Shows
The Madison Church PodcastMercy, Not Sacrifice: Jesus Confronts the Pharisee WithinDo you ever feel like you're on a spiritual treadmill with God? Running faster, praying more, serving more—yet somehow not moving forward in your relationship with him? You're not alone.Pastor Stephen Feith tackles this universal struggle head-on, revealing how our performance-driven culture shapes our approach to faith. When we treat God like a boss to impress or a coach deciding if we'll make the team, we transform what should be a loving relationship into an exhausting quest for approval we can never quite catch.Through the powerful story of Jesus calling Matthew—a desp...
2025-08-2627 minThe Madison Church PodcastBeyond Spiritual Performance: Finding Authentic FaithThe gap between knowing and living, between religious performance and authentic faith—this is where many of us find ourselves today. In this challenging and heartfelt message, Stephen Feith opens a new six-week series with a question that hits close to home: "Have you ever done the right thing for the wrong reasons?"Drawing from Matthew 23, Stephen examines why the Pharisees—people who believed in Scripture, the Messiah, and resurrection—completely missed Jesus when he stood right in front of them. Their failure wasn't a lack of knowledge or even wrong practices; it was that they had substi...
2025-07-2430 minThe Madison Church PodcastOrdinary People, Extraordinary Courage: What Happens When the Spirit MovesWhat does courage look like when following Jesus means facing resistance? Pastor Stephen Feith takes us through Acts 3-4, where we discover that spiritual boldness isn't reserved for the naturally confident or specially trained—it's available to every believer who depends on the Holy Spirit.The journey begins with Peter and John noticing a disabled man whom everyone else had learned to ignore. This simple act of seeing someone reveals how spiritual courage often starts: not with grand proclamations, but with compassionate presence in ordinary moments. When healing occurs and crowds gather, Peter redirects attention away from hi...
2025-06-0424 minThe Madison Church PodcastEmbracing the In-Between: Finding God in Life's Waiting SeasonsHave you ever found yourself caught in life's waiting room? That space between where you were and where you're headed, but with no clear roadmap for how to get there?In this powerful message on waiting, Pastor Stephen Feith gets refreshingly honest about his own struggles with patience and the tendency to either rush ahead or delay too long. Drawing from Acts 1, we witness the disciples' confusion after Jesus ascends to heaven—standing, staring at the sky, uncertain what to do next. It's a scene that perfectly captures our own spiritual limbo when we're waiting for God's di...
2025-05-0624 minThe Madison Church PodcastSurrender: The Path to a Life That MattersLead Pastor Stephen Feith concludes the powerful 12-week "A Life That Matters" series with a profound exploration of surrender as the gateway to significance. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem in Luke 18-19, we witness both the anticipation of Palm Sunday and the heartbreak of misunderstanding that follows. Through encounters with a blind beggar who sees with spiritual clarity and a wealthy tax collector whose surrender transforms his entire life, Jesus demonstrates that recognizing our need is the first step toward true discipleship.The tension between human expectations and divine reality becomes increasingly clear as the cross approaches. While...
2025-03-2530 minThe Madison Church PodcastFaith That Returns: Recognizing God's Hand in Our LivesPastor Stephen Feith takes us on a profound journey through three powerful narratives from Luke's gospel that reveal what authentic faith looks like in daily life. Beginning with the story of ten lepers healed by Jesus, we discover that while all ten received physical transformation, only one—a Samaritan—returned to express gratitude. This singular act transformed his experience from mere physical healing to complete salvation. The stark contrast challenges us to examine how we respond to God's work in our lives: do we walk away with the blessing, or do we return to worship the giver?The...
2025-03-1226 minThe Madison Church PodcastFinding Grace: Exploring Life's Losses and the Parable of the Prodigal SonWhat happens when you check your bank account and wonder where all the money went? Join me, Stephen Feith, on a journey through life's losses as we explore not just financial dilemmas but the deeper losses we all face. From lost pets to missing people, I reflect on how these universal experiences mirror God's longing for those who are far from him. Together, we traverse the Gospel of Luke, particularly the poignant teachings in chapter 15, where Jesus reshapes our understanding of purpose. We revisit the timeless parable of the prodigal son, unraveling its rich themes of grace, forgiveness, and...
2025-02-1825 minThe Madison Church PodcastFinding Purpose and Embracing Kingdom-Focused Living: A Journey Through the Gospel of LukeEver wondered why so many of us abandon our New Year's resolutions before January even ends? Join me, Stephen Feith, as I uncover the hidden motivations behind our commitments and reveal how understanding your "why" might just be the key to lasting change. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical insights, I explore the significance of setting compelling reasons for our actions and how this concept intertwines with our spiritual journey. Together, we unpack the essence of a life that matters, moving beyond mere comfort and success, as we start a new series rooted in the Gospel of Luke.
2025-01-0731 minThe Madison Church PodcastAn Organic Movement: Cultivating Missional DiscipleshipWhat if institutional rules are keeping you from true compassion? Join us as Lead Pastor Stephen Feith brings to life a story from Mark 3, where Jesus challenges conventional Sabbath laws with an act of healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that the essence of God's commands is to promote rest and goodness, not strict adherence to rules. You'll hear inspiring personal stories from our Madison Church community as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, filled with fun activities and delicious food, all while reflecting on how institutionalism can sometimes overshadow genuine faith and compassion.Discover the blueprint...
2024-08-3133 minThe Madison Church PodcastFaith as the Guiding Light in PoliticsDo you ever feel like your faith and politics are at odds? Join me, Stephen Feith, as I navigate this turbulent intersection in our latest episode of "Outrageous Faith." Reflecting on the divisive nature of recent elections, I'll share how our faith should be the guiding lens through which we view political issues, rather than letting politics dictate our beliefs. We'll explore how to maintain a Christlike demeanor amidst heated debates and focus on embracing an unapologetically bold faith that prioritizes core Christian values over personal attacks.Imagine the commitment of Christian missionaries who packed their belongings...
2024-06-1032 minThe Madison Church PodcastUnraveling the Divine Tapestry: Exploring the Genealogy of Jesus and Our Role in Faith's NarrativeDiscover the intricate threads connecting the genealogy of Jesus to our everyday lives as Stephen Feith guides us through the Gospel of Luke with the precision of a historian and the passion of a storyteller. Our journey through scripture reveals more than a lineage; it showcases the transformative power of faith across generations, and the inclusivity at the heart of Christianity. From Zechariah and Elizabeth's moving narrative to the angel Gabriel's announcements, and the unexpected placement of Jesus's lineage, we find that every name, every story, is a deliberate stitch in the tapestry of God's grand design....
2024-05-1334 minThe Madison Church PodcastFostering Faith Through Transparency and ResponsibilityEver wondered what holds our spiritual journeys and church communities together? The answer lies within the delicate tapestry of trust. I'm your host, Stephen Feith, and in our latest episode, we navigate the nuances of trust, inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud. We'll uncover how a blend of good motives, abilities, character, and a solid track record can enrich our connections with the divine and each other.As we journey through this episode, we unravel the complexities of trust in the fabric of our relationships. From the stories I share with my wife, Megan, to the broader context...
2024-04-1536 minThe Madison Church PodcastCultivating Trustworthy Environments in Faith and FriendshipsEver wonder about the strength of the bonds we forge simply through trust? "Just trust me" – three small words that pack a massive punch in the realm of relationships and integrity. Stephen Feith takes us on a profound journey, examining the essence of trust and our worthiness of it, with insights from the Cambridge Dictionary and Dr. Henry Cloud. It's not enough to believe we are trustworthy; we must actively demonstrate it through understanding, good motives, abilities, character, and a commendable track record.Imagine sitting with a doctor who doesn't listen; frustration bubbles up as trust in th...
2024-04-0833 minThe Madison Church PodcastEmbracing the Silence: A Journey Through Unanswered Prayers and Spiritual ResilienceHave you ever felt your prayers were met with a deafening silence? That's the raw and often hidden struggle we're unpacking today. It's Stephen Feith here, embarking on a journey through the valleys of spiritual maturity, where the prayers we learned in childhood no longer suffice amidst the storms of life. As we confront the harrowing pain of lost dreams and the agony of grief, this conversation is an invitation to question, to doubt, and ultimately to grow a faith that can withstand the silence of heaven.Elijah, David, and even Jesus grappled with the silence of...
2024-03-1836 minThe Madison Church PodcastFrom Childhood Prayers to Action-Focused Faith: Growing and Living with Authentic PrayerHave you ever found yourself reminiscing about the simplicity of childhood prayers only to realize they don't quite stand up to the challenges of adulthood? That's exactly what we're tackling here at Madison Church Online, as Stephen Feith leads us through the evolution of prayer life in the latest chapter of our series. From the earnest nighttime rituals of our youth to the deep, soul-searching conversations we engage with God as adults, we're peeling back the layers on how our faith matures and adapts alongside us.This week, I take you down memory lane, sharing a comical...
2024-03-0432 minThe Madison Church PodcastNavigating Biblical Scholarship: Community, Canonization, and Modern FaithEver feel lost in the maze of biblical scholarship? Fear not, as my colleagues Sarah Hansen, Jason Webb, and I, Stephen Feith, light the way through varying approaches to Bible study and engagement. Sarah dispels the myth of 'right time' Bible study with her eclectic blend of podcasts and casual reading, while Jason draws from his predawn moments of peace, steeped in the Psalms. I share how Jesus' teachings in the Gospels offer a daily compass for my life, illustrating that whether in the quiet dawn or the midst of life's hustle, scripture speaks.But what about...
2024-02-1936 minThe Madison Church PodcastUnfolding the Bible's Journey: From Ancient Texts to Living FaithEver wondered about the complex journey of the Bible from ancient manuscripts to the book on your nightstand? Join me, Stephen Feith, as we traverse this historical landscape, piecing together the remarkable story of the scriptures. We dive into the Bible's origins and its enduring narrative—a narrative that centers around the figure of Jesus, whose life reshaped history and whose teachings have transcended generations. This episode promises to deepen your understanding of the Bible's compilation and the profound impact of oral traditions in preserving the story of Christianity's cornerstone.Could the New Testament's claims about Jesus wi...
2024-01-2232 minThe Madison Church PodcastRenewed Fervor for Personal Growth and Faithful LivingAs each new year rings in, many of us find ourselves reflecting on promises made and the tenacity of our faithfulness to keep them. This episode is for those of us pondering the resolutions of yesteryear with either a sigh of achievement or a pang of forgetfulness. I, Stephen Feith, get candid about my own hurdles in staying true to my commitments, and I extend an invitation for you to voyage with me into the essence of metanoia, the transformative alignment of our hearts and minds with the divine. We take a leaf from the enduring patience and humility...
2023-12-3035 minThe Madison Church PodcastNavigating Nietzsche & Rediscovering Jesus | Suspicious Faith (Part 3) | Stephen FeithHave you ever wondered about the role faith plays in our lives, and how it impacts our decisions and perceptions? We've embarked on an enlightening journey, concluding our Suspicious Faith series by delving into the thought-provoking critiques of Freud, Marx, and Nietzsche. Uncover how Freud's assertion that faith fulfills unconscious psychological needs, Marx’s view of faith as a painkiller, and Nietzsche's multifaceted critique of religion can refine and deepen our faith. Venture further with us into Suspicious Faith as we study Nietzsche's impactful teachings. Challenge yourself to see faith not just as a spiritual shelter but as...
2023-11-1334 minThe Madison Church PodcastReligion, Society, and Self | Suspicious Faith (Part 2) | Stephen FeithEver wondered why some of history's most influential atheists like Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Frederick Nietzsche, were able to make such uncomfortably accurate critiques of faith? We're shaking things up in our latest episode, taking a brave step towards understanding their perspectives and how they invite us to examine our own beliefs. This isn't about questioning our faith, rather it's about strengthening it through thoughtful self-examination and open conversation.Enter the enigmatic world of Karl Marx as we explore his unique outlook on religion and faith. Marx argues that religion has become a soothing balm, a...
2023-11-0630 minThe Madison Church PodcastChallenging Religious Comfort | Suspicious Faith (Part 1) | Stephen FeithImagine walking a path of faith, hand in hand with Jesus, that is not dictated by dogmas but a journey of self-discovery and critical examination. Can we genuinely experience spiritual fulfillment without questioning the very foundations of our beliefs? It’s a journey that invites us to dig deep into the philosophies of Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche. We take a closer look at Marx's perspective on religion being the opium of the masses and Nietzsche’s critique of Christian morality. Can we discern between societal conditioning and divine truth? Can we unravel the threads of religion and...
2023-10-3026 minThe Madison Church PodcastDoes Everything Happen for a Reason? | Questioning Christian Cliches | Stephen FeithHave you ever found solace in the phrase "everything happens for a reason" during challenging times? Challenging this comforting belief, we probe into its potential to misinterpret divine intentions. Does everything really happen for a reason? Is it part of a divine plan, or is it simply the result of our free will? To answer these questions, we dive into the biblical story of Joseph. Despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph’s life serves as a testament to how God can turn despair into grace, using even the worst of situations for good.
2023-10-2632 minThe Madison Church PodcastThe Role of Faith in Fostering Advocacy | Questioning Christian Cliches (Part 2) | Stephen FeithEver wondered why the desire for independence is so deeply rooted within us, and how it shapes the trajectory of our lives? We are taking a deep-dive into these questions and discussing the cultural resonance of personal independence. More so, we uncover the harsh feelings of guilt and shame when we can't accomplish something on our own, and how these emotions can act as barriers to our own success. But there's more. We are turning a new leaf as we explore the biblical call to stand up for the ones who can't do it themselves. This episode s...
2023-10-1529 minThe Madison Church PodcastEmbracing Disruption and Recommitment | Disruptive Church (Part 4) | Stephen FeithWhat if the life-changing, soul-shaking, breathtaking vision Jesus had for the church wasn't about a physical building at all? Imagine a church where community and relationships with God and one another trump everything else, and where mission isn't what we do but who we are. We're peeling back the layers of tradition and challenging the norms, exploring the journey of leading a disruptive church ministry that seeks to live out this vision. From bomb threats to Instagram trolls, we've faced both hostility and humor in our pursuit of a Jesus-centric faith. But, we've also discovered the power o...
2023-10-0224 minThe Madison Church PodcastHow Community Triggers Spiritual Renewal | Disruptive Church (Part 3) | Stephen FeithWhat if you were right there, experiencing an unprecedented spiritual revival firsthand? Get ready to be catapulted into the heart of a remarkable event that turned a routine chapel service at Asbury University, Kentucky, into a global phenomenon. We'll walk you through the electrifying moment when God's presence disrupted complacency and triggered a stirring of faith, and how such transformative moments can occur in your own spiritual journey.Ever wondered about the powerful role of community in faith? We'll transport you back to the Garden of Eden where God walked face to face with humans, and how...
2023-09-2524 min