TV Program
Our tv program airs globally via various outlets, but you can also search topics and watch the program right here. Each episode is a 30-minute study of God’s Word with Pastor Mike Novotny and teach us that thanks to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we have full access to God—right now!
Out of Context: “More Than You Can Handle”
Christians love to say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle” when they encourage friends and family who are overwhelmed. Except there’s a major problem with this: that’s actually not a verse in the Bible. There’s a verse similar to it in the New Testament. When the apostle Paul wrote his words, he wrote them as both a warning and a comfort.
Out of Context: “Where Two or Three Gather”
Just a few people show up for Bible study. Less than half of people come to church. That’s when you launch into Jesus’ words: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” But make sure to read the context. Instead of being words of assurance during events with low attendance, Jesus was actually talking about the tough topic of how to deal with sin in the church.
Out of Context: “Do Not Judge”
Jesus’ words “Do not judge” sound pretty straightforward, right? Yes, Pastor Mike says, the answer is clear. But read this verse in context to understand that it applies to more than just other people—you too will need to look in the mirror.
Less Me: Jesus in 3 Words
Who is Jesus? Pastor Mike’s answer consists of just three simple words. Yet through these words that succintly encapsulate Jesus’ identity, you will see how your struggles and fears can be put to rest.
Less Me: Christianity WILL Cost You
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it: following him comes at a great cost because you have to put him first. So why even follow Jesus? Because the reward, Pastor Mike says, is even greater.
Less Me: More Me Makes a Mess
Pride isn’t always thinking too much of ourselves; sometimes it’s just thinking of ourselves too much. And that self-focus often leads to a mess. So how do we humble ourselves? Where do we start?
Get Over Yourself
What gets in the way of you going to heaven? Not your mistakes and sins; otherwise, who would go to heaven? Instead, Pastor Mike says that the biggest barrier to spiritual maturity and heaven is . . . being stupid. Explore with Pastor Mike in this message how we are to receive the people and help that God sends us so that we don’t become proverbial fools.
God’s Biggest Goal for You
It’s the start of a new year, which means we’ve made our resolutions and set goals. But Pastor Mike flips the idea of New Year’s resolutions and goal setting on its head by asking: What does God want for us? Spoiler: It’s not for us to be more patient, more generous, or more loving. His goal for us is much bigger and better.
Christmas Hype: It’s All About Jesus
Do you fall into the comparison trap? One of the most natural things for the human heart is to forget about the actual life God has given us because we’re so interested in the life God has given others. John the Baptist didn’t fall for the comparison trap. Pastor Mike shows how we can also bypass it by remembering John’s key point of what matters most.
Christmas Hype: Jesus Is Worth the Hype
As Christmas nears, what gift is your heart yearning for? Is there something that if you received it, it would make you happy and give you peace? Be careful about what gets the last word in your heart. In this account from the book of Matthew, John the Baptist reveals the path that many people don’t follow, but it’s one that leads to incredible blessing.
Christmas Hype: Jesus Is the Focus
How impressive is your Jesus? The answer to that question might determine the quality of your Christmas. That’s why John the Baptist wants to remind you who Jesus really is and how impressive his work really was.
God’s To-Do List for Depression
When we’re depressed, sometimes we naively think that if we just go to church, just sing the right song, or just say the right prayer, our depression will go away. But God’s to-do list for depression isn’t something he’s commanding us to do; it’s something he himself is getting done. Pastor Mike looks to a 3,000-year-old psalm to find how God is helping.