Advertise on podcast: Mike Fabarez Sermons on Focal Point

Because God is jealous for our allegiance to Christ, we must guard our devotion from deceptive and twisted views of Christianity.

We must never perform for our critics or let them shape our character, but we must always stay faithful where God has placed us and aim to please Christ.

Because the resurrected Christ has proven his authority as our divine life-giver and judge, we must respond to his call and trust him for eternal life to escape the judgment we deserve.

God previewed the rich meaning and impact of Christ’s redemptive work through the Old Testament symbols of the Ark of the Covenant, its sacrifices, and its rituals.

We will often be judged by surface-level impressions and assumptions, but we must stay focused on our spiritual integrity and refuse to play the comparison game.

Knowing that we will encounter criticism, we must work to always respond more like Christ, enlisting, powerful, and wise resources that God provides us.

Christians who give generously make a far greater impact than they realize—God uses their giving to strengthen their churches and advance the reputation of gospel near and far.

We ought to be motivated to give cheerfully because of the bold promises God makes to generous Christians, especially his revelation that he takes special joy in joyful generosity.

We should pursue a Christian maturity marked by a Christlike, dependable, and increasing generosity.

The giving God calls us to is generous but discerning, and it requires us to handle what has been entrusted to us with great care and integrity. In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 8:16–24, Pastor Mike Fabarez argues that biblical generosity must be governed by careful, accountable stewardship rather than impulsive or naïve giving. Drawing from Paul’s commendation of Titus and the appointed brothers entrusted with administering the collection, the message establishes that Christian giving is both joyful and discerning. Paul’s concern to do “what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21) demonstrates that financial integrity and transparent administration are essential components of faithful ministry. Pastor Fabarez explains that wise stewardship protects the reputation of Christ, strengthens trust within the church, and ensures that resources advance gospel priorities. The sermon calls believers to evaluate their giving practices in light of Scripture, recognizing that generosity is not measured merely by amount but by faithfulness, accountability, and alignment with God’s revealed purposes. In a culture prone to emotional or careless financial decisions, this passage provides a doctrinal framework for responsible Christian stewardship.

We should give willingly and proportionately, trusting God to accomplish good through our gifts and to provide for us in the process.

We must choose to practice biblical generosity, motivated by Christ’s gracious example rather than mere agreement with its principles.

Godly generosity is grounded in what God has done for us and begins when our hearts are gripped by it.

We ought to be attentive to the work of sanctification taking place around us, and intentionally affirm, celebrate, and be encouraged by the growth in holiness we see.

Christmas Eve