John MacArthur Fasting Question

[@paulforjesus2788]

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for Giving this good pastor.

[@sundelong2727]

“ We might justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law ; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16 Pastor John’s teaching regarding fasting is biblical and I am grateful for his faithfulness towards the Word .

[@PaTudie]

That was the most beautiful story of fasting that I have EVER heard and answered so many questions I had. Thatnk you soooooo much.

[@promeesings6563]

My favorite preacher of all time!!! 😁 He sticks to the Scriptures and teaches only what's written and doesn't add any unnecessary human opinion to the Scriptures!!! Fast and pray when there is a crisis in your life period. But it doesn't make you more spiritual than others😂

[@theTavis01]

What about fasting as a means to crucify the flesh? You really think that crucifying the flesh does not deepen your life in the Spirit? JMac tells us that it is only for when we are upset, but your flesh is strongest when you are basking in hedonistic indulgence.

[@slawrence999]

@@theTavis01 There may be value to fasting as a form of self-denial or self-discipline. But for those struggling with hedonistic indulgence, repentance is called for, not fasting.

[@theTavis01]

@@slawrence999 Fasting done correctly helps you deepen your repentance. Fasting subjugates the flesh and allows us to step deeper into the spirit. Fasting reminds us that we are not living for this world, but the world to come. As yes, denying your flesh is highly effective in disciplining the flesh, which is what is needed for someone indulging their flesh.

[@Daisy.florina]

welll said and so true . you stated ''pray when there is a crisis in your life period.''it is exactly what I need , I am new to fasting, and don't know much, but I am fasting for a breaktrough searching the bIble and you tube but clear and direct.

[@jamesmccall6067]

From what I got from it was that if fasting is not a result from time in prayer then you might as well go eat because all you are doing is just dieting and focusing on self and how spiritual you are. I agree with John Macarthur

[@glennfeltman9212]

Jesus said when he is no longer with the bride ( his disciples) then they will fast. so yes we should fast at times .

[@randomperson-gp8ph]

Early church fasted.

[@cynthiaperras867]

Yes. It helps crucify the flesh, strengthen the Spirit, let go of this lustful world.

[@slawrence999]

Keep in mind that this is a church Q&A probably on a Sunday night, not a prepared sermon.

[@antoniocurryoldchannel9747]

All of this makes so much Sense

[@tammypitts4212]

Thank you for this. I was confused now I understand. God bless

[@mickeytollison]

I think his explanation is absolutely correct.

[@donnaturner5389]

Thanks for Pator John !

[@datchet11]

Jesus did say to the disciples about a demon possessed person that this kind only comes out with prayer and fasting.

[@cynthiaperras867]

Yes Bless you in Jesus’ Name. I was so surprised that did not jump to mind for him. Very serious, since we are all still always facing battle with demonic spirits. Now at the end of the age more than ever...

[@blueemu9725]

@@cynthiaperras867 I think john gave a good explanation in the beginning part of his response. "Prayer is commanded from believers. Fasting was not. "

[@andremeco8035]

Mark 9:29 “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer [and fasting].” The "and fast" part was not in the older manuscripts, it was added later.

[@theTavis01]

@@andremeco8035 It's in both the King James and the Douay Rheims, which were the first two authoritative translations into English, and were pretty much the only two English translations for all Catholics and Protestants for hundreds of years. You are saying we cannot trust them? Not every manuscript is a trustworthy copy, so the age of a manuscript is not a measure of its fidelity. How do you know the author of the manuscript did not simply miss that part?

[@krisiesneed]

He was saying “this kind” meaning this kind of unbelief not demon. They needed to have more faith.

[@theTavis01]

"Fasting needs to be associated with times of prayer" -- J Mac "Pray without ceasing" -- the Bible so I really don't know why people think fasting should not be a regular part of their Christian life. Oh yeah, I know. It's because their flesh hates the idea. That's why.

[@ryrocks9487]

Yeah. I wonder why all the ancient churches taught that? Oh maybe bc it was an Apostolic mandate.

[@tmunufe3965]

1 question- we are given the example in acts 14v23 that in the appointment of elders they committed them to the Lord with fasting and praying also. So maybe not just in sadness but in serious decisions as well perhaps?

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Fasting goes out the window when other translations dropped it. It was implied that we were already fasting.

[@jordanjtbraun]

One would think that if you are going to address Christian fasting, that you would at least bring up the one time it was mentioned where Jesus fasted. This response seems a little empty of substance to me. There is much more to be said of fasting, I would think.

[@randomperson-gp8ph]

Interesting the writings of the early church have a very different understanding about fasting then this 21 century pastor. Maybe it would be good to listen to the peope who were taught by the apostles and their successors.

[@dot2562]

It is Jesus speaking and he says, When you fast... Not if you fast.

[@jkagnatha4559]

so? when you travel, take a vomit pill. how does that mean i have to travel?

[@theTavis01]

@@jkagnatha4559 sounds like someone is still serving their flesh!

[@Yeshuahamashiach300]

Psalm 61

[@Yeshuahamashiach300]

John 4 jeremiah 3:15 2 timothy 3:16 heb 4:12-16 genesis 18

[@ef377]

Respectfully disagree with JMs comments about fasting. He totally misses the mark going off in different directions without actually dealing with the topic. There many reasons to fast. For greater personal holiness is one. Another is perhaps the situation at work where you are surrounded by unbelievers or the profane and you need power and wisdom beyond your ability. Isaiah 58 promises literally come true if God sees your motives and heart surrendered to him.For a real exposition on Holy Spirit empowerment, surrender, enabling presence of the Holy Spirit I recommend the sermons on KZbin by Martyn Lloyd Jones. They have great depth and understanding which John Mc Arthur is seriously lacking.

[@domeretaylor4437]

I love Dr. Macarthur. But I somewhat disagree. I believe there is some spiritual virtue in fasting because there is spiritual virtue in denying the flesh and resisting temptation. So long as it's done in faith. Not to mention the health implications and stewardship of the temple of God. He is giving teaching from his experience and understanding which I appreciate. But I do think that fasting should be a regular part of a Christians spiritual life, at least in some seasons. But great commentary. God bless the questioner and Pastor MacArthur.

[@Yeshuahamashiach300]

2t

[@whereisyourfaith1454]

Jesus said "when you give, when you pray, when you fast" not "if". All three are expected. I'd say that's a commandment. Good old Mac does it again (lies like a rug). Like when he said "laying up treasures in heaven" means giving money to the "church". (his) for which you will be rewarded, he says. Right, Mac.

[@SlaveofChrist1]

When is not a command. Expectation is not commanding. It’s expected because of something that’s already taking place. Commandments are dos or donts. Command are demands by authority. Also, you’re attacking other believers based upon nothing so if anyone is not obeying commands here it’s you. And not to mention, lie like a rug? That doesn’t make sense. Come on man. Let it go

[@m0x910]

Satan is also known as “the accuser”. Jesus mentioned taking the plank out of our own eye before attempting to take a splinter out of a brother’s eye. God is the only one with the right to judge as He alone sees the intent of our hearts. We are dust, mortal. Let us not do the devils work and accuse brethren. Let us not condemn our brethren for their errors (actual or presumed) when we know our sins are many also. If you claim to know what someone “means” to say by virtue of reading their mind, you are claiming to be God, last I checked mind reading is not one of the spiritual gifts. Jesus is the only one in scripture who could do this because He is God. The same grace and mercy God extends to us is what we should try extending to others, brethren or not. God Bless brother.

[@whereisyourfaith1454]

@@m0x910 Paul called out by name false preachers and even his own fellow apostles when he felt they were not being true to the Word of God. But I guess you know better than the apostle Paul.

[@m0x910]

Where Is Your Faith? ~ luke 8:25 Nothing wrong with calling out people who are not preaching the gospel, or preaching a false gospel. I don’t see anything about a false or wrong gospel in the allegations you made against MacArthur.

[@judylloyd7901]

@@whereisyourfaith1454 You are not calling out a false teacher. You are just judging John MacArthur about an issue where you don't agree with him. Come on! Every preacher is going to say things that someone else will disagree with. That doesn't make the preacher a false teacher. That just makes him a fallible human being. As are you. And, when Jesus used the words "when you fast," perhaps there was an implication that His disciples would fast, maybe even an expectation that they would, but there is no express command to fast as there is for us to love one another, to watch and pray, to be on guard against the devil, to rejoice always, and others. Don't be a religious legalist, holding people to a standard which God Himself has not laid down.

[@NPC-et9ik]

I only do things that I'm commanded to do by Jesus. Nothing else. That's why I don't shave. I like how he just adds into the bible "Joy" with not fasting.

[@Everythingreview1]

Jesus christ fasted and prayed he told the disciples fast and pray . Anybody that goes to the old testament to justify their own opinions is already lost cause no one can go to the Father without Jesus Christ . If not don't call yourself a Christian , call yourself something else . This world is full of demons with whom our battles are day and night , and some of this demons only come out with fast and prayers . If you want to win all your battles fast and pray . People are spiritually weak because of modern Christianism. The Spirit world thats no change because of the times.

[@vincentmarro1396]

Completely wrong

[@jkagnatha4559]

sure, so what is fasting?

[@thegospelofjesuschrist1898]

What is your own opinion For the fact that you are not God you cannot just conclude something without any proof

[@ryrocks9487]

@@thegospelofjesuschrist1898 say that to John

[@mickeytollison]

@@ryrocks9487 I feel sure he would. This isn't a fight but a discussion.

[@earlyates2350]

I pray for absolutely every person who listens to this hypocritical guy. He obviously is schooled in evangelism and Protestant beliefs. Things that fall short from a lot of graceful positions. Reason being, Martin Luther was right for his objections to the Catholic Church. But so many key practices and beliefs that were in the church were thrown away along with everything catholic. Sort of like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. You're missing so much if you find this guy a complete pastor. God bless you all!

[@bch5513]

Could you please cite hypocritical examples?

[@earlyates2350]

@@bch5513 1st off Brian, saying that fasting is not necessary is insanity. It's a practice that has been long established by the original church. He completely disregards all the lessons taught by the church fathers who lived by the Nicene Creed. He also would have all his followers believe that faith alone is enough to receive salvation. Yet no one receive salvation within the land of the living. For none of us are completely righteous. This is why we Christians are judged by faith and works. Which he doesn't believe. But it's through our works that we display our faith. Not by simply confessing our belief in Christ. Every demon that stalks our souls believe in the existence of Christ! He doesn't profess from the instructions of The Ecumenical Councils that were established by Saints of the church. Who are rarely spoken about in his preachings. These were the souls who defended Christianity from early heresies and even became Martyrs for their beliefs and faith. Read about the early church Brian My Brotha. You owe it to Your Soul to know the true expectations of our Lord. Not the confessions and teachings of Man. GOD Bless You

[@tshegopelekekae7129]

@@earlyates2350 Guard against hearing what you want to hear so that you criticize. Check your heart, revisit what he says- studying the bible with him in humility and see if he preaches lies. In this context,he didn't say fasting is not necessary, he said we shouldn't be legalistic towards it. Don't let a dislike of man, or lack of understanding,or pride hinder your progress in the Word. Be blessed.

[@Twenty_jewan22]

@@earlyates2350 I pray that you please read how we are saved and are given salvation when it comes to faith and works, I believe you may be a bit confused but I don’t know what you know…unless we talked it out, but I pray for us all that we all seek the One True God in the Bible, and when we do truthfully, we will get our answers, we will get things revealed to us like never before…God Bless You Earl…

[@earlyates2350]

@@Twenty_jewan22 GOD Bless You Brother Juan