This week, we explored one of the means of grace that has seemed to fade into the background in much of the modern Church: fasting. Our conversation with fasting focused on how biblical fasting is quite different from modern idea sbout fasting. Rather than being about physical health goals or cutting back on screen time, biblical fasting was very much about abstaining from food for the purpose of prayer/consecration/devotion. We looked at how fasting was practiced in the Old and New Testaments in addition the rest of Church history. Fasting used to be a central and expected part of the Christian walk, but has taken a backseat in the 21st-century Church. Students were encouraged to draw on the wisdom of earlier Christians to make fasting a regular spiritual practice once again.
Mr. McCloskey:
Means of Grace Midpoint Reflection (On Canvas)-Due Friday May 8th.
Mr. Rucker
History of Biblical Fasting Notes (on paper)- Due April 30th.
Both
Means of Grace Midpoint Reflection (on Canvas)- Due Fri. May 8th
WHAT'S NEXT?
Next week, we will cover our last two means of grace for this semester: Giving and Community. How can we as Christians be abudantly generous with our time, talents, and treasure? How does this help us experience God's grace? How can we foster a deeper Christian community where we're caring for the poor and the widow, visiting those who are sick or imprisioned, and standing up for justice for those who have been oppressed/mistreated?
Students will also be introduced to their final project, which will serve as their final exam grade. They will have ample time during the last week of regular classes to work on this.
Have a great weekend,
Austin Rucker and Matt McCloskey