Going to church, fasting and listening to Bible readings can become religious rituals when we miss the very point of a living and vital relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. My brother, my sister, God does not want you to act pious when you have unforgiven sin in your heart and continue your sinful lifestyle. More important even than correct worship and doctrine is the genuine compassion you have for the oppressed, the poor and the helpless. Our societies have become individualistic factories, which makes many believers to lose the very essence of Christianity: Jesus did not come to make anyone rich, but to open the way to Heaven for us through faith. Today, many people are deluded by the fact that they can use their faith to prosper materially. The Bible clearly says, the Lord wants us to prosper just AS our soul prospers (3 John 1:2)! So, my friend, no one cannot be saved without faith in Christ. But our faith lacks sincerity if it does not reach out to others. It is true that fasting can be beneficial physically and spiritually for you… but God says He wants your fasting to go beyond your own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity (verses 6-12). This is the kind of fasting that is pleasing to God.. and as you fast to please God, He promises you this: “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I” (verse 8-9)… ” then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame” verses 10-11). Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.
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