Best Reason For Congregational Fasting

By John Isaacs Kingsway Community Church June 5, 2011

Fasting
Fasting is the laying aside of food for a period of time when an individual, family, or larger community is seeking to know God in a deeper experience.

3 Reasons Not To Fast

1. As a religious activity performed to influence God. 2. Exchanging a sacrifice in order to obtain a blessing. 3. As a tool to win God s audience.

7 Reasons To Fast

To change our hearts!

Jeremiah 24:7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.

7 Reasons To Fast

To develop self-control.
When we deny our self it leads to a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

7 Reasons To Fast

For greater humility.

It reminds us to depend upon God.

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

7 Reasons To Fast

For greater sensitivity.

It creates a climate for us to hear from God.

Matthew 4:4
But he answered, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

7 Reasons To Fast

For God s power.

God s power is released in greater dimensions when we fast.

Mark 9:29
So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.

7 Reasons To Fast

To reset our priorities.

It reminds us of what is truly important in our lives.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

7 Reasons To Fast

An act of worship.
It turns our hearts toward the Lord.

Luke 2:37
Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

Leviticus 6:9
Give Aaron and his sons the following instructions regarding the burnt offering. The burnt offering must be left on top of the altar until the next morning, and

the fire on the altar must be kept burning all night.

Leviticus 6:12
Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the burnt offering on it. He will then burn the fat of the peace offerings on it.

Leviticus 6:13 Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.

The Fire In Scripture

Represents the presence of God

The Fire In Us

Represents the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Luke 3:16
John answered their questions by saying, I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am so much greater that I m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with

the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Acts 2:1-4
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together 2Suddenly, there was in one place. a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
1

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and 4 And settled on each of them. everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began [b] as speaking in other languages, the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
3

The Fire In Us

Represents our passion for Christ and His kingdom

Best Reason To Fast

It keeps the fire burning!

Sunday June 5, 2011

through

Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011

Daniel 10: 2-3

2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

A Daniel Fast
SUGGESTED DIET Fresh Fruits Fresh Vegetables Eggs Dairy Breads Juices SUGGESTED FAST Sweets & Desserts Snacks & Chips Meat Caffeine Television Alcohol