Focal Point Radio Broadcasts

Many church traditions observe a season of fasting and penance leading up to Easter. But where did this practice come from? Is it something all Christians should do? Pastor Mike Fabarez talks about the facts surrounding the Lenten season.

Newborn babies don’t start off eating steak. But full-fledged adults aren’t designed to drink just milk their entire lives! Pastor Mike Fabarez outlines the Christian basics where everyone needs to start. But he also challenges us to grow our appetite for more of God’s word!

Imagine you’re back at school, and enrolled in a course called “Christianity 101.” What topics would be covered in that class? What essential subjects would you find on the syllabus? Pastor Mike Fabarez examines two key topics for authentic, biblical Christianity.

If you were to summarize the Christian faith in a few key words, what would they be? Pastor Mike Fabarez explores two biblical words that are essential to salvation—repentance and faith.

You can’t build a skyscraper without first laying a foundation. A secure base supports the entire building. And the same is true of our faith. Pastor Mike Fabarez looks at the basic building blocks we need to construct a strong and sturdy faith.

We’re a transient society. People are constantly changing jobs, changing homes, and even changing names and identities. But is there any benefit to keeping things the same? Join Pastor Mike Fabarez for a one-on-one discussion about the perks and pitfalls of church hopping, and how to combat Christian consumerism.

As we get older, a healthy diet and regular exercise is essential to staying in shape! In the same way, Pastor Mike Fabarez says we need an intentional spiritual regimen as we age because the condition of our faith is far more important than condition of our bodies.

Ever been in stuck in a rut? In can happen when we take the same steps over and over again, and end up going nowhere. Pastor Mike Fabarez asks us to consider our spiritual development. Are we moving forward or standing still? Hear a faith-building message.

We have malpractice lawyers, divorce attorneys, and public defenders. But what about a spiritual lawyer? Is there a specific representative to plead our case before God? Pastor Mike Fabarez points out the spiritual representation available to anyone who asks.

In a court case, each lawyer provides a closing argument. The prosecutor states all the reasons why the defendant is guilty. And the defense attorney argues why his client should go free! Pastor Mike Fabarez explains that with Jesus representing our defense our case is already won!

As Christians, we have an enemy who wants to take us down! But how far can he go, and can he really defeat us? Pastor and Bible teacher Mike Fabarez sheds light on what Satan can and cannot do. Keep him from sabotaging your life with a glimpse into the dark side on this edition of Ask Pastor Mike.

If you’re in legal trouble you might hire a lawyer to represent you in court. But even the best of lawyers can’t handle our case before God! Pastor Mike Fabarez describes the spiritual mess we’re in because of sin, and the only representative qualified to bail us out!

In God’s courtroom there’s not one person who could plead “innocent.” We’re all guilty of breaking God’s law. But is there anyone willing to plead our case? Pastor Mike Fabarez studies the Old Testament priesthood to point us to our ultimate advocate before God.

Part of the job description of an Old Testament priest was to act like a lawyer and represent the people of Israel before God. But how does that apply to us now? Pastor Mike Fabarez explains our need for representation and introduces our advocate before God.

Leaving the perfection of heaven behind, Jesus came to live and sacrifice his life for flawed and broken people. It’s an awe-inspiring act that has no comparison. Pastor Mike Fabarez points to the singular greatness of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The loss of a loved one is always hard. And the family is often left with some difficult decisions regarding the burial. Many these days are choosing cremation. But what does the Bible say about this practice? On this edition of Ask Pastor Mike, learn what the Bible says about our bodies, the resurrection, and burial traditions.

He has loved us, saved us, and continues to help us. In light of everything he has done, is there anyone greater than Jesus? Pastor Mike Fabarez asks us to reflect on the greatness of our savior. Discover a new appreciation for the person and work of Christ!

Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr.—we’ve witnessed some remarkable men and women throughout history. But none can truly compare to the greatness of Jesus. Pastor Mike Fabarez takes a step back from his ongoing study in Hebrews to marvel at the significance of Christ.

You might remember the song that goes, “Help, I need somebody, Help, not just anybody.” Well, the Beatles may not be a Christian band, but that sure sounds like a biblical song! Pastor Mike Fabarez points us to that somebody who can help us when life gets rough.

Life can be so unsure. One minute we’re on firm footing, and the next, the bottom is dropping out from under us. But when life is caving in, Pastor Mike Fabarez reminds us that there is someone with the power to pull us out.

Every day we’re faced with a thousand different decisions, ranging from what to wear, where to live, or which careers and relationships to pursue. But how do we know what’s right? Pastor Mike Fabarez explains how to determine God’s will in every decision we make.

Every day we face opposition, either from the enemy, each other, or even ourselves. And fighting that good fight can leave us frustrated and fatigued. Pastor Mike Fabarez offers a source of hope and help that’s readily available whenever we need it.

When you look at the Bible, what do you see? A leather-bound book of rules? A volume of ancient wisdom? A self-help guide? In this episode, Pastor Mike Fabarez presents an accurate description of scripture—from scripture itself!

The average American owns three or more Bibles. But do those copies of scripture ever make it off the shelf? Pastor Mike Fabarez describes the impact scripture has on our lives when we take the time to open its pages.

Like a scalpel, it can cut straight to the problem. Like a sturdy weapon, it can protect us when we feel weak. It’s God’s word and Pastor Mike Fabarez explains why it’s the most important tool for a Christian.

From the tiniest cross on an ankle to a colorful, full-body display, tattoos are becoming increasingly prevalent, even among Christians. So, what does the Bible say about this trend? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers the question: “Should Christians get tattoos?”

How do you know you’re truly relying on Christ? Pastor Mike Fabarez unveils the third indicator of genuine salvation—prayerful dependence on God. We’ll see how trials reveal whether our faith is authentic, and discover what it means to work hard while trusting completely.

Does God’s word actually pierce your heart? Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses the second indicator of genuine salvation—how scripture impacts our lives. We’ll examine why comfortable Christianity might signal a dangerous problem, and discover what it means when God’s word truly penetrates.

What does genuine faith actually look like in daily life? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles the question many Christians secretly wrestle with—how can I verify that my faith is real? We’ll unpack the biblical connection between authentic salvation and obedient action.

Can Christians have absolute confidence about their salvation? Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses why so many believers answer “I hope so” when asked about their eternal destiny. We’ll examine why that response reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel—and how to find genuine assurance.

From the “Gospel of Thomas” to books like The Da Vinci Code—it seems like the Scriptures are under attack! But there are solid answers to the questions about the Bible’s reliability. Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles these questions head-on and clarifies the confusion over alleged contradictions and misinterpretations.

Can you say with certainty that you’re going to heaven? Pastor Mike Fabarez confronts the dangerous assumption that most church people get wrong about salvation. From Hebrews chapter four, we’ll examine what it means to truly rest in Christ and stop trying to earn what can only be received as a gift.

Most Christians work hard at avoiding sin, but how many actually plan to do good? Pastor Mike Fabarez asks what righteous deeds you’ve resolved to accomplish this year. Are you just surviving or deliberately pursuing what brings God glory?

What does it really mean to live as God’s child? Pastor Mike Fabarez gets practical about fighting sin with greater resolve. We’ll see why bearing Christ’s name should change how we approach temptation and why half-hearted resistance isn’t enough. It’s a powerful lesson about bringing honor to the family name.

New Year’s resolutions often focus on physical fitness, but what about spiritual training? Pastor Mike Fabarez turns our attention to what matters most—pursuing godliness with the same intensity we bring to the gym. It’s about intentional effort that pays dividends both now and for eternity.

Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. Yet, as we look around, it seems like chaos and conflict are still running rampant in the world. Why is that? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers a listener’s poignant question: Where’s the peace God promised?

How can Christians maintain hope when evil seems so prevalent? Pastor Mike Fabarez reveals God’s ancient battle plan hidden in Genesis 3. We’ll see why spiritual blindness must be acknowledged before healing can begin—and how Christ’s finished work secures our ultimate victory.

What connects a baby in Bethlehem to the ancient metaphor of God as a rock? Pastor Mike Fabarez explores this powerful biblical image, showing how Christ serves as the indispensable cornerstone—the foundation for life, community, and eternity.

Satan’s power seems overwhelming in our world today. Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses this harsh reality with biblical truth. Through Genesis 3:15, we’ll examine why God promised ongoing hostility between evil and his people—and why that prediction should actually prepare rather than discourage us.

Where in scripture did God first announce the coming of Christ? Pastor Mike Fabarez takes us back to a mysterious verse in Genesis to unpack how this ancient promise contains the first published account of Christmas—long before any greeting card.