After the Bridegroom is Gone Acts 13.2-4, Matthew 9.14-16

For the month of January, we are calling for a fast from supper Tuesday to supper Wednesday for the purpose of praying for God's will in planning for this year and the next couple of years. We will have a supper meal at the church each Wednesday at 6:30.

We are in a position similar to that of the first century church. We live in a world that is, at best, ignorant of Jesus Christ, or, at worst, hostile to Jesus. As a church, we must be involved in the increase of the Word of God and in the number of disciples (Acts6:7). As individuals, we are to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18). And in all, we are to “'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is“ (Ephesians 5:14b-17). Examples in the Bible and in church history tell us that fasting ought to be part of our seeking God as a congregation and a people of God.

FASTING:

CHANGED HISTORY Acts 13

• The Beginning of Organized Western Mission Work

  • Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, Spain

• Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire within 250 years

• 1.3 billion Christians today in virtually every country of the world (at least nominally)

• 13 of 29 New Testament books written to mission churches

IS HISTORICAL

• Some of the more Familiar: Moses – Exodus34:28; Elijah - 1Kings 19:8; Daniel – Daniel10:3; Esther and Jewish Nation – Esther4:16

• A Couple of Special Fasts:

  • Jehoshaphat - 2Chronicles20

  • Ezra 8:21-23

• Some more Recent History

  • Britain 1756 – France threatens to invade. The king calls for a day of solemn prayer and fasting...

    John Wesley wrote, “The fast day was a glorious day, such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration. Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth prayer, and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity. “ ...and later added, “Humility was turned into national rejoicing for the threatened invasion ...was averted.”

  • Promise Keepers – 1990- Coach McCartney and 72 men prayed and fasted at lunchtime on Wednesdays for God to stir the hearts of men to pursue Jesus Christ....1991 – first PK 4,200 men at U of Colorado...1997 – 1,000,000 men on the National Mall, Washington, DC

IS APROPRIATE AS A GROUP (concern about Matthew6:16-18)

• The goal is to hunger for God, not the recognition of men.

• Group fasting is biblically historical

CAN BE DANGEROUS

• Isaiah58

  • Can bring out the worst instead of the best

    • Pride

    • Anger

  • Can focus on things other than God's glory

    • Force God's hand?

    • Old wine skins?

    • Set an example?

• Physically, it may not be an option for you to go without any food for 24 hours. There are other options

  • Partial food fast

  • Fast from other things that draw you. Daniel10:3

    • No delicacies, no meat, no wine, no anointing, no internet, no TV, ???

IS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND OUR SATISFACTION IN HIM

Since the Bridegroom is away.

This is only possible if you are “in Christ” 2Corinthians5:17