How to live when the Bridegroom is taken Fasting: Primarily, the act of willing abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of

UNTIL HE RETURNSHow to live when the Bridegroom is taken

MARK 2:18-22 NOW JOHN’S DISCIPLES AND THE PHARISEES WERE FASTING. SOME PEOPLE CAME AND ASKED JESUS, “HOW IS IT THAT JOHN’S DISCIPLES AND THE DISCIPLES OF THE PHARISEES ARE FASTING, BUT YOURS ARE NOT?”19 JESUS ANSWERED, “HOW CAN THE GUESTS OF THE BRIDEGROOM FAST WHILE HE IS WITH THEM? THEY CANNOT, SO LONG AS THEY HAVE HIM WITH THEM. 20 BUT THE TIME WILL COME WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM WILL BE TAKEN FROM THEM, AND ON THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST.

MATTHEW 6:16-18 16 “WHEN YOU FAST, DO NOT LOOK SOMBER AS THE HYPOCRITES DO, FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES TO SHOW OTHERS THEY ARE FASTING. TRULY I TELL YOU, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD IN FULL. 17 BUT WHEN YOU FAST, PUT OIL ON YOUR HEAD AND WASH YOUR FACE, 18 SO THAT IT WILL NOT BE OBVIOUS TO OTHERS 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.

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

Fasting:

Primarily, the act of willing abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.


WHY FAST??• To avert crisis

(Joel 1:14, 2:15)

• For corporate revival (Josiah)

• Release of more power of God (Mark 9:29)

• Fast of mourning (David’s baby)

• Preparation for ministry (Jesus’ 40 days)

• Because we love Jesus and want Him (Mark 2:18-19)


TYPES OF FASTS• Food

• Media

• Silence

• Sleep

Complete Fast (no food)

Absolute fast (by divine direction)

Extended fast

Lifestyle


PRACTICALS OF FASTING• Plan for it

• DO less

• Keep a Journal

• Practice


Matthew 6: 4,6,18

“your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY? It’s unbelief

if we DON’T expect and receive the rewards that He promises!

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY? It’s unbelief

if we DON’T expect and receive the rewards that He promises!


The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God



toward God

• Our desires change



toward God


• It changes our perspective



toward God



• Releases a spirit of revelation on our minds



toward God




• Strengthens our identity in God



toward God




• Strengthens our identity in God

• Equips our bodies to experience God

“THE DAY WILL COME WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM IS TAKEN FROM THEM, AND IN THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST.”Mark 2:20

Documents

How to live when the Bridegroom is taken Fasting: Primarily, the act of willing abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of