Healing of the Demoniac son. Why could not we cast him out? ... Because of your unbelief...this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:19.21
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
Matthew 17:14-23
2015-08-09
SYNOPSIS:When, regarding the demonized boy, the confused disciples asked the Lord " Why could not we cast him out?", the Lord told them frankly that it was because of their weak faith. He then proceeded to teach them how to increase their faith, teaching them about prayer and fasting. Nothing expels the demons or the passions except faith in God. Only God can heal the soul, and not our prayer or fasting, but these works increase our faith. We explore how this happens and describe fasting and its affects on the soul. This is critical information, and alas, not well understood, by those who fast and those who do not fast. Since it is the day to commemorate St Panteleimon, we also add into our discussion something that must be added to our life if our faith is to increase: "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". Everything we do must increase our faith, and with faith in God, all is accomplished.

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