UNTIL HE RETURNSHow to live when the Bridegroom is taken

MARK 2:18-22 NOW JOHN’S DISCIPLES AND THE PHARISEES WERE FASTING. SOME PEOPLE CAME AND ASKED JESUS, “HOW IS IT THAT JOHN’S DISCIPLES AND THE DISCIPLES OF THE PHARISEES ARE FASTING, BUT YOURS ARE NOT?”19 JESUS ANSWERED, “HOW CAN THE GUESTS OF THE BRIDEGROOM FAST WHILE HE IS WITH THEM? THEY CANNOT, SO LONG AS THEY HAVE HIM WITH THEM. 20 BUT THE TIME WILL COME WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM WILL BE TAKEN FROM THEM, AND ON THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST.

MATTHEW 6:16-18 16 “WHEN YOU FAST, DO NOT LOOK SOMBER AS THE HYPOCRITES DO, FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES TO SHOW OTHERS THEY ARE FASTING. TRULY I TELL YOU, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD IN FULL. 17 BUT WHEN YOU FAST, PUT OIL ON YOUR HEAD AND WASH YOUR FACE, 18 SO THAT IT WILL NOT BE OBVIOUS TO OTHERS THAT YOU ARE FASTING, BUT ONLY TO YOUR FATHER, WHO IS UNSEEN; AND YOUR FATHER, WHO SEES WHAT IS DONE IN SECRET, WILL REWARD YOU.

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

Fasting:Primarily, the act of willing abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

WHY FAST??• To avert crisis

(Joel 1:14, 2:15)• For corporate

revival (Josiah)• Release of more

power of God (Mark 9:29)

• Fast of mourning (David’s baby)

• Preparation for ministry (Jesus’ 40 days)

• Because we love Jesus and want Him (Mark 2:18-19)

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

TYPES OF FASTS• Food• Media• Silence• Sleep

Complete Fast (no food)

Absolute fast (by divine direction)

Extended fast

Lifestyle

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

PRACTICALS OF FASTING• Plan for it

• DO less

• Keep a Journal

• Practice

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

Matthew 6: 4,6,18

“your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY? It’s unbelief

if we DON’T expect and receive the rewards that He promises!

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY? It’s unbelief

if we DON’T expect and receive the rewards that He promises!

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God• Our desires

change

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God• Our desires

change• It changes our

perspective

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God• Our desires

change• It changes our

perspective• Releases a spirit

of revelation on our minds

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God• Our desires

change• It changes our

perspective• Releases a spirit

of revelation on our minds

• Strengthens our identity in God

WHAT HAPPENED IN NOAH’S DAY?

The REWARDS of FASTING• Sensitizes us

toward God• Our desires

change• It changes our

perspective• Releases a spirit of

revelation on our minds

• Strengthens our identity in God

• Equips our bodies to experience God

“THE DAY WILL COME WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM IS TAKEN FROM THEM, AND IN THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST.”Mark 2:20