Ever feel like you’re just drifting, trying to fill an ache with relationships, distractions, or substances, only to end up emptier than before? In this honest episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with 26-year-old, Jason Heil, as he opens up about his journey through a "dark place" where he chased worldly success—the house, the job, the relationships—only to realize that worldly achievements cannot fill a God-shaped hole. If you’ve ever doubted God, drifted from church, or wondered if you’re “too far gone,” this conversation is for you. Come hear how Jesus meets us right where we are—not after we clean ourselves up.

In this episode, we unpack things like:

• The Struggle with Surface-Level Faith: Why growing up in a religious environment doesn't always lead to a personal relationship with God.
• The Trap of Escapism: A look at how alcohol, pornography, and media are often used to numb feelings of emptiness and unwantedness.
• The Myth of the American Dream: Why having a stable job and a home can still leave you feeling miserable and searching for more.
• Redefining Repentance: Understanding what repentance really means (and why it’s freeing, not guilt-heavy).
• Forgiving Yourself vs. Accepting Forgiveness: Why the Bible focuses on God’s forgiveness rather than the psychological struggle of "forgiving yourself."
• Serving Two Masters: The challenge of trying to keep one foot in the world while trying to follow Christ.
• The Truth for the "Too Far Gone": Why no mistake is too big for the radical, transformative love of Jesus.

Download The Basics, by Pastor Mike Novotny, that was mentioned in this episode.

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Welcome back to Light Talks, where we’re kicking off Season 2 by bringing the tough, messy, and sometimes taboo questions of faith into the light. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or completely new to your faith journey, our host, Ali, a fellow “question asker”, is joined by Pastors Mike Novotny and Jared Oldenburg to dive into the real-life questions you’ve been asking. In this episode, the team avoids "black and white" legalistic traps to focus on rooting practical life choices in Scripture. From the lighthearted debates over church dress codes to deep-dives into overcoming shame and addiction, no topic is off-limits as we navigate what it means to follow Jesus in the real world. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I ask this?” — this episode is for you.

This episode will give you Biblical answers to the following questions:

• What should (or shouldn’t) you wear to church—and does God actually care?
• How can teenagers and young adults grow in their faith without feeling forced or fake?
• With so many Christian voices online, how do you know who to trust?
• Is it ever okay for Christians to swear, or does faith mean filtering every word?
• How do biblical teachings on discipline fit with modern ideas like gentle parenting?
• If Jesus teaches contentment, is it still okay to have ambition, goals, or career dreams?
• What’s the deal with speaking in tongues—is it real, biblical, or misunderstood?
• Where did evil and the devil come from if God created everything good?

Q&A Sunday at 922 Ministries:
We tackle questions like these during our annual Q&A Sunday services! Check out our most recent Q&A services here where Pastor Mike and Jared tackle even more questions!

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Tired of the “So…are you seeing anyone?” Holiday interrogations? Feeling like your relationship status defines your worth or purpose? You’re not alone. In this honest, hope-filled episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with Jarrod Pfarr, a 34-year-old educator who is unmarried, to unpack what it means to live fully and faithfully right where you are.

Together, they dive into what Scripture really says about singleness (hint: it’s not a waiting room), how to deal with awkward assumptions and unwanted advice, and how to guard your heart in a dating culture that often misses the mark. Discover how to find joy, purpose, and contentment in the now and remember that your identity isn’t “single” or “taken.” It’s “child of God.” Period. Listen and leave reminded that God’s grace is bigger than your relationship status.

This episode is jam packed with content. Here are some things to look forward to:

• Biblical View of Singleness: What Scripture—especially 1 Corinthians 7—teaches about devotion to God in singleness.
• Identity in Christ: Finding wholeness in Jesus rather than in a relationship status.
• Navigating Expectations: Handling pressure, assumptions, and exclusion single people often face in church and community life.
• Contentment & Growth: Wrestling with contentment, avoiding bitterness, and viewing singleness as a season of purpose.
• Dating Realities: Honest talk about challenges in today’s dating culture and how faith shapes the experience.
• Encouragement & Inclusion: How married friends and churches can intentionally include singles—and what to remember when feeling unseen.

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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