FEBRUARY 1, 2024

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

We live in a culture that thrives on fast food.  We live fast lives, have fast schedules, and operate with fast expectations, so fast food just makes so much sense.  It fits right in with our pace of life.  That makes restaurants like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, and Arby’s popular, as they deliver fast food to us.  Not necessarily healthy food, nutritious food, or good food… but FAST food.  If you doubt any of this, see how long it takes that fench fry that fell between your seats last year to decompose.  Any other questions?

Against this backdrop is the biblical concept of fasting.  This flies against the whole idea of getting food when you want it and how you can “have it your way.”  The latter is all about satisfying yourself whenever you want, while the former is about denying yourself for spiritual purposes.  It’s easy to see why so few Christians practice (or even have ever tried) fasting.

And yet, Jesus calls us to fast.

What is fasting?  What are some misconceptions of it?  Can you do it wrongly?  Why would we do it besides the fact that the Bible says we should?  What are the benefits of making such a sacrifice to abstain from food for spiritual purposes?  I’ll answer these questions and more as I teach about what God says about fasting.  While I have taught this at Midweek Bible Study a couple of times over the years, and sent out short videos on this subject, this will be my first time teaching it on a Sunday.  It’s been long overdue.

"And yet, Jesus calls us to fast."

On the one hand, I can’t think of a topic that has less appeal than this one for those who want to live a casual, convenient Christian life. 

On the other hand, I can’t think of a topic that is more demanding and rewarding all at the same time for those who want to live an even more committed life.  Fasting will deepen your faith and help you become the spiritual champion that I believe you all want to be. 

I guess we’ll find out on Sunday!

Warmly,
Vince