Let’s be real: porn is everywhere. Most people see it before they hit high school, half of Christians admit they’re hooked, and almost nobody is talking about it. The result? A generation quietly drowning in shame, secrecy, and isolation. In this unfiltered episode of Light Talks, Ali sits down with Pastor Mike Novotny and 24-year-old Payton Dahlke, who get brutally honest about their battles with pornography. From sneaking looks as kids to feeling like God could never forgive them, they share how confession, community, and God’s grace turned the story around. Join us for an unfiltered conversation that cuts through the silence, offering a path to healing and reminding us that no matter how deep the struggle with God, your story doesn't end there.

Note: This episode is honest but not graphic, though listeners with young ears around may want to use headphones.

In this episode, we tackle vital questions and topics including:

• The startling reality of pornography's prevalence in today's digital world, even within Christian communities.
• Vulnerable personal testimonies from Pastor Mike and Payton about their long-term struggles, from early exposure to adult challenges.
• The powerful grip of shame, pride, and the fear of judgment that keeps individuals isolated in their struggle.
• The subtle yet profound ways pornography can damage relationships and intimacy, even when it's not consciously intended.
• Practical, actionable steps for breaking free from this addiction, including how to become a "detective of your own temptation" to identify patterns and implement "guard rails”.
• The profound truth of God's forgiveness and unwavering love for sexually broken people, doubling down to remind listeners there is no condemnation for those who have faith in Christ.
• Guidance for loved ones on how to effectively support someone struggling with pornography, fostering an environment of grace and understanding.

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!

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Let’s dive into the unfiltered reality of marriage with Pastor Michael and Jenny Ewart - three decades, six kids, and a love story that started with a bold move to the heart of Russia. Michael, a seasoned marriage counselor, and Jenny, with her quick wit and authentic insight, share the lessons they’ve learned from both their victories and their “banana hook” moments. From the first-date butterflies to the seasons of silence, they speak into the miscommunication, unmet expectations, and emotional disconnect that can creep into any relationship - and how faith, intentionality, and choosing each other daily can turn things around. So grab your coffee (or your walking shoes) and join us for a vulnerable, hope-filled conversation that will leave you challenged, encouraged, and reminded that while marriage can be messy, it’s also one of the most beautiful adventures worth every bit of effort.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

• The "Death Spiral": Understanding the core needs of men and women and how a lack of fulfilling these can lead to a relationship's decline.
• Breaking the Cycle: How intentionally choosing to give what your spouse needs, even when they aren't, can reverse a downward spiral and cultivate a "life spiral".
• Positive Intent: Learning to assume the best motives in your partner, even when expectations aren't met.
• Emotional Mismatch: Practical strategies for managing heightened emotions in one partner and withdrawal in the other, aiming to meet in the middle for more productive conversations.
• "Did I Marry the Right Person?": Addressing this common thought during conflict and why commitment and choosing your spouse daily are key to building a lasting bond.
• Intentional Intimacy: Discovering meaningful ways to stay connected that don't always involve traditional date nights, especially when life is busy.
• Seeking Outside Help: Why bringing in a pastor, Christian friend, or counselor can be transformative for your marriage, especially before bad habits become deeply ingrained.

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!

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!