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.
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.
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.
How Do We Approach the Political Divide of Our Country?
2020 was a very political year that divided the country and families. How does Jesus want us to approach this issue of division, and how would Jesus handle it? This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
Is Porn OK for Married Couples?
Is porn harmful even when a married couple watches it together? This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
Is COVID-19 Meant to Bring Us Back to God?
There are Bible verses that talk about God sending plagues so that nations will turn back to God. Was God talking about COVID-19? And is the pandemic meant to bring the nations back to God? This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
Is Birth Control in Marriage OK?
How is birth control in marriage acceptable? Doesn’t God say to enjoy the gift of sex and multiply? This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from from viewers like you.
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.