CCK Life.

Practical considerations for undertaking a church-wide fast Here are some answers to basic practical questions about fasting.Are there any people who should not consider fasting? If you are physically ill, have a long-standing medical condition, are pregnant or know of any other physical reasons why you shouldn’t be fasting, then you should not enter into the fast. If you have had struggles with eating in the past it would be wise to speak honestly with your small group leader or another pastoral overseer before considering participation.What level of participation should I pursue? As a church, we have set aside two weeks to concentrate on prayer and fasting to God. You should seek God and use your common sense when deciding how much to participate. For some people this might mean taking a couple of days out of each week to fast, for others certain meals, still others might fast the whole time: All are legitimate if the fast is undertaken for God and under His guidance.What constitutes ‘food’?

What does fasting mean for a Christian? It is a grace of God which allows His people to respond to His provision and kindness by humbling themselves before him. In practice, fasting normally means going without food for the sake of seeking God, either personally or as a group. In the Bible, this most often means eating nothing and only drinking water for a period of time. Some Scriptural examples exist of partial fasting through dietary adjustment (such as Daniel 10:3) but that is not normative. In Scripture, fasting is often accompanied by mourning a lack or loss and undertaken in hope of God moving powerfully to bless His people and achieve His work. What did Jesus say about fasting? Jesus made some vital references to fasting in his teaching to his followers. In Matthew 6:16-17 Jesus is depicted teaching on the futility of making a holy spectacle of things that should be done for God; specifically giving money, praying and fasting. In this statement a couple of things are interesting.

I write this in the knowledge that over the next couple of weeks, I will find myself in several situations where I’ll be in a crowd singing those ‘classic’ Christmas Carols. This might be true for you too, so I thought it would be great to take a look at the Biblical teaching contained in one of them (no it’s not ‘Little Donkey’,) so that when the time comes, we’ll be able to sing with genuine feeling! So here is a blow-by-blow account of a hymn which is full of magnificent truth-teaching: ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’. Read my thoughts on each verse below, meditate on the meaning and, next time you sing it, you will find yourself worshipping! Hark the Herald Angels Sing Bible: Luke 20:4, 8&9 “ 4 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Key thought: ‘Hark’ means listen – embracing the truth of Christmas starts here

Each year, CCK offers a small group of people the opportunity to serve the church for a year whilst getting invaluable theological training from Andrew Wilson and other teachers.  You might see them running around stacking chairs on a Sunday, but the FP Impact year is about so much more than that. Here, Max White, Vicky Myers, Gareth O'Sullivan and Katie Leversuch share what this year has meant for them. What have been the most exciting things about your Impact year?