The one thing that attracted me to this article was the topic. I always face the same problem when when i have to fast. For some odd reason, i thought i was the only one.I had a problem the other day and I knew that i had to fast. I'm convicted. I'm even more determined to fast. Thank you all for your comments. I really needed to hear this. Please pray for me. I will be fasting and for the first time, will be doing it properly. May the good God Bless you all.
Apr 03, 2010 Rating
Even-handed Interpretation of WHEN, NOT IF by: Anonymous
Many Christians say that Matt.6:16-18 where Jesus says WHEN YOU FAST, not IF YOU FAST proves He commanded fasting. But Jesus was talking to Jews who already practiced it anyway, not to Gentile church converts. If WHEN is the binding principle here, then an even-handed interpretation of the same word is demanded in Luke 14:12-14 when Jesus says WHEN you give a dinner or a supper (throw a dinner party), invite the poor. Does this mean all Christians are COMMANDED to throw dinner parties, even when financially unable to do so? No, Jesus was addressing attitude in both places, not commanding the performance of specific acts. Some Christians think there's no free lunch, and they must somehow EARN God's grace through suffering.
Sep 23, 2009 Rating
Today God is calling us to Fast by: bobby
I urge you to read Isaiah 58:6-9 on the topic of fasting. When we are hungry, will we not feel the poorest in our sacrifice to our flesh? (Inspired from Heidi Bakers message at Jubilee Christian Center, in San Jose, on Sept 13, 2009.)
Let not our flesh rule our divine nature; Phil 3:19.
Jesus spent much of His three year ministry with the poor. I get a deep sense of my Father's heart as I listen to the worship song "Where You Go I'll Go" by Brian and Jenn Johnson.
Jun 30, 2009 Rating
Fasting Nowhere Commanded by Apostles by: Patricia Backora
Fasting can be seen as a supplement to Christ?s Sacrifice of Himself for us on Calvary, done out of a feeling of HAVING to do it (like ?giving out of necessity? in II Cor.9:7), to ?stay on God?s good side?. This is contrary to salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any religious ritual, however unpleasant, performed to earn or keep God?s favor is a sacrifice offered up in vain. God isn?t pleased with it. Reliance upon religion instead of Christ carries with it the danger of falling from grace and forfeiting salvation (Gal.5:4). Christ offered Himself ONCE as the only Sacrifice needed to please God (Heb.10:12).
Fasting can be used as a bargaining chip with God to try to get what you want out of Him, in the same way the priests of Baal inflicted suffering on themselves to try to win their god?s favor (I Kings 18:28). Confidence can be put in weakened flesh (Phil.3:3) to win spiritual battles, much the same way a sumo wrestler puts confidence in his strength and bulk to beat an opponent.
Compulsory fasting forbids good things God created for our enjoyment (I Tim.6:17). ?Commanding to abstain from meats? belongs in the category of ?touch not, taste not, handle not? ceremonial ordinances which are no longer applicable today (Col.2:21; I Tim.4:3.) That?s Law, not grace.
If fasting is so vital to Christian life, why didn't Paul (or any other apostle) offer guidelines on what constitutes a decent fast? There were a couple of fasting incidences in the Book of Acts, done by apostles who grew up as Jews and still clung for awhile to some of Judaism's practices. Paul does mention going without food at times, but only in the context of other hardships and deprivations he suffers because of persecution. The only other reference to fasting in the NT is in I Cor.7:5, and not even that verse amounts to a commandment to fast. Some ancient Greek manuscripts don't even include the word "fasting" there. There is NO hard-and-fast commandment to fast in the New Testament!
Dec 06, 2007 Rating
great stuff by: Esther
Good topic to write on because there is a wealth of views and beliefs about fasting and what role it plays in the life of the Christian.
Good biblical backing has made it all the more authentic
Personal realistic view of the topic by the writer makes it easy for anyone to relate to it.
Great work!
Cheers
Dec 04, 2007 Rating
Inspired by: Jimmy Walabs
Hi Jahan,
I'm inspired to know that it's always a win-win situation when I choose to fast.Thanx for sharing.
