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 feel life, with all the stuff it's throwing at us, is the enemy.

And we fight them.

Jesus says we are at war. Sometimes we win little battles occasionally, but ultimately, we lose the war because we're fighting the wrong enemy. We need to be rescued, but not from our boss, not from our husband, not from our kids, not from our professors, and not from our life. The greatest villain of all time is Satan.

Satan is referred to as a murderer and the chief of liars. We read that he preys around like the angel of light, but he's filled with darkness. He's the thief who comes to rob your life of its fullness. Satan commands a massive army of demons, literally hell-bent on destroying you.

We are in a real war with a real enemy. It's what theologians and Christians have called "spiritual warfare." There are two dangers when it comes to this.

The first is assuming that everything that goes wrong is Satan doing it, and
Assuming that nothing is Satan. Satan's attacks are actual. There's a war going on, sometimes dramatic, more often subtle. Paul writes: "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12

Even though we have authority, the war has been won, and we know our real enemy, Satan is not entirely out

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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 Christianity. Being a Jesus follower is recognizing and acknowledging that we can’t fix ourselves on our own – we’re just not good enough. God does the work of redemption for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Our faith is not about doing something; our faith is about something that has been done. If you could have saved yourself, Jesus could have saved the trip. Author Pete Greig writes: “Our greatest need and God’s greatest gift are the same thing: the forgiveness of sins.”

Unfortunately, many respond to sin by denying it or dwelling on it. Too often, we live in denial for long periods and then feel like God is distant. We wonder why did God Leave us? God didn’t leave anyone. We took small steps away from God every day by denying our wrongdoings. It was a little journey for an extended period. Confession can help close the gap again. If you feel far from God, confession is the prayer for you.

Other times we dwell on our sins. Some of us deny it, and others of us obsess about it. I’m more on this side of it. I will think about my mistakes. All the things I said that I shouldn’t have said or how I should have said that differently, or how I should have handled that situation differently. The beautiful thing about confession is it’s just giving it to God.

When it comes to confessing our sins. It’s not about fee

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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 had with a friend last week, or for the energy to finish a project at work when other people are battling something as serious as potentially life-threatening illnesses.

And yet, Jesus tells us to pray for something as simple as the food we need. He teaches his followers and us that reliance on God is not just for the big problems. He doesn’t say, “When you pray to God, think about the biggest, most challenging, the most problematic aspect of your life and bring that to God.” Instead, we’re instructed to think about something quite ordinary, like getting hungry and needing food, and bring that before God.

When we come to God and pray for ourselves, we’re nurturing our relationship with God. What do you ask God for? What does this speak about your relationship with God? What kind of relationship do you have with God? When we come to God and ask him for daily bread, we’re moving toward a more authentic, genuine, and deeper relationship with a God who is interested in every aspect of our lives, not just the significant parts.

Asking for daily bread also acknowledges dependence on God. We have a dependent relationship with God. You may disagree with that, and I would understand why. Dependency on others is really hard, even when we have a good relationship with them. It’s hard to put ourselves in a position of dependence because it often makes us feel guilty or

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Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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. It’s not quite there yet. The Kingdom of God is both a now and a not yet. That’s we live in the tension of now and not yet. The theological term is “a realized eschatology.” Things at the end of the end become realized here in the present. We live in the tension of now.

We will discuss four steps to help us in intercessory prayer, which come from Pete Greig. The first one is this, get inspired. This is engaging with God’s Word. We pray the things God has said will be. Where do you start with that? You start with the Bible. You get inspired by that.

The second thing is after you’re inspired, you get informed. You start to investigate and engage with facts. (Facts are friends, people. Christians should be totally committed to facts.) We have to be more engaged with the issue or the person.

Third thing, get indignant. Engage with your heart. When we see God’s intended future being undermined right now in the present, whether that’s by an individual’s choices, whether it’s by societal and systemic issues, or whether that’s by the work of the enemy, it should raise something up in us. We are to be engaged with the problems more than just head knowledge; we’ve engaged with our hearts also.

The fourth step to intercessory prayer is to get in sync. There is a unique power in being united with som

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Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come soon, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need today, and forgive our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

This prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer, is mighty. During this new series, we will present the idea that prayer is like a toolbox. Within the toolbox are different tools. Some projects in our lives require different tools, and yet, most of us grew up only being armed with one tool, one way to pray.

When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Perhaps you don’t pray more often because you only have one tool, and it’s not equipped for the projects, the situation, and the circumstances in your life. We need to begin to see that prayer is a toolbox.

Right from the start, we learn something fundamental about the nature of prayer. This word for “father” is exceptional. When Jesus teaches us to pray to our “Father,” he shows us an entirely different picture of God. He says we can come to God as though he’s our parent.

Our image of God is critical. Pete Greig wrote a book called “How To Pray,” and wrote in it, “How we view God affects everything about everything.”

The next part of the line is: “may your name be kept holy.” We need clar

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If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

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New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!

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This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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 that collective generosity could have on our community, from the broad avenues of Madison to the intimate corners of our neighborhoods. We share insights and personal experiences on the transformative journey of growing in generosity, emphasizing the significance of proactive financial choices and the power of prayer in cultivating this important aspect of our faith. Join us as we foster a more compassionate community and grow together in the grace of giving.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at [email protected].

For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media:

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New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!

If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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 a life free from the shackles of debt. Tune in for a soul-searching session that includes two prayers aimed at granting us the strength and self-control to steer clear of fiscal temptation.

My wife Megan and I open up about our own skirmish with debt, sharing the victories and challenges on our path to financial serenity. It's a testament to the power of living within our means, making sacrifices, and embracing a budget that can lead to true financial contentment. This episode isn't just about our story—it's a beacon of encouragement for those navigating their own financial waters, aiming to inspire a community of listeners in Madison and beyond to discover peace not in their paychecks, but in the condition of their hearts.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

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New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!

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This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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 Home Depot escapades and the clutter that follows. This episode is an invitation to cut through the noise, declutter not just your closets, but your life, and find peace in simplicity. We'll talk about the spiritual void that no luxury car or fancy gadget can fill and how intentional living can lead us to financial freedom that's within reach for anyone, regardless of their earnings. Strap in for a ride that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

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New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!

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This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

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 someone new comes in, and we know we should be excited because we read in the Bible that Jesus is excited. But everything is set up the way it should be to us, and new people mess that up...

So we try cleaning the outsider up politically or religiously, or socially. We've got to ensure that they don't say bad words. We've got to verify they're listening to the right music and only watch the TV shows we watch. But that's not how Jesus lived.

Jesus is the God of the ocean. Jesus didn't live in a sanitized tank. Jesus went to where all the people were, where life happens. He lived among them, and he did life with them. That is the example we are supposed to follow. And now it's our turn. As we follow Jesus, we're gonna see other people find and follow Jesus. It won't be because any of us are super saints. It'll be because we keep our "circles" open.

Do that however long it takes. However long you have to be a friend. And even if they don't choose to follow Jesus at any point, love them anyway because Jesus loves them until the end, even if they reject him.

That's the most challenging part of this study. I believe God has put people in and around our lives that he loves deeply and dearly and died for. You don't have to be a super extrovert. There are many people in our lives whom Jesus loves and has been working through. Our task is to keep our "circles" open.

Think about your family "circle." It's always open. Somebo

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If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

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This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

"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 always been to bless us uniquely through circles. That's always been God's desire and design for us. There's such an emphasis on this in the New Testament, as there are 70+ commands that can't be done alone.

The message of the New Testament is clear: Not only were you made for community, but you can't do all the things that God wants you to do by yourself. If you don't have another person in your life, you can't do over 70 things God wants us to do.

We need each other for our faith to succeed and our souls to thrive. We don't just talk about relationships; we actually do what we're talking about. We got to have a belief that exists between Sundays. We must have faith that lasts more than an hour on Sundays. 

But let's make a transition now and point out that our "circles" don't solely exist as something for us to consume. We've been talking about signing up and showing up in the last two weeks. That's the angle of you getting involved. Still, your community is intended to be a conduit to bring God's blessing to the world around you.

What's keeping you from expanding your circle? Who do you need to include in your circle? Is there someone that you need to call up or text message this week? That will require you to step up, so the challenge this week is to step up. 

There are people around you today who could have their lives changed if you included them in your "circle." When you expan

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If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.

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New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!

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This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.

Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.