Bible Discussion Thread

When should one consider fasting?

Is fasting a tribute or thanks to God or more like an offering or submission to God?

Some preach fasting as a command because Jesus said "when, thou fastest" Matthew 6:16-21,

Sometimes people & Church congregations fast for closeness with GOD, to feel HIS presence, & clarity on direction from GOD: Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19,20, Luke 5:34,35, Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah 1, (in context.), Daniel 9:2-3, 2Corinthians 6:4,5

Fasting & prayer to help deliver people from sin, addiction, mental illness, demonic oppression, Matthew 17:21, (context) Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29,

1Samuel 7:3

1Corinthians 7:3-5,

Fasting for deliverance: 2Chronicles 20:1-30, Esther 4:3,16, in context: Esther 3:8-15, - Esther 4, Daniel 6:12-23, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:12,

Fasting in repentance, sometimes even after GOD's judgement : 1Samuel 7:2-17, 2Samuel 12:7-23, (do you think it was easier to except it because he was fasting? While others were perplexed?) 1Kings 21, note 1Kings 21:27-29, Jonah 3:5-10, Joel 2:15,

Also Isaiah 58,

Jesus fasted an extreme fast: Matthew 4:2,

When it says in: Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9, Mark 16:17-18, can we do these things without fasting?

I believe there are too many scriptures about power in fasting, direction, deliverance & repentance to think lightly of.

Fasting is submission, Romans 13:7, Luke 20:25, Matthew 17:25-26,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Jason , I believe there are many different ways to fast . It doesn't just have to be about not eating for a day or so , though you could do that if you wish . You could maybe just give up something that you really like for a week or however long you choose . Maybe give up meat for a week ? Or alcohol or watching t.v. or the internet ? It depends on what you like . If you save any money by giving something up you could maybe give what you've saved to a charity ? Don't use your car for a week ? There are loads of ways to deny yourself and honour God with your substance . Many people don't have many luxuries in order to give them up so it might just be a very small thing like chocolate . Each to their own but I don't believe that any of us should actually endanger their life , certain health conditions mean people have to eat and drink regularly , how about coffee ? If you drink a lot of that and really love it to go without would definately be a sacrifice . I'm sure you can think of something . As to your question , I don't believe it's an essential part of being a Christian but it's not a bad thing to do . We have a lot of liberty in Christ , that's a nice thing as long as we don't abuse it . Much love to you in Christ .