Welcome to FM First Baptist
In our Christian life, routines are great, but we want to teach believers practices and encourage habits to affect other areas of their lives. What are the best practices of maturing followers of Christ? Each practice is a tool we use to live out and pass on our identity
Isaiah 58:6-10 ESV
Matthew 9:14-17 ESV
Acts 13:1-3 ESV
Three Questions about Fasting
- Why not?
- Why now?
- How then?
Jesus gives us three metaphors -- a wedding, wardrobe, and wine.
How many in the church are like John's disciples? We can get so busy in doing things for Christ that we miss being with Christ.
Why are your disciples different than us? What do they know that we're obviously missing?
Jesus brings supernatural delight. He is our joy.
Isn’t it sad that most believers do not compare their relationship to Christ to something as joyous as a wedding? What’s wrong with us?
Absence of fasting in them was a sign/witness of God’s presence among them
Fasting in the OT was not wrong or outdated. When Jesus came, it became inadequate.
Why could Christ be calling us to fast in 2021?
1. Receive Jesus anew as Messiah.
2. Draw near to him once again.
3. Reject what the world offers.
4. Feast on what Christ gives.
5. Look forward to his return.
How to start? (David Mathis)
1.Start small.
2.Plan what you’ll do instead of eating.
3.Consider how it’ll affect others.
4.Try different kinds. (Personal & public)
5.Fast from something other than food.
6.Focus on the soul not the stomach.
Could the Lord be waiting & watching for the church once again to pray & fast?