Empowering Global Mission Through Fasting and Unity
Summary
In our gathering today, we celebrated the incredible work God is doing globally, particularly through our partnership in Athens, Greece. This journey began eight years ago during the Syrian refugee crisis when we met a Syrian refugee who had recently converted to Christianity. His transformation and dedication to serving fellow refugees in Athens have been nothing short of miraculous. Over the years, he has led many to Christ, and now, with our support, he has been ordained as a pastor to shepherd a new church composed of former Muslims who have embraced Jesus. This church is a testament to the power of God’s love and the unity of believers from diverse backgrounds, as seen in the ordination service where worship was conducted in Greek, English, and Arabic.
Our mission is not just about establishing a church but about empowering it to multiply. The transient nature of refugee life means that many members will move on, taking the gospel with them and planting new churches. This is a call for us to continue supporting this mission, not just financially but through active participation. We are inviting members of our congregation to join us in Athens, to witness and contribute to this movement firsthand.
As we conclude our "Abide" series, we are reminded of the importance of fasting and prayer in deepening our relationship with Jesus. Fasting is not merely a health trend but a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God by emptying ourselves of worldly distractions and idols. It is a practice expected by Jesus, as seen in Matthew 6, where He says, "when you fast," implying that fasting is a natural part of a believer's life. Fasting is challenging because it confronts our comfort and self-reliance, but it is through this discipline that we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and experience a deeper intimacy with God.
As we embark on a week of fasting and prayer, let us do so with the expectation that God will move powerfully in our lives and through our church. This is an opportunity to recalibrate our desires towards God, to seek His will earnestly, and to prepare ourselves for the work He has set before us. May this time of fasting and prayer not only transform us individually but also ignite a movement that advances the gospel both locally and globally.
Key Takeaways:
1. Global Mission and Unity: Our partnership in Athens, Greece, exemplifies the power of unity in Christ, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. This mission is a reminder that the gospel is for all people, and our role is to support and empower new believers to spread the message of Jesus wherever they go. [23:03]
2. The Role of Fasting: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus expects from His followers. It is a means to draw closer to God by abstaining from food to focus on prayer and scripture, allowing us to recalibrate our desires towards Him. [41:26]
3. Challenges of Fasting: Fasting is difficult because it confronts our comfort and self-reliance. It requires us to empty ourselves of pride and idols, making room for the Holy Spirit to fill us with trust and guidance. [52:43]
4. Fasting and Spiritual Warfare: Engaging in fasting is a form of spiritual warfare, as it invites resistance from the enemy. However, it is through this discipline that we can advance in our spiritual journey and gain ground for the kingdom of God. [55:15]
5. Fasting as a Catalyst for Global Change: The early church's practice of fasting and prayer led to a global movement of the gospel. Today, fasting can still facilitate significant spiritual breakthroughs and advance the gospel both in our lives and around the world. [01:19:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:00] - Introduction to Global Mission
[10:30] - The Story of Transformation in Athens
[15:45] - Ordination and Unity in Diversity
[20:00] - The Vision for Church Multiplication
[25:00] - Invitation to Join the Mission
[30:00] - Conclusion of the Abide Series
[35:00] - Understanding Fasting and Prayer
[40:00] - The Biblical Basis for Fasting
[45:00] - Challenges and Rewards of Fasting
[50:00] - Spiritual Warfare and Fasting
[55:00] - Fasting in the Early Church
[01:00:00] - Fasting as a Global Catalyst
[01:05:00] - Call to Participate in Fasting and Prayer
[01:10:00] - Closing Prayer and Response Time
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:17-18
2. John 10:10
3. Acts 13:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:17-18, what instructions does Jesus give about fasting, and what is the promised outcome for those who follow these instructions?
2. According to John 10:10, what are the contrasting purposes of Jesus and the enemy?
3. In Acts 13:1-3, what activities were the church in Antioch engaged in when the Holy Spirit spoke to them, and what was the result of their actions?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' expectation of fasting in Matthew 6:17-18 challenge the common perception of fasting as optional for believers? [41:26]
2. What does John 10:10 suggest about the spiritual battle involved in fasting, and how might this affect a believer's approach to fasting? [55:15]
3. In Acts 13:1-3, what does the church's practice of fasting and prayer reveal about their priorities and dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance? [01:14:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you incorporate fasting as a regular discipline to draw closer to God, as suggested in Matthew 6:17-18? [41:26]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the enemy is trying to steal, kill, or destroy your spiritual growth. How can fasting and prayer help you combat this influence? [55:15]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity in global missions. How can you actively support or participate in your church's mission efforts, both locally and globally? [23:03]
4. Consider the role of fasting in spiritual warfare. What steps can you take to prepare for the resistance you might face when you decide to fast? [55:15]
5. How can you use the practice of fasting to recalibrate your desires towards God and away from worldly distractions? What specific distractions do you need to address? [41:26]
6. The early church in Acts 13:1-3 demonstrated a hunger for God's guidance. How can you cultivate a similar hunger for God's direction in your personal and communal life? [01:14:22]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How might fasting and prayer have helped you during that period, and how can you apply this insight to future challenges? [01:17:33]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Unity in Diversity
The global mission in Athens, Greece, highlights the transformative power of unity in Christ, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. This mission is a vivid reminder that the gospel is for all people, and our role is to support and empower new believers to spread the message of Jesus wherever they go. The ordination of a Syrian refugee as a pastor to lead a church of former Muslims who have embraced Christianity is a testament to the power of God’s love and the unity of believers from diverse backgrounds. Worship conducted in Greek, English, and Arabic during the ordination service exemplifies this unity. [23:03]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a relationship or community in your life where cultural or linguistic differences exist. How can you actively promote unity and understanding in that context today?
Day 2: Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus expects from His followers. It is a means to draw closer to God by abstaining from food to focus on prayer and scripture, allowing us to recalibrate our desires towards Him. This practice is not merely a health trend but a profound spiritual exercise that helps believers empty themselves of worldly distractions and idols. By doing so, they open themselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and experience a deeper intimacy with God. [41:26]
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." (Joel 2:12, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one distraction or idol in your life that you can set aside this week. How can fasting help you focus more on God and less on this distraction?
Day 3: The Challenge of Fasting
Fasting is difficult because it confronts our comfort and self-reliance. It requires believers to empty themselves of pride and idols, making room for the Holy Spirit to fill them with trust and guidance. This discipline challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones and rely more on God’s strength rather than their own. Through fasting, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of His will for their lives. [52:43]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you rely too much on your own strength? How can you use fasting to invite God’s strength into that area?
Day 4: Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
Engaging in fasting is a form of spiritual warfare, as it invites resistance from the enemy. However, it is through this discipline that believers can advance in their spiritual journey and gain ground for the kingdom of God. Fasting strengthens believers’ spiritual resolve and equips them to face challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and faith. By fasting, they align themselves with God’s will and become more attuned to His voice, enabling them to stand firm against spiritual opposition. [55:15]
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a spiritual battle you are currently facing. How can fasting help you gain strength and clarity to overcome this challenge?
Day 5: Fasting as a Catalyst for Global Change
The early church's practice of fasting and prayer led to a global movement of the gospel. Today, fasting can still facilitate significant spiritual breakthroughs and advance the gospel both in our lives and around the world. By engaging in fasting, believers can experience personal transformation that extends beyond themselves, impacting their communities and the world. This practice serves as a catalyst for change, empowering believers to carry the message of Jesus to all corners of the earth. [01:19:28]
"And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them off." (Acts 13:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual routine to not only transform your life but also contribute to the global advancement of the gospel?
Quotes
"Fasting was already a part of their practice of how they drew closer to God. In fact, in the original Greek language, that word fast and fasting is nestes. And it means, and I love this definition, it means the one who is empty. The one who is empty. And while it implies physical emptiness, I'm fasting, so my stomach is empty. Like, you know, they didn't do the Daniel fast back then. They knew about the Daniel fast because they memorized the book of Daniel. But they didn't do the Daniel fast. They just went without food completely." [00:52:43] (34 seconds)
"Fasting is a regular occurrence in the New Testament church. This isn't just an Old Testament practice. A lot of people, you know, oh, Pastor Brandon, that's legalism, that's the law, la, la, la, la. But church, you need to understand fasting was a regular part of what the church did. If you read through the book of Acts, there are multiple instances of the church getting together to fast and pray. And that doesn't include all the times individuals were just fasting and praying throughout their weeks and months. But this is just when the church was fasting and praying. And so anytime we saw a great movement of God in the book of Acts, two things were always present." [01:12:28] (39 seconds)
"Fasting allows the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. See guys, there's a direct connection in this passage between fasting and prayer and being led by the Holy Spirit. While they were fasting and praying and worshiping the Lord, the Holy Spirit moved, was felt, hovered. No, the Holy Spirit said. See, that word is intentional. Luke writes that word intentionally to show us that the Holy Spirit is moving. Fasting is not going to produce a feeling inside of us. See, we're not looking to feel like we should fast or not. We're not looking for God to respond and make us feel a certain way. Nobody stood up and said that. Man, they were led by the Holy Spirit. While they were fasting, praying, and worshiping God, they had gotten rid of all their distractions. It was just them and God going, God, I want more of you. We need to hear from you. Some dude just got eaten by worms." [01:14:25] (73 seconds)
"Fasting can facilitate a global movement of God. Man, I long for that. This moment in human history we're reading about in Acts 13, I believe is not just biblically, but historically, one of the most important moments of human history. Like, it's written about not just in the Bible, but in history books around the world. You know why? Because before this moment, there was no organized effort to spread the gospel. There was none. But in this moment, because the church was fasting, praying, and worshiping, they got on their face. The Holy Spirit said, send these guys out and go share the gospel, make disciples, and start more churches. And because of that, there were churches started everywhere. Disciples, being made. Like, you need to understand, before Acts 13, most of the New Testament had never even been written. There was no 1 Corinthians. There was no 2 Thessalonians. There was no book of Titus or 1 Timothy. Like, these books didn't even exist because the church hadn't spread yet. The gospel hadn't been on the move. And you know what this verse we read today led to? It has led to, right now, a church planting and a disciple -making movement that has utterly changed the world." [01:19:28] (83 seconds)
"Because here's what I believe. If you will participate, not just this week, but make fasting an ongoing practice in your life, I believe that you will see that prayer and fasting advances the gospel. And it does it in two ways. Praying and fasting advances the gospel, both in my life and in the world. See, when I pray and fast, the good news about Jesus starts soaking into all the cracks in my heart. All the brokenness I've got in my life, the frustration, the anxiety, the depression, the worries, the I don't know what to do about this. When I fast and pray, man, God just starts putting his truth and his gospel all into my life. Start saying, Brandon, I'm alive. I rose from the dead. You're following me, man. What are you afraid for? I've conquered hell. And you're worried about traffic?" [01:22:05] (63 seconds)
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