Fasting

[sydney3]

Should modern day christians fast? or was this only in the bible?

[Danfrey]

Fasting continued past the time of John. It was mentioned in something I was listening to about the Early Churches beliefs on Holidays. There was a fast every year before Pascha (what many call Easter). Also, there are Early Church writings about fasting before baptism.

[~SoLongSelf~]

God said He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. I know fasting is for today. :wave:
God Bless You All...

[constance]

New Testament Christians don't celebrate Yom Kippur (the Fast of Atonement)...here is our New Testament teaching.

Matthew 6:16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Luke 5: 33They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."
34Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."

[DeaconDean]

Once again, let me refer you to the book "Celebration of Disipline" it has a good section on fasting. And another good book on fasting is "Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough." In this book, the author begins by showing not only the benefits of fasting but also the spiritual benefits that come with it. When one makes a serious decision to fast, it shows God just how serious one is and how serious one that individual wants his/her spiritual walk with God to grow. When we denigh our body in order to come closer to God, it is a serious commitment to Him and our walk with Him. Here is a link to several article on prayer and fasting. (And BTW, one cannot fast without prayer)
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/prayer.html

[tateziwin]

Yes, we should fast today.
Jesus expected us to do it for he said, ..." when you fast"...and when you fast"..., however it is not something that we brag about, so that is probably why you don't hear much about it. I still think it should be preached upon in church though.

[rural_preacher]

Keep in mind that fasting can involve much more than just food. One can also fast from technology and entertainment. In other words, setting aside a period of time when one does not watch TV, listen to the radio, use computers, etc. Rather, they devote that time to prayer and Scripture meditation with a desire to know God better...to commune with Him.

I believe fasting (whether from food or other activities) is essential for "setting your affections on things above, not on the things of this earth."



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[VictorianAngel84]

Keep in mind that fasting can involve much more than just food. One can also fast from technology and entertainment. In other words, setting aside a period of time when one does not watch TV, listen to the radio, use computers, etc. Rather, they devote that time to prayer and Scripture meditation with a desire to know God better...to commune with Him.

I believe fasting (whether from food or other activities) is essential for "setting your affections on things above, not on the things of this earth."
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:amen: I agree.

[sydney3]

Wow thanks guys! You are all really helpful. God bless you all

[Manna]

I don't see that we're commanded to fast, and if a person was to live their life without fasting, that wouldn't mean that they had made a mistake, IMO. However, I do think that they would be missing out on a LOT. Fasting can be such a cleansing and building experience, and I think a Christian should not be opposed to the idea if God lays it on their heart.

[JPPT1974]

Fasting is a cleaning experience it seems
A cleansing of the heart, mind, and soul

[handmaiden97]

Jesus said that His dsciples didnt need to fast while He was with them, but when the bridegroom was away from them they would indeed fast.