Dear Friend,

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where someone dismisses your faith as “blind belief” or suggests that intelligent people can’t possibly take the Bible seriously? In our increasingly secular culture, Christians regularly encounter skeptics who consider faith incompatible with reason and intellectual rigor.

But the exact opposite is true. Putting faith in the Bible and in Christ is actually the most logical thing a rational person can do.

Offering reasoned arguments for your Christian faith is called “apologetics.” But it sounds like we’re making excuses for odd, outdated beliefs. Rather than apologizing, “apologetics” means to make a defense — to present rational, historical, and academic evidence for the accuracy of the Bible and the truth of Christianity, explaining why faith in Christ stands up to the most rigorous intellectual scrutiny.

From the classroom to mainstream media, our fundamental beliefs are on trial. Christians are discounted by opponents who assume faith and reason are enemies. Yet the evidence tells a dramatically different story. Reason and scientific inquiry don’t undermine Christianity’s claims — they support them … overwhelmingly!

This truth has profound implications, especially with increasing pressure to push faith out of the public square. Powerful forces in America today are working to marginalize biblical truth.

As we celebrate our religious freedom this month, I’m reminded that Christians worldwide face persecution. Last year, thousands of Christians were persecuted and nearly 5,000 Christians were murdered for their faith. This reality makes our calling to defend our faith eternally urgent.

This July on Focal Point, I’m excited to continue my series, Christians on Trial, from the book of Acts. Together, we’ll discover how the early believers defended their faith with both courage and wisdom. I’ll examine crucial principles with messages such as: The Elements of a Good Defense; Grace, Patience, and Persistence; Fear, Faith, and Reason; The Power of Integrity; The Role of Your Testimony; and Seeking to Turn Opponents to Allies

These timeless strategies will equip you to engage skeptics with both intellectual confidence and Christlike character. Whether you’re facing hostility in the workplace, questions from family members, or challenges in your community, you’ll discover how to present a compelling case for the hope within you.

Speaking of compelling cases, I’m thrilled to offer you the ultimate apologetics primer, by the late academic, author, and speaker Dr. R.C. Sproul, titled Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics. This book brings Dr. Sproul’s characteristic clarity and reason to bear on Christianity’s core claims, demonstrating how rational our faith truly is.

Request your copy today when you give generously to support the ministry of Focal Point. Your donation today provides for the production, broadcast, and airtime to share the Good News to a world in need of the encouragement and transformational power of the word.

Please prayerfully consider your most generous gift, especially because this is an important time: giving often drops off in the busy summer months, and your generosity will “stand in the gap” for someone who has forgotten or is unable to give today.

The foundation of our belief is based on evidence. That’s why I relish the opportunity to answer questions about the Bible and Christian living on our new weekly segment called, Ask Pastor Mike Live. We have now expanded the program to Facebook and YouTube, making it available across the country and beyond. To participate with your own Bible question, see details enclosed.

Over the years, I’ve fielded hundreds of inquiries from listeners, and online, on topics ranging from guardian angels to euthanasia through Ask Pastor Mike! Your support helps make this extension of our ministry possible!

At Focal Point, we’ve been dedicated to biblical truth and accountability for more than 27 years, and with your faithful giving and the Lord’s leading, we will continue bringing reasonable faith and reliable answers to people seeking God.

As you celebrate the blessings of liberty with family and friends this summer, I’m grateful God has called us together to do what we do. Your faithful and generous support makes it possible for us to reach seekers and skeptics with the intellectually satisfying truth of the gospel, and to teach and encourage believers.

Defending the faith with reason and love,
Mike Fabarez
Pastor and Bible Teacher

P.S. Prepare to engage skeptics with confidence by requesting Defending Your Faith by R.C. Sproul. This powerful apologetics primer will equip you with the intellectual tools you need to demonstrate why Christianity is not only true, but intellectually compelling.