Shows / Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that—and you're listening to it! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus. If you have a question you'd like Pastor Mike to address in a future video or podcast…
Episodes
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Can a Husband Handle His Frustration With His Stay-at-Home Wife?
The husband has been at work all day, while the wife is home with the kids. The house is messy, but it should be cleaner . . . right? Have you ever had…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Can Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Take what the Bible says seriously. But also be careful you're not adding rules that aren't in the Bible. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Do I Have to Believe Everything in the Old Testament?
The Bible is not a buffet or salad bar for you to pick and choose what you want to believe. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do You Raise Kids Who Aren't Entitled?
"You don't know how good you've got it." Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Talk: Demons and the Devil
With Halloween just around the corner, Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson tackle a topic many wonder about—Satan, demons, and the reality of spiritual…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Why Is It So Hard to Make Friends?
Start with talking. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do I Know I Have Really Forgiven?
There's a big difference between forgiveness and trust. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them?…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do I Handle the Shame of Past Sins?
Sometimes flashbacks of past sins bring feelings of such unworthiness. How do you move past them? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Am I Supposed to Pray? Boldly or Humbly?
The Bible talks about the fear and trembling we should have before God. Yet we are to pray confidently. How do we do both? Have you ever had questions you…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What Does the Rainbow Really Mean?
Yes, it's a beautiful symbol from God that he would not send another worldwide flood. But it's also much deeper than that. Have you ever had questions you…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is God OK With Your Doubts?
In our spiritual journeys, we all doubt sooner or later. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them?…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What to Do After a Pastor Sins?
Should the church forgive and move on? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Do I Need to Do Good Works to Go to Heaven?
Is faith enough? Or do I still need to do good? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Did I Actually Forgive?
Someone hurt me, and I keep bringing it up again and again. Does that mean I never really forgave them? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Did Jesus Really Claim to Be God?
Did Jesus claim to be a prophet? Did Christians twist the story and make him more than he was? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is It Wrong to Have Kids and Bring Them Into Our Evil World?
The world is jacked up; your child may get hurt and be scarred. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Why Does God Say No Sex Before Marriage?
Couples who love each other feel closer to one another after sex, so why would God forbid it? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Would Jesus Weep About Christians Who Are More About Rules Than Love?
Didn't Jesus go after the religious leaders of his time for this kind of thinking? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is the God of the Old Testament Angrier?
The God who sent the flood, fire and brimstone, and venomous serpents . . . he seems so wrathful and vengeful. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Talk: Why Prayer Feels So Hard
Most Christians quietly carry the weight of feeling like they're bad at prayer. In this honest and encouraging conversation, Pastor Mike and Amber Albee…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do I Approach God Boldly if I Feel Shame?
There are two big teachings in the Bible. This question focuses on one and forgets the other. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is It Wrong to Spend Tons of Money for a Fancy New Church?
Jesus didn't care about large buildings. He lived a simple life and loved the poor. Has the modern church lost its way? Have you ever had questions you wanted…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
God Struck Two People Dead for Lying? What?!?!
This doesn't sound like a good and merciful God . . . Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them?…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Are Parents "Toxic" or Are They Just Parenting?
There seems to be a trend of young people who have issues with their parents, deeming them "toxic." But is that just the pendulum swinging to another extreme?…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is There a Spiritual Aspect to Sexual Immorality?
Our sexual choices go beyond just the physical. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is Pornography Adultery?
What can people who struggle with pornography do to fight it? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them?…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What if I Don't Want to Submit to My Husband?
Submission isn't about inferiority. It is like God putting up a yield sign instead of having the world filled with uncontrolled intersections. Have you ever…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Why Battle Sins if You Will Never Be Sinless?
Of course you won't have a perfect spiritual record, but it is still a blessing when you fight the good fight. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Do You Go to Heaven Right After Death or on Judgment Day?
Spoiler: We will not be in heaven forever. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Can Christians Gamble?
The answer may be complex. But maybe not. Because at the heart of this topic are two principles: greed and God's love of generosity. Have you ever had…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do I Forgive Myself?
Pastor Mike pulls no punches: If you can't forgive yourself, stop being so arrogant. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Talk: Honest Confession and Vulnerability
There's power and healing in honest confession and vulnerability. Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson tackle this often-experienced but often-not-talked-about…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is God's Truth Intolerant?
First off, how do you define "tolerant"? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What Should I Do After Cheating on My Wife?
It's a long journey to earn that trust back. And it starts with humility and patience. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
If We Won't Be Married in Heaven, Can We Still Choose to Be Together?
The answer is pretty simple. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Isn't Marriage Just a Piece of Paper?
God knows you love each other already, so do you really need a piece of paper to make marriage official? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Do You Have to Confess Your Sins to Another Person?
Isn't confessing to God enough? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
My Friend Is Transitioning Genders. What Do I Say?
The topic of transitioning genders is the intersection of so many emotions and big cultural issues. So, Pastor Mike says, the first thing you should always do…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do You Hold Onto Your Faith When You Want What Unbelievers Have?
You're trying to follow Jesus and be obedient to him but see people who aren't following Jesus, and it just seems more fun, easier, and better. How do you not…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do You Escape the Cycle of Guilt?
You feel unbearable guilt for your constant sinfulness. Then you remember God's grace . . . and then feel guilty for not trusting him enough as the perfect…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What Should You Do if You Are in a Sexless Marriage?
God designed sex to be a good, uniting thing for marriage. But sex is also complicated. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Can You Trust Christians if You've Been Abused by Them?
If you have been abused by those who call themselves Christians, know that Jesus hated what happened to you. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Does the Bible Contradict Itself When It Comes to Being Saved?
How can you be saved by faith when the Bible also talks about good works being essential? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Are God and Jesus the Same Person?
Isn't God the father of Jesus? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
If God Is All-Knowing, Does That Invalidate the Idea of Free Will?
God knows everything about everything. But we still have a responsibility for the choices we make. How is that possible? Have you ever had questions you wanted…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
I Struggle With Perfectionism. Help!
Perfectionism is tricky because Jesus told us to "be perfect . . ." But that's impossible for each of us. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Talk: Toxic People and Boundaries
Unpack the tangled realities of toxic relationships with this raw, thoughtful conversation between Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson. They challenge the…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What Would Jesus Say About Megachurches vs. Small Churches?
If we want to be consistent with the example of the early church in the Bible, shouldn't we focus on smaller home churches? Have you ever had questions you…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is It a Sin to Eat Unhealthy Foods?
What does God say about our relationship with food? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What Are the Dangers of a Good Pastor?
You know the dangers of a greedy, hypocritical pastor. But what about a good pastor? Do dangers exist? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is It OK for Christians to Watch Horror Movies?
Pastor Mike says there are both benefits and dangers related to watching horror movies. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
I Keep Repeating the Same Sin. Did I Actually Repent?
How do I know if I have repented enough? I don't feel forgiven. I keep repeating the same sin. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
What if I Don't Like Going to Church?
What will happen to my relationship with God if I just don't like going to church? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do You Heal and Forgive After a Suicide?
Suicide leaves behind so much hurt, pain, and questions. How can you begin to forgive and heal? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Do I Help Someone Struggling With Porn?
When someone confesses something very personal, what do you do? Pastor Mike has two pieces of advice. Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Giants and Angels? Just What Were the Nephilim?
Genesis 6 talks about "sons of God" and "daughters of humans" and the Nephilim. Were the Nephilim a mixed breed when angels were intimate with humans? Have you…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Is It Bad for Christians to Distance Themselves From Non-Christians?
It's complex. You want influences that lead you to be closer to Jesus. But how can you share about Jesus if you're not even around non-Christians? Have you…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
Taboo Talk: Gambling and Video Games
Dive into a candid conversation as Pastor Mike and Amber explore gambling and video gaming through a Christian lens, offering personal insights and biblical…
- Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny
How Can You Claim There's a God When You're Sitting Next to a Dying Child?
If God is powerful and he can change it, if God is all-knowing and he knows all about it, and if God is loving and cares about us, why do bad things happen?…