Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, " Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. "

1. Fasting is a lost and forgotten part of our religious lives. Few of us ever fast. When we do it is more from distraction than from a conscious decision to spend some time in prayer and meditation. We might fast when we are distraught because of a family member in critical condition or following their death.

1. Under the Law of Moses, fasting was required at certain times of the year.

2. In the New Testament, fasting is not required, but clearly taught, commanded, and required.

3. The purpose is to spend some time to focus on the spiritual, rather than the physical and material things.

4. There are many types of fasts:

1. Total - no food intake, only water to drink, for a limited time

2. Partial - leave off a food or food group, for example, no meat

3. Reduction - a decision to eat less, smaller portions

4. Brief - Skip lunch to read your Bible and pray

2. The Holy Spirit said - Remember these men are inspired prophets, so messages from the Holy Spirit is not new or unusual for them.

3. Separate Barnabas and Saul - They have been working with the church at Antioch for one year. Now it is time to branch out into new territory.

4. Called work - When Paul was confronted on the road to Damascus, Jesus told him he was chosen vessel to carry the word to the Gentiles. NOW it is time.