Elgin Vineyard Blog

Elgin Vineyard Blog http://www.elginvineyard.com/blog.aspx?site_id=11284&blog_id=431980 EN-US Copyright © 2016 Vineyard Church of Elgin http://www.triplePixel.com Mon, 16 Feb 2015 06:00:00 GMT Elgin Vineyard Elgin Vineyardcommunications@elginvineyard.com no Ablaze for God http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431995http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431995 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>This book describes the spiritual dynamics of leadership and how one can more fully become a Spirit-filled leader, aflame for God.</h2> <img alt="" src="http://www.elginvineyard.com/Content/11284/Recommendations/Books/9780310361817.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 152px; float: left; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;" /> Written by one of the world's leading missionary statesmen, it's a great book for every Christian leader: <ul> <li>Pastor</li> <li>Lay leader</li> <li> Bible or Sunday school teacher</li> <li> Youth leader</li> <li> Missionary</li> <li>Leader in God's cause at-large</li> </ul> This is not a "how to" book, although it is filled with practical suggestions. Primarily, it is a book about the spiritual dynamics of leadership. How can you be more a person of God? How can you have more of God's seal and power on your leadership? God's radiance upon your life? God's anointing on your leadership? Developing a burning love for Christ, the Church, and the unsaved; your awesome accountability as a spiritual leader, your prayer life as a leader--these are all topics of ultimate significance to you. Author: Wesley L. Duewel <div style="color: #222222;"> <div> </div> </div> This book describes the spiritual dynamics of leadership and how one can more fully become a Spirit-filled leader, aflame for God. Written by one of the world's leading missionary statesmen, it's a great book for every Christian leader: Pastor Lay leader Bible or Sunday school teacher Youth leader Missionary Leader in God's cause at-large This is not a "how to" book, although it is filled with practical suggestions. Primarily, it is a book about the spiritual dynamics of leadership. How can you be more a person of God? How can you have more of God's seal and power on your leadership? God's radiance upon your life? God's anointing on your leadership? Developing a burning love for Christ, the Church, and the unsaved; your awesome accountability as a spiritual leader, your prayer life as a leader--these are all topics of ultimate significance to you. Author: Wesley L. Duewel More Presence = Less Fear http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431993http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431993 Mon, 09 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.</h2> <h3>1 John 4:16-18</h3> The word ABIDE in the Greek is chock full of meaning. It references time, place, and condition. <ol> <li>in reference to place <ul> <li>to sojourn, tarry</li> <li>not to depart <ul> <li>to continue to be present</li> <li>to be held, kept, continually</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>in reference to time <ul> <li>to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure <ul> <li>of persons, to survive, live</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>in reference to state or condition <ul> <li>to remain as one, not to become another or different</li> </ul> </li> </ol> As we abide in God ("Vineyard speak" = People of his Presence), love is perfected in us (Philippians 1:9-10). As love is perfected, our confidence in our future eternity is secured. So our secured eternity becomes the barometer through which we measure fear. God's presence, and our willingness to stay in his presence so that love can be perfected in us, is the oppositional force that overcomes fear in our lives. More presence = less fear. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:16-18 The word ABIDE in the Greek is chock full of meaning. It references time, place, and condition. in reference to place to sojourn, tarry not to depart to continue to be present to be held, kept, continually in reference to time to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure of persons, to survive, live in reference to state or condition to remain as one, not to become another or different As we abide in God ("Vineyard speak" = People of his Presence), love is perfected in us (Philippians 1:9-10). As love is perfected, our confidence in our future eternity is secured. So our secured eternity becomes the barometer through which we measure fear. God's presence, and our willingness to stay in his presence so that love can be perfected in us, is the oppositional force that overcomes fear in our lives. More presence = less fear. The New Testament For Everyone http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431992http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431992 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>N. T. Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text.</h2> <img alt="" src="http://www.elginvineyard.com/Content/11284/Recommendations/Books/01919x_w185.png" style="width: 100px; height: 112px; float: left; margin-right: 15px;" /> This task, now complete, is available in an 18-volume set that encompasses every book of the New Testament. Each commentary provides a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. Continuing his legacy of invigorating the most up-to-date biblical scholarship with engaging writing, inspiring anecdotes, and faithful interpretation, Wright provides guides for each New Testament book---including his own translation of the entire text. Each volume includes background information as well as insights into contemporary relevance and life application. The New Testament for Everyone is ideal in many contexts, including group study, teaching and devotions, and even for advanced students of the New Testament. 18 softcovers, from Westminster John Knox. N. T. Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. This task, now complete, is available in an 18-volume set that encompasses every book of the New Testament. Each commentary provides a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. Continuing his legacy of invigorating the most up-to-date biblical scholarship with engaging writing, inspiring anecdotes, and faithful interpretation, Wright provides guides for each New Testament book---including his own translation of the entire text. Each volume includes background information as well as insights into contemporary relevance and life application. The New Testament for Everyone is ideal in many contexts, including group study, teaching and devotions, and even for advanced students of the New Testament. 18 softcovers, from Westminster John Knox. Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431991http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431991 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>The theology of the kingdom provides the best framework for understanding the life and ministry of Jesus, signs and wonders, healing, revivals, missions and the Christian life.</h2> <img alt="" src="http://www.elginvineyard.com/Content/11284/Recommendations/Books/B603.176.jpeg" style="width: 100px; height: 152px; float: left; margin-right: 15px;" /> Derek Morphew is an itinerant Bible teacher and theologian based in Cape Town, South Africa. He obtained his education at Michaelhouse, an elite boarding school in the Balgowan Valley of South Africa, and Rhodes University (BA with majors in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology). He earned his PhD at the University of Cape Town in the field of New Testament Studies. Derek's career has moved through three phases: first he served as a pastor and church planter, then as a pastor and mentor to pastors. Currently, he focuses on theological training and education in the Vineyard association of churches. Derek developed and directed Vineyard Bible Institute from 1998 to 2009. The theology of the kingdom provides the best framework for understanding the life and ministry of Jesus, signs and wonders, healing, revivals, missions and the Christian life. Derek Morphew is an itinerant Bible teacher and theologian based in Cape Town, South Africa. He obtained his education at Michaelhouse, an elite boarding school in the Balgowan Valley of South Africa, and Rhodes University (BA with majors in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology). He earned his PhD at the University of Cape Town in the field of New Testament Studies. Derek's career has moved through three phases: first he served as a pastor and church planter, then as a pastor and mentor to pastors. Currently, he focuses on theological training and education in the Vineyard association of churches. Derek developed and directed Vineyard Bible Institute from 1998 to 2009. The Wind and the Rudder http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431990http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431990 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>How to Live in the Power of the Spirit Without Becoming Weird</h2> <h3>Author: Dan Smith</h3> <img alt="" src="http://www.elginvineyard.com/Content/11284/Recommendations/Books/Unknown.jpeg" style="width: 100px; height: 151px; float: left; margin-right: 15px;" /> A training and reference manual for the great nationwide revival which has already begun. Weird gives you everything you need to be part of God’s current move! Many times the wind of God’s Spirit has moved powerfully through an individual, in a city, or across a nation, but long-lasting revival was aborted for lack of a strong rudder. This book provides the basis for a stabilizing force during times of dramatic renewal and revival. The focus of The Wind and the Rudder is two-fold: <ol> <li>To help an ocean of Jesus-followers discover the thrill, the adventure and the passion of the Spirit-filled lives they are called to live.</li> <li>To help believers who have experienced the Spirit discover balance, understanding and a new sense of mission.</li> </ol> A great nationwide revival is beginning. You can prepare yourself to participate in and enjoy this amazing harvest opportunity!  How to Live in the Power of the Spirit Without Becoming Weird Author: Dan Smith A training and reference manual for the great nationwide revival which has already begun. Weird gives you everything you need to be part of God’s current move! Many times the wind of God’s Spirit has moved powerfully through an individual, in a city, or across a nation, but long-lasting revival was aborted for lack of a strong rudder. This book provides the basis for a stabilizing force during times of dramatic renewal and revival. The focus of The Wind and the Rudder is two-fold: To help an ocean of Jesus-followers discover the thrill, the adventure and the passion of the Spirit-filled lives they are called to live. To help believers who have experienced the Spirit discover balance, understanding and a new sense of mission. A great nationwide revival is beginning. You can prepare yourself to participate in and enjoy this amazing harvest opportunity! A Note On Nehemiah http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431988http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431988 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Report from Jerusalem</h2> 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire." <h2>Nehemiah’s Prayer</h2> 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.   <hr /> Nehemiah's brother arrived from Judah with some bad news: the Israelites living in Jerusalem were in great trouble. After hearing about their plight, Nehemiah fasted and prayed to the Lord for several days. During this time, he discovered God wanted him to ask the king of Persia for help. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us center our attention on the Lord and discover His will so we may act according to it. People fast in different ways: some abstain from food, while others refrain from various activities. The period of time can vary as well. But the focus in each case is to be the same—to seek God and know His will. When we begin to deny ourselves, several things happen. First, the Holy Spirit will enable us to set aside earthly matters. Relationships, work and pleasure will take a lesser place in our minds as we concentrate on Him and His purposes. Second, our attention will shift from ourselves to the Lord. Thinking will become clearer, and our ability to understand God's plans will sharpen because we are not distracted by other things. Third, the Lord is probably going to do some spiritual housecleaning in our lives. His Spirit will convict us of sinful attitudes or behaviors. Upon confession of our sin, we'll be forgiven and cleansed (1 John 1:9). When unexpected news greets us, we—like Nehemiah—may find our emotions in turmoil. He wisely sought the Lord through fasting and prayer. This powerful practice can also help us to hear clearly from our heavenly Father, who knows the best way through every situation. Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. <a href="http://www.intouch.org/">www.intouch.org</a>. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only. Report from Jerusalem 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire." Nehemiah’s Prayer 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah's brother arrived from Judah with some bad news: the Israelites living in Jerusalem were in great trouble. After hearing about their plight, Nehemiah fasted and prayed to the Lord for several days. During this time, he discovered God wanted him to ask the king of Persia for help. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us center our attention on the Lord and discover His will so we may act according to it. People fast in different ways: some abstain from food, while others refrain from various activities. The period of time can vary as well. But the focus in each case is to be the same—to seek God and know His will. When we begin to deny ourselves, several things happen. First, the Holy Spirit will enable us to set aside earthly matters. Relationships, work and pleasure will take a lesser place in our minds as we concentrate on Him and His purposes. Second, our attention will shift from ourselves to the Lord. Thinking will become clearer, and our ability to understand God's plans will sharpen because we are not distracted by other things. Third, the Lord is probably going to do some spiritual housecleaning in our lives. His Spirit will convict us of sinful attitudes or behaviors. Upon confession of our sin, we'll be forgiven and cleansed (1 John 1:9). When unexpected news greets us, we—like Nehemiah—may find our emotions in turmoil. He wisely sought the Lord through fasting and prayer. This powerful practice can also... Fasting - Day Seven http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431987http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431987 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT "Fasting, if we conceive of it truly, must not…be confined to the question of food and drink; fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose. There are many bodily functions which are right and normal and perfectly legitimate, but which for special peculiar reasons in certain circumstances should be controlled. That is fasting." Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Fasting, if we conceive of it truly, must not…be confined to the question of food and drink; fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose. There are many bodily functions which are right and normal and perfectly legitimate, but which for special peculiar reasons in certain circumstances should be controlled. That is fasting." Martyn Lloyd-Jones Fasting - Day Six http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431986http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431986 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT "Prayer needs fasting for its full growth. Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the invisible. Fasting is the other hand, the one with which we let go of the visible. In nothing is man more closely connected with the world of sense than in this need for, and enjoyment of, food. It was the fruit with which man was tempted and fell in Paradise. It was with bread that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. But He triumphed in fasting… Fasting helps to express, to deepen and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain the Kingdom of God. And Jesus, who Himself fasted and sacrificed, knows to value, accept and reward with spiritual power the soul that is thus ready to give up everything for Him and His Kingdom." Andrew Murray "Prayer needs fasting for its full growth. Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the invisible. Fasting is the other hand, the one with which we let go of the visible. In nothing is man more closely connected with the world of sense than in this need for, and enjoyment of, food. It was the fruit with which man was tempted and fell in Paradise. It was with bread that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. But He triumphed in fasting… Fasting helps to express, to deepen and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain the Kingdom of God. And Jesus, who Himself fasted and sacrificed, knows to value, accept and reward with spiritual power the soul that is thus ready to give up everything for Him and His Kingdom." Andrew Murray Fasting - Day Five http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431985http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431985 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Fasting Strengthens The Intensity Of Prayer</h2> By Gordon Cove It is a fact that cannot be denied by those who have studied church history carefully, that every great leader who has moved his age for God, was a man who believed in or practiced fasting. The first gleam of real spiritual reformation that appeared after the night of the dark ages had set in, occurred in the twelfth century when Francis of Assisi, a young spendthrift, after much prayer and fasting was graciously converted. Eating only such things as were freely given him, and dressing in such garments as were donated, he went joyfully preaching, singing and testifying, with bare feet and with his head uncovered, up and down Italy. Thousands of people professed conversion. It has been stated that he frequently and constantly fasted. Another remarkable awakening took place in the fourteenth century under Savonarola, in Florence, Italy. In response to his flaming preaching, almost all Florence for a time professed faith in Christ. This great preacher was a man of inveterate fasting habits. Historians tell us that he often could only keep his place in the pulpit with difficulty, so weak was he from abstaining from food. Then we come to the great Reformation in Germany under Martin Luther. Luther fasted for days while translating the Bible, and herein undoubtedly lies the secret of his unrivaled translation. It was also responsible for bringing in the great Reformation which changed the destiny of Europe. It is said of Martin Luther that he fasted so continuously, his friends feared for his health. We do not endorse the practice of fasting to such an extent that the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, is damaged. But consider the mighty spiritual forces that were released through the fasting prayers of Martin Luther--prayers that precipitated the spiritual awakening in Europe known throughout history as the Great Reformation. Literally, his prayers, with fasting, brought down God on the dark night of Europe. Fasting Strengthens The Intensity Of Prayer By Gordon Cove It is a fact that cannot be denied by those who have studied church history carefully, that every great leader who has moved his age for God, was a man who believed in or practiced fasting. The first gleam of real spiritual reformation that appeared after the night of the dark ages had set in, occurred in the twelfth century when Francis of Assisi, a young spendthrift, after much prayer and fasting was graciously converted. Eating only such things as were freely given him, and dressing in such garments as were donated, he went joyfully preaching, singing and testifying, with bare feet and with his head uncovered, up and down Italy. Thousands of people professed conversion. It has been stated that he frequently and constantly fasted. Another remarkable awakening took place in the fourteenth century under Savonarola, in Florence, Italy. In response to his flaming preaching, almost all Florence for a time professed faith in Christ. This great preacher was a man of inveterate fasting habits. Historians tell us that he often could only keep his place in the pulpit with difficulty, so weak was he from abstaining from food. Then we come to the great Reformation in Germany under Martin Luther. Luther fasted for days while translating the Bible, and herein undoubtedly lies the secret of his unrivaled translation. It was also responsible for bringing in the great Reformation which changed the destiny of Europe. It is said of Martin Luther that he fasted so continuously, his friends feared for his health. We do not endorse the practice of fasting to such an extent that the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, is damaged. But consider the mighty spiritual forces that were released through the fasting prayers of Martin Luther--prayers that precipitated the spiritual awakening in Europe known throughout history as the Great Reformation. Literally, his prayers, with fasting, brought down God on the dark night of Europe. Fasting - Day Four http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431984http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431984 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Revivals Come through Prayers and Fasting</h2> In the early church, we learn that the worldwide missionary movement was born at a time when the leaders of the church at Antioch "ministered to the Lord, and fasted" (Acts 13). All through church history it has proved the same. Great spiritual movements and revivals owe their birth to prayer and fasting. The fasting prayer is the most successful revival method known – to obtain more of the Spirit of God! On one occasion, about the time of the Welsh Revival, Dr. R. A. Torrey went to Cardiff for a campaign. A year before he went, it was announced that he was coming, and prayer went up from thousands of devoted Christians – that there would not only be a revival in Cardiff, but also throughout Wales. Dr. Torrey says, "When we reached Cardiff, we found that early morning prayer meetings had been held at Penarth for months. Yet at first the work went very slowly. There were great crowds, most enthusiastic singing, but little manifestation of real convicting and regenerating power. "A day of fasting and prayer was appointed. This was observed not only in Cardiff but in different parts of Wales. There came an immediate turn of the tide; the power of God fell!" In 1872, Mr. Moody’s church in Chicago was burned to the ground. While it was being rebuilt, he went to England for a rest. He promised himself that he would not preach at all in London. He went to a church and the pastor asked him to preach. Contrary to his determination, he not only did so, but agreed to preach again at night. Before he had got fairly started in the message that morning, he was really sorry that he had promised to preach again that night. The congregation seemed to be so cold and unresponsive that it seemed a waste of time to preach to them. But after the sermon, a lady from the congregation hurried home to her invalid sister and told her: "Amelia, you will never guess who preached for us this morning!" "Who was it?" "Mr. Moody of Chicago." Instantly the invalid woman was deeply moved. "Oh, if only I could have known it!" she said. "I have been praying to God for two years to send Mr. Moody to our pulpit!" Her sister then told her that Mr. Moody was to preach again that night. The invalid woman then pleaded with her sister to leave the room at once and lock the door behind her. She said: "Do not let anyone disturb me, and do not bring me any food or drink. I must spend the time until the close of the night service in fasting and prayer – that God will mightily revive His work in our midst!" That night, Mr. Moody, because of his promise, preached again, although quite unwillingly. As he began to unfold his theme, a change came over the congregation. They appeared to be getting "alive" and listening intently. At the close of his sermon, Moody felt he ought to give an altar call. He said: "Those who are ready to make a full surrender of their lives to Christ tonight please stand." Five hundred people rose promptly to their feet! Moody was confused and perplexed. He thought they did not understand what he had said. He then asked them to be seated, and put to them the way of salvation more distinctly, and again asked those to arise who wanted to be saved – and again five hundred stood! Surely it was not possible for five hundred seekers to be in one congregation, especially in view of how cold they seemed to be in the morning service. Moody did not know of that faithful invalid, fasting and praying for deliverance! For the second time, he asked them all to be seated, and again went into the matter of salvation with even greater care, and told them explicitly what it entailed. Then he gave the invitation the third time, and five hundred people rose again, and were marshaled into a prayer room! Thus began a mighty revival that swept through many of the London churches – and it began through the prayer and fasting of a lone intercessor! The call now to prayer and fasting – is the Holy Spirit’s loudest call. "The Gospel," says E. M. Bounds, "moves with slow and timid pace when the saints are not at their prayers early and late and long." Will you not now help to bring about world revival – by giving up days and nights to prayer and fasting? If so, here are the divine instructions: "Sanctify a fast...and...say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach...Then will the Lord...answer and say...Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things" (Joel 2:12-32). Taken from Revival Now Through Prayer And Fasting. Revivals Come through Prayers and Fasting In the early church, we learn that the worldwide missionary movement was born at a time when the leaders of the church at Antioch "ministered to the Lord, and fasted" (Acts 13). All through church history it has proved the same. Great spiritual movements and revivals owe their birth to prayer and fasting. The fasting prayer is the most successful revival method known – to obtain more of the Spirit of God! On one occasion, about the time of the Welsh Revival, Dr. R. A. Torrey went to Cardiff for a campaign. A year before he went, it was announced that he was coming, and prayer went up from thousands of devoted Christians – that there would not only be a revival in Cardiff, but also throughout Wales. Dr. Torrey says, "When we reached Cardiff, we found that early morning prayer meetings had been held at Penarth for months. Yet at first the work went very slowly. There were great crowds, most enthusiastic singing, but little manifestation of real convicting and regenerating power. "A day of fasting and prayer was appointed. This was observed not only in Cardiff but in different parts of Wales. There came an immediate turn of the tide; the power of God fell!" In 1872, Mr. Moody’s church in Chicago was burned to the ground. While it was being rebuilt, he went to England for a rest. He promised himself that he would not preach at all in London. He went to a church and the pastor asked him to preach. Contrary to his determination, he not only did so, but agreed to preach again at night. Before he had got fairly started in the message that morning, he was really sorry that he had promised to preach again that night. The congregation seemed to be so cold and unresponsive that it seemed a waste of time to preach to them. But after the sermon, a lady from the congregation hurried home to her invalid sister and told her: "Amelia, you will never guess who preached for us this morning!" "Who was it?" "Mr. Moody of Chicago." Instantly the invalid woman was deeply moved. "Oh, if only I could have known it!" she said. "I have been praying to God for two years to send Mr. Moody to our pulpit!" Her sister then told her that Mr. Moody was to preach again that night. The invalid woman then pleaded with her sister to leave the room at once and lock the door behind her. She said: "Do not let anyone disturb me, and do not bring me any food or drink. I must spend the time until the close of the night service in fasting and prayer – that God will mightily revive His work in our midst!" That night, Mr. Moody, because of his promise, preached again, although quite unwillingly. As he began to unfold his theme, a change came over the congregation. They appeared to be getting "alive" and listening intently. At the close of his sermon, Moody felt he ought to give an altar call. He said: "Those who are ready to make a full surrender of their lives to Christ tonight please stand." Five hundred people rose promptly to their feet! Moody was confused and perplexed. He thought they did not understand what he had said. He then asked them to be seated, and put to them the way of salvation more distinctly, and again asked those to arise who wanted to be saved – and again five hundred stood! Surely it was not possible for five hundred seekers to be in one congregation, especially in view of how cold they seemed to be in the morning service. Moody did not know of that faithful invalid, fasting and praying... Fasting - Day Three http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431983http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431983 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Pastor Blumhardt</h2> Pastor Blumhardt, of Germany, was a minister who gave himself to the healing of the sick. Speaking of him, Andrew Murray records this piece of information regarding his discovery of fasting: "At the time when Blumhardt was passing through his terrible conflict with the evil spirits in those who were possessed of them, and seeking to cast them out by prayer, he often wondered what it was that hindered the answer. "One day a friend with whom he had spoken of his trouble, directed his attention to our Lord’s words about fasting (Matt. 9:14-15; Mark 9:14-29). Blumhardt resolved to give himself to fasting, sometimes for more than thirty hours. From reflection and experience, he gained the conviction that it is of more importance than is generally thought. "He says, ‘Inasmuch as the fasting is, before God, a practical proof that the thing we ask for is to us a matter of true and pressing interest, and inasmuch as, in a high degree, it strengthens the intensity and power of the prayer, and becomes the unceasing practical expression of a prayer without words, I could believe that it would not be without efficacy, especially as the Master’s words had reference to a case like the present. "‘I tried it, without telling anyone, and in truth the later conflict was extraordinarily lightened by it. I could speak to the devil-possessed with much greater restfulness and decision. I did not require to be so long present with the afflicted one; and I felt that I could influence without being present.'" Pastor Blumhardt Pastor Blumhardt, of Germany, was a minister who gave himself to the healing of the sick. Speaking of him, Andrew Murray records this piece of information regarding his discovery of fasting: "At the time when Blumhardt was passing through his terrible conflict with the evil spirits in those who were possessed of them, and seeking to cast them out by prayer, he often wondered what it was that hindered the answer. "One day a friend with whom he had spoken of his trouble, directed his attention to our Lord’s words about fasting (Matt. 9:14-15; Mark 9:14-29). Blumhardt resolved to give himself to fasting, sometimes for more than thirty hours. From reflection and experience, he gained the conviction that it is of more importance than is generally thought. "He says, ‘Inasmuch as the fasting is, before God, a practical proof that the thing we ask for is to us a matter of true and pressing interest, and inasmuch as, in a high degree, it strengthens the intensity and power of the prayer, and becomes the unceasing practical expression of a prayer without words, I could believe that it would not be without efficacy, especially as the Master’s words had reference to a case like the present. "‘I tried it, without telling anyone, and in truth the later conflict was extraordinarily lightened by it. I could speak to the devil-possessed with much greater restfulness and decision. I did not require to be so long present with the afflicted one; and I felt that I could influence without being present.'" Fasting - Day Two http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431982http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431982 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Spurgeon and Fasting</h2> Some readers may be surprised to find questions concerning fasting, from such a notable preacher as Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Yet, in one of his sermons, the writer came across the following words: "Our Saviour added, 'Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting' (Matt. 17:14-21). What did He mean by that? "I believe He meant that – in these very special cases – the ordinary preaching of the Word of God will not avail, and ordinary prayer will not suffice. There must be an unusual faith, and to get this – there must be an unusual degree of prayer; and fasting as well." He continues, "And what is fasting for? That seems the difficult point. It is evidently an accessory to the peculiar continuance in prayer, practiced often times by our Lord, and advised by Him to His disciples. Not a kind of religious observance, in itself meritorious, but a habit, when associated with the exercise of prayer, unquestionably helpful." Please notice Mr. Spurgeon’s next words very carefully: "I am not sure whether we have not lost a very great blessing in the Christian church by giving up fasting. It is said that there is superstition in it; but, as an old divine says, we had better have a spoonful of superstition than a porringer full of gluttony." Martin Luther used to fast frequently. He says his flesh was wont to grumble dreadfully at abstinence, but fast he would, for he found that when he was fasting, it quickened his praying. "There is a treatise by an old Puritan called, 'The soul-fattening institution of fasting,' and he gives us his own experience that, during a fast he felt more intense eagerness of soul than he had ever done at any other time." In the same sermon, Spurgeon says, "I think I may fairly ask you who are lovers of souls, who have eyes which do weep, and hearts which can feel, to try my Master’s prescription (viz. fasting) – and see if the most unmanageable devil which ever took possession of a human heart, be not driven out as the result of prayer and fasting, in the exercise of your faith! "I can advise brethren to try fasting; it will be good for their health, and it certainly will not harm them." "If we only ate about half what is ordinarily eaten, we should probably all of us be in better health, and if, occasionally, we put ourselves on short fasts, not because there is any virtue in that, but in order to get our brains more clear, and to help our hearts to rest more fully upon the Saviour, we should find that prayer and fasting have great power." Spurgeon and Fasting Some readers may be surprised to find questions concerning fasting, from such a notable preacher as Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Yet, in one of his sermons, the writer came across the following words: "Our Saviour added, 'Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting' (Matt. 17:14-21). What did He mean by that? "I believe He meant that – in these very special cases – the ordinary preaching of the Word of God will not avail, and ordinary prayer will not suffice. There must be an unusual faith, and to get this – there must be an unusual degree of prayer; and fasting as well." He continues, "And what is fasting for? That seems the difficult point. It is evidently an accessory to the peculiar continuance in prayer, practiced often times by our Lord, and advised by Him to His disciples. Not a kind of religious observance, in itself meritorious, but a habit, when associated with the exercise of prayer, unquestionably helpful." Please notice Mr. Spurgeon’s next words very carefully: "I am not sure whether we have not lost a very great blessing in the Christian church by giving up fasting. It is said that there is superstition in it; but, as an old divine says, we had better have a spoonful of superstition than a porringer full of gluttony." Martin Luther used to fast frequently. He says his flesh was wont to grumble dreadfully at abstinence, but fast he would, for he found that when he was fasting, it quickened his praying. "There is a treatise by an old Puritan called, 'The soul-fattening institution of fasting,' and he gives us his own experience that, during a fast he felt more intense eagerness of soul than he had ever done at any other time." In the same sermon, Spurgeon says, "I think I may fairly ask you who are lovers of souls, who have eyes which do weep, and hearts which can feel, to try my Master’s prescription (viz. fasting) – and see if the most unmanageable devil which ever took possession of a human heart, be not driven out as the result of prayer and fasting, in the exercise of your faith! "I can advise brethren to try fasting; it will be good for their health, and it certainly will not harm them." "If we only ate about half what is ordinarily eaten, we should probably all of us be in better health, and if, occasionally, we put ourselves on short fasts, not because there is any virtue in that, but in order to get our brains more clear, and to help our hearts to rest more fully upon the Saviour, we should find that prayer and fasting have great power." Fasting - Day One http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431981http://www.elginvineyard.com/blogentry.aspx?site_id=11284&entry_id=431981 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT <h2>Lets Put fasting back on the Menu</h2> by Tony Cauchi I made an interesting discovery recently: Fasting has been the bread and butter of normal church life for 2000 years! In fact, according to my research, it appears to have been one of the major factors in releasing the power of the Holy Spirit in times of Revival. I was so taken back with my discovery that I trawled through scores of church history and revival books (electronically!) looking for references to fasting. What I found was astounding! There is clear, documented evidence that all the great leaders and revival movements of church history used this amazing key to add power to their prayers! In one collection of church history documents the software I used refused to reveal its findings, stating 'the search exceeds the 5,000 limit of this software!' Could it be that fasting is a vital, but missing ingredient in the 21st Century church? Matthew Henry said "Fasting is a laudable practice and we have reason to lament that it is generally neglected among Christians." D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones "I wonder whether we have ever fasted? I wonder whether it has even occurred to us that we ought to be considering the question of fasting? The fact is, that this whole subject seems to have dropped right out of our lives and right out of our whole Christian thinking." Lets Put fasting back on the Menu by Tony Cauchi I made an interesting discovery recently: Fasting has been the bread and butter of normal church life for 2000 years! In fact, according to my research, it appears to have been one of the major factors in releasing the power of the Holy Spirit in times of Revival. I was so taken back with my discovery that I trawled through scores of church history and revival books (electronically!) looking for references to fasting. What I found was astounding! There is clear, documented evidence that all the great leaders and revival movements of church history used this amazing key to add power to their prayers! In one collection of church history documents the software I used refused to reveal its findings, stating 'the search exceeds the 5,000 limit of this software!' Could it be that fasting is a vital, but missing ingredient in the 21st Century church? Matthew Henry said "Fasting is a laudable practice and we have reason to lament that it is generally neglected among Christians." D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones "I wonder whether we have ever fasted? I wonder whether it has even occurred to us that we ought to be considering the question of fasting? The fact is, that this whole subject seems to have dropped right out of our lives and right out of our whole Christian thinking."