We had an interesting discussion last night, in our mid-week tune-up, regarding the church in Antioch and the activities recorded in the first few verses of Acts 13.
In the church at Antioch there were these prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (also called Niger), Lucius (from the city of Cyrene), Manaen (who had grown up with Herod, the ruler), and Saul. They were all worshiping the Lord and giving up eating for a certain time. During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen them.” So after they gave up eating and prayed, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out. (Acts 13:1-3 NCV)
While our discussion focused on many things, we spent a considerable amount of time talking about fasting.
Specifically we talked about the way in which the contemporary church and contemporary Christians do not have a regular habit or discipline of fasting. Why is that?
What are your thoughts on the subject of fasting? What experiences have you had (positive or negative) with fasting?
From your perspective, have we neglected this discipline, and if so, why?
