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Ask Pastor Mike Live

Focal Point Ministries

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Audio Video

Did Jesus Command Christians to Fast?

January 24, 2026
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In this helpful teaching segment, Pastor Mike from Focal Point Ministries responds to a listener who was told that Jesus commanded Christians to fast. Pastor Mike carefully explains the context of Matthew 6, showing how Jesus’ words were spoken under the Old Covenant, where fasting—especially on the Day of Atonement—was already assumed for first-century Jews. He clarifies that fasting is not a command for Christians today, that God is not disappointed if a believer has never fasted, and that fasting should never be viewed as a way to manipulate God. Instead, when practiced, fasting can be a voluntary tool to focus the heart on prayer—always with wisdom and concern for health. This episode brings freedom, balance, and biblical accuracy to a common question.

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About Ask Pastor Mike Live

Join us each Friday as Pastor Mike tackles hard-hitting questions Christians face in the modern world. Arm yourself for your next challenging conversation by getting relevant, biblical answers on hot topics of the day.

About Focal Point Ministries

Dr. Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church and the president of Compass Bible Institute, both located in Aliso Viejo, California. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program and is committed to clearly communicating God’s word verse-by-verse, encouraging his listeners to apply what they have learned to their daily lives. He has authored several books, including 10 Mistakes People Make About Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife, Raising Men Not Boys, Lifelines for Tough Times, and Preaching that Changes Lives. Mike and his wife Carlynn are parents of three grown children, two sons and one daughter, and have four young grandchildren.

Contact Ask Pastor Mike Live with Focal Point Ministries

Telephone:

1-888-320-5885

Mailing Address:

Focal Point

P.O. Box 2850

Laguna Hills, CA 92654