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Time of Grace exists to point people to what matters most: Jesus. Using a variety of media (television, radio, podcasts, print publications, and digital), Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, accessible in multiple languages, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.
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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. New episodes published every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! Find even more questio ...
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Who is God? What is he like? What does he think of you? What exactly was Jesus all about? How do you get “saved”? And what does “getting saved” mean anyway? What can you do if you want to know the answers to these questions? Pastor Mike wants to help you understand who our big, amazing God is. This podcast won’t answer every question you have about God, Jesus, or faith. But it will help you start your journey to understanding the hope and love that can only come from God. You can also downlo ...
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Are there only certain reasons in the Bible that are valid for a Christian to get a divorce? 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 Mi…
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A new, perfect world where fear, pain, and suffering are gone. That's God's promise in this message that concludes this series. Pastor Mike teaches of how God's promise to make everything new offers both peace for today and a beautiful future beyond this life. To receive special text offers and stay up to date with the Time of Grace, text the word …
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Slavery is bad, and there's lots of slavery in the Bible. But why didn't God do anything about it? 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 Pas…
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Is it immodest or sinful for a woman to wear leggings? 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 …
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Porn is the issue that comes up the most with the people whom Pastor Mike counsels. That's why Pastor Mike sits down with Amber Albee Swenson—a Time of Grace podcaster, writer, and blogger—to tackle this issue and discuss why it is more prevalent than most people think. Spoiler: The definition of "porn" goes beyond what we normally think it is. Eac…
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"Living my best life" is a phrase thrown around in modern culture. But maybe more often than not, we feel lacking and circumstances keep us from living our best lives. Thankfully, Pastor Mike reminds us, God is with us and will use even our struggles and tough times for our good. We are all seeking rest and relief in our fast paced society and hope…
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In this modern-day era, what are the church's views on couples living together before marriage? 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…
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Often people who identify as LGBTQ+ say they're born that way. Did God make them that way? 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…
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What happens to babies who die in the womb? 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 q…
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Being a Chrstian is both easy and hard. Jesus lived a perfect life, died for all sin, and rose for us; there's nothing we need to do to earn heaven. That's the easy part. But loving God above everything can seem difficult. In this message, Pastor Mike teaches from the book of Hebrews to remind us of a very important truth: God will help us through …
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Is it a sin to be angry? Many Christians imply that it's bad to be angry. 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 Tim…
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Next time something difficult or unexpected happens, will you go into a place of panic, uncertainty, and worry? Or is there a beautiful narrow path of peace and hope that you can take? That path is the promises of God—the topic of Pastor Mike's next sermon series, "God's Promises to You." Join Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson as they talk about …
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Do you have to follow the government's laws if you don't agree with them? 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 Tim…
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Politics have divided the country and families. How does Jesus want us to approach this issue of division? How would Jesus handle it? 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 y…
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Sometimes we may feel as though we're not blessed financially. Even though we live in a prosperous age, many factors determine the kinds of financial struggles we have. In the first message of this new series, "God's Promises to You," Pastor Mike explains a true and comforting promise of God. Namely, despite any struggle we have, God will be there …
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Do demons still possess and haunt people today? If so, why and how does that happen? 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 Novot…
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Different religions are different trails that lead to the top of the same mountain—is that a good way to think of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and people of other religions? 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 men…
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What passages can we turn to for mental illness? And is mental illness a sin? 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…
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In the final message of “Confusing Things Christians Say,” we explore what “being called” means. Often, when we have a strong desire to do something good or something that betters society, we tend to say we felt called to do it. But what does that actually mean in the Bible? Pastor Mike explains what being called as a child of God means and why tha…
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Where is this teaching in the Bible? 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 question…
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If you believe in God and he doesn't exist, you waste just this life. But if you don't believe in him and he DOES exist, then you waste eternity. So believing in God should be a logical "yes" ... right? 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, …
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Why do non-Christians deal with sin better than Christian churches do? 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 o…
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“Hate the sin; love the sinner” is something most Christians have heard or even said. But can that actually work? Our emotions are tied to the people we love while the same emotions are also tied to the sin that we know God detests. It can certainly feel like we’re walking on a narrow road. But, Pastor Mike says, we can walk that narrow road with t…
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Is it true that women are inferior according to the Bible? 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 answ…
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Pastor Mike's answer may bother you because it's based on this idea: If never hearing the gospel would mean a free ticket to heaven, why would we ever share the gospel? 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? Wel…
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Is this breaking God's commandment: You shall not murder? 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 answe…
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It's been said that taking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial for our physical health. And just like walking physically, we walk spiritually too. In this message, Pastor Mike unpacks three essential connections between our daily, physical steps and our spiritual walk with God. He also provides encouragement for aligning our paths with God’s promises,…
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The process of in vitro fertilization can result in many fertilized eggs—many lives being created. Knowing this, how should Christian couples view IVF? 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 podc…
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Is porn harmful even if a married couple watches it together? 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 a…
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How do Christians support the government when we don't want to vote for any of them? 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 Novot…
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Loneliness affects our personal health. But what can we do to stop this loneliness epidemic when work is online and relationships take the form of texts and social media? There's something we can take part in today—but it is a confusing word called "fellowship." And fellowship requires work. In this message, Pastor Mike explains what kind of work g…
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"It's a relationship, not a religion” is something often said in Christian communities. But is it possible to live somewhere in the middle of those two words? Can we be religious and seek a relationship with God at the same time? Pastor Mike teaches that the two words truly mingle and that being a Christian means you are a part of a “religious rela…
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Even though there are meaningful, rich, and even profound sayings in the church, sometimes they do not make sense. Understanding them comes before appreciating them. And that is what Pastor Mike will help us do in this series, “Confusing things Christians Say.” In this episode, Pastor Mike outlines what the phrase “born again” means, from repenting…
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What exactly does "born again" mean? How about "a relationship, not a religion"? Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson dissect some of the phrases Christians often say—but may not know what they mean—as they preview the next six-part TV message series, "Confusing Things Christians Say." Other phrases they tackle: "fellowship," "walk with God," "hate …
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Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have questions about the Bible and its legitimacy. No matter where you fall on this scale, sometimes you just want evidence. In this final message from the series at the Museum of the Bible, Pastor Mike teaches from the Bible Manuscript Room, proving the authorship of the Bible and explaining the key pi…
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Was the Bible written by a person with an agenda? Or maybe by someone who simply held strong spiritual ideas? How would you finish the question, “The Bible is ... ”? If you are unclear about where the Bible comes from, in this message Pastor Mike explores the Bible's origins and shows why you can trust it and why trusting it matters. Get your own l…
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How do we get past life's hurdles? The answer to our shame, sin, and weakness is in the Bible. From the first of three messages from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., Pastor Mike teaches about the most prolific book ever—the Bible. From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, people throughout history have found the Bible impactful. And it contin…
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Get ready for a special, one-of-a-kind series! Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson give a sneak peek at our next sermon series that was shot on location from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.! In this new three-part series, "Why the Bible Matters," Pastor Mike dives deep into the Bible's impact, its origin, how God speaks to us through th…
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Why do we struggle to believe that God's grace is for everyone—even for those who have hurt us? That's the same struggle Jonah had as he wrestled with God for saving Jonah's enemies. It is tempting for us to draw a line, put ourselves on the right side of it, and think we're the only people God should love. But as Pastor Mike wraps up the book of J…
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If God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to die for us, why do we need to repent? What does "repent" even mean? To answer these questions, Pastor Mike takes us through chapter 3 of the book of Jonah and gives us four takeaways about what it means to repent and how we know we are repenting. Get your copy of “Rewrite Your Story: A Guide to the Li…
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When we mess up and feel so far away from God, one of the hardest things to do is to cry out to God. We find ourselves thinking, "Why would God listen to the cry of someone in such a desperate, rock-bottom situation?" However, as Pastor Mike teaches from the book of Jonah, sometimes we need to hit rock bottom to realize our constant need for God an…
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The book of Jonah isn’t about a big fish. In fact, it’s not even about the prophet Jonah. Instead, it’s about God and his insane love for ALL people—even “those people,” those we often regard as being furthest from God and least deserving. Which, Pastor Mike says, actually includes . . . us. This message kicks off a series that takes us through the…
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It's tempting to think that we just need to wait out this broken world until Jesus comes back, to think that joy only begins with heaven. But the apostle Peter tells us that right now, even during our struggles and challenges, an inexpressible joy is possible. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Is Manifestation Compatible With Christianity? ** Pr…
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It's tempting to think that we just need to wait out this broken world until Jesus comes back, to think that joy only begins with heaven. But the apostle Peter tells us that right now, even during our struggles and challenges, an inexpressible joy is possible. Today's Tough Question: Is it Sinful to Use Preferred Pronouns? ** Program note: This is …
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Spoiler alert: the book of Jonah is NOT about a big fish. Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson talk about what the book of Jonah IS actually about: God's love for his people. In their deep dive discussion, they also found ways to talk about poisonous frogs, how we can avoid falling into political divisions (hang out with Amber!), what God may think …
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What happens if something gets in between you and the promise of heaven? At first glance, the Bible's answer may sound contradictory. But as Pastor Mike digs into the apostle Peter's letter that he wrote to friends who were being persecuted, we see why we can turn our fear into peace. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. Where is heaven? 2. Why…
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Amber Albee Swenson, co-host of the "Behind the Series" episodes on this podcasts, shares an announcement regarding podcast programming.Time of Grace Ministry
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What happens if something gets in between you and the promise of heaven? At first glance, the Bible's answer may sound contradictory. But as Pastor Mike digs into the apostle Peter's letter that he wrote to friends who were being persecuted, we see why we can turn our fear into peace. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. Anxiety and Depression:…
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Sometimes we feel stuck in our relationship with God. There's pain, suffering, frustration in our lives. Maybe we're just lukewarm about our faith. So how do we get closer to God? Pastor Mike says to start with writing a eulogy—about God. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Does God choose everyone but knows which ones will reject him? ** Program …
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Sometimes we feel stuck in our relationship with God. There's pain, suffering, frustration in our lives. Maybe we're just lukewarm about our faith. So how do we get closer to God? Pastor Mike says to start with writing a eulogy—about God. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Question: How Do Christians Handle Life in a World That's Hostile? ** Program note: …
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