We have described our partnership commitments to LifeCity Church in three words:
- FAST.
- GIVE.
- JOIN.
We have been blessed by literally hundreds of people who have told us that they would “pray” for us as we prepare to launch this new church. We are overwhelmingly grateful that so many people have expressed their intentions to keep us before God as we move forward to plant a church.
King David once said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord that which costs me nothing.” So when we were praying and thinking through what we were going to ask people to consider doing to partner with LifeCity Church, we embraced the fact that nothing worthwhile is ever easy, but nothing is too hard for God. All three of the ways that we are asking people to consider partnering with us are going to require what David spoke of: sacrifice. We know that God honors and rewards our sacrifice to Him, as it is an expression of our faith in Him to come through.
When it comes to fasting, there is a great deal of confusion, misunderstanding, and frankly omission on the subject in most churches. Fasting is willfully denying ourselves of food for a specific period of time for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is not only a healthy exercise when done right, it is a significantly meaningful spiritual experience.
We are calling followers of Christ, not only to pray for LifeCity Church and the people of the South Bay as we prepare to bring them the Gospel, but to dedicate a period of time to fasting for this new church plant and the impact God wants to make through it.
This is something that our entire launch team – as well as many others connected to LifeCity – has a great deal of first-hand experience with. We’re not asking anyone to do anything that we haven’t committed to first. We intend to build this church on a foundation of prayer, fasting, and seeking God’s face. And we invite you to join us on one of two levels:
- 3 MEALS within three days, or
- 3 DAYS in a row.
I’ve described this challenge in great detail through the video below as well as in a written Fasting Instruction Pack.
Because fasting requires something physical from each person, every person participating in a fast does so while assuming all responsibility for potential health concerns. Our Fasting Instruction Pack above provides some good information to consider along those lines. If you do choose to participate in a fast for LifeCity Church, then we want to pray for you while you do so, so please let us know at: [email protected]
And thank you in advance for giving of yourself so the people of the South Bay will fully experience life in Christ. We’re grateful to have so many of you partnering with us for the Kingdom! We also welcome you to email us with any questions that we can help you with as you consider this commitment.
Blessings,
Pastor John
I so agree. I read a verse in scripture that Jesus said, and to paraphrase, He said, somethings can only be done by prayer and fasting, . That word hit me like a ton of bricks , I thought is he said it it must be so, and it may be a blessing some do not realize. so now when I feel something is urgent I do fast and pray. He always answers. Not always the way I think it shoud be, but he knows much better than I do. Love this Idea. : }
My commitment is for one day. I’m not much of an eater dunirg the early part of the day. Mostly liquids. But in the evening I love to eat and that is when it became very hard for me, but I made it through it. My focus is on my spiritual growth. On becoming a more committed, faithful believer. As a new christian I know I still have a long way to go. I am weak in so many aspects of faith. I pray for God to show me how I can better serve him. How I can bless someone else with the knowledge that He loves them very much and is here to guide them through what ever painfull or joyful things are happening in their lives. All they have to do is ask him to save them, forgive them, and guide them. I have to say that since the beginning of Focus 40 many challenging things have happened in my life. The loss of a very dear friend. Disagreements with a family member. But I know that with these challenges comes strength so I move forward knowing God is with me every step of the way.