A Christian Perspective on Fasting

Throughout the ages of the Christian centuries, fasting has been viewed both positively and negatively. John Wesley said, "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it."

At times it has been considered to be a panacea of all spiritual problems, an activity permeated with magical powers. This is not unrelated to the problems experienced in biblical times in the matter of fasting.

For example, consider what Isaiah had to say,

"'Why have we fasted,' they say,'and you have not seen it?

Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'

"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. (Isa. 58:3)

At other times fasting has been considered as something that is "old fashioned" and not belonging to the life of the Christian.

So, what is fasting? Is it a part of a Christian's life? Is Christian fasting different to the fasting practiced in other world religions?

Download the whole study guide:

Study Guide

Check your answers at:

Study Guide Answers

Comments

Is it wrong to be familiar with God?

Y ou may or may not have heard the statement made in a Charismatic meeting. The preacher, after using one or more biblical passage to prove his point, solemnly warning the congregation about the dangers of becoming familiar with God. Often spiritual issues like losing the fear of the Lord, unbelief and pride are listed as the end result of familiarity with the Almighty. But is this really true? Now I am not for a moment diminishing the seriousness of the aforementioned spiritual issues. But is familiarity with God truly the culprit? One of the passages I've most often encountered that is used in this regard is found in Mark 6: “Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t th...

DETOX As a church we are moving into a wonderful time of becoming a church that is lead and built by Christ. Since it is His church we have to follow His leading. I am not a medical docter, but I have heard too often how dangerous high cholesterol is and how it starts to block the flow of blood to the different areas of the body. Also, how important the liver is to remove the toxins that are found in the blood stream. I believe the Spirit is taking us into a spiritual DETOX as the Body of Christ. To remove all the “toxins” that we have allowed into our body of believers. These toxins if left will destroy us and steal the purpose and plan that God has for us as a church, to be effective in the mandate we received from God. Some of these toxins are things like: Worldliness, False Doctrine and Complacency. 1 Corinthians 3:3 You are still world ly. For since the re is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not world ly? Are you not acting like mere humans? ...

“There Is A Cloud" from the new album from Elevation Worship.

Emmanuel Church App Resources

Search This Blog