Fasting: A Biblical Historical Study

by Romara Dean Chatham

Publisher:

Bridge-Logos

, 1987

Overview

Many Christians believe that fasting promises power, strong faith, and health. In fact, there's a catalog of supposed spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Fasting is presented as a sort of cure-all. But are these beliefs valid? Are they even biblical? This is the book that reveals the truth about fasting found in Scripture. The act of fasting and results must be tested in the light of God's Word. This is the book that will help you put this ancient practice to the test and make it a meaningful part of your life today.

Contents

• Biblical Fasting
• Post-Biblical Fasting
• Conclusions and Personal Testimonies

Top Highlights

“The point of this entire chapter is that what God desires is not the externals of fasting, but a complete change of heart and life. When the heart and life are right, God responds from heaven. When the heart and life are not right, no matter how much fasting or any other external pretense of worship, the windows of heaven are closed.” (Page 27)

“Some basic dangers regarding fasting are to be avoided. Fasting is not a means by which one can manipulate God. It is wrong to think that if we fast, God will do anything we want. Fasting is not a substitute for true repentance. It will not justify one before God. Judging others, who do not fast, as spiritually inferior is the height of pride, which is opposite to the humiliation related to biblical fasting.” (Page 89)

“Jesus treated helping the poor, praying, and fasting as parallel activities. All three are to be done before the Father, not before men. All are to be done secretly. The reward is an unmerited gift.” (Page 43)

“He stayed on Sinai another forty days and nights without food or water (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:18; 10:10). Moses’ specific purpose for fasting this time was to avert God’s wrath over the sins of Aaron and the people. The Lord was so angry with them that He threatened to destroy them. God heard Moses’ prayer and spared their lives (Deuteronomy 9:18–20).” (Page 2)

“Fasting is of no value to God unless the heart is right and unless fasting is accompanied by genuine repentance, humiliation, and sorrow in the presence of an awesome God.” (Page 70)

Product Details

• Title: Fasting: A Biblical Historical Study
• Author: Romara Dean Chatman
• Publisher: Bridge-Logos
• Publication Date: 1987
• Pages: 192

About Romara Dean Chatham

Romara Dean Chatman is a board certified chaplain in the Association of Professional Chaplains. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Religion and a Master of Divinity degree from the Church of God School of Theology. She has written three books, as well as various articles, lessons, and poems. R. Dean and her husband, John, reside in Tennessee.