Religious Messages

Rajesh Lal, Labasa

It’s a pity to see that church leaders are still being deceived by the devil and as a result these so called pastors are deceiving their congregations with false doctrines. This fasting of Jesus has nothing to do with “Easter” as this word does not appear in the Bible. According to the Gospel of Matthew chapter 3 verses 16 --17 and chapter 4,

Jesus after his baptism was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, afterward he was hungry.

Now does any pastor or a saint fast for 40 days and 40 nights? No food and no drink. Jesus began his ministry at the age of 30 and after his fasting he ministered for three and half years before his death and resurrection. So where is his Easter fasting? Nothing is mentioned about Easter in the Bible. Even Paul, James, John etc mentioned and commanded believer to observe or even Jesus never commanded his believers to observe. 2 Corinthians 5:16 is very clear that we are no lonGEr to know HIm (JEsus) In tHE flEsH But to know him spiritually. Pastors and Christians call themselves “born- again”. To them 2 Corinthians 5:17 is of no value.

What’s the use of abstaining oneself from grog, liquor, smoke, adultery etc for only 40 days and after that go back to the devils world? Matthew 7:21: ‘Not all who call Me Lord will EntEr tHE KInGDom oF GoD But HE wHo DoEs my Father’s will.’ Food for thought for all.