The Focus Point Podcast
By The Focus Point
The Focus Point offers podcast episodes, blog posts and videos to help keep Jesus as the focus point.
The Focus Point Podcast Oct 15, 2021
00:00
17:01
Share Your Story - I’ve Got The Joy 10 - (S6,E21)
We are back to Philippians this week. In this episode, we are going to see Paul talk about who he was before he met Jesus and how Jesus changed his life. Also, we are going to see how knowing is not knowing. I share my story as well! Let’s dive in! BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 3:4-11. Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-9. Romans 10:9-13
May 08, 202431:07
Jesus God Human - From The Vault special - (S6,E20)
Over the last several years, I have been pondering this idea of Jesus being fully God and fully man (human). I am sure that you have heard that said of Jesus. But as I think about it more and more, this causes a problem. I don’t mean it is a problem because that saying is false because it is 100% true. Jesus was fully God and fully man. I mean it causes a problem for us because of where we focus when we look at Jesus. Let’s dive into this thought right now!
PLEASE NOTE THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM.
As mentioned in the episode, here is the information about the medical condition:
Hematidrosis can be “caused by extreme distress or fear, such as facing death, torture…”
[1] www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hematidrosis-hematohidrosis
[1] www.gotquestions.org/sweat-blood-Jesus.html
PLEASE NOTE THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM.
As mentioned in the episode, here is the information about the medical condition:
Hematidrosis can be “caused by extreme distress or fear, such as facing death, torture…”
[1] www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hematidrosis-hematohidrosis
[1] www.gotquestions.org/sweat-blood-Jesus.html
May 01, 202420:48
Rejoice and Watch Out! - I’ve Got The Joy 9 - (S6,E19)
In this episode, we are going to see Paul remind us of the theme of his letter and how he writes these things to keep our faith safe. Paul also warns us of 3 things that we need to watch out for as we go through life as followers of Jesus. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 3:1-3
Apr 24, 202432:50
Examples to Follow - I’ve Got The Joy 8 - (S6,E18)
We are at the halfway point in our study in the book of Philippians. In this episode, we are going to be looking at 2 people (Timothy and Epaphroditus) that Paul praises for their work and efforts for Jesus. Through this praise that Paul gives these 2 people, we can see that some people examples of what Paul has been talking about in the beginning part of his letter. BIBLE PASSAGE USED: Philippians 2:19-30. WEBSITE REFERENCED in this episode: gotquestions.org
Apr 17, 202425:50
The Christ Shine - I’ve Got The Joy 7 - (S6,E17)
In this episode, we return to the “I’ve Got The Joy” series. We are going to be looking at the encouragement that Paul has for us as he talks about how we can shine like Christ and why light is important. Paul also discusses how we are still a work in progress and that God is with us. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 2:12-18, Joshua 1:8, John 13:34-35, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:111
Apr 10, 202430:37
Fighting Your Battles - Rest Episode II - (S6,E16)
As we enter a one week rest following Easter, we wanted to do a special episode we simply call “Rest Episode”. In this special episode, we are going to look back at two of episodes (first and last) from a series we did in 2021 called “How To Fight Your Battles”. We are going to look at Israel crossing the Red Sea and the story of Joesph. We hope that you are encouraged by what you hear.
Please note: the episodes used to make up this episode are in their original form and unedited.
BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Exodus 14 and Genesis 37-50
SONGS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” by Michael W. Smith, 2018 and Elevation Worship “See A Victory”, 2019
This episode references the lyrics of songs. The meaning of the lyrics and the songs in this episode are my own interpretation.
Please note: the episodes used to make up this episode are in their original form and unedited.
BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Exodus 14 and Genesis 37-50
SONGS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” by Michael W. Smith, 2018 and Elevation Worship “See A Victory”, 2019
This episode references the lyrics of songs. The meaning of the lyrics and the songs in this episode are my own interpretation.
Apr 03, 202427:33
Elevated (Easter) - For The Joy 3 - (S6,E15)
Saturday was silent. But Sunday is here! In this episode, we are going to look at the Resurrection story as it is recorded in the gospel of Mark. We will also be finishing our Holy Week series “For The Joy” as we also continue to look at the book of Philippians. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Mark 16:1-8 and Philippians 2:9-11
Mar 31, 202433:16
Though He Was God… (Good Friday) - For The Joy 2 - (S6,E14)
Today is Good Friday. It is right for us to remember and reflect on what Jesus did for us on this day many years ago. In response, in this episode, we are going to spend some time looking at the Good Friday events and reading them as they are recorded in the gospel of Mark. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 2:6-8 and Mark 14:42-15:47
Mar 29, 202430:12
The Jesus Attitude (Palm Sunday) - For The Joy 1 - (S6,E13)
Today, we are starting a Holy Week mini-series called “For The Joy”. The title of the series comes from Hebrews 12:2-3. As we go through the events of Holy Week, we will be continuing our study of the book of Philippians and will be looking at Philippians 2:3-11. We will also be looking at the Gospel accounts of the Holy Week events. In this episode, we are going to see how we can look to interest of others more the ourselves. How do we do that? The Jesus Attitude. What is the Jesus attitude? Let’s dive in together. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 2:3-5, Hebrews 12:2-3, and Mark 11:1-11
Mar 24, 202429:42
Unity Goals - I’ve Got The Joy 6 - (S6,E12)
In this episode, we are going to see how Paul recaps what he said in chapter 1. He also shows us helpful ways to reach the goal of unity with each other, other people, and any one else we are called to have unity with! Let’s dive in! BIBLE PASSAGES USED Philippians 2:1-2
Mar 20, 202429:52
As Kingdom Citizens - I’ve Got The Joy 5 - (S6,E11)
In this episode, Paul shares with us that how we conduct ourselves with other people and each other is very important. Also, he shares with us how we conduct ourselves in the face of conflict (or struggles) is important too. Finally, he shares with us how we can do all of this because we have Jesus on our side! BIBLE PASSAGE USED: Philippians 1:27-30.
Mar 13, 202428:51
The Jesus Focus - I’ve Got The Joy 4 - (S6,E10)
What would happen if we kept our focus on Jesus? How do we view our situations or circumstances differently? How do we view our work for Christ? In this episode, Paul gives us a little bit insight into these very questions. BIBLE PASSAGES USED: Philippians 1:20-26, John 15:1-8, and John 16:33
Mar 06, 202433:54
Nothing is Wasted - I’ve Got The Joy 3 - (S6,E9)
As we continue on in the I’ve Got The Joy series, we are going to be looking at how God doesn’t waste anything that happens in our life. Paul encourages us when he shares how he was in prison, God still used him when he sang songs and kept his focus on Jesus. God can use our stories no matter how they look or what is in them. Also, Paul encourages us to do things for the right reasons - heart posture - and why that is important and how we can still have joy! BIBLE PASSAGES USED - Philippians 1:12-19
Feb 28, 202435:12
A Heart Overflowing With Love - I’ve Got The Joy 2 - (S6,E8)
In this episode of the “I’ve Got The Joy” series, we are going to be looking at the next section of Philippians 1. We are going to see how Paul encourages us that God will complete the work He starts in our lives, how are heart posture changes the way we look at people and life circumstances, and how we should be overflowing with love! Let’s dive in! BIBLE PASSAGE USED IN THIS EPISODE: Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 6:45, John 15:1-8
Feb 21, 202437:17
A Strange Yet Wonderful Beginning - I’ve Got The Joy 1 - (S6,E7)
We are beginning our series in the book of Philippians called “I’ve Got The Joy”. In this episode, we are going to look at the backstory of the church in Phillipi. The people it was started with and the unique way the church was started. So, let’s dive in!
BIBLE PASSAGES USED IN THIS EPISODE: Philippians 1:1-2 and Acts 16:11-40
Feb 14, 202433:54
God, What Are You Doing? - Episode 200! - (S6,E6)
This a question that I am sure you have heard before. You might have said it yourself or you might have heard it from someone else. We have all been in a place where we have asked God this question. In this special episode, we are going to look at a story in the Bible where two sisters asked this question - directly to Jesus - and how Jesus responds is pretty shocking!
BIBLE PASSAGE USED IN THIS EPISODE: John 11 - with focus on John 11:30-37
Feb 07, 202443:31
The Antichrist and The Mark of the Beast - In The End 5 - (S6,E5)
In the final episode of the “In The End” series, we are going to be looking at the main leader of the Tribulation period. We will also be talking about the mark of the beast and what that means for the world.
BIBLE PASSAGES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
1 John 2:18
Revelation 13
Revelation 14:9-11
Revelation 15:2
Revelation 16:2
Revelation 19:20
Revelation 20:4
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Matthew 24:15
Jan 31, 202439:17
The Tribulation - In The End 4 - (S6,E4)
In this episode, we are going to look at a very real event that will happen "soon" as stated in the Bible. We are going to look at the different events and things that will happen during the Tribulation.
BIBLE PASSAGES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
Revelation 1
Revelation 6-19
Daniel 9:24-27
Mark 13:19-20
WEBSITE REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: bible.org/illustration/events-tribulation-period
BIBLE PASSAGES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
Revelation 1
Revelation 6-19
Daniel 9:24-27
Mark 13:19-20
WEBSITE REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: bible.org/illustration/events-tribulation-period
Jan 24, 202444:41
The Rapture and The Second Coming - In The End 3 - (S6,E3)
In this episode of the “In The End” series, we are going to look at two very similar yet different events. The Bible is clear that the Rapture and the Second Coming both take place, however, they each have a purpose. Let’s dive into the Bible and see what these two events are all about!
BIBLE PASSAGES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:9
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Revelation 3:10
Genesis 6-9
BIBLE PASSAGES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:9
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Revelation 3:10
Genesis 6-9
Jan 17, 202431:19
Heaven and Hell - In The End 2 - (S6,E2)
As we continue on in this series, we are going to be looking at 2 very real and eternal places - Heaven and Hell. The Bible is clear that both of these places are very real. In this episode, we are going to see how the Bible describes both of them.
Bible passages referenced in this episode:
HELL
Revelation 20:10, 14-15 and Revelation 21:8
Matthew 25:41, 22:13, 8:12, 3:12, 5:29-30
Mark 9:43-49
Luke 16:23-24
Daniel 12:2
2 Thessalonians 1:9
Revelation 14:10-11
HEAVEN
Revelation 21:1-4, 10-27 and 22:1-6
John 14:1-4
Matthew 5:34
Mark 16:19
Acts 7:48-49
Hebrews 8:1-2
2 Corinthians 12:1-4
Jan 10, 202430:47
Are We In The End? - In The End 1 - (S6,E1)
This has been a topic of discussion for many many years. However, over the last year, it seems to be at a higher level. In this episode, we are going to look at the words of Jesus to answer this question that is on the minds of many people - even the minds of the people back in the time of Jesus.
Bible passages used in this episode:
Matthew 24:3-14
Bible passages used in this episode:
Matthew 24:3-14
Jan 03, 202440:45
JOY - (WOTY 2024)- (S5,E55)
This has been an annual tradition for us. Every year I pick a word that I focus on for the coming new year. In this episode, I am going to share that word with you, why I chose the word, and share with you some of my words from past years. I am also going to share with you some of the things coming in 2024 on the podcast.
Dec 27, 202317:46
There’s JOY For Everyone (Linus) - Christmas at the Movies 4 - (S5,E54)
In this episode, we are going to see how the Christmas story provided some joy, not only for Linus, but for the entire Peanuts gang. We are also going to see how JOY ties back into all of the other themes of Advent we have looked at in this series because the birth of Jesus brought joy, peace, hope, and love to the world. (This episode references the 1965 TV film A Charlie Brown Christmas.)
Dec 24, 202325:09
There’s PEACE For Everyone (Billy from The Polar Express) - Christmas at the Movies 3 - (S5,E53)
In this episode, we are going to be looking at a character named Billy from The Polar Express. The Bible story we are going to be look at isn’t usually used during the Christmas season. But God has something to show us through both of these stories because the truth of Jesus provides real peace. (This episode references the 2004 film The Polar Express.)
Dec 20, 202329:07
There’s HOPE For Everyone (Scrooge) - Christmas At The Movies 2 - (S5,E52)
In this episode, the character that we are going to look at is similar to the one from last week. However, their stories go different ways, but they end in similar fashion. We are going to see how it doesn’t matter how far somebody gets away from God - there is still hope for everyone. (This episode references multiple versions of film adaptations of Charles Dickens novel “A Christmas Carol.”)
Dec 13, 202335:16
There’s LOVE For Everyone (The Grinch) - Christmas at the Movies 1 - (S5,51)
This is one of my favorite series! I believe that God can use anything to speak to us. God can use books, people, music, billboards, THE BIBLE, and movies. In this episode, we are going to look at a familiar character - The Grinch. We are going to see how a little bit of love goes a long way and turns the Grinch’s heart around. We are also going to see the greatest act of God’s love and how it changes the game for us! (This episode references the 2000 film “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.)
Dec 06, 202328:46
Valleys, A Table and Blessings - Full and Running Over 2 - (S5,E50)
In this episode we are going to be looking at the second half of Psalm 23. We are going to see that because we have a Good Shepherd our cup is full and running over!
Nov 29, 202328:07
The Things We Need - Full and Running Over 1 - (S5,E49)
Psalm 23 is one of the most well know passages of Scripture. In this little mini-series of episodes, we are going to look at this passage. In this episode, we will be looking at how the Shepherd provides us with the things we need - not necessarily the things we want. However, in the first 3 verses of Psalm 23, we see some specific things that the Shepherd provides and that He is also preparing us for things to come.
Nov 22, 202327:05
The End of the Journey - Journey to the Promised Land series - (S5,E48)
In this episode, we are going to look back at the entire Journey to the Promised Land series and the overall theme that we built over the course of the series. We will also be taking a look at Isaiah 43 and see what we can learn from Israel in that moment of their life. This is our combined theme for the last few series: God always keeps his promises, but we must remain faithful to him even when the future isn’t clear, because faith in God’s plans will be rewarded, so have continued, strong, and courageous faith!
Nov 15, 202338:52
Final Words From Joshua - Strong 11 - (S5,E47)
In this episode, we are going to look at some final things from the book of Joshua. We will be looking at Joshua’s final speech in Joshua 23 and we will see what God has for us.
Nov 08, 202327:11
Reward + Rest - Strong 10 - (S5,E46)
Nothing like getting a reward after a lot of hard work… it is also really good to get a chance to rest after a lot of hard work. Let’s see how the Israelites finally get that chance.
Nov 01, 202326:24
The Day The Sun Stood Still - Strong 9 - (S5,E45)
In this episode, we are going to see 3 things. How God does something for Joshua that has never been done again. How God fights for us and with us. And finally how God is what we can’t be and how God can do what we can’t do!
Oct 25, 202325:13
God Will Tell You How To Do Battle - Strong 8 - (S5,E44)
God doesn’t only tell us how to do battle… He goes to battle with us! Over the last few weeks as we have been in this Strong series, we have seen how God has gone to battle with the Israelite people and that other nations have taken note that God is fighting with Israel. But God also tells us how to do battle. We have a battle guide called the Bible and when we get into the Bible we can find all sorts of help for any battles we might face.
Oct 18, 202328:29
The Wake of Choice - Strong 7 - (S5,E43)
As we continue on through the book of Joshua, we are going to come to a familiar topic. We are going to see God give some clear instructions and a choice that is made by a man named Achan that his choice hurt more than just him. Choices are sacred. Choices have consequences - both good and bad. Let’s look at the story together.
Oct 11, 202330:04
Don’t Stop Short - Strong 6 - (S5,E42)
You never know what is around the corner. The next step you take could be a step that leads you to completing a goal or accomplishing a dream! In today’s episode, we will take a deeper look into how the steps we take matter, as we look at the story of Jericho.
Oct 04, 202325:58
Whisper Spot - Strong 5 - (S5,E41)
Do you have a whisper spot? If you have no idea what a whisper spot is… that’s ok! In this episode, we are going to see how Joshua hears from God and how we can as well. We just need to find a whisper spot.
Sep 27, 202328:45
Steps - Strong 4 - (S5,E40)
We all have steps to take. The steps we take either take us toward our dreams and goals or away from our dreams and goals - or promised lands if you will. Also the steps we take either take us toward or away from God. In this episode, we are going to look at steps that the Israelites took in order to reach their goal - or Promised Land. We are also going to look back at the steps other people have taken throughout the overall story we have been looking at in the series “Journey to the Promised Land”.
Sep 20, 202329:07
Reminded - Strong 3 - (S5,E39)
God gives us reminders of how He helps us and His goodness to us. They are everywhere if we just look for them. In this episode, we are going to see the reminders that God gave Israel so they could remember how God came through for them and helped them.
Sep 13, 202334:08
Fearless - Strong 2 - (S5,E38)
In this episode, we are going to see how with God on our side we can be FEARLESS because God fights for us!
Sep 06, 202326:20
BE - Strong 1 - (S5, E37)
We are starting our STRONG series in the book of Joshua! We are in the homestretch of the “Journey to the Promised Land” series. In this episode, we are going to see 2 things that God wants Joshua, the people of Israel, and us to BE.
Aug 30, 202320:32
A Flyover of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (S5,E36)
In this episode, we are going to be taking a 30,000ft view of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But we are also going to take some dives into the books to see some key moments in the story we have been following in the “Journey to the Promised Land” series. We are also going see how having “continued faith” can help us and how a lapse in faith can cost us as it did Moses.
Aug 23, 202351:15
Ocean - (S5,E35)
In this episode, we are going to be at something God showed me while I was on vacation in Myrtle Beach. I hope that what God showed me encourages you like it be me.
Aug 16, 202326:24
The Wilderness Complaining, The 10 Commandments, and The Golden Calf - Exodus 8 - (S5,E34)
In this episode, we are going to be taking a flyover look at the rest of the book of Exodus while zooming in on a few scenes in those chapters. We are going to see how God provides for us, how God instructs us, and how we need people to help up in our life - because God doesn’t want us to do life alone.
Aug 09, 202348:10
Time to Celebrate!! - When God Rolls Up His Sleeves 5 (Exodus 7) - (S5,E33)
It is time to do some celebrating! There are times along our journey when we can see how God has brought us to where we are and how He has helped us get there!
Aug 04, 202321:59
The Promise Keeper, Miracle Worker, and Fighting WayMaker - When God Rolls Up His Sleeves 4
As we continue on in our series in Exodus, we are at the Red Sea and Israel starts to have doubts that God is really going to help them escape the pursuing Egyptians. But we are going to see how…. 1) God keeps His promises, 2) God is with you, 3) God is a miracle worker, 4) God is a way maker, and 5) God is fighting for you! (Remember the Journey to the Promised Land theme so far… God always keeps His promises but we must remain faithful to God even when the future isn’t clear because faithfulness to God plans (dreams) will be rewarded so have continued faithfulness!)
Jul 26, 202330:53
Stubborn Heart Trouble - When God Rolls Up His Sleeves 3 - (Exodus 5) - (S5,E31)
In this episode, we are going to be looking at the 10 plagues of Egypt and what God wants us to learn from them and how God keeps His word… so we can have continued faith in Him. We will also take a brief moment and look at the final plague as the instructions for the Passover event show up in another event later in Israel’s journey to the Promised Land.
Jul 19, 202331:24
A Thousand Excuses - When God Rolls Up His Sleeves 2 - (Exodus 4) - (S5,E30)
In this episode, we are going to look at how making excuses can delay our progress toward our Promised Land. Even though we know that God will be with us we still make a thousand excuses as to why we can’t do what God has asked us to do. Moses had excuses, but God has a promise.
Jul 12, 202329:43
If You’re Not Dead, God’s Not Done - When God Rolls Up His Sleeves 1 - (Exodus 3)- (S5,E29)
Have you ever felt like you have made a mistake and God can’t use you because of it? Well, in this episode, we are going to see how God thinks differently about you because if you aren’t dead, God is not done with you! Also, we are going to see how God hears us - so have continued faith! Link for the episode referenced in the episode—> https://anchor.fm/focuspointpodcast/episodes/YHWH---S4-E21-e1j5qo3
Jul 05, 202328:20
Faith in One Basket - Exodus 2 - (S5,E28)
In this episode, we are going to see extreme faith and trust in God. We are also going to see how faith and trust in God is rewarded. This is our combined theme for the last few series: God always keeps his promises, but we must remain faithful to him even when the future isn’t clear, because faith in God’s plans will be rewarded, so have continued faith!
Jun 28, 202326:21
Promised Land to Prison - Exodus 1 - (S5,E27)
As we continue on in our series “The Journey to the Promised Land”, we are starting a series in the book of Exodus! In this episode, we are going to see a promise that God made with the nation of Israel. We are also going to see how Egypt, which was once considered a promised land for the Israelites, is now more like a prison because of the fear of the new Pharaoh.
Jun 21, 202326:18