QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS

+ Why don’t we fast or talk about fasting?

There are a number of Biblical references to fasting. Matthew 6:16-18 – Christ says “When you fast” which to me is an implication that we should practice fasting. Christ does not say “if you fast.” or, “if you think it’s a good idea.” but when. One commentator says Christ does not teach us that we should fast in this scripture because he assumes that we will fast, rather he is teaching us how to fast.

Some commentators point out that fasting is not meant to manipulate God but to show a heart that is humble and ready for guidance.

The following are other new testament examples of fasting:

Luke 4:2-4 - During the temptation of Christ he fasted for 40 days;

Acts 13:2-4 – Men in the church in Antioch prayed and fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul on the missionary journey;

Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in Lystra, Iconium and Lystra with prayer and fasting;

Looking at these events surrounding the fasting and praying: Christ suffering through temptation, the beginning of a missionary journey and appointing elders leads me to believe that fasting and praying is the Biblical beginning to an undertaking.

I admit that I have never fasted. A friend of mine practices fasting and encouraged me to fast. I told Chuck that it’s not doing without food or drink for 24 hours, but it’s my short attention span that causes me a problem. Chuck responded that he does drink water during his fast. He does not read scripture and pray during the entire time. He takes the opportunity several times during the day of his fast to read a scripture that relates to a decision he needs to make, a problem he’s facing or a sin he’s struggling with then prays. He says that it’s remarkable the peace and guidance he feels he receives. Based on studying what the Bible says about fasting and Chuck’s peace I am going to choose a day for fasting.

If you have fasted, please share your method and the results. Sharing with others could be helpful.

+ Questions on judgment day.

In Matt 12:36, Romans 14:12, and Hebrews 4:13, we are told that we must give an account of our lives on judgment day. God already knows everything about me and every sin I’ve committed whether I have confessed them or not. There’s absolutely nothing I can tell God that he doesn’t already know, so for what am I giving an accounting? There are a couple of questions that I dread if they are asked: who is a Christian because of you and who is not a Christian because of you?

Hopefully, I ‘ve had a positive influence on others. To think that something I’ve should have done and neglected to do so or something I’ve said or done would cause them to lose their sole is a horrible thought.

+ What’s my Christian responsibility in today’s government environment?

I believe like my grandparents and parents did as they became older. The world is going to the dogs! This article has nothing to do with any political party. We have allowed the government to declare that abortions can be performed in various number of circumstances. The rights of gays have been greatly expanded including marriage in some states. Some Christian businesses are punished because of denying gays marriage services that offend the business owners’ beliefs. Some liberalists are now pushing a socialist state. One of the beliefs in a socialist state is to provide each person an income whether or not they will work.

Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” For me, that tells me that I was a human being when conceived! What makes it OK to kill me?

I Corinthians 6 states that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. (I have Grammarly on my system to make corrections in my writing, and it just told me the word “homosexual” is outdated. Now, I’m aggravated. God’s word is not outdated!!) Kay and I have known many gay people through the antique business, and one niece practices a gay lifestyle. We do not condone the gay lifestyle, but we do care about and love these people. But, God’s word still stands!

II Thessalonians 3:10 says if a man will not work then he should not eat. This is a refusal to work not incapability to work.

Many religious leaders who believe in God and Christ have called us to action to turn things around. So, I repeat my question on my individual responsibility.

Many people insist that no one has the right to tell a woman when she can abort a baby. These same people assert that gay people should have the right to marry whomever they love. Paying all people an income will eliminate hunger, homelessness, etc. Their final word is “you have no right to force your religious beliefs on me.”

In Matthew 10, Jesus gave his disciples instructions as he sent them out: verse 14: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” This verse means that the people have been taught but refused the teachings. If Jesus is telling the disciples not to “force” Christianity on anyone, should we try to legislate Christian beliefs?

Once again, what action do I personally take to this call to action? So far, I’ve voted for people who appear to take God’s word into consideration. I also pray for our elected officials each day, but I do not feel that’s enough.

Your thoughts, please!! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mike

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