Ask Pastor Mike: Recent Episodes
Pastor Mike Fabarez
Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles difficult questions Christians face today. He draws the answers to these pressing questions from biblical truths and principles revealed in Scripture.
When you open Isaiah, how do you know if you’re reading about God or the coming Messiah? And what happens to the youngest, most innocent lives when Christ returns? Pastor Mike Fabarez fields real questions about prophecy, the afterlife, and the end times in another edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
Your kids are pushing back and you’re not sure how to respond—and somewhere in your church, someone just delivered a polished sermon no one can explain. Pastor Mike Fabarez takes both questions head-on in another edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
What’s the difference between faith and a defense of faith? And after decades of a life that felt beyond redemption, can God’s grace really reach that far? Pastor Mike Fabarez takes real questions from real listeners in another edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
Should Christians stay close to non-believing friends, or is the relationship doing more damage than good? And what does the Bible actually say when someone argues that breaking the law is an act of love for your neighbor? Pastor Mike Fabarez takes it all in another edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
Should a wife leave her church to follow an unbelieving husband? Can a pastor make his ministry conditional on hitting a growth target? And was Jesus actually an illegal immigrant? Pastor Mike Fabarez takes on another round of live listener questions in this week’s edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
What does the Bible have to say when military benefits, a union strike, or a question about your eternal security comes knocking? Pastor Mike Fabarez fields real questions from real listeners in this new edition of Ask Pastor Mike Live!
Whether it’s the pressing deadlines, the long hours, or a difficult boss—sometimes work can seem more like a curse than a blessing. Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses God’s view of work, retirement and rest, in this “employee’s edition” of Ask Pastor Mike.
Maybe you’ve heard people say, “That’s your truth, this is my truth.” Or perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “I’m speaking my truth.” But is there such a thing as THE truth? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles the question: Is anything absolutely true in a relative world?
If you’re in sales, you understand the drive to “close the deal,” and meet your quotas. Salespeople of every industry are under great pressure to perform! Fortunately for Christians, that’s NOT the case when it comes to telling others about God! Pastor Mike Fabarez gives us good news about the Good News!
God’s word tells us there’s an invisible reality all around us. Though we can’t see those in this spiritual realm, is it possible they can see us? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers the intriguing question: Do you have a guardian angel?
When someone can’t live without artificial life support, have you ever wondered what’s the right thing to do? Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses the controversial topic of euthanasia in this edition of Ask Pastor Mike. Jesus came to save lives, but what happens when allowing someone to live actually prolongs their suffering? Hear what the Bible has to say on this heavy topic.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you step into a whole new identity! But does that mean you’ve got to throw everything from your old life out the window? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers the relevant question: What does it mean to “give your all” to Christ?
These days, a lot of attention and a lot of talk is being generated on the subject of End Times and what God has in store for the future. We’re diving into a scriptural discussion about the Millennial Kingdom as we join Pastor Mike Fabarez for a timely edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
Cultural critics have warned that modern-day technology will actually reshape the way we think. The problem is our “smart” devices don’t require us to think much at all! Are we limiting our capacity for critical thinking? Pastor and Bible teacher Mike Fabarez puts our “instant soundbite” generation on alert. We’re talking about the benefits of reading books.
The Bible says we’re created in God’s image, but what exactly does that mean? What’s the difference between your soul and your spirit? These are good questions that deserve thoughtful answers. Pastor Mike Fabarez provides them in a special edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
Unrest in the Middle East never ceases, and the hostility against Jews by neighboring tribes and nations continues to escalate. So, what does the future hold for God’s historic people? Our Bible teacher Pastor Mike Fabarez examines what scripture says about Israel in the last days.
Recycling, greenhouse gasses, polar ice caps––environmental issues are hot buttons for debate and policy. But as Christians and future citizens of heaven what’s our take on celebrations like “Earth Day?” Pastor Mike offers a biblically grounded perspective on caring for the earth.
The official day to file your taxes is coming soon! And along with bemoaning this deadline comes the usual complaints about excessive government spending. Pastor Mike Fabarez answers a timely question about obeying the government when you don’t agree with its actions.
The Bible says Jesus was forgiving sins even before His crucifixion. So why did Jesus have to die at all? Pastor Mike Fabarez sits down for a personal conversation about the reasons why Christ needed to go to the cross.
You hear it in the news, on late shows, and even in the office—foul language grabs our attention. And yet at the same time, it seems to be growing more common and less taboo in modern culture. But should it also be coming from the pulpit? On this episode of Ask Pastor Mike, Pastor Mike Fabarez talks about the use and abuse of profanity.
On March 17th, many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. For most people, that means wearing green and joking about leprechauns! But what is St. Patty’s Day all about? Pastor Mike Fabarez shares the real-life story of the man we all know as St. Patrick. You’ll be inspired by his true legacy of bold evangelism.
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a parent like the words “family crisis.” Pastor Mike Fabarez sets down biblical guidance for strengthening family ties. While our culture seems dead set on tearing down the traditional family, the Bible affirms the beauty and blessing of this fundamental unit!
We’ve all lost loved ones, and we often struggle with what to say to comfort grieving families—especially if their faith is unknown. But facing death and helping others through it is a necessary part of life, and so Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses how to deal with final rites.
Mike Fabarez as an author and our Bible teacher here on Focal Point. But in this special edition of Ask Pastor Mike, we’re getting up close and personal with Pastor Mike to learn about his journey of faith in his own words! Get to know your Bible teacher and how God is working in the Fabarez family.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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?
There are few biblical characters quite as intriguing and mysterious as the Wise Men, or Magi, in the Christmas narrative. But who were these men? Where did they come from? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles these Christmas questions and much more.
Are you done with the commercialization of Christmas? Maybe you’re simplifying or even skipping the usual gift exchange. But what if the Bible actually presents a reason for pulling out all the stops? Mike Fabarez presents a counter-cultural case for celebrating the birth of Christ with generous abandon!
Hanging stockings, stringing lights, and decking the hall—Christmas is jam-packed with so many traditions. But, where did these traditions come from? Are we really celebrating Jesus’s birth, or are we perpetuating pagan rituals? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles these fascinating questions from a listener like you.
At Christmastime, we often hear mention of an ancient political figure named Herod the Great. But who was Herod? Is he the same “Herod” who later took part in the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus? Get answers from Pastor Mike Fabarez on this helpful and historical edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
You know that “little voice” that warns you when you’ve made a mistake or convinces you to make good choices? Well, is that the Holy Spirit talking—or your own conscience? Pastor Mike Fabarez shows us how to determine the source, so we can respond appropriately.
Communion is observed in various ways by Christians all around the world. But what exactly is the Lord’s Supper, according to Scripture? Pastor Mike Fabarez walks through the significance of communion and compares the various church traditions surrounding this sacred ordinance.
What is biblical love? The word “love” is used to express many different sentiments. Some say they “love” football. Others say they “love” lasagna. Some even croon love songs to their dog or cat! Pastor Mike Fabarez re-examines the biblical standard for true love.
Politics continue to dominate the headlines. But as Christians, what should our role be in the public square? Should we wave banners of support for our candidate, protest, or refrain from getting involved at all? Pastor Mike Fabarez walks verse-by-verse through Romans 13 to discover the connection between politics and faith.
Should Christians pay their taxes, even if they don’t like what the government is doing with their money? Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses your questions about taxes, government spending policy, and what the Bible has to say about these controversial topics.
The gift of salvation is free! So why do people make it sound so hard? Even Jesus said following him would require some sacrifice. Pastor Mike Fabarez explains the simple difference between justification and sanctification.
When it comes to prayer, some Christians say we should always take a position of authority, declaring things in the name of Christ! So, is that a biblical standpoint? On this edition of Ask Pastor Mike, Pastor Mike Fabarez presents a balanced and biblical view of our role in prayer.
In our materialistic world, contentment can be an elusive goal. Sadly, many people will never find it. But it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s possible to be content, no matter what cards you’ve been dealt. Pastor Mike Fabarez reveals the biblical secret to finding joy.
Is Hell a real place or simply a metaphor? Does our loving God really condemn people to eternal punishment? And how can we balance an understanding of God’s grace with this uncomfortable truth? Pastor Mike Fabarez leads us in searching the scriptures to answer these sobering questions.
The Old Testament was written ages ago. So, how can it possibly apply to our lives today––especially now that the New Testament is available? Afterall, Jesus said he came to fulfill the law. So, aren’t those ancient rules obsolete? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers the question: “Why Study the Old Testament?”
As Christians, we know evangelism is important. But how often do we actually put that knowledge into action? Pastor Mike Fabarez reminds us that our desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others grows stronger when we clearly see what’s at stake.
We know there’s nothing we can do to earn, buy, or deserve God’s favor. But does that mean we can live as we please? Pastor Mike Fabarez examines what’s behind that question as he unpacks a scriptural understanding of God’s grace.
God is a God of order, and the universe follows His unchanging natural laws. But every so often, God steps in and breaks the very laws He created! Pastor Mike Fabarez applies logic and insight to the very real and biblical evidence for miracles.
You’ve probably faced some tricky questions, like: Is it OK for Christians to drink alcohol? What about gambling? And where and when do you draw the line on worldly enjoyments? Well, thankfully we can Ask Pastor Mike! Work through some uncomfortable “gray” areas with Pastor Mike Fabarez as he provides helpful biblical guidelines for decision-making!
Throughout the Old Testament, a mysterious figure keeps appearing in dramatic ways, speaking with unquestionable authority to God’s people. So, who is he? And why is his presence shrouded in such mystery? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers the question: “Who is the Angel of the Lord?”
Throughout the centuries, so-called prophets have claimed to know a path to spiritual enlightenment. And some of these leaders went on to establish major world religions. So why can’t there be many paths to God? Pastor Mike Fabarez addresses Jesus’ exclusive claim to be “the way, the truth and the life” by answering the question, Is Jesus really the only way to get to Heaven?
King’s James, English Standard, New American Standard—when it comes to picking out a good Bible, it seems like there’s nothing “standard” about them! Are some versions better than others? Which one’s right for you? Pastor Mike Fabarez explains the differences between several popular, modern versions on this practical and informative edition of Ask Pastor Mike!
No one wants to be accused of being legalistic. It doesn’t sound good. But… just what does it really mean? Pastor Mike Fabarez helps us define “legalism” according to Scripture. Learn how God’s law and God’s grace can peacefully co-exist.
You may not think about Satan very often. Maybe you even avoid mentioning his name. But Scripture warns us not to be ignorant of his plans! Pastor Mike Fabarez answers these important questions: Who is Satan? How does he operate? And what’s his problem with mankind anyway?
We all know that nobody’s perfect! So how can we be sure the imperfect authors and transcribers of Scripture didn’t make mistakes along the way? Pastor Mike Fabarez grapples with this question: Does the Bible really contain the accurate words of God?
Yahweh… Jehovah… Adonai. God has many different titles throughout the Bible. So, what is God’s real name? Join Pastor Mike Fabarez for an insightful conversation about the significance of God’s names and how God wants to be known.
It’s depicted in movies and novels and dismissed by many as a silly superstition. But scripture is clear—the Rapture is coming! Pastor Mike Fabarez sits down for a fascinating conversation about the return of Christ and what we can expect on that day.
We all know from experience that life can be unfair. But how far should we go to demand justice? If Christians are supposed to be loving and forgiving, is it ever okay to sue someone? Pastor Mike Fabarez explains what scripture teaches Christians about using the legal system.
How do you know you’re really saved? Are you sure beyond a shadow of doubt? That’s a question every one of us eventually needs to face. Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles this topic and explains what we need to know about the assurance of salvation.
When a person becomes a Christian, do they enter into a full-access relationship with God? Or do some Christians have the special privilege of a deeper connection? Pastor Mike Fabarez talks about how we relate to God in our Christian experience. The topics are Christian Mysticism and “spiritual formation.”
Kids today have access to a virtual “Pandora’s box” of tech-driven entertainment. And many parents struggle to establish and enforce reasonable limits. Pastor Mike Fabarez and his wife, Carlynn, discuss dating, social media, and videogames, and explain how parents can navigate around the pitfalls of today’s technology.
How can we protect our kids from life’s dangerous pitfalls and still prepare and equip them to handle these challenges on their own? The temptation for many parents is to hover over their children and guard them against any harm. But is it effective? Pastor Mike Fabarez and his wife, Carlynn, talk about the trap of “helicopter parenting.”
We often see celebrity children photographed on social media and dressed up in designer outfits, looking like adorable accessories for their A-list moms and dads. But God’s purpose for children goes far beyond bringing status and attention to their parents. Pastor Mike Fabarez and his wife, Carlynn, discuss the true purpose and calling of parenthood.
We’ve all seen the statistics. It seems like divorce is just as common, even among believers. Pastor Mike Fabarez has a heart-to-heart chat about getting through the heartache of a collapsing marriage. No matter what your marriage looks like today, there’s help and hope!
As followers of Christ, we’re called to reach our world with the gospel. But how can we connect with non-believing friends without being negatively influenced by them? And how do we know if it’s time to break off that relationship? Pastor Mike Fabarez sits down to answer your questions about friendships with non-Christians.
What is the “unpardonable sin?” Is it really possible to cross a point of no return, where it’s too late to repent? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles these questions and presents a definitive explanation of what it means to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit.”
It was three days from the time Jesus died on the cross to the world-changing events of Easter morning. But where was Christ in between? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles this intriguing question about where Jesus’ soul was while his body lay in the tomb.
Tithing is an Old Testament method of giving back to God a portion of what He’s generously provided. But does the concept of tithing still apply to Christians today? Pastor Mike Fabarez answers this question and offers valuable wisdom for godly giving.
Someone once said “All parts of the human body get tired eventually–except the tongue.” The Bible says something similar, that the tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” On this episode of FOCAL POINT, Bible teacher Mike Fabarez takes us to the wisdom of the Proverbs to help us watch what we say!
Maybe you prayed the sinner’s prayer in Sunday school. Or perhaps you were baptized as a child. But does that mean your salvation is secure? Is it possible to lose God’s love and forgiveness? Mike Fabarez answers some weighty questions about perseverance, salvation and eternal security.
When someone has hurt you deeply, it takes time to heal from the wounds. And it’s especially challenging when there’s little remorse! Pastor Mike Fabarez answers a listener’s question about undeserved forgiveness and discusses how to handle offenses in light of the cross.
Many celebrities maintain the illusion of eternal youth through diet, exercise, and maybe a nip-and-tuck here and there. Plastic surgery used to be performed mainly on accident victims or for life-threatening health conditions, but is it right to go under the knife for purely cosmetic reasons? Pastor Mike Fabarez offers a biblical response.
War is a painful reality in our world. But should Christians be willing to join the military? Should believers fight in wars? Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses those relevant questions and looks at Scripture’s instruction on conflict and combat.
With easy online access to Bible teaching, is church attendance still a necessary part of Christian growth? Can’t we keep our faith private and worship at home on Sundays? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles these important questions on another enlightening edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
There’s heated battle going on between those who believe in divine creation for the origins of life and those who believe in the theory of evolution. But is there any middle ground? Can Christians also be evolutionists? Join Pastor Mike Fabarez for an enlightening conversation on this explosive topic.
Through the ages, countless people have offered their opinions about what hell is or isn’t like. But what God says about hell is what matters most! Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses hell as it’s presented in the Bible and addresses a lot of the questions people continue to wrestle with.
When was the last time you shopped for a new Bible? The choices today are staggering! And it’s not always easy to discover the differences between all the translations. Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses how different versions of the Bible were derived, and he’ll offer guidelines for selecting a Bible that’s right for you.
For decades, terrorists in the Middle East have been making worldwide news. While Islamic extremists only make up a small portion of the world’s Muslim population, their actions have significant implications for Christians everywhere. In this edition of Ask Pastor Mike, Pastor Mike Fabarez helps us think biblically about Islam.
The loss of any life is a terrible tragedy. But the pain is often magnified when a loved one chooses to end their own life. On this episode of FOCAL POINT, we’ll sit down with Mike Fabarez to look for comfort and answers from God’s word on the topic of suicide.
Most people can walk a mile or two without much effort. But running a marathon requires intensive preparation and focus. Pastor Mike Fabarez explains that curbing habitual sins isn’t a walk in the park—it’s a marathon! Learn how to build endurance and break free from crippling sin patterns.
Jesus is preparing a heavenly home for us! But the exact details can seem a little fuzzy. Do you ever wonder what really happens when you die? In this stirring edition of Ask Pastor Mike, we’ll enjoy a tantalizing preview of our heavenly future!
Well, it’s almost a New Year! Time to make those annual resolutions. What’ll it be for you? Lose a few pounds? Take up a new hobby? If you’re game for a few worthwhile ideas, join Mike Fabarez to get some solid, goal-setting advice in this compelling, New Years edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
Do you know what it means to wish someone a “Happy Hanukkah?” Is it just a holiday for Jewish people, or can Christians celebrate it, too? Before you answer that question, hear an enlightening message about the “festival of Lights.” It’s a thought-provoking Hanukkah edition of Ask Pastor Mike.
When days grow shorter and nights grow longer, it’s fun to see festive, twinkling lights dotting the landscape at Christmas. But have you ever wondered how we adopted this tradition? Pastor Mike Fabarez discusses the connection between Christmas lights, Jesus and biblical prophecy.
Two figures dominate the Christmas season: One is the historical person of Jesus. The other, a jolly old toymaker in a red suit. But who exactly was the real Saint Nicholas? Pastor Mike Fabarez helps us separate fact from fiction as we examine Jesus’ birth on this edition of Ask Pastor Mike!
Some people try to ignore it. Others believe it’s just a concept invented by cultural norms and religious dogma. So, is there really such a thing as SIN? Pastor Mike Fabarez talks about the reality of our sin nature and how it affects each and every one of us!
On this episode of FOCAL POINT, we’re looking back at the history of Thanksgiving, and learning how this distinctly American holiday originated. Then, Pastor Mike Fabarez continues with the reasons why Christians ought to be the most thankful people on earth. Get ready to rejuvenate your sense of gratitude!
In a good world gone bad, it can feel like evil is running wild. Where did all this wickedness come from, and will it ever end? Pastor Mike Fabarez looks at the problem of evil and the answers that offer us hope. It’s another fascinating edition of Ask Pastor Mike!
Though He is loving and good, the Bible still commands us to fear God. But what does that mean? Are we supposed to live in terror of God’s wrath and judgment? Pastor Mike Fabarez describes what it does and doesn’t mean to fear the Lord.
“The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” The writer of this passage—inspired by the Holy Spirit—treasured the words of God more than gold! The question is… do you? In this edition of Ask Pastor Mike, Pastor Mike Fabarez encourages us to begin each day partaking of this empowering treasure.
Do all prayers receive an answer? What if you’re not a believer? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles the subject of prayer with an enlightening look at the kinds of prayers God answers in the Bible. Looking for assurance that God will respond? Then be sure to listen to this edition of Ask Pastor Mike!
Pastor Mike discusses the Millennial Kingdom. What is it? When will it happen? What will be going on during this time and what happens afterward?
Conscience and the Holy Spirit
What's the difference between our conscience and the Holy Spirit? How do they work together? Find out on today's edition of Ask Pastor Mike
Can we trust the Bible? That's a good questions. Pastor Mike Fabarez answers this question, giving us reasons why the Bible is so reliable with "A Batting Average You Can't Beat."
Obedience vs Legalism
Pastor Mike answers the question about obedience: Isn't rule keeping and obedience just legalism? I thought we were under grace?
Suicide
As Christians, we are called to persevere to the end, despite the ups and downs of life. So what does the Bible have to say about suicide? Is it an unforgivable sin? And how do Christians finish well in this mortal life?
Daily Bible Reading
Pastor Mike answers the question: Why is it important to read the Bible cover to cover?