Focal Point

Pastor Mike Fabarez

A Controversial Baby, Part 1

December 30, 2013

Simeon on the Polarizing Effects of Jesus

Jesus is a polarizing figure in our world today.  Some people love and revere Him as Savior, Messiah, and King.  But others view Christ as a delusional prophet or a misinformed martyr.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez explains that the controversy surrounding Christ is nothing new.  From the day He was born, Jesus challenged people’s perceptions.  We’ll look at what an old priest had to say about this unique child today.
References: Luke 2:22-40

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Culture is doing its best to convince the world there is nothing special about Jesus. And, as Christians, sometimes we have a difficult time communicating the historical facts of the resurrection. Jesus' victory over death is central to the Christian faith and now you can get straightforward and practical facts from history why we can believe Jesus really did rise from the dead. Be sure to request the book Body of Proof by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston with your generous donation this month.

Archives

Over the past few days, we’ve been remembering and celebrating the moment when Jesus Christ came into the world.  And it’s been eye-opening.  Because as we study the first coming of Christ, we see that Jesus’ purpose wasn’t to make things right in the world.  He came to make people right with God.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez explains that this is the true Crux of Christmas.
December 27, 2013
Two thousand years ago, God sent His only Son to earth with a message of peace.  But this mission of reconciliation wasn’t about bringing harmony between nations or even goodwill among people.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez digs deeper into the gospel of Luke to find out Jesus’ real purpose behind His arrival.  The first coming was about making peace between us and God!
December 26, 2013
Christmas has to be the most wonderful time of year!  Not only are there presents to open and good food to eat, but the holidays represents a general harmony among people.  Isn’t that what the angel sang about Christmas morning … “Peace on earth and goodwill to men”?  On this special Christmas edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez takes a second look at the true purpose for Christ’s coming.  And it may not be the reason we think!
December 25, 2013
The Name Above Every Name On that first Christmas, the Son of God entered our world as a helpless infant.  Unfortunately, in the minds of many people, the baby Jesus is still in the manager.  They don’t realize that He’s so much more a precious newborn from Bethlehem!  On this special Christmas Eve edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez reminds us how the Nativity story continues.  At Christmas we remember Jesus as a baby, but we should celebrate Him as King!  
December 24, 2013
Christmas on a BudgetSo Joseph and Mary traveled to Beverly Hills.  And Mary gave birth inside a warm hospital room, and Jesus was wrapped up in a soft down blanket and placed in a chic basinet.  If you remember the story of Jesus’ birth, it didn’t resemble anything I just described.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez takes us back to real account of that very first Christmas.  It’s a look at what really matters this holiday season.
December 23, 2013
Christmas on a Budget Christmas is right around the corner, and that means we’re all in full-scale holiday mode.  There are still gifts to buy, cookies to bake, decorations to put up.  Frankly, it can be exhausting.  So take a break from the hectic pace to join Mike Fabarez as he travels back to the humble beginnings of the holiday.  That first Christmas didn’t come with all the craziness it comes with now!
December 20, 2013
God: The Tactical RecruiterWhether people realize it or not, the battle lines have been drawn.  On one side, those who have been captured and conscripted by the Enemy.  On the other side stand the liberated, who are working behind enemy lines in order to set others free!  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez reveals God’s important assignment for those enlisted in His service.  We’ve been uniquely chosen and equipped to further God’s Kingdom right where we are!
December 19, 2013
God: The Tactical RecruiterWith a discerning eye, a wise general will lay out the battle plans, position his troops in strategic places, and equip those under his command to push the enemy back.  As enlisted men and women in God’s army, how does God want to use us to further His kingdom?  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez shows us how to join the ranks of biblical recruits who God is using to accomplish His remarkable plans for the world.
December 18, 2013
God: The Tactical RecruiterIn the opening chapters of the gospel of Luke, we see various characters entering and exiting the stage, each playing their unique role.  But the story is not over.  You and I have a part to play as well.  We’ve been looking at the minor characters introduced in the gospel of Luke.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez turns our attention to the Director who continues to orchestrate history to achieve His grand design.
December 17, 2013
John: God’s Leader in Training Want to build some impressive biceps or a flat tummy?  You’ll need a regimen of good nutrition and regular exercise!  But if you want to develop a strong spirit?  Well, that’ll require feeding on God’s Word and training your spiritual muscles!  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez points to a biblical character who spent time building a powerful, inner resolve and a strong character.  He’s a model for how to put faith in action!
December 16, 2013
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Featured Offer

He Is Risen?
Culture is doing its best to convince the world there is nothing special about Jesus. And, as Christians, sometimes we have a difficult time communicating the historical facts of the resurrection. Jesus' victory over death is central to the Christian faith and now you can get straightforward and practical facts from history why we can believe Jesus really did rise from the dead. Be sure to request the book Body of Proof by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston with your generous donation this month.

About Focal Point

Focal Point is the Bible teaching ministry of author and pastor Mike Fabarez. Focal Point explores and proclaims the depths of Scripture on its daily radio broadcast and is dedicated to clearly explaining the truth of God’s Word.

About Pastor Mike Fabarez

Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church in South Orange County, California and has been in pastoral ministry for more than 30 years. He is committed to clearly communicating God’s word verse-by-verse and encourages his listeners to apply what they have learned to their daily lives.

Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology (M.A.) and Westminster Theological Seminary in California (D.Min.).

Mike is heard on hundreds of radio programs across the country on the Focal Point radio program and has authored several books, including Raising Men Not Boys, Lifelines for Tough Times, Preaching That Changes Lives, Getting It Right, Praying for Sunday, and Why the Bible?

Mike and his wife, Carlynn, reside in Laguna Hills, California and they have three children, Matthew, John and Stephanie.

Contact Focal Point with Pastor Mike Fabarez

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Focal Point
P.O. Box 2850 
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
 
Telephone
1-888-320-5885