WHAT IS FASTING?

Biblical fasting is partial or total abstinence from the natural carnal desires for the purpose of
dedicating your time to the spiritual growth of your "inner man" and the sharpening of your spiritual
senses for spiritual warfare. It may be abstinence from: a. food (Luke 4:2), b. food and water (Esther),
C. food and sex (I Cor. 7:5). In most cases in the Bible fasting is referring to total abstinence from food
and we will limit ourselves here to this definition. Water is not food, and unless specifically stated in
the Bible, was always taken in abundance during the fast. Any nourishment taken in food or drink
during a fast, breaks the fast and therefore should not be called a fast, but rather a diet. Under no
conditions should, coffee, tea, chewing gum or any other stimulant be taken during a fast.

WHY FAST?

1. To minister unto the Lord (Acts 13:2, 3).

2. To increase your faith (Matt. 17:19-21). "And nothing shall be impossible unto you." During the
fast some people have visions of heaven and glory and angels and it greatly increases their faith. "I
will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth" (Isaiah 58: 14).

 Fasting brings heart-faith to believe in the Words and promises of Jesus. Most Christians
believe sincerely with their minds, but there is a heart-faith that brings miracles. (Mark
11:23, 24) “. . . and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe those things which he saith
shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.” The closer you draw in prayer to
Jesus, the more you will be able to believe and receive. The Word is nigh thee, even in thy
mouth, and in thy heart: that is the Word of faith (Romans 10:8). For with the heart man
believeth (Rom. 10:10). To him who believes all Things are possible. (Mark 9:23). If you have
faith, nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20).
 To have-faith to pray for the sick, to lay hands on them and see them healed, delivered of
demon oppression. Faith to see Your husband saved or your rebellious wife brought to Jesus.
Faith to see your broken home reunited. Faith to see any mountain moved.
 Fasting will bring you faith to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to stay filled with the Holy
Spirit. So that He, The Holy Spirit may live His life in you and through you.

3. To give yourselves to prayer (I Cor. 7:5 )