Episode Notes:    VP 1: What is Fasting? Pastors Sean Clemons and Stephen Law at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly, VA share about fasting.  Welcome to Episode 1 of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes below or search for Vantage Point on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or gracecov.org/vantagepoint.    What is fasting? Refraining from eating food or drink.   What are the differences in fasting among other religions? The motivation behind fasting.   Why do Christians fast? Put natural desires on hold to be closer to God. Focus on hearing God more clearly. "Fasting is Feasting." - Growing deeper with Christ and gaining a hunger to seek him.   What does it mean to feast or hunger for God? In our society it is easy to drift slowly away from God. Fasting can help us to desire God and develop a hunger for Him. Example: Daniel   Do you have to fast? There is no direct command in the Bible, but there is an expectation that disciples of Jesus will fast.   Types of Fasts: Absolute fast - no food or water. This fast should be observed for a short time, max 3 days Normal fast- no food, max 40 days Partial Fast - only eating certain foods.      example: Daniel Fast - (no meats; no sweets) Daniel 1:11-13 Liquid Fast - water or other liquids.        Tips on fasting.   Start small with fasting for 1 meal a day, or for 1 day. Use the time you would eat, cook or meal prep to pray, study your Bible and seek God. Fast with others. (Corporate fast with your Church, with friends or others from your Bible study). Expect opposition. An example would be food brought into your workplace. Press through because the reward is greater. Prepare before the fast. Don't overeat the day before or the day you are breaking the fast. Wean yourself off caffeine, and eat lighter meals. Fasting can affect your mood and cause irritability. It may be God revealing something in you. Ask Him for help.   Paul boasted in his weaknesses to show God's strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 What to avoid? Avoid the wrong motivations. (Luke 18:9-14) Not meant to get approval of other people. (Isaiah 58)   Avoiding or ignoring other areas of obedience.   VANTAGE POINT CHALLENGE: Go on some kind of fast mentioned above.     Bible Verses Mentioned: Matthew 4:4 Daniel 1:11-13 2 Corinthians 12:9 Luke 18 Isaiah 58 Ephesians 4:17-19   Helpful Resources: Dallas Willard - Spirit of the Disciplines John Piper - A Hunger For God Richard Foster - Celebration of Discipline   Final words by Pastor Sean Clemons: In Ephesians 4:17-19, it explains about why we need to fast.   Did this episode help you see your faith, life, and culture more clearly? If so, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

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