Welcome back to Light Talks! This isn’t your typical church Q&A! In this raw and real episode, Host Ali and Pastor Mike Novotny sit down to confront the questions people are actually asking, the kind that keep you up at night, that you’re too afraid to ask out loud in church, or that have made you wonder if faith is even worth it. You’ll hear Pastor Mike’s honest answers, grounded in scripture, shaped by personal experiences, and full of grace. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, healing from church trauma, or just trying to figure out where you stand with God, this conversation is for you. No judgment. No sugarcoating. Just real talk about faith, pain, and hope.

Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health, and spiritual abuse. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 confidential support in the U.S.

In this revealing discussion, we explore:

• Why are there so many denominations if we all read the same Bible? Discover how differing views on whether the Bible is the Word of God or merely contains it, the role of church tradition, and the submission of human reason to scripture.
• Why do bad things happen to good people? Unpack the theological perspective that "there's no one good" and hear how suffering, like the passing of Pastor Mike’s younger brother, can profoundly shape faith, as "in all things, God is working for the good". 
• How do I find peace when I’m drowning in anxiety or depression, and why does God allow this? Understand peace as a status - being "not at war with God" - rather than just a feeling. Explore practical ways to align your heart with truth through scripture, even when emotions don't cooperate.
• Can someone go to heaven if they commit suicide? Pastor Mike shares his evolved perspective, asserting that a legitimate Christian can make a rash, sinful choice due to intense emotional moments, and it does not necessarily mean they are not saved. 
• How do I rebuild faith after experiencing church hurt or abuse in a religious setting? Gain insight into navigating the painful realities of religious abuse, recognizing that God hates such actions and that Jesus, though abused by church people, never gave up on the church community. 
• If someone repeats the same sin but keeps asking for forgiveness, are they really forgiven? Find comfort in the truth that Jesus rescues repeat offenders. The key lies in genuine repentance and a heart changed by God, not in a perfect track record.
• If I forgive someone who hurt me, do I have to reconcile with them? Learn the crucial distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. 
• Do pets go to heaven? A lighter, yet deeply felt question for many! Listen now to find out the answer!

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!