Madison Church

Ever wondered why modern Christianity often seems unattractive and leaves you feeling stuck between doubt and atheism? We're diving into the concept of false gods in Christianity and exploring the reasons behind this dilemma. Listen in as we reflect on how various gods throughout history have been given up and how early Christians were considered atheists by their culture.In today's episode, we discuss the version of Christianity many of us grew up with and the two common characteristics that underpin it. We identify the false gods often presented to us, such as the bodyguard God and the God of judgment, and examine Karen Armstrong's view that many of us are left with an incoherent concept of God. Learn how our experiences and understanding of reality may have led us to reject the wrong God.Finally, we investigate the false gods of the 'No Testament' and the dangers of relying on a God who only explains the unexplainable. Discover how science should not be seen as opposed to faith, bu

Who among us hasn't struggled with the concept of God and faith at some point in our lives? It's a question as old as humanity itself, and on today's episode, we explore the challenges of believing in God and why so many people, particularly former Christians, find themselves disconnected from religion. We examine the phenomenon of the 'nones' – those who don't necessarily identify as atheists, but simply have no interest in faith or religion.Diving into the complexities of atheism, we discuss thought-provoking questions like, where did something come from nothing, and how did that something evolve into us? We also explore atheist Christopher Hitchens' intriguing idea of the 'illusion of the mind' and the notion that a world governed by physics leaves no room for free will. Join us for this enlightening conversation and stay engaged with the series as we attempt to uncover who truly needs God.Support the show

We grow as we stretch ourselves beyond our genetic generosity. We are all wired for generosity, but we experience this wiring in different ways. Understanding our profiles can help us leverage our natural inclinations and also challenge us to recognize areas in which we can grow.Support the show

When we join together as one church, our generosity changes the world. We are all wired for generosity, but we experience this wiring in different ways. Understanding our profiles can help us leverage our natural inclinations and also challenge us to recognize areas in which we can grow.Support the show

We are all wired for generosity, but we experience this wiring in different ways. Understanding our profiles can help us leverage our natural inclinations and also challenge us to recognize areas in which we can grow.Support the show

The concept behind this series is that we all have a “generosity profile.” We are all wired for generosity, but we experience this wiring in different ways. Understanding our profiles can help us leverage our natural inclinations and also challenge us to recognize areas in which we can grow.Support the show

Does the abundance of fast food chains in America remind you of anything? Interestingly, their omnipresence is akin to the number of churches spread across the United States. However, while the former might be serving up your favorite footlongs and frappes, the latter has a higher calling - to distribute hope to all. As we conclude our 'Hope for Everyone' series, we tackle this unexpected comparison, exploring the potential of churches as hope distributors. We delve into the biblical characters like Abram and symbols of hope, such as the wise men and shepherds in the Christmas story, to shed light on the importance of sharing God's hope. Aren't churches supposed to be epicenters of hope, rather than judgment and anger? It's an uncomfortable question that we confront head-on in our discussions. We explore the universality of hope and challenge the idea that hope is exclusive, reminding ourselves of God's inclusive plan for universal hopeful access. We examine the role of churches

Remember the childlike wonder of waking up on Christmas morning, full of anticipation for the treasures that await you beneath the tree? From a Mickey Mouse V-Tech Choo-Choo train to the Power Rangers' mythical dragon's or, we're taking a trip down memory lane to relive the magic of holiday gifts. But our journey doesn't stop at nostalgia. We also explore the business savvy of Disney and how they've mastered the art of capitalizing on our favorite characters.However, the holiday season is also a time for reflection and spiritual introspection. Picture the Israelites, waiting 400 years for a word from God, and the feelings of fear, doubt, and disappointment that surely arose. We discuss this biblical history and how it mirrors our own experiences of feeling distant from God. Yet, just as the shepherds found unexpected joy in moments of despair, we too can find hope in the most unexpected places. We end the episode by encouraging everyone to approach Christmas differently this year, to

Ever tried to imagine what Joseph must have felt upon learning of Mary's pregnancy in the Bible? We did. Let's journey together as we delve into the cultural context of Joseph and Mary's engagement, shedding light on the sheer fear and humiliation Joseph must have encountered. We discuss the hard choices he had to make, and how his journey provides a compelling backdrop to our exploration of the universal human emotion - fear. In the same breath, however, we reassure you - just as Joseph found hope, so can you. Hear us out as we explore why it's better to be rejected or humiliated with God than walk alone, stumbling over life's many fears. Let's examine the importance of obedience to God in choosing faith over fear and how baptism, small groups, and giving can be pathways to this faith. We wrap up with Jesus’s nurturing words, reminding us he is always with us, lighting our path out of fear. This isn't just about facing the fears - it's about finding the flicker of hope

What if the microwave oven, originally developed to spot enemy warplanes, could teach us a life lesson? What if we told you that Mary, Joseph, and Moses had to shelve their Plan A's for something far more extraordinary? Just like bubble wrap, which was initially intended as wallpaper, and the Frisbee, first created as a pie-serving dish, we too can find unexpected possibilities when our original plans don’t pan out.Imagine being Mary, a young woman whose life was upended when the angel Gabriel paid her a visit. Her life, neatly planned out, suddenly became fraught with cultural implications and potential shame. Yet, her unwavering faith in God, despite the drastic changes to her Plan A, is a testament to her strength and trust. Her story is filled with hope and courage, reminding us all of our potential to rise above the unexpected and embrace a Plan B that may be even better than what we originally had in mind.As we buckle up for this fascinating journey, we also reflect on our personal experiences, sha

What if the most magical part of the Christmas season is not the twinkling lights or the perfectly wrapped presents, but the moments of hope and reflection it stirs within us? As we navigate the beauty and the chaos of the festive season, we set off on a journey, exploring the Christmas story and its poignant reminder that sometimes, hope means waiting. In our new series, "Hope for Everyone," we walk alongside Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple whose long-held dreams were met with an unexpected blessing. Their encounter with the angel Gabriel reveals the transformative power of hope even amidst life’s darkest moments. Drawing from their story, we discover how Jesus, the beacon of hope, arrived to offer life and the promise of a better future. So join us in this episode, it's not just about comforting carols and twinkling fairy lights, but a profound exploration of hope, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.This doxology is frequently used by pastors as a liturgical form of dismissal, primarily because it is one of the longest and most beautiful doxologies in the New Testament. Jude expands the usual doxology “form”. Some of his additions may have simply been picked up from traditional phraseology, but others relate back to some important themes from the letter.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.We should not forget that Jude’s letter was not written to the false teachers; it was written to faithful Christians. These believers, face with an onslaught of false teaching in their churches, needed reassurance and instruction. This Jude provides in his letter.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.Jude caps his denunciation of the false teachers with a prophecy. This in itself is nothing unusual, New Testament writers often apply ancient prophecies to their own situations. But what is unusual about this prophecy is its source...Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.Jude is not yet finished with the false teachers. So concerned is he about their potential to harm his readers’ walk with the Lord that he is not satisfied his strong polemic against them in verses 5-10 has done the job. He thus launches on more attack against them.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.In verses 5-10, Jude elaborates verse 4, describing and condemning the false teachers. These verses fall into three major sections, in each of which Jude cites Old Testament or Jewish traditional material and then applies it to the false teachers.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hellMost New Testament letters move into a thanksgiving and prayer after the initial salutation and greetings. But Jude skips these points, getting right to the heart of what his letter is about. In these two verses, he explains the occasion and theme of this letter.Support the show

In life, we need to hear the negative every now and then so that we might be warned about possible dangers and how to avoid them. Jude makes it clear, he was hoping to write an positive letter, but the need of his time forced him to write a very different kind of letter. He uses all his energy to plead with readers to stick to the truth and to reject falsehood - knowing that the decision we make will be the difference between heaven and hell.Ancient letters typically began with an identification of the sender, an identification of the recipient, and a greeting. Jude follows this convention, but expands and modifies each part. Thus, he not only identifies himself and his recipients, but he provides for each a brief description that helps us understand what this letter is about.Support the show