Can You Get Closer to God By Fasting?

[Kenny'sID]

Was it paganism when Jesus did it?

Nope.

Not sure why that post by Brian...it's a if he was jealous, but still trying to make sense of it.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Nope.

Not sure why that post by Brian...it's a if he was jealous, but still trying to make sense of it.

I'm jealousy for the gospel. That's all.

The bargaining with god in the first paragraph of his story is not gospel Christianity. It's the antithesis of of. It might take a bit of discernment to see the problems in the story, so I'm sure that many people read "God" or "Jesus", and then proceed to read on without a discerning eye.

 

[Optimax]

Is it true that if you really want to get close to God you must fast? Does fasting somehow bring you closer to God?

No, fasting does not bring you closer to God.

The only thing that fasting does, which is good, is to help put the impulses of the body under and pay more attention to those things that are of the spirit.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I'm jealousy for the gospel. That's all.

The bargaining with god in the first paragraph of his story is not gospel Christianity. It's the antithesis of of. It might take a bit of discernment to see the problems in the story, but I'm sure that many people read "God" or "Jesus", and then proceed to read on without a discerning eye.

Lucky for you a post was made after yours you could latch on to.

God does not bargain about His Spiritual gifts. They manifest according to His will. You have been cavorting with a seducing spirit that appears to be quite legalistic.

Not something that ever really crossed my mind but I don't see how anyone can say for certain what God bargains with, or with whom.

As to Dana's post, I can't say for certain what happened there, but I also see no reason not believe him or that his experience wasn't on the up n up. But Pagan? Cavorting with seducing spirits? I suppose it's possible only because I don't see why anyone would make that accusation without good reason and something solid to back it with, but I'd have to see some evidence to be sure.

 

[FireDragon76]

Sure, if you have the right mindset. And, in a world where a billion people have too little to eat, it helps you get in touch with what is really important in life.

 

[Dana Fitzpatrick]

I'm jealousy for the gospel. That's all.

The bargaining with god in the first paragraph of his story is not gospel Christianity. It's the antithesis of of. It might take a bit of discernment to see the problems in the story, so I'm sure that many people read "God" or "Jesus", and then proceed to read on without a discerning eye.

Discernment is absolutely crucial. As Matthew said in Chapter 7:

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

So let's have a brief glance at my fruits:

1) I began before my fast with what I thought was a bargain with God that ended up as a revelation of truth as to what is important (love for all others) as opposed to what I wanted (to see demons, which turns out is something very unpleasant that I, in fact, do not want).
2) What began as a pagan tradition (and how many of us can truthfully state that every petition we've ever presented before the Almighty contained no elements of impurity or unholiness?) ended in an elimination of all of my false pagan gods (television, movies, novels, secular entertainment, alcohol, material concern, fornication, etc. )
3) Whereas before my fast I likely would have responded to you in anger, defensiveness, or sarcasm I am now driven by a Spirit of kindness, love, and concern.

I would also like to point out again, that Christ said not IF but WHEN you fast. He also said that after the bridegroom departs His disciples WILL fast. So if by "bringing you closer to God" you mean "in compliance with His direction" then the answer to your original inquiry is yes.

I again thank all for your graceful discussion!

 

[Kersh]

I'm jealousy for the gospel. That's all.

The bargaining with god in the first paragraph of his story is not gospel Christianity. It's the antithesis of of. It might take a bit of discernment to see the problems in the story, so I'm sure that many people read "God" or "Jesus", and then proceed to read on without a discerning eye.

Actually, when I go back a reread the post, I find that I tend to agree with you.

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