Madison Church

Seven years ago, Stephen embarked on a journey to start Madison Church, with a vision of creating a community centered on discipleship rather than size or rapid growth. Little did he know that a single tweet would lead to an unexpected partnership and $30,000, setting the foundation for our vibrant community today. In this episode, we reflect on the incredible journey of our church, and the faith that has sustained us through it all.Together, we dive into the book of Hebrews and explore how the author inspired faith in their original audience - Jewish Christians grappling with new beliefs after being accustomed to traditional Judaism. We examine the author's use of Aristotle's theories of persuasion, the themes of faith and family in Hebrews chapter three, and how these timeless teachings remind us to remain courageous and confident in Christ. In challenging times, faithfulness and endurance are crucial. We discuss how the wilderness can either draw us closer to God or push us away, and how focusing

What does it truly mean for Jesus to have experienced humanity, and why did God choose this path? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into Hebrews 2:10-18 to uncover the profound impact of Jesus' humanity on his divine mission and the way we view ourselves and others. By recognizing that Jesus faced the same emotions and experiences as we do - fear, fatigue, and hurt feelings - we can better appreciate his perfect leadership and the significance of his calling.We also delve into the unique concept of God and Jesus as family, exploring the language used within our faith and its implications. Through our examination of Jesus' humanity, we come to understand why he needed to become human and die to defeat the devil and free us from the fear of death. By contemplating Jesus' example of love, we reflect on how our perception of others should be shaped and how we can better respond to the world around us. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that will deepen your understanding of Jesus'

Have you ever felt like your prayers were going unanswered, and God seemed quiet? I know what it's like to desperately pray for a miracle and feel like God isn't responding. This episode will discuss evidence that shows God does speak today and why it's essential to keep praying, hoping, and believing even when he seems silent.We'll also explore the challenging questions of why God allows pain and suffering in the world and the role of free will in our lives. We'll examine the possible reasons for God's delay in answering prayers and how we can maintain trust in him, even when the answer isn't what we want. Join us as we find encouragement and hope in our faith journey amidst unanswered prayers and difficult circumstances.Find out more information about Madison Church, a nondenominational church in Madison, Wisconsin, at our website: madisonchurch.com.Support the show

Have you recently felt like you're losing your faith amid the chaos of the pandemic? You're not alone. This episode explores the unsettling truth that for many, faith and spirituality have taken a hit during these challenging times. We discuss the alarming decline in church attendance and the prediction that one in five people will lose their faith entirely by the end of 2021.Together, we dive into Hebrews 2 to understand the importance of listening carefully to the truth we have heard to avoid drifting away from our faith. We share stories of hope and God's miracles, and discuss practical steps to recommit to our spiritual journey. Learn how to take responsibility for your spiritual health and the crucial choices we make on a daily basis. Remember, even a small deviation can lead to a significant miss. So, let's come together and embrace the grace God provides to help us get back on track.Find out more information about Madison Church, a nondenominational church in Madison, Wisconsin, at

Who is Jesus, really? Is he just another Jewish preacher or religious leader, or is he something more, like the divine Son of God? We dive into Hebrews chapter 1 verse 5 and surrounding passages to uncover the truth about Jesus and the incredible impact he has on our lives.In today's pluralistic society, the importance of understanding who Jesus is and how his followers live out their faith cannot be overstated. We explore how Christians can show love, grace, and forgiveness in a world full of diverse beliefs, and discuss the unique aspects of Christianity compared to other faiths. Listen in to deepen your understanding of Jesus, his teachings, and how we can better serve our communities by embodying his love and grace in our everyday interactions.Find out more information about Madison Church, a nondenominational church in Madison, Wisconsin, at our website: madisonchurch.com.Support the show

Have you ever wondered if God still speaks to people today? Join us on this powerful journey as we examine the ways in which God has communicated with humanity through the prophets and his son, and how you can connect with him in your own life. In this episode, we share personal experiences and stories about hearing from God, while exploring the importance of faith and finding assurance in him, even when it seems like he is silent.We start by investigating the notion of God speaking to individuals today, as well as the importance of daily Bible reading for seeking his voice. We then discuss how recognizing his voice requires careful attention and intentionality, tuning out the noise of the world to genuinely connect with God. As we delve into the first four chapters of the New Testament letter to the Hebrews, we aim to strengthen your faith, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how to truly hear from God and find your faith in today's world!F

Do you ever feel like the pressure to present a perfect image on social media is affecting your relationships and your ability to be your true self? In the powerful conclusion of our five-part series on Emotionally Healthy Relationships, we explore the importance of living authentically and seeking approval from God, rather than from others, to foster healthier and more fulfilling connections.Together, we'll examine the impact of social media on our relationships, discuss the wisdom of Jesus and prophet Jeremiah as guides for living our true selves, and share valuable insights on when to stay silent and when to speak up. Join us on this transformative journey towards thriving in your relationships, embracing your true self, and ultimately bringing glory to God and empowering others to do the same.Support the show

Are your relationships suffering from constant conflict? Does pride secretly take the driver's seat when it comes to your emotional health? Get ready to discover the root of conflict through the lens of James 4, as we tackle the power of pride and humility in building or tearing down relationships. Don't let pride continue to damage your connections - it's time for a healthy change.We'll also expose the dangers of pride and envy that often trigger conflicts in our lives. Learn how counting someone else's blessings instead of our own can lead to envy and resentment, and how to recognize signs of pride in ourselves. It's time to take a step back and assess how these issues impact our relationships and emotional well-being.Finally, let's dive into practical ways to overcome pride in our relationships, using James 4 as our guide. By submitting to God, resisting the real enemy, and admitting our need for help, we can foster humility and surrender our relationships to a higher pow

Did you know that people spend 60% of the conversations they initiate talking about themselves, and that number jumps to 80% on social media? Join us for an enlightening discussion as we reveal how listening incarnationally can significantly impact our relationships. Discover the power of listening as an act of love and how it can help bridge gaps between people, while also fostering spiritual growth.We'll dive into how talking too much and not listening can hinder our relationships and spiritual growth, exploring Jesus' commandment to love God and love our neighbors. By examining the concept of listening incarnationally, we'll learn how to enter the world of another person and truly hear them. Embrace the importance of listening as an act of love, as David Osburger said, "being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they're almost indistinguishable." Let's commit to listening well so that we can love well!Support the show

Ever wondered why your relationships seem like the tip of an iceberg? Are you ready to dive deeper and uncover the hidden 90% of emotions that could be causing shipwrecks in your connections with others? Join Stephen, the Lead Pastor of Madison Church, in this eye-opening discussion on emotionally healthy relationships and how understanding the fullness of our emotions can bring us closer to God and those around us.Discover how embracing a resolved mindset can lead to healthier relationships and a deeper understanding of our humanity as well as Jesus' humanity. We also look at some fascinating examples from the Bible of Jesus expressing his emotions, such as anger when confronted by the Pharisees and Sadducees. Reflect with us on the importance of handling our emotions in a way that aligns with Jesus' teachings.Finally, let's explore together the significance of self-awareness and its impact on our emotions, relationships, and spirituality. Learn how to bring your emotions to God and become mor

We've all been duped by false advertising, but what about the expectations we place on our relationships? Join us as we explore the importance of managing expectations and dive into Jesus' story with the Pharisees in Matthew 22. Discover how Jesus' wise words remind us to give to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's and how this can transform our relationships.Expectations can be a double-edged sword, especially in relationships. We discuss unhealthy expectations and how they can be our own worst enemy. Learn how to grow in faith through loving others and the role we play in the story of the Good Samaritan. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical tips to help you love God and your neighbors better, ultimately leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.Support the show

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Let’s address the prevalence of mental health issues in our community. These talks will not only speak to those who are struggling with mental illness, but to everyone. The truth is that we all experience symptoms of various mental health challenges. We all struggle with thoughts that cause us to question our value and purpose. Support the show

Let’s address the prevalence of mental health issues in our community. These talks will not only speak to those who are struggling with mental illness, but to everyone. The truth is that we all experience symptoms of various mental health challenges. We all struggle with thoughts that cause us to question our value and purpose. Support the show

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Let’s address the prevalence of mental health issues in our community. These talks will not only speak to those who are struggling with mental illness, but to everyone. The truth is that we all experience symptoms of various mental health challenges. We all struggle with thoughts that cause us to question our value and purpose. Support the show

In week one of our Mind Matters series, we interview psychotherapist Elysabeth Meehan (LCSW) about anxiety. They have a conversation about what anxiety is, the different types of anxiety, and how to know if you should seek out treatment.Support the show

Let’s address the prevalence of mental health issues in our community. These talks will not only speak to those who are struggling with mental illness, but to everyone. The truth is that we all experience symptoms of various mental health challenges. We all struggle with thoughts that cause us to question our value and purpose. Support the show

Support the show