Pastor Mike Novotny
Pastor Mike Novotny has served God’s people in full-time ministry since 2007 in Madison and, most recently, at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He also serves as the lead speaker for Time of Grace, where he shares the good news about Jesus through television, print, and online platforms.
Out of Context: “Plans to Prosper You”
Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular Bible verse that can be found on coffee mugs, Pinterest art, and memes: “For I know the plans I have for you.” God does have great plans for his people, but the way that verse has been used today is not the way God intended it.
When the odds are against you
What are the odds that you’ll resist temptation today? Um . . . yeah. We can quickly answer that question. Despite our willing spirits,…
Willing to wait for it?
Have you ever heard of the Stanford “marshmallow test”? A Stanford professor once offered kids a choice—They could eat a marshmallow now, or if…
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.
Friends confess
Most people are terrified to confess their sins to me. I guess that’s the nature of sin—it prefers to hide in the dark rather…
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.
Why Ruth should be your favorite book of the Bible
I dare you to read Judges chapters 19-21. Go ahead; I’ll wait. . . . Did you read it? Tell me that isn’t the…
The tale of two women
“Pastor, I just need a little break,” the college student told me. After two decades of going to church, she felt spiritually prepared to…
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.
Tough Questions With Pastor Mike
This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
Does Someone Who’s Never Heard of Jesus Go to Hell?
If a person never heard about Jesus and, therefore, doesn’t believe in him, does that person go to hell? This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
What most married people forget
Do you know the difference between most dating couples and many married people? In a word—effort. When we date someone, we usually put in…