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Fasting: Building Spiritual Muscle
Article by David F. MaasStrengthening the inner man requires intense effort and good works on the part of the individual. Struggle and effort form vital parts of the conversion and maturity process. Only those willing to strive fiercely take the kingdom by force. The life-and-death struggle pits one law in the members against the law of the mind and brings captivity to the law of sin. God subjects creation to futility in hope that continuous struggle against corruption will mature and perfect the character needed to be in His Family. The capacity to sin coupled with determination to resist temptation produces spiritual exercise that builds strength over time. Fasting serves as a vigorous spiritual exercise in which the individual fights and combats the most intense temptations. A hot war against carnality includes a constant struggle against satan the devil and his minions. Fasting provides active affirmation through refusal to yield to fleshly appetites that the participant chooses a spiritual future. Fasting brings one face to face with carnality and compels a cry for both physical and spiritual energy. Godly character strengthens by counteracting or resisting the downward pulls of human nature. The process tears down old habit patterns that have enslaved and then regenerates spiritual muscle after total submission to God. Fasting demonstrates acknowledgment of helplessness while choosing to follow God so that He replaces carnal pulls with a fresh reserve of His Holy Spirit. Certain kinds of familiar spirits do not leave except by prayer and fasting. A regular program of fasting and prayer supplies the strength necessary to resist satan's way and to grow in God's image.
Spiritual Double Agents
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasDouble-mindedness is like being a double agent, serving two masters. As Christ says, one master will be neglected—and unfortunately, it is usually God.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe most formidable foe in our spiritual battle is the flesh. We must mortify, slay, and crucify the flesh, enduring suffering as Jesus Christ exemplified.
More Than Conquerors
Sermon by Charles WhitakerPaul says that we are 'more than conquerors.' We savor the spoils of victory through the sacrifice of Christ, enabling us to subdue our sins and carnal nature.
Now Is the Time
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler'Taking the Kingdom of Heaven by Force' has some rather dubious interpretations in the various popular commentaries.
Are You Fighting the Good Fight?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMainstream Christianity espouses the pernicious doctrine of, 'Let go and let God,'" which releases us from any obligation to overcome and build character.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasEven though individuals do not necessarily practice spiritual fasting for physical reasons, the physical benefits supply types that teach us spiritual things.
Harden Not Your Heart
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are warned in Hebrews not to harden our hearts, not to let the precious truth of God drift away, realizing that we have been called with a high calling.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProtestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidJust as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.
Days of Trials
Sermonette byThe conversion process resembles a battle, requiring that we must put on armor, expecting continuous skirmishes to enter God's Kingdom victoriously.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEach of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.
Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God gave Adam and Eve a neutral spirit and free moral agency; they chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, predisposing their offspring to sin.