BY WAYNE JACKSON
What does the Bible teach about fasting? Is it for Christians today?
Fasting, in the biblical sense, is the abstaining from food and drink for a spiritual reason. In the Old Testament era, the Jews fasted frequently, though there was only one fast prescribed by the law. Once each year, on the Day of Atonement, the Hebrews were to “afflict” their souls (Leviticus 16:31), which meant fasting (cf. Isaiah 58:3).
Though there are no compulsory fasts required of Christians today, the New Testament seems to take for granted that children of God would see the need to fast occasionally.
When the Lord’s disciples were criticized for not fasting, Jesus responded by suggesting that it was hardly appropriate for them to fast while he was yet with them. The time would come, however, when he would be taken away from them; then they would fast (Luke 5:35).
Too, in cautioning against improper motivation in worship, Christ warned: “Moreover when you fast, be not, as hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16). It is significant that he did not say, “if,” but, “when” ye fast—reflecting the expectation that they would.
Fasting, for the Christian, is strictly a voluntary matter. It should arise out of a feeling of intense need, not as a result of mere formality.
What Is the Value of Fasting?
When, then, might fasting be of value?
Fasting may be spiritually beneficial in times of personal sorrow. David and his men mourned and fasted upon hearing of the death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:12), and Nehemiah did similarly when he was informed of Jerusalem’s decimated condition (Nehemiah 1:4).
Fasting and prayer would certainly seem to be fitting when a loved one is critically ill (2 Samuel 12:16).
Fasting frequently accompanied repentance as an outward and genuine indication of contrition for spiritual rebellion (1 Samuel 7:6). The people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast when brought to a recognition of their sins (Jonah 3:5).
Fasting was practiced in connection with great and important religious events. Moses fasted during that period when he was receiving the law (Exodus 34:28). Christ fasted prior to his encounter with Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
The church fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul on that perilous first missionary campaign (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting was certainly a component in the dynamic ministry of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27).
Warnings For Those Who Fast
Admittedly, however, fasting can be abused. The practice must never be employed as a substitute for personal godly living.
Isaiah delivered a blistering rebuke to those who fasted, then pursued their own worldly pleasures (Isaiah 58).
Moreover, fasting must not be an occasion for the flaunting of one’s religion. The Pharisees were guilty of this very thing (Matthew 6:16-18).
Finally, the rigors of fasting must not be allowed to ignite a spirit of religious smugness and self-righteousness. This certainly could be a temptation (cf. Luke 18:9-14).
Benefits of Fasting
In the final analysis, there does seem to be some benefits in voluntary fasting at certain times. Reflect upon the following:
The Scriptures seem to suggest that God honors fasting when performed as a token of deep and sincere dedication.
Physicians indicate that moderate fasting can be a benefit to health, having the effect of allowing our systems to occasionally cleanse themselves.
The mind appears to be able to plumb greater depths of contemplation during periods of fasting.
Fasting can help one hone a keener edge on self-discipline.
Fasting can also have the added effect of reinforcing our appreciation for those things of which we’re deprived during the periods of abstention.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Leviticus 16:31; Isaiah 58:3; Luke 5:35; Matthew 6:16; 2 Samuel 1:12; Nehemiah 1:4; 2 Samuel 12:16; 1 Samuel 7:6; Jonah 3:5; Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:2-3; 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27; Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16-18; Luke 18:9-14

For most of the religious world individuals are satisfied with wearing a name not found in the Bible, because they belong to some church not found in the Bible. I suppose most have found that the building they worship in is not the church, but they identify themselves with a church that doesn’t relate to Christ or biblical teaching.
It is rare when asked: “What are you religiously?” that they will say: “I am a Christian”. For the most part they will answer with a denominational name that corresponds to their church name. The name “Christian” becomes a secondary name to their religion, their first choice is a name related to their Church. Of course, it does no good to call yourself “Christian” if you are not.
If you are in Christ and follow his teaching then you wear that name proudly and accurately.  In prophesy the prophet Isaiah said “The Gentiles shall be called by a new name which the Lord shall name”.  Isaiah 62:2
Let’s notice a few scriptures that describe the name we should wear. In the New Testament, we find these; “The disciples were called Christians at Antioch”.  Acts 11:26  “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or as a thief, or as an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf”.  I Peter 4:15, 16
As the apostle Paul spoke to King Agrippa, he asked; “Agrippa believeth thou the prophets?” I know that thou believeth. And Agrippa said to Paul: “Almost thou persuadeth me to be a Christian”.  Act 26-28  Agrippa knew that if he obeyed Paul’s words that he would be a Christian.
Does it not seem logical that Christ would want you to wear his name?  Christ gave his life for mankind and wants us to glorify him by wearing his name. What man would not be insulted if his wife refused to wear his name? Note also: Christians are married to Christ. “Wherefore my beloved brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that you should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit to God”.   Romans 7:4 
Christian is the only name that glorifies Christ.  So, that you may be consistent in wearing that name, you must be in Christ, you are joined to Christ by obedience to his commands and putting Him on. Everything begins with faith, but that faith has to be an active and obedient faith.  “Without faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is rewarder of them that diligently seeks him.” Hebrews 11:6
That faith is produced by hearing God’s word: “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God”.  Romans 10:17
Faith produces works of obedience:  “Even so faith if it has not works is dead being alone”.  James 2:17
“Was not our father Abraham justified by works when he had offered Isaac upon the alter?  See how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect”.   James 2:21, 22
When Peter preached that great sermon on the day of Pentecost, many were reminded about everything that Jesus was and is and the sins they had committed in crucifying Jesus. The evidence that Peter presented produced faith in Jesus and it also produced guilt that brought about repentance: Note: Act 2: 37, 38  “And when they heard this they were pricked (convicted) in the heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles: “Men and brethren what shall we do?” then Peter said unto them “Repent and be Baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit”.  Still further, that same day: “And they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there was added unto them about three thousand souls”.  Acts 2:41  “They continued with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people and the lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved”.  Acts 2: 46, 47  The ones Jesus added was the saved, Acts 2:47, the saved were those that obeyed the gospel and were baptized for the remission of sins.  Acts 2:38
To give praise to God when wearing his name one must be in Christ. Some clear scriptures that explain being in Christ are: “Know ye not that so many of you who were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death.”  Romans 6:3  “For as many of you as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.  Galatians 3:27 “Buried with him in Baptism wherein ye are risen with him through faith of the operation of God who has raised him from the dead”.  Colossians 2:12  That New Man in Christ is a new creation so that the Old Man is dead. See, II Corinthians 5:17
For an in-depth study of the new life, see Romans 6:4-23, these verses detail the new life that started through baptism into Jesus. Baptism puts you into Christ, baptism saves.
I Peter 3:21  Baptism adds you to the lord’s church – Acts 2:47
Baptism puts you into the Body of Christ – I Corinthians 12:13
The body is the Church – Col. 1:18
The church is his body – Eph 1:22, 23
There is one body – Ephesians 4:4
All spiritual blessing are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
So to be pleasing to God and to be saved is to be baptized and be added to his church.  Jesus himself said “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (the whole creation) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved – he that believeth not shall be condemned”  Mark 16:16
In addition to Mark 16:16, Jesus told the apostles, “Go ye therefore and teach (make disciples) of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit”  –
Mathew 28: 19, 20   If Jesus says it, surely you would not want to argue against Jesus, be aware of the penalty placed upon false doctrine on this subject.
The apostle Paul said “I marvel that you are so soon remove from him that called you unto the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ”, “But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let               him be accursed”. “As we said before: so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which ye received let him be accursed”.  Galatians 1:6-9
Cliff  Chandler

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1. Who gave Steven permission to speak? 7:1
2.  Why did Steven address his audience as “brethren?” 7:2
3.  Outline Stevens sermon and Acts 7.
4.  Whom did Steven address as “fathers?” 7:2; 22:1
5.  What does the word patriarch mean? Who were the 12 patriarchs? 7:2
6.  What caused the patriarchs to call Joseph? 7:9
7.  How good an education did Moses have? 7:22
8.  What does “visits” mean in 7:23; in 15:36; and in James 1:27
9.  What does “church” mean in 7:38? What was the “church in the wilderness?”
10. At the conclusion for his sermon, name five charges which Steven leveled against the Jews. 7:51 – 53
11. What does it mean “to resist the Holy Spirit?” 7:51
12. Do people do this today? How? What did Stephen see in heaven? 7:55f
13. Discuss the stoning of Stephen. 7:57 – 59
14. What was Stephen’s attitude through it all? 7:60

1. As members of the body of which Christ is Head – Eph 1:22f; Eph 4:4; i Cor. 12; Col 1:18
2. As children in the house of family of God — I Tim 3:15
3. As sheep of which Christ is Shepherd – I Pet 5:4; I Pet 3:25.
4. As priest under Christ the high Priest – Heb 9:11; Heb 3:1; I Pet 2:5-9; Rev. 1:6
5. As branches grafted into Christ, the One true Vine — Jn. 15:1-6; Rom 11:15-24
6. As subjects in the kingdom of which Christ is King.–Jn. 18:36f; Rev 17:14
7. As the bride of which Christ is Bridegroom –Eph 5:22-23
8. As the house or temple of which Christ is the Foundation –I Cor 3:11-9
9. As members of the body of which Christ is Saviour – Eph 5:23; Acts 2:47
10. We can pray to the Father and know He hears Mt. 6:14; Lk 11:5-13 ;Lk18:1-8
11. As heirs of salvation or eternal life – Rom 8:14-17; Tit 1:2; Rom 8:25
12. All the things of Mt 6:33 will be added to you.

Responsibilities of Christians

1. As saints-to remain set apart – Rom 1:7; Rom 12:1-2
2. As supporters of the truth – I Tim 3:15
3. As branches – to bear fruit – Jn. 15:1-6
4. As the bride – to keep ourselves pure; to be true to the Bridegroom – Rev. 19:6-9
5. As subjects in the kingdom –  to serve the King- Jn 18:36f
6. As in the church – to stay called out of the world of sin to serve Christ – Rom 12:1-2; I Jn 2:15-17; 2 Thes 2:13-14
7. To glorify Christ in the church- Eph 3:2-12
8. To be united- follow Christ- I Cor 1:10
9. To be faithful even if it costs us our lives, and until we die – Rev 2:10

QUESTIONS:

1. Discuss any other responsibilities that Christians have which are not specifically mention in the above list.
2. Realizing the importance of our duty to God, how careful should we be not to overlook any?
3. What is the whole duty of man? Eccl. 12:13
4. When men are not accepting their obligation as to why they are in the world (to glorify God- Eccl 12:13), is there any reason for them to exist?
5. What would be the meaning of life without glorifying God?
6. Discuss how this lesson helps to give meaning to worship!

Reference:  “The Church – The Greatest Work of God.”, David Bonner, 1971, pp 70-71.