We are a city church in Surfers Paradise on Australia's Gold Coast in Queensland. Pastor's Richard and Erica Nugent invite you to join us at our Sunday morning and night services or the many regular events and activities the church facilitates.
21 Days Of Prayer & Fasting
January: Fasting with Purpose
Why Fast? Jesus expects us to fast. He began his ministry with 40 days of prayer and fasting (Matt 4:2), then he said to his disciples ‘when you fast’ (Matt6:16), not ‘if’ you fast. And even though he intimated that his disciples would not fast when he was with them, he did say that they would fast when he left (Matt 9:15).
Fasting was a regular feature of the devotional life of other Biblical characters: Moses; Elijah, Daniel, David and Joel all fasted. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul fasted on numerous occasions (Acts 9:9, 27:21).
What does Fasting do / achieve? Fasting is an excellent way to humble ourselves before God (James 4:6). The Old Testament saw fasting as a form of repentance and intercession (Joel 2:12, Dan 9:3); it also reveals that fasting brings light, revelation and healing (Isaiah 58:6-9). The New Testament reveals that fasting subdues our flesh (1 Cor 9:27), allowing our spirit-man to gain ascendency (Gal 5:17). Fasting also greatly affects the spirit realm (Dan 10:12-13, 20), leading to breakthrough and change of spiritual authority over nations. Jesus said it helps with personal spiritual warfare (Matt 17:21).
As well as some weight loss, fasting has many other health benefits for the natural human body. Researching these is also a great idea, as it helps us with motivation.
What is Fasting? Fasting is saying ‘no’ to our flesh. This can be achieved in several ways: total abstinence from solid food; No fancy food (Dan 10:3) – just fruit and veg; No TV or entertainment. Some fast by just drinking water, some juice, others various liquids. We all need to decide our level of fasting between us and God.
Why is SCCC fasting in January 2010? Ps Richard has called this fast because he wants us – as a church – to align ourselves to fulfil God’s will for us in 2010. As we seek first God’s kingdom, we can expect God’s blessing to flow in our families, marriages, health and wholeness. We are specifically fasting for God’s will to be done in ‘Quality Connections’: with God, marriages, families, fellowship with believers, and friendship evangelism.
Other things we need to know about fasting. We do not fast to twist God’s arm to do our will. In truth, we fast so that God can use us to achieve his will. People with medical conditions should consult their doctors etc.
Who can fast and for how long? Any healthy person who feels God leading them to can fast. Some will fast one meal, some one day, or one day a week, others may fast the whole 21 days. This is between you and God.
What to expect when fasting? Changes in your priorities, closeness to God etc. However, you will notice some changes in your body & emotions: temporary bouts of tiredness, sea-sawing feelings of euphoria and down feelings. Remember to drink lots of pure water.
How to prepare. It’s probably a good idea to stop coffee a few days before commencing the fast. Also a gradual cutting down of portion sizes in the lead up is a good idea. Spiritually prepare in prayer and reading good books etc on fasting to help with motivation.
SURFCiTY Photos
