Jesus wins!

by Pastor Mike Novotny

Recently, I had the chance to read the entire book of Revelation (twice!). I was preparing to film 22 teaching videos for a new reading plan through this mysterious book of the Bible whose message intrigues as much as it confuses.

After my reading, I came up with my personal theme for Revelation …

“It’s Bad. It Gets Worse. Don’t Worry. Jesus Wins.”

I love that summary because it is equally honest and comforting. Revelation is honest about the drama and judgment of this world, from a hostile culture to the hatred Satan feels toward God’s people, from the seemingly unstoppable power of the “beasts” that rule the earth to the suffering that God’s faithful people will endure. It’s bad, and it will likely get worse, especially if you are true to God’s Word.

But don’t worry—Jesus wins! Revelation rarely goes a whole chapter without reminding you that Jesus is victorious and glorious, mighty and holy, the conquering Lord who is also your sacrificial Lamb. He is good, kind, just, holy, and worthy of eternal praise. No enemy can stand against Jesus. No believer will be snatched from his hands. In fact, every “epic” battle is over as soon as Jesus shows up!

As you read today’s headlines or look at yourself in the mirror, you might feel worried. What will happen to Christianity? What will happen to this nation? Will I make it through? 

When such worries rear their heads, grab your Bible, flip open to its final chapters, and read Revelation’s repeating message—You don’t need to worry. Jesus wins. And in him, you win too.

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called,
chosen and faithful followers” (Revelation 17:14).

You inspire others to share God’s Word!

Your prayers and support of Time of Grace help encourage people all over the world with biblical messages of God’s love for them. And as you inspire others, many are moved to pass that blessing along!

One friend named Stefan recently wrote in to share …

“Thanks for continuing to share the gospel and teach God’s Word through this ministry. My family’s faith has been blessed through all the devotions, Evening Encouragements, Grace Talks, and sermons. I am glad you use YouTube and have all messages easy to share on this platform. My sister’s husband passed this past November, and I have been easily able to share so many of the messages you post. The Lord brings peace and hope to his people through the faithful proclamation of his Word that you all work to share. Thank you.”

Thanks for helping make these kinds of stories possible! Please pray that God continues to move through friends like you to encourage more people with his Word.

Jesus has a story for you!

Throughout his ministry, Jesus told powerful parables, or stories, to help people understand spiritual truths about invisible things.  

And in Pastor Mike Novotny’s new book, Stories to Change Your Life, you’re invited to explore some of these eye-opening parables told by the greatest storyteller of all time, Jesus. 

Think God can’t love you after what you’ve done? Jesus has a story for you. Struggling to trust God’s forgiveness? Jesus has a story for you.

Afraid to share your faith? Anxious for the next generation? Overwhelmed by money issues? Preoccupied with the worries of life?

You guessed it, Jesus has a story for you!

This book is our thanks for your gift to help more people find the full life they’re looking for in Christ. So request your copy of Stories to Change Your Life when you give using the enclosed reply form. And thanks for your generosity!

Click here to get Stories to Change Your Life

Wrap up each day with God’s promises to you

One of the best ways to relax and shake off the day is by spending some time with God. Pastor Jeremy’s Evening Encouragements podcast is a perfect way to end your day in God’s Word. Each episode is only a few minutes long but is filled with the peace and hope that only Jesus brings. Listen today on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

Click here to listen to Evening Encouragements

Coming up on Time of Grace

Tune in to Time of Grace in October for Pastor Mike’s new series, Seriously, God? This two-word question has been asked by all people since the dawn of time. It’s a question that comes when life gets hard and you find yourself wondering where God’s at in it all. Even committed Christians wrestle with God’s plan for their lives when pain, confusion, and grief interrupt their personal plans for the future. This series studies the book of Job, searching for God’s biggest plans for our lives.

The first episode of Seriously, God? is available to watch on September 4th with new episodes released each Sunday in September.

Click here to watch Seriously, God?

Ask Pastor Mike

Question: Pastor Mike, do you have a favorite parable?

Pastor Mike: Out of the 30 parables that Jesus told, one of my favorites is the prodigal son. After the young, foolish, reckless, irresponsible, and sinful son drags himself home, shoeless and smelling like pigs and prostitutes, what does his father do?

He runs. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

You can learn a lot about God from meditating on each of the father’s actions and emotions. No wonder Jesus loved to tell parables to everyone who had ears to hear.

Hello from Pastor Mike

Take a look at three of our Time of Grace speakers, and you’ll notice a peculiar trend …

Amber Albee Swenson has a podcast called Little Things. C.L. Whiteside is the host of another podcast called The Nonmicrowaved Truth. And I recently released a book called What’s Big Starts Small. 

Do you see the thread that ties us all together?

Amber, C.L., and I have all discovered the importance of something that Jesus taught in many of his parables—God’s Word might seem small, but with enough time, it can grow into something bigger than most people would believe. 

Please believe that today! Your “little” prayer for God to change someone’s heart or open someone’s eyes to the mercy of Jesus might end up in a soul being saved or a family tree being transformed for generations. Your “small” offering to Time of Grace might translate a reading plan so that a fellow Christian in a foreign land finds strength to stand up for the name of our Savior. Your “tiny” actions in the kingdom of God could, years from now, have an impact that you can’t see or imagine in this moment.

You don’t need to be on TV or the latest influencer to matter to our Father. He sees you, knows you, and loves every “little” thing you do to thank Jesus for his gift of grace.

We at Time of Grace are grateful for all the “little” things you do for us too—because we bear witness to the BIG impact you have in people’s lives!

So thanks so much, and God bless you.

Pastor Mike