Podcasts about time of grace

How blessed you feel may depend on what you consider to be blessings, which means you may forget that you have blessings right in front of you every day. Pastor Mike challenges you to shift your mindset and open your eyes to the really good things from God that you often don't think about. In turn, you can become more grateful and feel more blessed.

It's easy to say we would never do this or that, but usually we make those comments from a place of comfort. The disciples never imagined they would be in a place to run away from Jesus either. But when darkness fell and soldiers came, it was a different thing altogether. May God give us grace and help us give that same grace to others. 

Have you ever heard the phrase, "God's Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path?" It's found in the longest chapter of the Bible.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the five themes and eight key words of Psalm 119 that demonstrate how God's Word, the Bible, is a light for us.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

In an age of podcasts, playlists, and on-demand spirituality, it's easier than ever to engage with faith from afar. But Pastor Mike challenges us to think about what might be missing when we do. This message takes a closer look at what happens when we move beyond consuming content and begin showing up in community. The result is a deeper reflection on presence, connection, and what God designed the church to be.

In this part of the book of Mark, we are just days away from Jesus's death. Jesus gives his disciples and us the important reminder that earthly things don't matter. One day they will all be gone. Jesus also warns us to be ready for the Last Day, because whether or not we live to see judgment day, our end will one day come. We'll talk about Mary, who anointed Jesus with an expensive perfume, and be reminded that having a heart of adoration toward Jesus is a beautiful thing, even if the people around us don't understand. 

What do you think of the idea that you should "follow your heart"? It's time to lead with discernment, obedience, and purpose instead of listening to our feelings and the world. When it comes to fostering relationships, invite wisdom from God and trusted voices from friends and family (especially when it comes to finding a boo).Proverbs 16:9Jeremiah Lamentations#ChristianDating #FollowGodNotYourHeart #BiblicalDiscernment #MarriagePurpose #FaithOverFeelings #KingdomRelationships #TheNonMicrowavedTruth

We live in a world where friendship is both highly valued and surprisingly hard to maintain. This message turns our attention to the kinds of relationships that help us feel known—and why some fall short. It slows us down to consider what builds real connection and what quietly pulls us apart. At the center is a deeper truth: No human friendship can replace the one we were made for first.

In the days prior to Jesus's arrest, the leaders confronted him in the temple courts. Their aim was to somehow catch Jesus in a trap. His aim was to uphold the law and, even as they came after him, to offer them grace. 

All of the major religions have "light" as a major motif. What makes the Bible's "Light of the World" different?In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker describes who the "Light of the World" is, both from Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillment.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

The Bible shows that when we lack sobriety and self-control, we open doors to deception, spiritual danger, and even demonic behavior. That's why having people hold you accountable when it comes to quitting is so powerful. Accountability isn't about control; it's about protection, discipline, and true freedom.

Family can bring deep connection—and deep complexity. Pastor Mike helps us think about the family relationships that shape us most, for better or worse, and how God speaks into them. This message points us toward a quieter strength that can reshape how we show up humbly at home.

Mark 11 brings us to Palm Sunday and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Was the adoration of the crowds legit, or did they just get caught up in the emotion of what was going on? We'll discuss why Jesus cursed a fig tree (?!) and the posture of our hearts when we pray. And we'll talk about boundaries and how much access we give the people around us. 

Christianity isn't a half commitment. The Bible isn't outdated. Multiple translations aren't flaws; they're proof of its preservation. These videos address common misunderstandings about Scripture, why God's Word still stands strong, and how the Bible remains the most historically reliable book ever written. If you've ever questioned faith, truth, or the Bible's credibility, this is for you.  #Christianity #BibleTruth #GodsWord #BiblicalTruth #FaithInAction #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #ChristianPodcast #ChristianReels #BibleStudyJohn 14:62 Timothy 3:16Genesis 19:30-38

Loneliness can show up even in the busiest, most connected parts of life. In the first message of the "Lonely Less" series, Pastor Mike teaches about where true connection begins—and what might be missing in the places we often look for it. Drawing from both Scripture and everyday experience, this message gently reframes the way we think about being alone. It invites us to consider a presence that doesn't depend on people, pace, or circumstance.

In Mark 10, Jesus is annoyed by the disciples, the disciples are annoyed with one another, Jesus teaches about divorce and childlike faith, and he begins the path to the cross. 

Is the God of the Bible a god, or a God, or an all-caps GOD?In this episode Dr. Bruce Becker will explore the meaning behind the phrase used by the Apostle John in his first New Testament letter - "God is light" - and what makes him superior to all the gods and goddesses of man-made religions.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

Every headline feels louder, messier, and darker, but how are followers of Jesus supposed to respond when scandal, controversy, and evil keep cycling nonstop? This short video challenges you to stop reacting like the world and shows how to avoid becoming the next headline—no scandal life here.#ChristianReels #FaithTok #JesusTalk #ViralFaith #TruthTalk #RealTalk #GraceNotGossip #StayHumble #ByGraceAlone #CheckTheMirror #HeartCheck #SavedNotSuperior #reflect #ChampTalk Galatians 1:10Matthew 5:16

It's easy to feel less than when someone else's strengths seem so much clearer than yours. But Pastor Mike digs into why your unique wiring isn't accidental or interchangeable. It's designed by God intentionally. With honesty and biblical clarity, this message helps break down the lies that keep us stuck in comparison or frustration. It's a meaningful invitation to recognize your gifts, name them, and use them in a way that matters.

In Mark 9, we see a glimpse of God's glory, the importance of faith, and the constant need to be in the Word to stay on the right path. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

What if getting high isn't harmless—but a doorway you didn't mean to open? In this episode, we confront the uncomfortable side of weed, altered states, and what Scripture says about staying sober-minded in a spiritual battle most people ignore. This isn't about judgment. It's a warning, a wake-up call, and an invitation to choose clarity, freedom, and a deeper walk with God.#Weed #Soberminded #SpiritualAwakening #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFeelings #TruthTalk #SpiritualWarfare #WakeUpCall #RealTalk #JesusChangesLives #FaithBased #MentalClarity #FreedomInChrist #ChristianYouTube #MindControl1 Peter 5:82 Corinthians 11:3-42 Corinthians 11:13-142 Timothy 1:7TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23  Subscribe to the YouTube channel! http://youtube.com/@thenonmicrowavedtruth

We often talk about being busy like it's just a season we're going through, but what if it has become our way of life? Pastor Mike explores the spiritual cost of constantly running at full speed. Drawing from the wisdom in Ecclesiastes, this message offers a clear, thoughtful challenge to the pace we've come to accept as normal.

Jesus again feeds a multitude. Later he warns his disciples about the false religious ideologies of their day. The disciples fail a test that we too often fail: the opportunity to trust God to provide when we can't see the answers to the problems we face. 

Light is a form of energy, but it's not the only form. Are you familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum that God created?In this series, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine ten different usages of light in the Bible. In this first episode, he will examine the light that exists as the created order.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you! www.timeofgrace.org

What if the key to peace isn't finding the fault in everyone—but putting them in the right box? In this episode, we unpack how godly boundaries, discernment, and seeing others through Christ's lens help you stay unbothered, protect your peace, and love people without unrealistic expectations. Learn how to stop tripping over relationships, recognize strengths instead of offenses, and let God be the box everything fits into.#PutThemInABox #BeUnbothered #GodlyBoundaries #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndGrowth #InnerPeace #HealthyRelationships #ChristianLiving #KingdomMindset #SpiritualMaturity #LetGodBeGodRomans 12:18 Ephesians 4:32Philippians 4:7Matthew 7:7,8Matthew 22:37–391 Corinthians 12:12–21Matthew 7:3–5Ecclesiastes 3:1Matthew 10:141 Samuel 8Proverbs 17:9TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23  

Our daily habits are surrounded by screens and technology that shape our lives in ways we rarely stop to notice. Using one of Jesus' parables, Pastor Mike raises a deeper question beneath the scrolls, streams, and notifications: What are you making space for—and what might you be missing? This message offers time to pause, reflect, and consider what's quietly shaping the direction of your life—and to step back and realign your habits with what truly matters.

In Mark 7, Mark shows us the Pharisees' hypocrisy, the bold audacity of a gentile woman, and the healing of a deaf and mute man. We'll examine traditions, knowing God is doing something even if it isn't what we hoped, and choosing to see God's goodness every day.

This episode challenges the obsession with image, influence, and numbers by asking a deeper question: Why are you doing what you're doing? This episode confronts ego-driven branding and recenters creators, leaders, and everyday believers on obedience, humility, and advancing God's kingdom over personal platforms. If you've ever chased likes, validation, or recognition—this conversation might reframe everything.Mark 9:38–401 Corinthians 10:11,12Proverbs 3:5,6Colossians 3:23,24Psalm 139:23,4Proverbs 16:9Mark 6:34John 13:12–17Matthew 6:33TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23  

Pastor Mike launches this new sermon series by taking aim at one of the most accepted spiritual trends of our time—the kind that feels personal, flexible, and easy to control. But is it actually leading you anywhere solid? Rooted in Psalm 16, this message challenges you to consider who holds the authority in your life—and whether that's bringing the peace and purpose you're hoping for.

With the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water, Jesus reminds us that our limitations are nothing for him. And these miracles remind us to stop and take note of the amazing things God does in our lives every day. 

What You Have to Cut Off to Stay Alive calls listeners to seriously examine what Jesus meant when He spoke about cutting off limbs and gouging out eyes for the sake of true life. This episode contrasts the world's definition of being alive with God's version of what it really means to live—which one sounds better?#StayAlive #CutItOff #FaithOverFeelings #RealLifeInChrist #SpiritualGrowthMatthew 5:27–30John 10:10Galatians 5:22–23Acts 2:46Ecclesiastes 9:7Zechariah 8:5Psalm 150:4Genesis 21:6Matthew 18:6–9

Pastor Mike is back with the annual special episode where he tackles tough questions from people like you. Hear what the Bible says about today's difficult topics.

Mark 6 takes us to Nazareth where Jesus is amazed, but not in a good way. Jesus teaches his disciples and us to depend on him, not on the security we find in the world. Finally, we'll look at Herod's foolish promise that cost John the Baptist his life.Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Are you happy? What do you think is missing in your life? This episode challenges the way you think about happiness. Happiness can be like a drug: Over time, your body adjusts and you need more just to feel the same effect. What many don't realize is that joy is different. Don't become a fiend. Discover how to experience real joy without becoming addicted to the chase.Ecclesiastes 2 NLTActs 16Galatians 6:8TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23  

The book of Revelation contains many fantastic, symbolic images. Today's episode looks at several of them.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker explores the significance of a white stone, stones made into idols, the precious stones worn by "the great prostitute," and the precious gems that will adorn the New Jerusalem.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!http://youtube.com/@BibleThreadswDrBruceBecker

Christmas is filled with moments of joy—family, gifts, traditions—but there's always something that keeps it from being perfect. No matter how much you love the season, it never fully satisfies. That's because Christmas was never meant to be the ultimate source of joy. The story of the wisemen reminds you that true joy and peace aren't found in a holiday but in a Savior who is worthy of your worship. Discover why Jesus is everything your heart is longing for, not just at Christmas but forever.

Mark 5 covers the account of Jesus healing a demonic man. What are the characteristics someone displays if they are possessed? What can we do to conquer the sins we struggle with? Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes with Jairus, a temple ruler. But first, he stops to console and comfort a woman who has been bleeding for 12 long years. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

In this episode, we'll dig into the feelings that make people pull away from church or feel unwelcome when they try to come back. Whether you've restarted habits a hundred times or you're walking into church for the first time in years, we'll break down what it means to have “prodigal son energy.” If you're tired of overthinking, hiding, or waiting for the “right moment,” hit play—this is your time to show up and start now.Luke 15:11-32TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23 

Promises are easy to make but hard to keep. We've all experienced disappointment when people let us down. But what about God? Does he actually follow through on what he says? The Christmas story isn't just a tradition; it's proof that God keeps his promises. What about the promises he has made to you? Pastor Mike explores why Christmas can give you real confidence that God is trustworthy, even when life feels uncertain.

The second part of Mark 4 brings us to this question: How are you going to shine for Christ? In addition, Jesus admonishes us to be careful what we listen to. We also get the encouragment that God is doing something every time we open the Bible and every time we share the Word with someone else. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Whether or not you believe the miracles in the Bible are real or made-up stories, this thought has probably crossed your mind: “If I saw a miracle, that would make me believe or see God differently.” This episode challenges that idea by asking what truly would change if you did see a miracle and uncovers the often-overlooked truth about signs and belief. It invites you to consider whether there's a veil over your eyes when it comes to seeing God and the miraculous.John 20:25John 21:25John 20:29Luke 16:27-31Romans 1:20TikTok: @CLWhiteside Instagram: @Championlife23 

Mary and Joseph's first Christmas wasn't picture-perfect. It was confusing, costly, and filled with uncertainty. Yet instead of resisting God's plan, they embraced it, even when it changed everything. What about you? When life doesn't go as planned, when faith asks more of you than you expected, how do you respond? This message explores what it means to trust God, even when it's difficult, and why his plans are always worth following.

Mark chapter 4 takes us to the parable of the sower. In it we are reminded that we plant seeds as we tell people about God, but only God can produce faith. We'll talk about the pitfalls that Jesus talked about and how to produce the greatest crop in the kingdom of God. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Everybody talks about loyalty—to friends, to family, to culture—but what happens when that same loyalty pulls you away from God? In this episode, C.L. breaks down how loyalty can turn from love to destruction, why being “ride or die” for the wrong things can wreck your walk, and how to spot when your loyalty is killing your spirit instead of feeding your faith.Matthew 22:37–391 Corinthians 15:33Galatians 1:10Ephesians 5:11Mark 8:35–38Lamentations 3:22,23Don't forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel! http://youtube.com/@thenonmicrowavedtruthTikTok @CLWhitesideInstagram @ChampionLife23 

Christmas isn't just a heartwarming tradition—it's history. But is it really for you? Many wonder if God's love extends to people who feel unworthy, overlooked, or weighed down by the past. As you explore the very first page of the New Testament in this message, you'll discover that Jesus came from a long line of nobodies and notorious sinners—proof that Christmas is for the broken, the struggling, and the searching. This season, embrace the hope that Jesus was born for you.

This episode finishes Mark 3 by taking a look at Jesus' disciples—a group most of us wouldn't have chosen. They weren't straight A students and didn't have the kind of careers we might find to be resume worthy. They certainly had their black marks. We also talk about family expectations and church hurt. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

What if Christmas isn't just about what we've made it—but about something deeper, more human, and more hopeful? In this sneak peek at the upcoming sermon series "God's Kind of Christmas," Pastor Mike and Amber explore the tension between cultural expectations and the surprising heart of the original Christmas story. They speak candidly about the honest questions many people have—especially those who wonder if any of this could actually be true. It's a conversation that calls for belief, not just in a holiday but in a God who stepped into history for people like us.Learn more about this month's $375,000 Challenge Grant at https://bit.ly/48k2PEm.

We love to say God is #1, but if we're honest, most of us treat him like a sidepiece. In this episode, C.L. breaks down what true intimacy with God looks like—real connection, consistency, and communication, not convenience. From checking your spiritual health to learning how to claim God boldly, this convo challenges you to stop keeping him hidden and start living like he's truly first in your life. Exodus 20:5 1 Samuel 12:24 Psalm 95:1–3 Ezekiel 36:26,27 Galatians 5:22,23 1 John 2:4–6 Jeremiah 29:13 Luke 2:46 Psalm 46:10 Romans 8:26 Psalm 139:23,24

Most religions teach that if we mess up a relationship with the divine, we have to fix it. If our karma is bad or our scale shows more bad deeds than good or if we've broken a few too many commandments, we'd better make up for it. And that's what makes Christianity different: God reconciled us. But what does that actually mean? Pastor Mike digs deep into one of the most emotional words in the Bible: reconcile. And he explains how it has changed our lives.

Mark 3 takes us to the synagogue and to the Pharisees who were watching Jesus to find fault. Jesus became angry at their concern for their manmade laws while showing no concern for people who were suffering. Jesus withdrew, and as demon-possessed people came to be healed, Jesus wouldn't let them speak. In this episode we examine anger, withdrawing as a coping strategy, and when to speak up or not say anything, even if it's the truth! Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

How can a good God allow suffering and evil in the world? Pastor Mike confronts that very objection, diving into the painful realities many face daily, from personal loss to global tragedies. But while it can feel overwhelming, Pastor Mike encourages a fresh perspective: Perhaps your struggles could lead to deeper faith and understanding.