Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny

What if putting family time first is actually messing with your faith? In this message, Pastor Mike addresses the tension between loving your people well and loving Jesus most. Whether your family is tight, toxic, or totally distant, you'll learn how to invest in the relationships that matter without turning them into idols. Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

“What goes around comes around” sounds fair. But is it true? In this message, Pastor Mike breaks down one of the most common beliefs about justice, karma, and consequences to see how the truth is both deeper and more freeing than we expect.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

What sounds like smart advice—“happy wife, happy life”—actually oversimplifies what it takes for a marriage to thrive. Pastor Mike unpacks the truth behind this one-sided view. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, this sermon reveals what leads to a stronger bond—and how seeking God can transform any relationship from the inside out.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

“Boys will be boys” sounds innocent—until it becomes an excuse for bad behavior. Pastor Mike explores the God-designed differences between men and women, young and old, and how those distinctions can either divide us or strengthen us. He shows us how the Bible invites us to grow into the kind of people who reflect God’s grace through every stage of life.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

Most people know that Jesus rose from the dead—but what happened next? He didn’t fade into the background; he stepped into his role as King. This message opens up a part of the story that often gets skipped, showing that Jesus is still active, present, and in charge. If you've ever wondered what Jesus is doing now, this will give you a whole new perspective.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

Believing in Jesus is the starting point—but it’s not the whole story. Grace shapes your everyday life, your purpose, and the way you treat people, especially when it’s hard. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about living real, bold love in a world that needs it. If you've ever wondered how faith makes a difference, this is where it gets real.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your day, would you consider helping us with your regular support? We can't do any of this without you! Consider becoming a regular supporter with our Grace Partners program! https://timeofgrace.org/gracepartnerpodcast

If you’ve ever wondered whether your mistakes disqualify you from God's plans and purpose for you, that question is more common than you think. This message looks at someone who messed up—and still got called back by Jesus to do his work. Jesus doesn’t push you away because of your past—he forgives you and continues to give you value and worth.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

If you’ve ever had real questions about Christianity, you’re not alone. Doubt isn't something to hide but something to explore. Through the story of someone who struggled to believe even after seeing Jesus face-to-face, Pastor Mike shows you how questions aren’t the end of faith—they’re often the beginning.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

Most people have an edited version of Jesus—miracles, cross, empty tomb, done. But in the extended cut, Jesus shows you even more truth that will give you confidence to believe. This message gets real about sin and why seeing it through Jesus’ eyes is the only way to understand grace. Because when you see sin clearly, you finally see just how good Jesus really is.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

A new, perfect world where fear, pain, and suffering are gone. That's God's promise in this message that concludes this series. Pastor Mike teaches of how God's promise to make everything new offers both peace for today and a beautiful future beyond this life. Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! timeofgrace.org/subscribeWe need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

Being a Christian is both easy and hard. Jesus lived a perfect life, died for all sin, and rose for us; there's nothing we need to do to earn heaven. That's the easy part. But loving God above everything can seem difficult. In this message, Pastor Mike teaches from the book of Hebrews to remind us of a very important truth: God will help us through the hard parts of being a Christian.Do you want to know more about God? Or know someone who would like to know God? Get a free download of the book, "The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith." at https://timeofgrace.org/download-the-basics/To stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe-youtube/We need your support! Your donation of any amount helps keep these videos coming. Please donate here: https://timeofgrace.org/?form=donate

Sometimes we may feel as though we're not blessed financially. Even though we live in a prosperous age, many factors determine the kinds of financial struggles we have. In the first message of this new series, "God's Promises to You," Pastor Mike explains a true and comforting promise of God. Namely, despite any struggle we have, God will be there for us.

Dead doesn’t stay dead when Jesus shows up—and that changes everything. Whether you need proof in your head or peace in your heart, whether you need something intellectual or emotional, Easter is your day. It gives you all these things AND the most important thing—eternal life with Jesus.

Jesus' Palm Sunday ride into Jerusalem wasn't the kind of entrance you'd expect from a king—and that’s the point. Everything about how Jesus showed up flipped the script on power, purpose, and what it means to follow someone worth everything. Jesus showed up in a way that invites us to see him with fresh eyes and rediscover the joy of who he really is. It’s not loud, flashy, or expected—but it’s real, personal, and full of meaning.

What’s the point of gaining everything if it costs you the one thing that matters most? In this message, Jesus challenges the way we think about success, sacrifice, and what we’re really living for. It’s a call to rethink what we chase—and why. If you’ve ever felt torn between the life you want and the one Jesus invites you into, this message will help you wrestle with the cost, the reward, and the deeper question underneath it all.

Traditions come and go, styles change, preferences shift, but Jesus points us to something solid—God’s Word. This message reminds us that while church traditions can be helpful, they’re not the foundation of faith. Jesus calls us to hold tightly to truth, not just routines. If you're looking for something real to build your life on, this is your reminder that God's Word is steady, unchanging, and worth clinging to.

“Following” usually means scrolling past someone’s highlight reel. But Jesus calls us to something entirely different. Pastor Mike explores what it really meant when Jesus said, “Follow me”—and why some ordinary guys dropped everything to do it. You’ll see that following Jesus isn’t about casually liking his content but living under his direction. It’s not always easy, but it’s real, it's deep, and it leads to something far better than anything the world can offer.

How blessed you feel may depend on what you consider to be blessings, which means you may forget that you have blessings right in front of you every day. Pastor Mike challenges you to shift your mindset and open your eyes to the really good things from God that you often don't think about. In turn, you can become more grateful and feel more blessed.

In an age of podcasts, playlists, and on-demand spirituality, it’s easier than ever to engage with faith from afar. But Pastor Mike challenges us to think about what might be missing when we do. This message takes a closer look at what happens when we move beyond consuming content and begin showing up in community. The result is a deeper reflection on presence, connection, and what God designed the church to be.

We live in a world where friendship is both highly valued and surprisingly hard to maintain. This message turns our attention to the kinds of relationships that help us feel known—and why some fall short. It slows us down to consider what builds real connection and what quietly pulls us apart. At the center is a deeper truth: No human friendship can replace the one we were made for first.

Family can bring deep connection—and deep complexity. Pastor Mike helps us think about the family relationships that shape us most, for better or worse, and how God speaks into them. This message points us toward a quieter strength that can reshape how we show up humbly at home.

Loneliness can show up even in the busiest, most connected parts of life. In the first message of the "Lonely Less" series, Pastor Mike teaches about where true connection begins—and what might be missing in the places we often look for it. Drawing from both Scripture and everyday experience, this message gently reframes the way we think about being alone. It invites us to consider a presence that doesn’t depend on people, pace, or circumstance.

It’s easy to feel less than when someone else’s strengths seem so much clearer than yours. But Pastor Mike digs into why your unique wiring isn’t accidental or interchangeable. It's designed by God intentionally. With honesty and biblical clarity, this message helps break down the lies that keep us stuck in comparison or frustration. It’s a meaningful invitation to recognize your gifts, name them, and use them in a way that matters.

We often talk about being busy like it’s just a season we're going through, but what if it has become our way of life? Pastor Mike explores the spiritual cost of constantly running at full speed. Drawing from the wisdom in Ecclesiastes, this message offers a clear, thoughtful challenge to the pace we've come to accept as normal.

Our daily habits are surrounded by screens and technology that shape our lives in ways we rarely stop to notice. Using one of Jesus’ parables, Pastor Mike raises a deeper question beneath the scrolls, streams, and notifications: What are you making space for—and what might you be missing? This message offers time to pause, reflect, and consider what’s quietly shaping the direction of your life—and to step back and realign your habits with what truly matters.

Pastor Mike launches this new sermon series by taking aim at one of the most accepted spiritual trends of our time—the kind that feels personal, flexible, and easy to control. But is it actually leading you anywhere solid? Rooted in Psalm 16, this message challenges you to consider who holds the authority in your life—and whether that’s bringing the peace and purpose you’re hoping for.

Pastor Mike is back with the annual special episode where he tackles tough questions from people like you. Hear what the Bible says about today's difficult topics.

Christmas is filled with moments of joy—family, gifts, traditions—but there’s always something that keeps it from being perfect. No matter how much you love the season, it never fully satisfies. That’s because Christmas was never meant to be the ultimate source of joy. The story of the wisemen reminds you that true joy and peace aren’t found in a holiday but in a Savior who is worthy of your worship. Discover why Jesus is everything your heart is longing for, not just at Christmas but forever.

Promises are easy to make but hard to keep. We’ve all experienced disappointment when people let us down. But what about God? Does he actually follow through on what he says? The Christmas story isn’t just a tradition; it’s proof that God keeps his promises. What about the promises he has made to you? Pastor Mike explores why Christmas can give you real confidence that God is trustworthy, even when life feels uncertain.

Mary and Joseph’s first Christmas wasn’t picture-perfect. It was confusing, costly, and filled with uncertainty. Yet instead of resisting God’s plan, they embraced it, even when it changed everything. What about you? When life doesn’t go as planned, when faith asks more of you than you expected, how do you respond? This message explores what it means to trust God, even when it’s difficult, and why his plans are always worth following.

Christmas isn’t just a heartwarming tradition—it’s history. But is it really for you? Many wonder if God’s love extends to people who feel unworthy, overlooked, or weighed down by the past. As you explore the very first page of the New Testament in this message, you’ll discover that Jesus came from a long line of nobodies and notorious sinners—proof that Christmas is for the broken, the struggling, and the searching. This season, embrace the hope that Jesus was born for you.

What if Christmas isn’t just about what we’ve made it—but about something deeper, more human, and more hopeful? In this sneak peek at the upcoming sermon series "God's Kind of Christmas," Pastor Mike and Amber explore the tension between cultural expectations and the surprising heart of the original Christmas story. They speak candidly about the honest questions many people have—especially those who wonder if any of this could actually be true. It’s a conversation that calls for belief, not just in a holiday but in a God who stepped into history for people like us.Learn more about this month's $375,000 Challenge Grant at https://bit.ly/48k2PEm.

Most religions teach that if we mess up a relationship with the divine, we have to fix it. If our karma is bad or our scale shows more bad deeds than good or if we've broken a few too many commandments, we'd better make up for it. And that's what makes Christianity different: God reconciled us. But what does that actually mean? Pastor Mike digs deep into one of the most emotional words in the Bible: reconcile. And he explains how it has changed our lives.

How can a good God allow suffering and evil in the world? Pastor Mike confronts that very objection, diving into the painful realities many face daily, from personal loss to global tragedies. But while it can feel overwhelming, Pastor Mike encourages a fresh perspective: Perhaps your struggles could lead to deeper faith and understanding. 

In our spiritual war, it's not just important to know the gospel—but to share it. But for many of us, fear keeps us silent. What if we say the wrong thing? What if it ruins a relationship? Even the apostle Paul, one of history’s boldest evangelists, asked for prayers to share the gospel fearlessly. In this message, Pastor Mike helps you learn how to overcome fear, seize the right moments, and boldly proclaim the hope of Jesus in a world that desperately needs it. The battle is real, but so is the power of the gospel.

Spiritual battles aren’t won with willpower alone—they’re won on our knees in prayer. Yet for many of us, prayer feels like a struggle. We forget, we feel unworthy, or we simply don’t know where to start. But in Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul reminds us that prayer isn’t just a part of the Christian life—it’s essential to standing firm against the enemy. In this message, you’ll discover why prayer is both your greatest weapon and your deepest connection to God and how even the smallest prayer in Jesus’ name can have a powerful impact.

No soldier walks into battle without the right gear, and no Christian can stand strong without the armor of God. The enemy isn’t just attacking—you’re in a spiritual war whether you realize it or not. But God has provided everything you need to stand firm. In this message, Pastor Mike breaks down each piece of the armor of God from Ephesians 6 and shows how to “fit check” your faith daily so that when the battle comes, you’re ready to stand strong in God’s mighty power.

Spiritual warfare isn’t always obvious. Temptation doesn’t always look like something terrible. Often it’s disguised as something good taken too far. So how do you stand firm when the battle comes to you? In this message, Pastor Mike teaches you that one powerful verse from Ephesians 6 reveals how to prepare for “the day of evil” so that when it comes—not if, but when—you’ll be ready to stand your ground and fight the good fight of faith.

Every day you wake up in the middle of a battle. The enemy isn’t firing bullets but lies, temptations, and distractions—scheming to pull you away from faith, hope, and the truth of God’s Word. The good news? You don’t have to fight alone. God gives you his strength, his armor, and his power to stand firm. In this kickoff to our series on spiritual warfare, you’ll learn why the key to victory isn’t found in your own strength but in being strong in God. Because when your feet are firmly planted in Jesus, you don’t just take hits—you fight back.

Spiritual warfare is real. As Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson preview the new sermon series, "War Zone," they dive into spiritual warfare, unpacking what it means to fight daily battles that most of us can't even see. They open up about the unseen forces working against our efforts to love God and love others—and the practical ways we can push back. They unpack how staying anchored in Scripture—and leaning into prayer, community, and Christ—shapes the way we stand in the fight.Amber mentions the "I Am" PDF that reminds us what God says about us. You can find it here: https://bit.ly/IAm-ToG.Pastor Mike mentions the new book "When the Devil Attacks: Winning in the War Zones" by Time of Grace's own Dr. Bruce Becker. You can request your copy with your gift to the ministry at timeofgrace.org.

So much of life hinges on this single thing we call self-control—because there are so many temptations that can overcome us. So how do we get more self-control? Pastor Mike zeroes in on two big ways that God helps us have more self-control.

Some of us never stop working; some of us struggle to start. In a world that glorifies both hustle and comfort, how do we find the right balance? Today we dive into God’s design for work and rest—why doing too much can drain us, why doing too little can burden others, and how the cross of Jesus gives us both the motivation to work and the freedom to rest. 

Words are everywhere—spoken, texted, posted, whispered. And yet for all the words we use, some have the power to build while others quietly destroy. Slander isn’t just a legal term or a political tactic; it’s what happens when our words assume, exaggerate, or tear down. Why do we do it? How does it affect our relationships? And what does God want to replace it with? Pastor Mike helps us see why Jesus takes our words so seriously and how speaking the right words can change everything—starting with the words he speaks over us.

Everyone worships something. Whether it’s success, relationships, comfort, control, or even our own opinions, there’s always something fighting for first place in our hearts. That’s what the Bible calls idolatry—not just statues and shrines but anything we fear, love, or trust in more than God. Today's message looks at how idols promise fulfillment but leave us empty and how only Jesus can truly satisfy our hearts.

Some sins are obvious, marked by shame and confession. But what about the ones we don’t think twice about—habits so ingrained in our lives that they no longer feel like sins at all? That's the premise of this new sermon series. The first message hones in on gluttony, where it’s not about the number on a scale but the posture of our hearts toward food. Could it be that our overindulgence, excessive cravings, and disregard for self-control are keeping us from the purpose God has for us? Pastor Mike helps us explore what Scripture says about gluttony, why it matters, and how Jesus meets us at the table—not with condemnation but with grace that leads to change.

They may not make headlines, but gluttony, idolatry, slander, and laziness quietly shape our lives more than we’d like to admit. Pastor Mike and Amber preview the new sermon series, "Not So Scarlet Letters," and explore why these “less scandalous” sins can be just as damaging to our souls—especially when they become habits we justify, ignore, or even celebrate. Through humor, vulnerability, and biblical truth, we’ll be challenged to examine our hearts, confront what’s quietly taking God’s place, and take small but powerful steps toward freedom.Pastor Mike mentions how you can get a Leathersoft NIV Value Thinline Bible this month as thanks for your gift in support of Time of Grace. This slim, easy-to-read Bible is a great way to engage with God’s Word every single day. We’ll also send you a Time of Grace bookmark with some Bible study tips from Pastor Mike. Already have your own favorite Bible? Consider getting one to give as a gift to a friend or relative who doesn’t have one. These Bibles are only available while supplies last. You can request your copy with your gift to the ministry at timeofgrace.org.

The Bible is challenging to read. There are weird words and weird names in it. There’s an Old Testament and a New Testament. There are prophecies and prophets. And if you’re new to the Bible, if you’ve never deeply studied it, it can leave you confused. That's why in this message, Pastor Mike helps us learn how to approach the Bible. Spoiler: It's okay if we don't understand it right away. The important thing is to admit this.Pastor Mike mentions this month's $125,000 Challenge Grant! Thanks to some generous friends of the ministry, that means your gift will go TWICE as far in helping us speak openly and biblically—and with grace and truth—about real life topics that many people avoid. And when you give, we want to send you Pastor Mike's new book: How to Talk Taboo: A Christian Guide to Honest Confession and Brave Confrontation. This book will show you how to face your fears, get to the other side of awkward, and bravely step into the freedom honesty brings. You’ll learn that honesty leads to grace. It’s the secret sauce for true Christian community. And it’s how you experience the fullness of God’s love. Learn more at timeofgrace.org.

We all want to grow in faith, but sometimes pride gets in the way. When you don’t understand something about God, the Bible, or faith, it’s easier to fake it than admit it. But real growth happens when you're honest about what you don’t know. In this message, you'll see why God doesn’t want you to pretend—you grow stronger when you admit your questions and seek understanding. Because honest Christians don’t just show up to church—they ask, they learn, and they get it.Pastor Mike mentions this month's $125,000 Challenge Grant! Thanks to some generous friends of the ministry, that means your gift will go TWICE as far in helping us speak openly and biblically—and with grace and truth—about real life topics that many people avoid. And when you give, we want to send you Pastor Mike's new book: How to Talk Taboo: A Christian Guide to Honest Confession and Brave Confrontation. This book will show you how to face your fears, get to the other side of awkward, and bravely step into the freedom honesty brings. You’ll learn that honesty leads to grace. It’s the secret sauce for true Christian community. And it’s how you experience the fullness of God’s love. Learn more at timeofgrace.org.

Most of us don’t like confrontation. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and there’s no guarantee it will go well. But when a fellow Christian is caught in sin, looking the other way isn’t love—it’s avoidance. In this message, you'll see how Jesus calls you to speak the truth in love, not to tear people down but to help them turn back to him. Because honest Christians don’t just confess their own sins—they love others enough to speak up.

You likely think of yourself as honest. So why is there that one struggle you keep to yourself? Here's the problem with that: Unconfessed sin doesn’t go away—it grows. In this message, you'll see why God calls you to confess—not just to him but to others—so you can find the freedom, healing, and grace he wants for you. Because almost honest isn’t honest enough.