Fasting

Written by: Bishop G.T. Haywood
Published By: Christian Outlook

In reading Matthew 9:14, 15 we find a question arose among John’s disciples as to why they and the Pharisees fasted often while Jesus’ disciples fasted not at all. But Jesus said unto them, “Can the children of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?  But the day will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” While Jesus was with them in the flesh they were not required to fast, for they did not understand and neither could in their state at that time. But after Jesus was taken from them into heaven (Acts 1:0) then they fasted in those days. (Acts 9:9; 13:2, 3: 14:23; 27:9, 33.)

At this present time there is much fasting needed but it is Satan’s plan to hinder this line of work as much as possible. The manner of how to fast is of very great importance, therefore we exhort you to read the scriptures that are given in this line.

Many saints fast and do not obtain the desired results, because they know not how to fast. Read. Isaiah 58th chapter. Verses 1 and 2 tells of how many of us come before the Lord; verses 3 to 5 tell of their complaint and God’s reproof; verses 6 and 7 tell of the kind of fasting that is pleasing  to the Lord, and verses 8 and 9 gives the blessing that will come upon you while you are fasting for others; verses 10 to 12 tell of the final results if you continue in the work of the Lord by doing good to them in need.

NOTICE. Fast not for yourself, but fast for others’ welfare and your welfare will be found delightful.

Extraordinary fastings - Our Lord, Matthew 4:2. Moses, Exodus 34:28, Deut. 9:9, 18. Elijah, I Kings 19:8.

Of saints - II Samuel 12:16; Neh. 1:4; Esther, 4:16: Dan. 9:3; Matthew. 9:14; Luke 2:37; Acts 10:30 and 13:2; II Cor. 6:5 and 11:27.


Elder G.T. Haywood