Richmond Community Church

Sermon: Spiritual Disciplines – Fasting
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Duration: 32:16
Size: 14.7 MB

Spiritual Disciplines
Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18

Simply put, fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.

When Jesus taught on fasting, he would say “when you fast”, not “if you fast”.

Fasting reminds us that we can get by without most things in our lives for a time, but we cannot get by without God.

Fasting is voluntarily turning up the heat in our lives.

It is both physical and spiritual and it builds our faith muscles so that we can withstand the bigger contests that come our way.

Our hunger pangs also remind us to lift our voice up to God.

When we fast in our repentance, it is not an attempt to punish ourselves for our past sin, but as a commitment and preparation for our future righteousness.

Determine the purpose of the fast. Is it to seek God, to seek direction, to pray for others?

There is so much potential power in seeking God in this way that Satan will do whatever necessary to derail your plan.

Remember that your fast is about you and God, not about impressing others, or even yourself.

Remember that we are not twisting God’s arm, we are trying to draw closer to Him.

The goal is spiritual not physical. If you want to loose weight, find a way to eat healthier, if you want to draw closer to God, try fasting.

Why Fast?

• Fasting increases our hunger for God.
• Fasting can train our passions.
• Fasting can be an earnest prayer.
• Fasting can help us humble ourselves.
• Fasting can be a sign of Repentance.

How to Fast.

• Start small.
• Determine the purpose of the fast.
• Determine the nature of the fast.
• Determine the length of the fast.
• Get people praying for you.

Pitfalls of Fasting.

• Pride
• Coercion of God
• Penance
• Dieting

If you’re satisfied with the status quo of your spiritual life, then just go ahead and ignore everything I’ve said today.

If you’re ready to move on to another level, and you’re not fasting as a part of your walk with Christ already, then I’d say, start right away.

Sermon: General Electric Power Company – Speaking the Truth in Love
Speaker: Pastor John Pettigrew
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:11-3:2
Duration: 19:49
Size: 9.07 MB

General Electric Power Company
Speaking the Truth in Love
Galatians 2:11-3:2

Sermon: General Electric Power Company – Right Hand of Fellowship
Speaker: Pastor John Pettigrew
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:1-10
Duration: 17:39
Size: 8.07 MB

General Electric Power Company
Right Hand of Fellowship
Galatians 2:1-10

Sermon: Jesus Loves Me
Speaker: Colin Allenbrand
Duration: 18:32
Size: 8.49 MB

Sermon: General Electric Power Company – The Gospel as God Gave It!
Speaker: Pastor John Pettigrew
Scripture Text: Galatians 1
Duration: 24:09
Size: 11.0 MB

General Electric Power Company
The Gospel as God Gave It!
Galatians 1