Sermon Notes 4/10 – The Prodigal’s Journey

Recap:

1. God leads with love

2. Don’t journey alone

3. Don’t look back

Ezra 4:15

4. Many distractions will come.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood. REALLY!

What goes in is what comes out….listen to what comes out of the people around you.

Ezra 5:1-2

5. Speak the word. Then stay and help.

We are called to walk beside people through the hardest times of their lives.

Ezra 8:21-23

Ezra knew how to get divine protection.

6. Fasting can strengthen your journey.

What “Biblical fasting” is and is NOT

Biblical Fasting IS:

1. Act of humility before God. Psalm 35:13

2. A way to seek Gods face. Ezra 8:23

3. Expression of repentance Joel 2:12

4. Spiritual Discipline to draw closer to God Matthew 6:16-18

5. A way to deny the flesh Galatians 5:16

6. A way to breakthrough. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Biblical Fasting is NOT:

1. A way to earn Gods favor. Isaiah 58:3-5

2. A hunger strike.

3. A way to be seen. Matthew 6:16

4.Not skipping meals

5. NOT effective if you are still sinning. Isaiah 58:6

All through the Bible the people of God fasted… it was NORMAL, COMMON, and EXPECTED.