Message: “Fasting for Repentance” from Rev. Ken Green

“Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate.” The words of Joel the Prophet get to the heart of repentance. Would that we were able simply to “fast from sin”—and yet our flesh rebels. God’s call through the prophet yet rings true—God is calling us, inviting us, urging us; He turns our feet so that we return to our spiritual home, that place where the mystery of faith is proclaimed: Christ has died; Christ is Risen; Christ will come again. If we take God’s Word seriously, there is an urgency to repentance. A part of that urgency is that because Christ has finished His work, God desires to gather us and set us apart as His own. How might you put words to the longing God has planted in your heart, the longing to be at home in His presence?

Scripture References: Joel 2:1-2

More Messages from Ken Green

From Series: "Fasting in Faith"

Fasting is a willing abstinence from an activity, most often referring to a reduction in or avoidance of food for a spiritual purpose. Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness was a notable event at the beginning of His Ministry. As a common practice throughout the Bible, fasting was often seen as a humbling act of commitment or repentance to be combined with prayer. In our day, fasting has become a favored spiritual discipline for a wide variety of people who believe this effort can help eliminate earthly distractions as they seek to draw nearer to God. But what can we do as sinful human beings to draw near to God-God is already with us- Jesus has redeemed us through the cross and empty tomb! These Wednesdays in Lent, we explore this theme of "fasting" to highlight our complete dependence and reliance upon God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Moreover, we focus on the Word of God for Nourishment as the Scriptures guide us to examine circumstances and instructions related to fasting, food, and self-denial.