Madison Church

How do you handle conflicts within your church community? Are you the type to dive headfirst into the fight, or do you prefer to avoid confrontation altogether? In this episode, we unpack Ephesians 4:1-3 and discuss the significance of humility, gentleness, patience, and love in maintaining unity in our faith communities. We also recognize the Holy Spirit's role in helping us prioritize love and unity during challenging times.Jesus has much to teach us about unity, grace, and conflict resolution. By examining Matthew 5:22-24, we explore the importance of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Christ, emphasizing the responsibility we have to initiate difficult conversations. Furthermore, we discuss the power of extending and receiving grace during times of conflict, and how doing so can not only strengthen our unity, but also deepen our understanding of God's love in our lives. Join us for this eye-opening conversation on preserving unity and grace in your church community.Support the show

Do you ever feel like outrage has become the norm in today's culture? From social media arguments to polarizing political debates, it seems like everyone is itching for a fight. In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the challenge of living in an age of outrage, and how to embody grace in our conversations. As followers of Jesus, we're called to make a difference rather than simply make a point, so we explore how our approach to conversation can set us apart in a world that thrives on division and conflict.We dive into the metaphor of salt for wisdom, as Paul teaches us to bring out the best flavors in discussions. By asking good questions and responding with gentleness and respect, we show our willingness to understand and connect with others. By living counterculturally and refusing to add fuel to the outrage fire, we can set ourselves apart and make a real impact. Join us as we learn how to embody grace and navigate the often tumultuous world of dialogue, making a difference one conversatio

We all long for strong, stable, and solid relationships, but how do we build them? Each week of this series examines an aspect of relating to others that can help us get closer to our relationship goals. We’ll learn that a loving relationship with God is the foundation that equips us to love others.Support the show

We all long for strong, stable, and solid relationships, but how do we build them? Each week of this series examines an aspect of relating to others that can help us get closer to our relationship goals. We’ll learn that a loving relationship with God is the foundation that equips us to love others.Support the show

We all long for strong, stable, and solid relationships, but how do we build them? Each week of this series examines an aspect of relating to others that can help us get closer to our relationship goals. We’ll learn that a loving relationship with God is the foundation that equips us to love others.Support the show

We all long for strong, stable, and solid relationships, but how do we develop them? Each week of this series examines an aspect of relating to others that can help us get closer to our relationship goals. We’ll learn that a loving relationship with God is the foundation that equips us to love others.Support the show

Can you imagine the perfect Christmas? Picture your favorite people, food, presents, and traditions—all wrapped up in a bow of holiday cheer. But what if things don't go as planned? In this heartfelt episode, we share our personal experiences and explore the duality of the holiday season: the Christmas we want versus the Christmas we get. Listen in as Stephen reveals his own ideal Christmases, from family traditions to birthday parties for his sons and trips to Zoo Lights.But beyond the festivities, we dive into the deeper meaning behind Christmas, focusing on Jesus as the Prince of Peace in a broken world. Discover the powerful concept of Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace that transcends conflict and confrontation. Join us as we reflect on the path to peace that Jesus offers and how we can embrace this divine gift amidst the struggles and challenges that we face during this festive season.Support the show

Have you ever wondered why the Christmas season seems to pass by so quickly? Before we know it, the decorations are gone, and the cherished moments shared with loved ones around the table have faded. In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the book of Isaiah, discovering how Jesus is the author and originator of eternity, planting within us a desire for the everlasting. Join us as we wrestle with the concept of eternity and learn how Jesus serves as the Father of everlasting.Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, it's easy to become distracted and lose sight of what truly matters. Let's commit to being intentional about focusing on the everlasting and working towards bringing God's kingdom to Earth. Together, we'll explore how Jesus beckons us to let go of things that will pass away and instead embrace a life filled with eternity. Don't miss this opportunity to re-prioritize the joy, love, and purpose that Jesus has gifted us!Support the show

Ever wondered what it means to call Jesus the Mighty God? This episode takes a deep dive into Isaiah 9:6 and its powerful implications for our daily lives. Join us as we explore various year-end lists, such as the New York Times bestseller list, National Geographic's top photos, and even the Spotify wrap-up! We'll discuss what sets these lists apart and how they can spark excitement, as well as pondering whether we'd want to be part of Forbes' list of the world's most influential people.Discover the incredible power that's available to us as followers of Jesus - the same power that raised him from the dead. You don't need to earn or deserve this power; it's a free gift that can fill you with hope and motivation to persist through challenging times. Learn how to harness this power by going with God's current instead of fighting against it, and how he places dreams in our hearts that can help us grow spiritually and unite as a church. Don't miss this transformat

Do you remember the childlike wonder and excitement you felt during Christmas time? Join Stephen as he reminisces about his favorite Christmas memories and discusses the true meaning of wonder in relation to the birth of Jesus. From the Peppermint Mochas at Starbucks to cherished childhood gifts, this episode is a heartwarming trip down memory lane, and a challenge to reconnect with the awe-inspiring presence of Jesus in our lives.Together, we'll explore how the title Wonderful Counselor can go beyond curiosity and surprise, as I share a personal experience of standing in awe of the Rocky Mountains. As we approach this Christmas season, let's take up the challenge of praying for wonder and expecting the extraordinary from Jesus. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation of the joy and wonder of Christmas, and let's rediscover the miraculous together.Support the show

We don’t invite people to fill up churches. We invite people because Jesus has extended an invitation to make our lives better and make us better at life. We invite people to connect them with God and each other.Support the show

We don’t invite people to fill up churches. We invite people because Jesus has extended an invitation to make our lives better and make us better at life. We invite people to connect them with God and each other.Support the show

We don’t invite people to fill up churches. We invite people because Jesus has extended an invitation to make our lives better and make us better at life. We invite people to connect them with God and each other.Support the show

We are strong because of the power of God. We are our strongest when we realize our fight isn't against our brothers and sisters, but against evil, and that we are strongest when we allow God’s power to fight for us and through us.Support the show

Each of us has been equipped by God with certain gifts. Our gift is to be leveraged for the sake of the good; our gift is not a stand-alone gift, but is to be joined with the gifts of others to form something beautiful.Support the show

Dallas Willard wrote, “Grace is not opposed to effort, but to earning." And Paul tells us in Philippians to “work out our salvation,” but neither are telling us to achieve salvation. Rather, both are imploring us to “live it out.” This week is about being a work in progress (and giving yourself grace on the journey).Support the show

The cross encourages us to find our identity in and through Jesus. It also empowers us to leverage the person he created us to be for the good of this world.Support the show

It's God who gives us our identity. We do not earn it. It's a gift of God that no one can take away from us.Support the show

Imagine a world where men and women work together as equal partners, reflecting the beautiful image of God, and restoring creation to its intended glory. What if gender inequality could become a thing of the past? Join us on this empowering journey as we explore God's dream for humanity, highlighting the accomplishments of five incredible women who have made a significant impact on society.Our conversation delves into the creation of men and women, both made in God's image, and how their partnership is essential for fulfilling God's purpose on Earth. We also discuss the importance of valuing every individual, regardless of their marital status, and how single people can serve with even greater dedication. As we tackle the issue of gender inequality in today's world, we uncover the consequences of the fall and the powerful healing stories of Jesus, who treated women with dignity and love amidst societal restrictions.Through the lens of Christianity, we examine the significance of equal lead

Imagine being entrusted with the responsibility of caring for someone else's home or beloved pet - what level of trust does that require? Join us as we share our personal experiences as parents, discussing how our trust has evolved with our children and how we can work towards God's dream of a world filled with beauty, community, and oneness.We also dive into the crucial role we, as Christians and caretakers of God's creation, have in preserving and protecting our environment. With staggering statistics on the impact of human activity on both our planet and fellow human beings, we explore how God might view the world today and ways we can take control of our decisions and actions to better care for his creation. Tune in for an insightful, thought-provoking discussion on our unique Christian responsibility to our world.Support the show