Could you Imagine Fasting for 40 Days? #Fasting #Practice #God

The Purpose and Power of Fasting
A short clip from this week's Sermon. Interested in watching more? You can find the full video on our channel!

Pastor Kyle Cunningham begins the sermon by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and noting that this time of year is hopeful for Christians because it allows us to practice spiritual feasting. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have opportunities for extra community, celebrations, and feasting which helps prepare our hearts to receive the gift of Jesus. However, after the Christmas season many feel "feast-ed out" and ready for what comes next.
Cunningham suggests that while feasting is an important spiritual practice, fasting is equally important yet almost totally neglected in Western Christianity. Fasting was practiced by Old Testament figures, Jesus, the apostles, and the early church. Cunningham clarifies that fasting is different than abstinence or restricted diets - it is denying ourselves food for a period of time to focus more completely on God.
Looking at Jesus's life, he began his ministry with a 40 day fast which helped him resist Satan's temptations. When questioned why his disciples did not fast, Jesus affirmed the practice of fasting and assumed his followers would fast after his death. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught on fasting, warning against fasting for show while assuming his disciples would fast.
Since fasting is not commanded in Scripture, Cunningham proposes it as an invitation to follow Jesus' example more closely. Fasting helps connect us with our need for God, just as hunger for food reminds us of our physical dependence. It also connects our body, mind and spirit, allowing bodily appetites to point us toward spiritual needs. Fasting can be a regular spiritual rhythm but also a response to specific circumstances. Ultimately, we are invited to fast as disciples seeking to emulate Christ.
Cunningham gives some practical advice for those new to fasting. Start small - don't attempt a 40 day fast at first. Eliminate one meal a week and use that time for prayer and reading. Work up to a one day sunup to sundown fast. Consider a multi-day fast for a specific purpose, but consult a doctor and be wise. The goal is to take a step into this practice and see what God might do.
Over the next three weeks, the church will provide resources to guide congregants in trying fasting themselves, including a written guide and weekly digital content. Cunningham's hope is that through this experience, people will find rewards like connecting with Jesus, gaining insights from the Spirit, and spending focused time with God. The invitation is to join in this exercise of spiritual discipline to follow Jesus' example as we begin the new year.