More than a Meal Foundations: Preparing for More Pastor Kile Baker September 7th, 2025 Nehemiah 1:1-4 During the month of Chislev in the twentieth year, when I was in the fortress city of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile. 3 They said to me, “The remnant in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.” 4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of the heavens. Nehemiah 2:1 During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes… Three harsh realities about Christian fasting today: Fasting is one of the most neglected rhythms of Christian discipleship. (Matthew 6:16-18) Fasting helps answer an important life question: What do I truly hunger for? (Deuteronomy 8:3) The harsh reality is: Most of us will never be able to answer this question, because we’ve never voluntarily gone hungry. Fasting confronts our culture of comfort and convenience. (Philippians 3:19) The harsh reality is: We want God to so desperately hear us, but we often don’t come to Him on His terms. Fasting is acknowledging that in order to have supernatural help from God, we must rely on His supernatural strength. It’s showing God that you’re taking this seriously. Three Filling Questions About Fasting What is fasting? Fasting is an act of dependence, where we empty ourselves so God can fill us. What can I fast from? Food (Matthew 4:2) Comfort (Daniel 10:2-3) Distractions (Luke 2:37) Why should I fast? Closeness with God: Fasting is about going without, to be with God. (Exodus 34:28) Powerful Petition: Fasting is like putting an exclamation point at the end of every prayer. (Ezra 8:23, Daniel 9:3) A petition is a request, which is what all prayers are. But when it’s coupled with fasting, it takes your request up a notch. Act out asking, vs begging and with intention. Decision Making: Fasting is how you trade your best guess for God’s sure plan. (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23) Next Steps Fast from food with us as a community - Saturday dinner to Sunday morning worship Fast from a comfort to discipline you personally - Favorite clothes, dessert, environment Fast from a distraction to reengage you relationally - Social Media, TV, News, Tech Groups Kick Off This Week! Sign Up Here