IS Fasting Essential????
 

Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

The question has been asked many times is Fasting essential to a christians walk?

Personaly I think the scriptures already point to the answer being yes. How can we have a powerfull walk without our flesh being under subjection to the spirit? is that not what fasting is clearly for?

However so many view it as an unnecesary forgotten practice. Could this be why we have so many dead lifeless church's that live on a man pumped up emotionaly driven service instead of having the power of God in their mist? Could this be why we only remember the miracles of God and no longer see the miracles of God? Even Christ himself fasted should we not follow his example?

God Bless
JW


(I asked this on another forum a long time ago but thought I would ask it here because I have some more questions along these lines.)

I wouldn't say a lack of fasting is the only reason a church may be lifeless. But I agree with you that fasting is essential.

I think fasting is essential to prepare us for more of what God will do in our lives. Getting our bodies under subjection through fasting will help us sharpen the exercising of our faith.

Here is a thought, the bible uses two words, amoung some others, in the NT for the word worship. One is Letreuo which is often translated "serve".

Jesus said you shall worship the Lord God and Him ONLY shall you serve

Here is one way that is used

Luk 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

WHat is an acceptable fast and what is not?

Is Fasting Essential?
 

As for me, I have found that 72 hours without water or food, is the very limit that one should go, else there is the possibility of damage to internal organs. Some people I have discussed this issue with go for longer periods without food, but take water all the while. I think the best approach would be to discuss this with a doctor or other medical personnel who are knowledgable of these things would be the appropriate (and wise) approach.

In my case, I asked my family doctor about the longest period of time one should not exceed without water, and he told me no more than 72 hours. Others, of course, might have differing opinions on this, and I respect that. Perhaps for some, their overall health might limit the length of time they could go without food or water. In any event, the wisest approach, IMHO, would be to consult with one's family physician. He has the best grasp on our stamina to forego these things which are so essential to our physical well-being.

Bump............

would fasting one day a week, every week, be considered a "routine", or should one fast not as often but but for longer periods?

I don't think it's essential but it's beneficial.

I think people should fast with their personal conditions in mind. Some people can't fast as much because of medical conditions, etc. Some should maybe only so a certain type of fast etc.