Bible Threads With Dr. Bruce Becker

What is spiritual enlightenment and where does it come from?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker defines what "spiritual enlightenment" is and examines examples of it from the Old Testament.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

Why do so many people live in the darkness? Do you know the role "the god of this world" plays in it?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker does a deep dive into two of the apostle Paul's letters that deal with what the darkness is and how to avoid it.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

How does a person go from walking in the darkness to walking in the light? It has nothing to do with the sun.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker digs deep into 1 John chapters 1 and 2 to uncover what the apostle John wrote about walking in the light.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

I thought Jesus was the Light of the world. Why does he say I am the light of the world?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores various examples of how a follower of Jesus lives as the light of the world.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

Have you ever heard the phrase, "God's Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path?" It's found in the longest chapter of the Bible.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the five themes and eight key words of Psalm 119 that demonstrate how God's Word, the Bible, is a light for us.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

All of the major religions have "light" as a major motif. What makes the Bible's "Light of the World" different?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker describes who the "Light of the World" is, both from Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillment.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

Is the God of the Bible a god, or a God, or an all-caps GOD?In this episode Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the meaning behind the phrase used by the Apostle John in his first New Testament letter - "God is light" - and what makes him superior to all the gods and goddesses of man-made religions.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

Light is a form of energy, but it's not the only form. Are you familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum that God created?In this series, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine ten different usages of light in the Bible. In this first episode, he will examine the light that exists as the created order.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

The book of Revelation contains many fantastic, symbolic images. Today's episode looks at several of them.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the significance of a white stone, stones made into idols, the precious stones worn by "the great prostitute," and the precious gems that will adorn the New Jerusalem.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!http://youtube.com/@BibleThreadswDrBruceBecker

What do "rock," "cornerstone," and "foundation" have in common?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores how rocks and stones are used in the New Testament letters and answers what these three words have in common.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!http://youtube.com/@BibleThreadswDrBruceBecker

Who in the world could turn stones into bread? Or who could turn stones into descendants of Abraham? Only the Lord God of heaven and earth.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the occurrences of "rocks" and "stones" and their significance in the four gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

The Old Testament prophets spoke about the Lord God as the ROCK, the ROCK that would protect those who worshiped him and the ROCK that would destory those who didn't.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the occurrences of "stones" and "rocks" and their significance among the Old Testament prophets.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Did you know that in the Hebrew Old Testament Bible, the book of Psalms was called "Songs of Praise"?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the occurrences of "stones" and "rocks" and their significance in Israel's songbook.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Did you know that the Lord God only approved of two kinds of altars?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the natural altars on which sacrifices were made to the one, true God in the Old Testament.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Here are some Bible words that aren't too common—Ephod, Urim, and Thummim—except in this episode.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the wardrobe of the Old Testament High Priest, expecially the 14-16 precious stones used in his wardrobe.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

How do people today commemorate important, significant, or even tragic events?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores how Moses, Joshua, and Samuel commemorated special events. All three used stones. And is it that much different today?If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Since when does water come from a rock?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the two water-from-the-rock events that occurred during Israel's 40-year wandering in the wilderness and their connection to Christ.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

What's the difference between rocks and stones as they occur in the Bible? In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker begins a new series by exploring two kinds of stone and how they were used in ancient Israel. He also gives special attention to two structures in the Old Testament—the walls of Jericho and Solomon's Temple. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Twenty-eight nobodies who turned out to be twenty-eight somebodies.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the apostle Paul's ministry partners—coworkers, friends, and relatives—who were the church in Rome during the first century. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Can you imagine what it would be like to have absolutely nothing?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the life, faith, and love of two generous widows, both of whom were willing to sacrifice all that they had for the Kingdom of God.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

One of the "greatest of these" is blessed by one of the "least of these."In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker examines the life, faith, and love of an Israelite servant girl who was snatched from her home in Israel during a raid to become a servant in the home of Aram's hero general, Naaman.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

An undocumented alien from a nearby country changes the course of history for an Israelite woman.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine the life and love of a Moabite widow who left her own family and her own faith practices to care for a woman named Naomi. In the process, she came to worship the Lord God, married her "redeemer," and became an ancestor of Jesus.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

This story spans 450 years of Israel's history. A mistake by Joshua plus the atrocity committed by King Saul eventually resulted in the House of Saul coming to a tragic end.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine the love of a mother for her two sons and five step-grandsons who were hanged and left exposed. Her name was Rizpah. Through her actions, she spared having her sons disgraced and inspired King David to right the wrong that occurred with the death of King Saul and three of his sons.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

How do you handle disappointment and heartache in your life? How do you handle ridicule from others? There is much to learn from those who have experienced such challenges.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine the life and faith of a woman named Hannah, who set an incredible example of a woman of faith and prayer.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Have you ever heard of Shiphrah, Puah, and Jochebed? They're not the most well-known women in the Bible, but their contribution to the kingdom of God was an act of courage and faith.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine the lives of three Israelite women who feared the Lord God more than they feared the pharaohs of Egypt.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

From hiding in a winepress to defeating a 135,000-strong army, Gideon underwent a dramatic change when the angel of the Lord came for a visit.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the life of an Israelite man who considered himself to be the "least of these" but whom the Lord God used to rescue his people despite overwhelming odds.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

It's amazing how the Lord God uses people who are considered in society as "the least of these" to accomplish great and glorious things in the kingdom of God.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the life of a Canaanite prostitute who safeguarded two Israelite spies in the city of Jericho. In return for her actions, she and her family were spared when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

Greatness is found through intelligence, influence, pedigree, and power, correct? Maybe from a human perspective, but not from God's perspective.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will kick off a new series in which we'll explore God's speciality of using "the least of these" to demonstrate greatness in the kingdom of God. We'll also look at who are considered "chosen ones" and how they choose to live their lives.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

A menagerie is a collection of animals. Today's episode is quite the menagerie!In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the significance of five eclectic animals in the Bible - the owl, the chicken (even though the actual word "chicken" never occurs in the Bible), the camel, the behemoth, and the leviathan. What a strange menagerie!If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

You won't find the Dragon and the two Beasts at your local zoo, but we need to know about them.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will dive into the apocalyptic writing of the Book of Revelation to examine who the Dragon and Beasts are and what they seek to accomplish. Spoiler alert! They're coming after us. But don't worry, Jesus has already defeated them!If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

How often do you look in the mirror and see yourself as a sheep? Not often, I imagine. But that's how Jesus sees you.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine three different categories of sheep in the Bible—economic, religious, and symbolic. In the symbolic category, we learn why our God compares us to sheep and how the Good Shepherd cares for us, his sheep. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

In our last episode, we met a talking donkey. In this episode, we meet a talking snake.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore what the Bible has to say about snakes, will explain the difference between snakes, serpents, and vipers, and will introduce us to real snakes, symbolic snakes, and the worst snake of all.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

What do donkeys, horses, mules, and zebras have in common? Have you ever heard of the Bible's lost donkeys and a talking donkey?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore what the Bible has to say about donkeys and the amazing truth about God's providence and plans revealed through two special donkeys.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

The Bible has many fish stories: from the first plague in Egypt to the huge fish that swallowed Jonah and all the fish stories involving Jesus and his disciples. And not a one of these fish stories is a "whopper."In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore what the Bible has to say about fish, fishermen, and fishing in addition to explaining the well-known fish symbol for Christianity.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

What's the difference between an eagle and a vulture? What are the characteristics of eagles? What are the multiple analogies the Bible uses for eagles? Which analogy is the most comforting?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore what the Bible has to say about eagles and what we can be assured of when we see an eagle soaring in the sky.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

In our world today, the most prominent symbol for Christianity is the cross. It hasn't always been.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the importance of doves, what they symbolized, and which dove is the most famous one of all.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Flesh and blood lions, lions in the temple and palace, lion metaphors, and the Lion of Judah - all are found in the Bible.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the characteristics (especially the roar of a lion), the activities, and the symbolism of lions in the Bible. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

We’re starting a new series called “At the Zoo.” In this series, we’ll be exploring the characteristics, the activities, and the symbolism of the top ten animals in the Bible.In this first episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will explain why he considers the lamb to be the #1 animal in his top ten list. There is an Old Testament reason and a New Testament one. And they both have something in common. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

A red dragon wants to devour a newborn male. War breaks out in the spiritual realm. Satan is defeated but continues to wage war against the members of Christ's church.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will unpack Revelation, chapter 12 that describes Satan's grand plan to take out Jesus and his work, to defeat Christ's church, and to assault the members of Christ's church. NO FEAR! With his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated Satan for all eternity and he promises to keep us safe until he returns on the Last Day. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Lying isn't all that serious, is it? In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to a war zone involving Ananias, Sapphira, the apostle Peter, and Satan. This is the third war zone in this series where we see Satan influencing human hearts. Satan tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie about something that was initially good and right. Sadly, we hear about the consequences of their lie and how God may have used it to bless the early church. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

The devil is like a skilled boxer. He has a one-two punch.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to Jerusalem during what we know as Holy Week. During that week, "Satan entered Judas" on two different occasions to influence Judas to betray Jesus. Dr. Becker will explain what that refers to and how it is different from the many examples in the New Testament of demon possession. If Satan can enter into people, how do we keep Satan from entering us? By staying connected to Jesus!  If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

The devil never plays fair. He likes to serve up his temptations when we are the weakest.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to a desert war zone where the devil tempted Jesus who was fasting for a period of 40 days and 40 nights. Although the devil tempted Jesus throughout the 40 days, both gospel authors, Matthew and Luke, focus on three specific temptations. With each temptation, Jesus relied on the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to counter the devil's assaults. When the devil tempts us, remember that the same sword of the Spirit is in our hands too. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Satan is a prosecuting attorney. He likes to bring charges against God's people.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to a war zone where, in a vision, the prophet Zechariah witnesses a courtroom scene. Joshua the High Priest, dressed in filthy clothes, is accused by Satan of being unworthy to stand in the presence of a holy God. The angel of the Lord comes to Joshua's defense, declares him not guilty of sin, and gives Joshua new clothes to wear. Satan's case against Joshua fell apart. It's a picture of God's amazing grace! If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Can Satan put thoughts into our minds? Yes. He can and he does.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to a war zone where the man, whom the Bible calls "a man after God's own heart," experienced a deadly downfall. King David was seduced by Satan into taking a forbidden census. As a result, David and the people of Israel experienced the consequences of David's foolish actions. Yet, as the story unfolds, we see the love and mercy of the Lord God.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Satan comes into the presence of the Lord God? Really?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker takes us to a war zone where the greatest man living at that time found himself in Satan's crosshairs. Satan wanted to inflict misery on Job to make Job curse God. There are two big takeaways in this episode, one about Satan and one about the Lord God. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Who are the "sons of God" and the "Nephilim" in Genesis chapter 6?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores this challenging question. The world was full of evil during the days of Noah, 120 years prior to when the Lord God destroyed the world through a worldwide flood. And who was behind this evil? The devil and other rebel angels. Fortunately, the devil has been defeated by Jesus, and we are equipped to take our stand against him. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

How much do like snakes?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the snakes in the Bible as a prelude for the war zone in the Garden of Eden that involved a snake, the devil, and our first parents, Adam and Eve. The devil used the snake to deceive Eve into doubting God's Truth and God's Love. The result of being snake bit by the devil was deadly for Adam and Eve and for us too. But, although the devil won the battle that day, he would never win the war. Jesus crushed him with his death and resurrection. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

At various times and places in the Bible, the devil shows up to wage war against God's people. God's people can find themselves in a War Zone doing battle with the devil. Thankfully, we wear the full armor of God.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the origin of the devil which was good, but what followed was bad. The devil is an example of a good supernatural entity gone bad. Although there are many questions the Bible doesn't answer for us, there are clues as to what happened with the devil and why God kicked him out of heaven. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!Reference to the Gallup poll (https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/4107968-belief-in-god-the-devil-falls-to-new-low-gallup/) Reference to the NORC poll (https://apnorc.org/projects/belief-in-angels-and-heaven-is-more-common-than-belief-in-the-devil-or-hell/). About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

What was the most tragic crime ever committed and by whom?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker investigates the murder of our first parents, Adam and Eve by the Devil himself. The Devil lied to the first couple about what God had said. They believed the lie and disobeyed God. Their disobedience destroyed the perfect life and relationship God had intended for them when he created them in his own image. But that's not the end of the story. God decided to restore that life and relationship through the life, death, and resurrection of God's own Son. If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!Reference to the "Epicurean Paradox" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicurus)Check out all our resources to help you on your walk of faith! Videos, devotions, books, podcasts, and our blog are available at timeofgrace.org. Enjoy our other Time of Grace podcasts. Search for these on your favorite podcast app:—Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny—Grace Talks Daily Devotionals—Little Things, with Amber Albee Swenson—Bible Breath, with Pastor Jeremy—Evening Encouragements, with Pastor Jeremy—The Non-Microwaved Truth, with C.L. Whiteside —The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny: God. You. Jesus. Faith. About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.

Who was responsible for Jesus' murder?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker investigates the murder of Jesus by identifying all the perpetrators—Judas Iscariot, the Jewish religious leaders, Governor Pontius Pilate, the Roman soldiers, and two others. Jesus' murder was predicted by the prophet Isaiah seven hundred years before Jesus lived. Isaiah described both Jesus' death and those responsible for it.  If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!Check out all our resources to help you on your walk of faith! Videos, devotions, books, podcasts, and our blog are available at timeofgrace.org. Enjoy our other Time of Grace podcasts. Search for these on your favorite podcast app:—Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny—Grace Talks Daily Devotionals—Little Things, with Amber Albee Swenson—Bible Breath, with Pastor Jeremy—Evening Encouragements, with Pastor Jeremy—The Non-Microwaved Truth, with C.L. Whiteside —The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny: God. You. Jesus. Faith. About "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny": Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.You can also order Pastor Mike's book "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't" at taboobook.org.