Ask Pastor Mike – Christmas Gifts
December 23, 2016
Do you struggle with the commercialization of Christmas? You may have even toyed with the idea of simplifying or even skipping the usual gift-exchanges. But the Bible actually paints an entirely different picture: One of celebrating exuberantly! Join us on this edition of Focal Point, when Mike Fabarez presents a counter-cultural case for maintaining celebratory traditions!
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Does the Lord Seem Far Off?
The Psalms speak to the human heart drawing us to worship and thankfulness in times of plenty and comforting us in times of trouble and distress. But what if you could uncover even more richness from God's songbook by understanding the context and intent of the psalmist? Now you can. Be sure to request the book Psalms: Everyday Bible Commentary by Robert L. Alden with your generous donation this month.
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Have you noticed? There’s a trend toward simplifying Christmas. People are spending less and travelling less, and say that it helps them keep focused on what’s really important. But is that biblical? On today’s Focal Point, Mike Fabarez makes the intriguing proposition that Christians should celebrate--with abandon! Hear the scriptural reasons why.
December 22, 2016
This time of year can stir up feelings of crankiness, sadness or anxiety for many. While some go overboard with holiday traditions, others would skip it altogether if they could! But today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez reminds us that pausing to observe holy days like Christmas with feasting and joy is profoundly meaningful to God. Listen today!
December 21, 2016
Crowded malls, cranky drivers, commercialism everywhere! Sometimes the trappings of Christmas can bring out the grouch in all of us! Should we forego the festivities altogether? NO-- according to the Bible! On today’s Focal Point, Mike Fabarez takes us back to Leviticus to investigate the heart of celebrating!
December 20, 2016
Say you’re moving a pile of rocks. As you set to work, an elderly lady begins diligently moving one rock at a time--while a body-builder stands nearby chatting on his cellphone! Sadly, that’s a picture of some churches today! Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez reminds us our spiritual muscles are given for a reason. Find their true purpose!
December 19, 2016
The Bible says Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. Yet, as we look around, it seems like chaos and conflict are what truly rule in this tumultuous world. On today’s edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez answers a listener’s poignant question this time of year: “Where’s the peace God promised?” It’s another edition of “Ask Pastor Mike.”
December 16, 2016
We all know there are non-negotiables in life. We need to eat, make a living, and take out the trash. We’re willing to finish these chores because they lead to our own well-being. Likewise, we also have responsibilities in the body of Christ! On today’s Focal Point, Mike Fabarez re-examines our Christ-empowered commitment to serve His bride.
December 15, 2016
David slew Goliath with little more than enormous faith. Yet at the peak of his success, he made a costly decision that exposed where he truly placed his trust. Do we give God sufficient credit for His part in our achievements? On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez spurs us to acknowledge the One who calls and faithfully equips.
December 14, 2016
Maybe you feel like you’re a good person, trying to do all the right things. But throughout the scriptures, there is one surefire reason that causes God to oppose even a hard-working servant of God—despite all their good deeds. Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez takes a new look at an age-old temptation.
December 13, 2016
Is it possible that we’re way too impressed with ourselves? While the world teaches us to “take pride” in our accomplishments, God calls us instead to humility. On Focal Point today, Mike Fabarez reminds us that our time is really His to spend! We’re redirecting our focus as we serve humbly and wholeheartedly.
December 12, 2016
Two figures dominate the Christmas season: One is the historical person of Jesus. The other, a jolly old toymaker in a red suit. But wasn’t there a real Saint Nicholas? Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez helps us separate fact from fiction as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. It’s another holiday edition of Ask Pastor Mike!
December 9, 2016
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- Generosity
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- In Search of God's Will
- Incredible Love
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- Israel's Greatest Hits- Study in Psalms
- Israel's Greatest Hits Vol II
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- Obstacles on the Road to Christ
- Octogenarian Wisdom
- Old School Christmas
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- One Plus God
- Our Fight with Sin
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- Parenting
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- Prayer 101
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- Saints Who Lie
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- Slaying the Family Dragons
- Sold Out Servants
- Something Greater
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- Spiritual Detours
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- Taking Christ to Work
- Temptation
- Thanks God
- Thanksgiving
- The Ancestry of Christ
- The Balance of Biblical Love
- The Bible and Your Salvation
- The Big Assignment
- The Big Questions
- The Black and White on Gray Areas
- The Common Good
- The Costs and Benefits of the Incarnation
- The Door
- The Entry of a King
- The Experience of Every Christian
- The First Christmas Gifts
- The Gap
- The Gospel
- The Gospel According to Abraham
- The Harsh But Good News
- The Hazards of Prosperity
- The Hazards of the Church
- The Infant from Bethlehem
- The Joy of Salvation
- The Next World Order
- The Non-Negotiables
- The Old Testament School of Marriage
- The Reliability of the Bible
- The Resurrection Response
- The Royal Task
- The Same Ol' Stuff
- The Sins Christians Tolerate
- The Supremacy of Christ
- The Torn Curtain
- The Truth About Christmas
- Those Words at the Altar
- Tips for Zealots
- Transformed
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- War Zones & Peace Treaties
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- Water from the Rock
- Weirdos?!
- What's Your Problem
- When Feelings are King
- When Frogs Become Princes
- When God Makes a Promise
- When God Seems Weird
- When Life Hurts
- When Life is Tough
- When Life Takes A Left Turn
- When People are to Blame
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- Where You're Planted
- Why the Son Became One of Us
- Wisdom From Proverbs
- Working the Plan
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Does the Lord Seem Far Off?
The Psalms speak to the human heart drawing us to worship and thankfulness in times of plenty and comforting us in times of trouble and distress. But what if you could uncover even more richness from God's songbook by understanding the context and intent of the psalmist? Now you can. Be sure to request the book Psalms: Everyday Bible Commentary by Robert L. Alden with your generous donation this month.