THF SUNDAY SERMON
27th of October, 2024
SERMON
SERMON TITLE: Why You Need to Fast
SERMON TEXT: Luke 4: 13-14
PREACHER: Reverend Ebenezer Olawuyi
MESSAGE
Content: You know what? I want you to leave your seat this morning and go to seven people and say: The only way you can be happy is to trust in the Lord. Prayer. Greetings. Great is thy faithfulness… You are not alone. God cares for you. He said: Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. This morning, as we enter into a season by next week Tuesday. There are always seasons. You know we are at the need of rainy season. And you know the rainy season usually comes sharply to an end in Ilorin, then we will enter into the harmattan season. And in every season, God always do a remarkable thing to mark each season. Now we are entering into a new season as a church, and those who are spiritually inclined will know that something new is about to happen. Decree of the hand of the Lord in your lives. Now, we are going to a new season with fasting and prayer for 40 days. Luke 4: 13-14. Now we are going to fasting season. We are preparing for the fasting. So, briefly this morning: Why you need to fast. Number One: We are following Jesus as our Lord. He is the author of our faith. He is our manual. He is our example. If you are following him; he is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our pace setter. He is our all. Acts 10: 22. As they began to minister to the Lord, with fasting, the heavens suddenly open… They were singing, worshipping the Lord, and fasting. Number Two: It’s a tool, to minister to the Lord. Number three: It’s a tool of repentance. James 4: 8. One of the ways to know that you are really broken. Fasting is one the ways to know that you are really broken. Number four: Fasting helps you to concentrate. Fasting is a tool of prayer. It helps you to concentrate on him. Number five: It’s a tool of spiritual awakening. Anytime you fast; it brings you awake. When you start to fast; most of the things that usually makes you laugh will no longer be amusing to you anymore. Fasting makes you sober and more concentrated. II Corinthians 4: 17-18. Go back to verse 15. Okay. Now, go to verse 16. Everybody let’s read it together… We may look weak outside, but inside; we are fired. I tell you: when you fast for a long time: You will feel the difference inside of you. Your inward man is awakened and fired. That is why whenever you are fasting; you will have more open heavens. When you fast and you have a dream; pay attention to that dream. Don’t joke with that dream. Fasting is a tool of spiritual awakening and sensitivity. Number Six: It’s a tool of spiritual warfare. Isaiah 58: 6. There are some things…some afflictions that will not go except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17: 23. There are some stubborn issues you need to deal with through fasting. Lastly, it’s a tool for the renewal of your health. Daniel 1: 12. Daniel took vegetables and, after ten days, the scripture says that Daniel was healthier, stronger, and more intelligent than others that has been eating sumptuous foods. Several scientific studies have shown that intermittent fasting helps you live longer. Your body also needs intermittent rest. Your organs need to rest. The only organ that can rest is your heart. A healthier organ makes a healthy man. The reason why the dead sea is called the dead sea is that nothing survives in the dead sea, because it keeps receiving, but not give out. Detoxify your body through fasting! Fasting is good for your health. It rejuvenates your health. You will come back anew. Friends, aside the spiritual benefit, fasting is good for your health. Isaiah 58: 7-8. He said: Then, your life will break forth like a light in the morning… There are those who may, however, needs to seek counsel for some health issues anyway, before they embark on fasting. Generally, fasting rejuvenate your health. If you can follow this simple instruction; you will come back after 40 days to testify to the glory of God. So, I encourage you – Don’t miss this opportunity. The three cords chain is not easily broken. The three cords are: Prayer, fasting, and communion. These three cords cannot be broken. Let’s go through the seven things why you need to fast again: Number One: Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith also fasts; Number Two: It’s a tool to minister to the Lord; Number Three: It’s a tool of repentance; Number Four: Fasting is a tool of prayer – It helps you concentrate on prayer; Number Five: Fasting is a tool of spiritual awakening; Number Six: Fasting is a tool of spiritual warfare; Finally: Fasting helps renew your health.
Rise up on your feet and let’s pray!
Prayers
Altar call