Untitled Sermon (3)

Preparing To Fast

PREPARE FOR THE FAST--Part 1 -- We are clearly warned that “in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1-5), and those days will come “suddenly” (Deuteronomy 28:20; Isaiah 29:5; 30:13; Jeremiah 6:26). We are also warned that Jesus Christ will return unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians :2-3) or else all flesh will perish (Matthew 24-2-22). Jesus said His disciples need to “watch” and “be ready” (Matthew 24:42-44), but He also warned that many will not be ready for His return (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:1-10) because they have become distracted by trials and the “cares of this world” (Matthew 13:18-23). Numerous scriptures warn that we must come out of this world that is hurtling down the road to destruction (Acts 2:40; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 18:4). A major reason for the Fast for us--as a Church and as individuals--is to draw closer to God (Isaiah 55:6; James 4:8). Take time to pray and meditate.

PREPARE FOR THE FAST--Part 2: The Bible reveals there is a Judgment coming and that Jesus Christ will judge the world when He returns (1Chronicles 16:33; 2 Timothy 4:1). That judgment will especially severe on the Israelite nations, which have “forsaken” God and no longer have a “fear” of God as they “do their own thing” (Jeremiah 2:11-19; Judges 21:25;) They will lose their blessings because they followed misquided leaders who urged them to disobey and despise god’s laws (Leviticus 16:14-17) and to view god’s word--the Bible--as a strange (Hosea 8:12). The rejection of God and His word has spawned the moral decline, hatred, violence, corruption, and promotion of behaviors like homosexuality and transgender-ism that God calls abominations (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32;) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). However, God reveals what He is looking for in those who will be spared teh coming judgment:people who obey His commandments and who are humble and teachable and tremble a His word: (Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Isaiah 66:2). Another reason for the coming Fast is to reddouble our efforts to develop and show these fruits in our lives. On these scriptures as we prepare for the coming Fast.

PREPARE FOR THE FAST--Part 3 -- The growth of teh earl Church was drive, in part, by men filled with the Holy Spirit, like Peter (Acts 2:1-4. Stephen and Philip (Acts 6:3-8; 8:5-8 ). and Paul (Acts 13:1-12; 19:1-6). The Scripture also reveal that God will pur out His Spirit abundantly in the last days (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2: 17-18). To that end, the Apostle Paul urged Christians to “stir up” the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is a power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-7).