Ever wonder how and if the Bible has relevance for today . On this podcast , we provide biblical answers to today's tough questions . Hi friends , I'm Pastor Robert Young . We have 30-plus years of church planting and mentoring other pastors , 30-plus years of training leaders in evangelism and discipleship .
Our team of missionaries go into jails , rehabs , parks , street corners , coffee houses and any place unchurched people gather . We present the true , untainted gospel . We ask questions and give answers as we conduct surveys . We do this so that you can make a true , informed decision about Jesus Christ . And today our topic is fasting .
Hi friends , welcome back to Not your Parents Religion Podcast . I am your host , pastor Robert Young . We don't have any of our co-hosts with us today , so I'm going to attempt to discuss and explain our subject matter today , which is fasting . Fasting , like prayer , bible study and other disciplines , are an integral part of Christianity .
In the Bible , fasting is often associated with prayer , repentance and seeking God's guidance . The act of fasting involves abstaining from food and sometimes drink , for a specific period of time . Now , in our modern times , it can often include abstaining from social media , as well as news media , movies and even radio .
One of the most prominent examples of fasting in the Bible is found in the Gospel of Matthew , where Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness before beginning his ministry . You can find that in Matthew 4 , chapter 4 , verse 1 through 11 .
This act of self-denial and discipline prepared Jesus for the challenges that lay ahead and strengthen his connection with God . In this way , fasting can be seen as a spiritual discipline that helps believers draw closer to God and seek his will in their lives . Without the distractions of the world , we are better able to hear God's voice .
Throughout the Bible , there are numerous references to fasting as a means of seeking God's guidance and intervention . In the Book of Acts , the early church fasted and prayed before making important decisions and seeking God's direction Acts 13 , verse 2 through 3 , and also in Acts 14 , verse 23 .
In the Old Testament , people such as King David , elijah and Daniel all engaged in fasting as a means of seeking God's help in times of need . Fasting is also associated with repentance and mourning over sin . In the Book of Joel , the prophet calls for a fast as a way of turning hearts back to God and seeking his forgiveness .
We can find that in the Book of Joel , 2 , chapter 12 through 13 . The act of self-denial and humility before God is seen as a way of demonstrating genuine repentance and seeking restoration with God . In addition to these spiritual benefits , fast can also have physical and mental benefits .
Many people report feeling a sense of clarity and mental focus during periods of fasting , and some studies have suggested that intermediate fasting can have health benefits such as weight loss and improved metabolic health . Overall , the practice of fasting is an important spiritual discipline in our faith .
It can help believers grow in their faith , draw closer to God , seek his guidance and intervention and demonstrate repentance and humility before God . Now , as with any religious practice , the key is to approach fasting with a sincere heart and a desire to grow spiritually by hearing and ultimately obeying God's will .
So , spending uninterrupted time with God through self-denial and repentance , believers can experience a deeper connection with God and seek his will for their lives . Let me say that again , spending uninterrupted time with God , through self-denial and repentance , you can experience a deeper connection with God and seek his will for your life .
Beyond discerning God's will while fasting and even repentance , spending uninterrupted time in the presence of God just for fellowship's sake , is the purest joy that a human can experience on this side of heaven . Now imagine when we do get to heaven Now . I hope that that helps you out a little bit .
As far as fasting and why you should do it is a what we call a spiritual discipline , something that you should do because you want to , because you want that deeper connection and fellowship and relationship with God , and fasting is one way . The fast itself has no nothing .
It's just that uninterrupted , undistracted time spent in the presence of God that does the work . Now , on our next episode , we're going to discuss some of the ways to do an actual fast . Now , if you have been listening to this podcast for any length of time and you have said to yourself listen , I know that I want this Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior .
And I've been listening to this podcast for sometimes and I know what I need to do . I need to come to God in full repentance . I've heard of the joy and the peace and the love and all the things that comes with having a relationship with him , and I want it . I feel something in my heart drawing me to him and I want it now .
Then , friends , repeat this sinner's prayer with me Father , I know that I am a sinner and I repent of my sins . I believe that Jesus Christ died on that cross so that I could be forgiven , and that he rose again on the third day so that I could have a right back to the tree of life .
I receive him now as my Lord and my Savior , and my God and Father fill me with the free gift of the Holy Ghost . I believe that right now I am saved , and I thank you in Jesus' name , amen .
Now , friends , if you've said that with a sense of heart , the Bible lets us know that your name has been written up in heaven in a book called the Lamb's Book of Life . But there's two more things I need you to do .
I need you to seek out a church in your community and a Bible believing God , honoring God , worshiping church in your community and join that church . Be a blessing and receive a blessing from that church . Also , don't forget to have home Bible studies in your own home with your own family , prayer and dedication . And now fasting .
And remember , next week we're going to be talking about some specific ways to do fasting and listen, If you need any more information or clarification on anything that we've said , do not hesitate to get in contact with us in all of the ways to get in contact with us in the description box below . So until next time my co-hosts , will be back .
I am your host , pastor Robert Young , for Not Japan's Religion Podcast , and may God bless you .