strategies in place.When the chains of debt tighten, they can ensnare more than just our wallets—they grip our spirits too. We dive into the emotional and spiritual toll of financial burdens, leaning on biblical proverbs that highlight the moral quandaries and ethical responsibilities of wealth. It's a candid conversation that balances the practicality of financial planning with the deep-rooted desire to live

Ever wondered what happens when a die-hard member of the Crappy Car Club gets the keys to a shiny new ride? I, Stephen Feith, take you on a comedic yet thought-provoking journey through my own transition to new car ownership and the surprising anxieties that come with it. From the fear of parking lot dings to the quest for financial peace, we'll explore how the state of our bank accounts affects not just our wallets, but our wellbeing and faith. As we confront the American millionaire's happiness paradox with insights from Harvard Business School, we'll challenge the adage that more money means more joy. Join us as we dissect the cultural chase for wealth and weigh it against what matters most: family, faith, and relationships. Get ready to shift your paradigm as we dig into the transformative power of 'less is more' and consider a biblical approach to true satisfaction and transformation.To cap off our adventure, we'll embrace the minimalist mindset, sharing personal tales of Ho

Have you ever seen the Disney movie "Finding Nemo?" "Finding Nemo" came out 20 years ago. For those who haven't seen the film in 20 years, it's about an overprotective dad clownfish whose son gets taken from him. The dad goes on the adventure of a lifetime across the ocean, looking for a son.Meanwhile, the lost son finds himself at a dentist's office in Sydney, Australia. The other fish freak out when Nemo, the little fish, is thrown into the fish tank at the dentist's office for the first time. Their home is not sterile anymore. The other fish scrub everything, including Nemo, because their space has been tainted by the ocean. After they clean everything up, they're actually happy Nemo's there. They're excited they've got a new friend in the tank.This scene is fascinating. How often is it that when someone comes into our "circle," we initially freak out? Think about the Christian Church. We have buildings, and they're lovely. Then som

"Circles" are essential to us at Madison Church. They're part of our strategy for connecting people with God and each other. We have systems to help people read the Bible daily and pray regularly. We also have a plan for sharing meals with one another.(We literally have "eat together" on our website.)As such, we host a free community lunch on the first Sunday of every month. We also put it in our bylaws that for people to be members of our church, they must be involved in at least one small group a year. That's how serious "circles" are to us."Circles" aren't just crucial to MC, though. They're essential to you too. Think about some of the most meaningful moments in your life and where they happened? Around a kitchen table? On a road trip? In a restaurant?Some of the most meaningful times in your life have happened in a "circle." None of us were created or meant to live life alone. We are made for relationships. God's intention has alw

If you’re a follower of Jesus today, part of what you “signed up” for was a relationship with God and other people. It’s mission-critical that you do. Why don’t we do it more often? There are obstacles. Here are the three most significant barriers people tell us: fear, tiredness, and busyness.Fear. We have to talk, open ourselves up, and be vulnerable. That’s difficult. It can be scary to let people see us. What if you go out to brunch with that person who asked you to, and they’re a weirdo? Or what if they find out you’re the weirdo?Tiredness. Fatigue affects every area of your life. Being tired is not just keeping you from going to a group once a week for a couple of months or getting together with a friend.Busyness. We’re all busy people. My calendar is jam-packed with things. Your calendar is jam-packed with things. Sarah wrote about this in the last post, which is worth reading: https://madisonchurch.com/community-as-self-care/.No matter the obstacle, when you feel like you need a circle the least is whe

The description of the early church begins with a wholehearted devotion to God and a relational devotion and dedication to one another. Their relationship with God was not something that was to be pursued or experienced alone in solitary form. They were devoted to learning together, spending time with one another, and celebrating communion.Acts 2:42-47 reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was awed by the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily, those who are being saved.”PBS commissioned a study to understand the relationship between relational connec

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